Trench Warfare: Games 2 3

Chalk Talk’s summer series will be a preview of the line play for each of the Horns’ 2015 opponents. With a focus on each side of the ball, there will be discussion of players, coaching, depth and scheme. How Texas matches up with teams in the trenches will play a big role in whether the team stumbles to another 6-6 record, or if they improve on last season’s result.

Last week’s preview was on Notre Dame. This week wraps up the non-conference slate with a look at both the Rice Owls and the Cal Golden Bears. Coaches and fans hope the game against Rice can serve as an early injection of confidence for the Horns’ new offense. In order to keep pace with Cal’s offensive fireworks, the extra momentum might be necessary.

Rice Owls

Rice is coming off its third straight bowl appearance, having won two of those three games. Led by David Bailiff, the Owls are a solid team returning a majority of their players, and with only a few key personnel losses, the Owls should be poised for another bowl run. They will rely heavily on the run from a spread formation with Jowan Davis (RB), Darik Dillard (RB), and Driphus Jackson (QB) taking a majority of the rushes.

Offense

Rice’s offensive line is an experienced unit with a solid coach. However, returning only two starters leaves some question marks for the O-Line. Rice’s offensive line coach, Ronnie Vinklarek, is entering his sixth season at Rice and has quality experience that includes some time in the NFL. His starting line-up (from left to right) is projected as: #66 Calvin Anderson, #77 Andrew Renue, #52 Spencer Stanley, #51 Peter Gober, and #75 Caleb Williams.

Two returning starters from the previous year gives Rice a decent offensive unit anchored by fifth year senior Caleb Williams. Williams has thirty-five career starts and has been a vital member of this unit since 2012. The other returning starter, Andrew Renue, has been playing since 2013 and has started several games.

Defense

Rice plays the majority of time from a four man defensive front, and that defensive unit prides itself in sound fundamentals. Defensive line coach Michael Slater has two productive years with the Owls, totaling 38 sacks by his defensive lineman in that time. Slater is a 12 year veteran of high school football in the Houston area where he also coached the defensive line.

Sixth round draft pick, Christian Covington (Texans), leaves a hole to be filled. A key player for their defense, Covington leaves a gap that should afford some new faces an opportunity to appear in the rotation. The new defensive starters are listed as: #44 Brian Womack (DE), #97 Stuart Mouchantaf (DT), #99 Ross Winship (DT), and #94 Graysen Schantz (DE). The strength of this unit will remain at defensive tackle with Stuart Mouchantaf and Ross Winship both in their fifth year, as well as being three year lettermen.

The matchup

With the number of returning starters Texas has on both sides of the ball, the Longhorns have a clear advantage with experience. However, Texas will have to play sound football in order to take advantage of their depth and talent. Rice isn’t quite a tune-up game, but if the Longhorns remain focused it shouldn’t be too surprising of a win.

Cal Golden Bears

The University of California missed bowl eligibility last season by only a one game, and really, only by a few points. Last season Cal had the tenth highest scoring offense in the country, led by superstar QB Jared Goff. Goff has thrown for nearly 7,500 yards and 53 TDs in his career at Cal.

However, Cal also returns a defense that struggled in 2014. Cal’s defense gave up over 31 points to each of their last ten opponents and allowed 61 TD’s on the year. With a number of new signees on defense and the returning players on offense, the Golden Bears could be in for a big 2015 season.

Offense

Cal’s offensive line is an interesting mix of experience and young talent. The projected starting lineup (from left to right): #64 Steven Moore, #66 Chris Borrayo, #74 Matt Cochran, #73 Jordan Rigsbee, and #59 Brian Farley. Currently Matt Cochran and Addison Ooms seem to be in a position battle for the starting Center spot. Cochran has the advantage of being a two year letterman; however, Ooms is a young and surprising talent that could edge out the veteran for playing time.

Right Tackle is also in a heated battle. Brian Farley is entering his fifth year at Cal and is a two year letterman. At 6’7” and weighing 280 pounds, Farley is a lean and athletic lineman who has a great reach advantage. But just behind him on the depth chart is #55 Dominic Granado – a junior college transfer who’s currently listed as the number two deep-snapper as well.

Along with uncertainty at a few positions comes a solid performer in Jordan Rigsbee. With 36 starts, Rigsbee has moved across the offensive line, splitting time at Left Guard (16 games), Center (8 games), and Right Tackle (16 games). Rigsbee’s ability to shift roles will greatly contribute to his NFL stock and the overall success of the Golden Bears. With superstar QB Jared Goff, Cal emphasizes the passing game, making pass protection a key for the OL.

Defense

After a poor showing in 2014, Cal signed six new players on the defensive line. Following the popular trend in college football, Cal platoons defensive lineman, most likely allowing eight or more players to see action. The starting lineup is projected as: #13 Kyle Kragen (DE), #90 Mustafa Jalil (DT), #9 James Looney (DT), and #75 Puka Lopa (DE).

Also returning are #33 Noah Westerfield (DE) and #97 Tony Mekari (DT), both returning first year letterman; they will see significant time in the game against Texas. After lacking defensively last season and with fall camp still upcoming, the Bears have plenty of time for their six junior college players to receive playing time or possibly even starting.

The Cal defensive line operates differently than some teams by having players rotating between defensive tackle and defensive end. A prime example of this is Puka Lopa, a three year letterman and fifth year senior playing in twenty six games at both defensive end and defensive tackle. At 6’2” and 260 pounds, Lopa has a traditional body type that allows him to play inside and out.

The matchup

The Golden Bears could be poised for a fantastic season if their defense supports the high powered offense. Texas needs to take advantage of their aggressive and complex defense in an attempt to rattle Goff and throw him off his game. Offensively, Texas will try to take advantage of Cal’s poor pass defense which ranked last in the nation last season. If inconsistency at quarterback is a problem for Texas, the Cal game could turn out to be quite the contest.