The game tomorrow evening will be challenging for the Longhorns as they travel to enemy territory in Manhattan, Kansas. The Longhorns come into the game as underdogs and will be at an even bigger disadvantage without starting quarterback David Ash. Even though Ash had a terrible game last week, I’d still feel better with him under center than with junior Case McCoy. Everyone who has lobbied for Case McCoy to start more games…. well you’re finally going to get your wish this Saturday evening.
After seeing the Horns get bullied by the Horned Frogs last week it’s tough to assume they will do much of anything against Kansas State. If Texas wants to win this game they will indubitably need to play their most physical and disciplined game of the season. Heisman hopeful quarterback Collin Klein can create all kinds of problems with his legs and powerful running style. If the Longhorn defense isn’t stringent with their assignments and over pursue, then Klein and company will run right through an already weak defensive front all night long.
With Case McCoy starting, look for the offense to be more run-heavy with a lot of screens and short/intermediate throws due to McCoy’s weaker arm. We will also most likely see a lot of play-action to try to and open the field as much as possible against a Kansas State defense that will be creeping as close to the line as possible. Since it is the last regular season game I would not be surprised to see plenty of trick plays, including some we haven’t seen all year. Bryan Harsin will be opening up the playbook to try and catch the Wildcat defense off-guard, trying to find any advantage he possibly can.
Even with all the theatrics and trick plays, I unfortunately see the Longhorns losing 28-10. In the end Kansas State is a much more focused, physical, and disciplined team led by a Heisman candidate at quarterback that is not only dangerous in the air, but even more so on the ground. Texas rarely plays well in colder weather and the forecast for the little apple at kickoff time is somewhere in the 40’s. I’d love to see Texas pull out a win against the ‘Cats tomorrow night but they will need to play mistake-free football, especially on defense. With all of the injuries and the less than stellar defensive performances this season, it’s difficult to see the Longhorns leaving Manhattan with a win.
