Four keys to success for Longhorns

By John Hillman  |   Tuesday, August 19, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Texas Longhorns
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Staying on top requires more effort than reaching the top. Since its 2005 national title, Texas has slipped a notch or two in the Big XII championship chase.

As the kickoff for the 2008 season nears, the No. 11 Longhorns hope to regain their national stature. But in order to achieve it, four areas need critical attention.

1. Eradicate Colt McCoy’s sophomore slump.

After tying a freshman record with 29 touchdown passes, McCoy struggled last season. The redshirt sophomore connected for 22 scoring tosses in 2007 but suffered 25 turnovers (18 interceptions and seven fumbles).

McCoy claims extra practice and a return to his freshman work ethic will lead to improvement this season. The Longhorns’ problems will continue if the junior signal-caller doesn’t take his game to the next level.

“I ‘v been taking it just like I was a freshman again,” McCoy said. “I’ve worked on a lot of different things – staying in the pocket, throwing the ball, becoming a better leader. Things are starting to add up and click.”

The Longhorns may add some scoring punch by using backup quarterback John Chiles in certain situations. Texas coaches considered moving Chiles, perhaps the team’s best athlete, to tailback.

Instead, they opted to insert him for 10 to 15 plays per game in the spread formation to relieve some pressure from McCoy. Texas hopes Chiles produces results as a backup like Tim Tebow did his freshman year at Florida or Darren McFadden generated in the “Wild Hog” formation at Arkansas.

2. Find a replacement for Jamaal Charles.

With Charles bolting to the NFL, the Longhorns must find a running back who can rush for 1,500 yards and score 15 touchdowns. Sophomore tailback Vondrell McGee could fit the bill.

Although he can’t match Charles’ combination of power, size and speed, McGee runs north and south and hits the hole in a hurry. In a limited role last season, he carried 75 times for 297 yards and produced eight touchdowns.

If McGee doesn’t pan out, Texas can turn to Fozzy Whitaker. In the spring, the redshirt freshman dazzled Longhorn coaches with his moves and quickness. Little-used senior Chris Ogbonnaya provides another option.

3. Develop consistency in the offensive line.

Fruit basket turnover became the norm along the offensive line last season as Chris Hall wound up playing all five positions. However, 2007’s instability could create a steady situation in '08. Texas appears set with tackles Adam Ulatoski and Kyle Hix, guards Cedric Dockery and Charlie Tanner, and center Hall. Tray Allen and Michael Huey offer reliable backup.

4. Shore up the Longhorn defense.

Texas ranked 109th among Division I schools in pass defense last season. That number shook up the Longhorn defensive coaching staff as Larry MacDuff resigned and Duane Akina was demoted to secondary coach. Mack Brown hired former Auburn coordinator Will Muschamp to take over the defensive responsibilities for the Longhorns.

The coach known for his emotionally charged YouTube clip brings a miracle-worker reputation to the 40 Acres. The Tigers posted a 9-4 in 2007 despite being the country’s 97th-best offensive team.

Muschamp faces a formidable challenge. Texas returns only four starters off last year’s team and must replace both defensive tackles and fill big gaps in the secondary. Brian Orakpo could emerge as a sack leader at defensive end, and Deon Beasley and Ryan Palmer must produce on the corners.

“I’ve got to outwork the opponent, and that’s what I want our team to do,” Muschamp said. “I want our team to be a blue-collar, overachieving defense.”





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About John Hillman

John Hillman graduated from Baylor University in 1974 with a BBA in accounting and earned an MBA from Baylor in 1987. He worked for accounting firms until 1982 when he became the chief financial officer for an independent insurance claims adjusting service, a position he still holds today....
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