It was another exciting year of Longhorn football in 2009, as Texas found its way back to the BCS National Championship game. Unfortunately for the Longhorns they lost their star quarterback Colt McCoy after just five offensive snaps, and were no match the rest of the way for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Longhorns wound up finishing the year an impressive 13-1, but they will have their work cut out for them if they want to get back to the title game in 2010.
The Longhorns return just 12 starters from last year's team, but with the way this team recruits they only have to reload not rebuild. The Longhorns do lose some key offensive players in McCoy, wide receiver Jordan Shipley, linebacker Sergio Kindle, and safety Earl Thomas. Still this team figures to be very good again in 2010.
Here is a look at what Texas will bring to the table on both sides of the ball this season, plusmy prediction on where they will finish up the 2010 season.
Offense: Sophomore Garrett Gilbert will be the Longhorns starting quarterback in 2010, and I think after what we saw in the title game this kid is going to be real good by the time he finishes his four years. Fellow sophomore Tre' Newton is expected to get the majority of the carries in the running game this season, but should get some help from senior Vondrell McGee and fullback Cody Johnson. With Shipley gone the Longhorns are hoping for big seasons from James Kirkendoll and Malcolm Williams, along with sophomore tight end Barrett Mathews.
The offensive line will be the bit of a concern, they must find a new center and both starters on the right side. On the other hand the left side figures to be very good with the return of senior left tackle Kyle Hix and senior left guard Michael Huey.
Defense: This side of the ball returns seven of the 12 starters and will likely determine just how good this football team is in 2010. Up front look out for senior defensive end Sam Acho, who led the Longhorns with 10 sacks in 2009. I also expect big seasons out of senior defensive end Eddie Jones and sophomore Alex Okafor.
At linebacker the Longhorns are just loaded with talent, they return juniors Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho on the outside, and are hoping that senior Jared Norton is ready to go when the season kicks off.
The Longhorns are absolutely stacked in the secondary, as they have three top notch corners in Curtis Brown, Aaron Williams, and Chykie Brown, and one of the best free safeties in the Big 12 in Blake Gideon.
Prediction - 2nd Big 12 South: As of now I have the Longhorns losing to Oklahoma this season, and that is likely all it will take to keep them out of the Big 12 Championship game. The Longhorns also have a very tough game at Nebraska and then an instate clash against a good Texas A&M team to finish the regular season.
If you plan on betting the Big 12 this season, be sure to check out our live college football odds each weekend to ensure you have the best chance at winning. For a complete look at the Big 12 this season, check out our 2010 Big 12 football predictions.
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