Triple Option Attack: #3 Texas

Next up on the Triple Option Attack is #3 Texas

Music to listen to: Texas Flood by Stevie Ray Vaughn

I like the Black Keys and really wanted to fit The Mars Volta in here because that’s my favorite group maybe ever and the members are based out of El Paso, Texas.

However, how can you go against Stevie Ray Vaughn. Quick aside if you will allow me.

My first time hearing Vaughn was in my high school chemistry class when our teacher decided to play his concert from Austin City Limits and it was on from there. Its fitting that the video is from that show and I’m talking about the Longhorns.

The Story: The Longhorns were one win and maybe even one busted shoulder of its top quarterback away from winning the national championship last season.

This year, elite players such as starting quarterback Colt McCoy, receiver Jordan Shipley and a variety of others are gone. However, the Texas program has had arguably the top talent in the nation outside of USC this past decade so you know that there are plenty of players to replace the departed.

Last Season: The Longhorns finished the year 13-1, including 8-0 in the Big 12. However, Texas struggled to beat Nebraska in the Big 12 title game and finally had its first loss of the season to Alabama in the BCS Championship game.

Offense: Replacing McCoy will be sophomore Garrett Gilbert who did an admirable job substituting for the former Longhorns’ QB in the game against Alabama. He is the undisputed starter and will have plenty of weapons to throw to.

Shipley is gone but several receivers such as James Kirkendoll, Malcolm Williams and Marquise Goodwin are talented and have the ability to become the top receiver for the Longhorns.

The bigger issue is Texas getting better production from its running backs. Tre Newton is looking like the top back for the program right now but whoever holds the mantle must help take pressure off of Gilbert and the passing attack.

The offensive line has to replace two starters but will still be a good unit.

Defense: The secondary will contend to be the best unit in the nation. Three preseason All-Big 12 and potential All-America performers return including cornerbacks Aaron Williams and Curtis Brown along with safety Blake Gideon.

There are questions to be answered. Texas has to replace Sergio Kindle, the outside linebacker/defensive end who was the best player on defense last year. There are a variety of potential replacements who have plenty of talent but will have to step up once game time comes along.

The Schedule

9-4-10 @Rice
9-11-10 Wyoming
9-18-10 @Texas Tech
9-25-10 UCLA
10-2-10 @Oklahoma (Dallas)
10-16-10 @Nebraska
10-23-10 Iowa State
10-30-10 Baylor
11-6-10 @Kansas State
11-13-10 Oklahoma State
11-20-10 Florida Atlantic
11-25-10 Texas A&M (Thurs.)

The reason that I have Texas so high on my poll is that the schedule is below average. The Longhorns only worries are going to be the game at Nebraska and the Oklahoma contest. I don’t trust the Huskers offense so I see a win in that. The game against the Sooners is always dicey. Other than that, where do you see trouble in the schedule?

Most Famous Sports Alum: Based on his drama in court right now, it has to be Roger Clemens.

Celebrity Alum “Crush:” Plenty of choices. Matthew McConaughey almost got my choice because I wanted to throw a bone to my women readers and men who may find him attractive. Plus, he’s dreamy.

However, I’m going with a tie. First, I will pick Betty Nguyen, a news reporter for CBS News. I’m a fan of her work in more ways than one.

The second choice is track and field Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards. She fits all of the qualifications plus is married to current New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross so she gets some sports love on that front as well.

Prediction: 11-1

If the Longhorns had a tougher schedule, I could envision a two or three-loss season. However, besides the Oklahoma contest, I don’t see them faltering. The only issue is the front seven of the defense and the running backs but Texas has produced plenty of players in those positions in the past and will continue to do so.

Sports Inquirer Top-25 Preseason College Football Poll:

#25 West Virginia

#24 South Carolina

#23 Auburn

#22 Oregon State

#21 Arkansas

#20 Florida State

#19 Georgia

#18 North Carolina

#17 Georgia Tech

#16 LSU

#15 Pittsburgh

#14 Penn State

#13 Miami

#12 Wisconsin

#11 Oregon

#10 Iowa

#9 Nebraska

#8 TCU

#7 Oklahoma

#6 Boise State

#5 Virginia Tech

#4 Florida