2007 NCAA Big 12 Preview - Texas Longhorns - (10-3 2006 Record)

In 2006, the Texas Longhorns (10-3 overall, 6- 2 Big 12) finished second in the South division and then beat Iowa in the Alamo Bowl 26- 24. In their past five bowl games the Longhorns are 3 -2, including the stunning championship victory against USC 41- 38 to win the 2005 Rose Bowl and take the national championship. How many wins are standard for this team? In the past seven years, the Longhorns have averaged 10 each season. Standard numbers ever since Mac Brown appeared in Austin.

The offense averaged 35.9 PPG, making them 6th nationally in 2006, down from the previous year but very impressive. Sophomore QB Colt McCoy (68% COMP, 2,570 YDs, 29 TDs, 7 INTs) gets the start again and won't have the pressure of it being the first year A.V.Y (After Vince Young). Despite having a pinched nerve that limited his throwing in the final two games, McCoy proved to be smart and talented in his initial year. This season, the Longhorns lack the running power they've had in the past and that means expect more from the air game.

The receiving unit is deep and includes athletic senior Limas Sweed (46 REC, 801 YDs, 17.0 AVG, 12 TDs), seems like Sweed has been at UT for 5-6 years doesn't it? Also around is dependable junior Quan Cosby (45 REC, 525 YDs, 11.7 AVG, 2 TDs). The frontline lost some important power. Senior LT Tony Hill must lead this new group of starters.On defense, which last season limited teams to merely 18.3 PPG (26th nationally) and 61.3 YPG rushing (3rd nationally), Rush end Brian Orakpo returns with 4.5 sacks. FS Marcus Griffin (90 tackles, 54 solo) and MLB Rashad Bobino (74 total, 48 solo) return as the leading stoppers. The secondary is worrisome -it was rated 99th nationally in terms of pass defense and must improve to content for another national championship run.