2009 Week 1

2009 Longhorns Preview

August 29, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: July 20, 2009 02:43  

The Longhorns high-powered offense, lead by 2008 Heisman Trophy runner-up quarterback Colt McCoy, returns in one week. McCoy finished second in Heisman voting to fellow Big XII quarterback Sam Bradford of the Oklahoma Sooners. The two quarterbacks will meet on October 17 in Dallas, Texas for their annual Red River Rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl. McCoy did finish ahead of 2007 Heisman winner Tim Tebow of Florida.

Also returning is one of the nation's best defenses. With Brian Orakpo off to the NFL, Senior strongside linebacker Sergio Kindle will move to defensive end. Redshirt Sophomore Keenan Robinson, who played behind Kindle last season, will step in to the starter's role.

The young, but talented, secondary looks to improve on a surprising 2008. In 2009, the starting secondary will consist of three sophomores, cornerback Aaron Williams and safeties Earl Thomas and Blake Gideon. Junior corner Chykie Brown will be the only member of the starting secondary that is not a sophomore.

McCoy's favorite receiver and roommate, Jordan Shipley, was awarded another year of eligibility by the NCAA due to injuries he had sustained in prior seasons at Texas. McCoy will have plenty of time to throw to Shipley again, as four of the five starters on the offensive line return.

The defensive line will be completely different in 2009, as four seniors started in 2008. Senior Lamarr Houston and sophomore Kheeston Randall will start on the interior while junior Eddie Jones will start at left end, opposite Kindle.

The linebacking corp will also be having a major make over. Senior Roddrick Muckelroy is the only returning starter from last season with Kindle now on the defensive line. Senior Jared Norton will start at middle linebacker.

Second Team All-Big XII punter Justin Tucker was unable to win a starting job. Senior Hunter Lawrence will handle kickoffs and field goals while senior John Gold will punt when needed.

The Longhorns play their first game of the season in one week at Darrel K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium against Louisiana-Monroe. The game begins at 7 PM and will regionally televised.

'Horns Open Strong Against UL Monroe

September 6, 2009

Weekly Report Posted: July 20, 2009 17:34  

A wet, rainy night in Austin did not stop Colt McCoy. The 2008 Heisman finalist completed 15 of the 16 passes the threw. Three of the passes connected for touchdowns, the longest being a 60-yard pitch and catch to Malcolm Williams. McCoy also rushed 7 times for 25 yards and was sacked once.

It is worth noting that McCoy left after taking a hard hit in the first quarter. John Chiles ran three plays before McCoy returned and finished the drive with a touchdown pass to Jordan Shipley.

"I just got the wind knocked out of me," McCoy said after the game. "It happens to all of us."

"I was a little nervous when Colt didn't get up right away," Texas coach Mack Brown said of McCoy's injury. "When he returned and connected with Shipley for six points I knew he was alright."

The defensive starters held the Warhawks scoreless in the three quarters they played. Although the second team defensive players gave up UL Monroe's only points, they came up with the most spectacular play. Sam Acho sacked UL Monroe quarterback Trey Revell in the end zone. Revell fumbled the ball and Dustin Earnest fell on the ball for the touchdown.

The 'Horns defense, known for their run stopping ability in 2008, showed they are just as good in 2009, even with a revamped defensive line and linebacking corp. The Warhawks were held to just 32 rushing yards the entire game. Two UL Monroe players finished with negative rushing yards.

"I always push the guys to play as hard as they can, despite what the scoreboard says," Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp said of his run-stopping defense.

"We play hard whether we're up, down, tied, blowing out or getting blown out. If you just lay down for the other team's offense, things could turn around in a hurry," senior defensive end Sergio Kindle said in a post-game interview.

With Texas Tech, the only team to beat the Longhorns in 2008, coming up in two weeks, the Longhorns need to show that they can play defense.

"Right now we aren't worried about the Raiders," Mack Brown said when asked about the game. "We have a tough road game against Wyoming next week that we need to worry about before we start thinking about anything else."

The Longhorns will make their first road trip of the season as they take on Wyoming on Saturday. The game will be broadcast regionally and begins at 7 PM.