12/8/09
A ranking such as this could be looked at as a slap in the face. No. 7 in the country might seem low by recent Longhorn standards, but considering two major aspects - which stars need replacing and what other top teams have coming back – this ranking isn't far-fetched. If Texas can win the big game on January 7, the defending national champions are likely to wind up much higher in the August polls, despite how faces like those of Colt McCoy, Jordan Shipley, three All-Conference offensive lineman and (Ted Hendricks Award finalist) Sergio Kindle will depart. The key will be how the replacements work out in the spring. The good news is that coach Mack Brown is no stranger to recruiting achievement. It's time to take the "Bull by the Horns", however, when it comes to one of these running backs earning the mantle and “carrying” the load. Someone has to finally emerge behind a rebuilt offensive line for this team to repeat the same success since McCoy is no longer around to boost/buoy the rushing numbers. But defense will be the cry in 2010, much like it has during most of the 2009 run for all the marbles. This secondary is very stout, and if Earl Thomas decides to stick around, the potential to win another Big 12 crown is likely. In turn, the Big 12 champ is usually in the mix for the national title. The development of the new QB behind a rebuilt OL will determine just how far Texas has to go to retain their strangle hold on the Top 5.