Double Coverage Vol. 5, Issue 2

THE DAILY TEXAN PRESENTS:

Vol.5, Issue 2

Sept. 3, 2010

FILLING the

ROLE Young Gilbert inherits Texas’ starting job. page 8

RICE’S BUSY OFFSEASON Several transfers boosting Owls’ roster | page 13

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Friday, September 3, 2010

theLINEUP page

4

8 13

RECRUITING

Trip to Reliant Stadium is a chance for Longhorns to reach Houston’s high school recruits

GILBERT’S FIRST START After unexpected chance in title game, Texas’ inexperienced quarterback steps into starting roster.

PERSONNEL CHANGES Big-name transfers highlight a busy offseason for Rice head coach David Bailiff.

REGULARS 5  7  13  15 

page

MATCHups GAMEStoWATCH POWER RANKINGS PLAYERStoWATCH

EDITOR’S NOTE The Daily Texan’s Double Coverage is printed the Friday before every Texas football game and twice during OU week.

Courtesy of Rice Sports Information

Rice head coach David Bailiff shouts to his team. Bailiff brought in transfers and a new offensive coordinator to improve on last season’s 2-10 record.

THE DAILY TEXAN PRESENTS:

Presented by

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2 • SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

Double Coverage Editor……………Colby M. White Associate Double Coverage Editor....Sameer Bhuchar Design Editor…………………….Mustafa Saifuddin Photo Editor……………………………Derek Stout Copy Editors……………Christina Herrera, ……………………………Sydney Fitzgerald Daily Texan Sports Editor………………Dan Hurwitz Writers……………………………….Will Anderson, ………………………………………Austin Laymance ………………………..………………Jordan Godwin, ..................................…......…Laken Litman, …………………....................……Jonathan Parrett

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Friday, September 3, 2010

Broncos’ success good and bad for BCS critics

By Colby White Daily Texan Columnist After years of rolling my eyes at the BCS and ‘accidentally’ leaving the C out, a team not in college football’s money conferences actually has a chance to win the national title.

Not a BCS bowl berth. Not a couple feel good, underdog stories. Not a pat on the back, even though the team went undefeated. A real title shot that ends with an authentic championship trophy and topped off with raining confetti.

Yet, I can’t shake the cynicism.

Boise State finally controls its own championship path thanks to a top 5 preseason ranking.

Of course, that ranking is only partially because of this season.

Few preseason rankings do.

The Broncos have spent the past decade building up their reputation, arguably the key component to the preseason polls. Statue of Liberty plays.

Undefeated, an unrewarded seasons. A blue field that people are just now getting used to. They even took a literal punch to the jaw. Somebody put Byron Hout’s jaw in the Boise Hall of Fame.

This should be a time for BCS haters like myself to celebrate.

After all the complaining and whining – yet still watching the bowl games – that teams like Boise State deserve respect, voters finally have given it some, meaning we must have been right along. After all the arguments for giving Boise State as much of a shot as football’s other major players, it finally does.

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Friday, September 3, 2010

HOUSTON:

“It’s much more of a game for the fans than recruiting.”

— Randy Rogers, Recruiting consultant

Texas All-Americans

since 2005 • Adam Ulatoski | Southlake, 2009 • Hunter Lawrence | Boerne, 2009 • Earl Thomas | Orange, 2009 • Chris Hall | Irving, 2009 • Colt McCoy | Tuscola, 2008, 2009 • Jordan Shipley | Temple, 2008, 2009 • Sergio Kindle | Dallas, 2008, 2009 • Brian Orakpo | Houston, 2008 • Frank Okam | Pine Bluff, Ark. 2007 • Tony Hills | Dallas, 2007 • Aaron Ross | San Antonio, 2006 • Michael Griffin | Austin, 2006 • Tim Crowder | Tyler, 2006 • Justin Blalock | Dallas, 2005, 2006 • Michael Huff | Irving, 2005 • Aaron Harris | Mesquite, 2005 • Will Allen | Fort Worth 2005 • Jonathan Scott | Dallas, 2005 • Rod Wright | Houston, 2005 • Vince Young | Houston, 2005

Daily Texan file photo

Courtesy of Reliant Park

By Will Anderson Daily Texan Staff When Texas travels to Rice this weekend, there’s more at stake than you might imagine.

Saturday’s game at Reliant Stadium is about more than scoring points against an old Southwest Conference rival.

Houston is fertile recruiting ground for the Longhorns, and playing there is another chance to woo potential blue-chippers.

“It is a national TV game and it also sends a message to the Houston kids that we’re going to play in their city,” said Texas coach Mack Brown. “I just think its fun for them to see the Longhorns take the field … It’s such an important city to our team.”

Houston is valuable territory for the Texas athletic department, which also regularly schedules basketball games there, whether against Rice or traditional powerhouses such as Michigan State in 2008 and LSU in 2006.

But opinions differ on just how effective playing in Houston is for the football program’s recruiting efforts.

“It helps Rice much more so than Texas because as far as Mack Brown is ahead of the game they already have their recruits picked out,” said Randy

Rogers, who runs a high school recruiting service. “Texas has such a high profile in this state, it’s not like kids are going to learn anything new about them by going to this game.”

Houston is regularly scoured

by Big 12 foes like Texas A&M as well as the Southeastern Conference. The Aggies have 26 players from the greater Houston area and SEC West contender Louisiana State boasts seven players from the city on its roster.

Meanwhile, Texas counts 13 Houston-area players, a little more than 10 percent of the Longhorns’ 110-man roster. It’s a small number compared to the DallasFt. Worth metroplex, which sent 31 players to Austin.

Rice, which is located off Main Street just south of downtown Houston, has 32 players from its hometown.

“It’s much more of a game for the fans than for recruiting,” Rogers said. “It’s great for alumni, great for fans who get to watch their team play in a pro stadium.”

Texas is listed as the away side, meaning the team cannot invite or pay for recruits to come. Rice, however, can invite high school players on its own dime while showcasing its

program against a marquee opponent on national television.

“Without a doubt it’s a better deal for Rice,” said Jason Kimball, head coach at St. Pius X and the former coach of Texas freshman Greg Daniels. “It’s good for them to get notoriety and to get people excited about Rice football because they actually have a great coaching staff and their facilities are getting better every year. It really does help Rice out.”

Kimball and his staff will travel to see Texas play this weekend, a feat they usually cannot accomplish. Kimball, like most high school football coaches, is extremely busy most Saturdays during the season, watching tapes or otherwise game planning for next week.

“It’s just exciting as a high school coach to have a program like Texas come visit,” Kimball said. “When you get the opportunity to see a team like that play locally you’ve got to try and see it.”

The effect of this year’s game in Houston won’t be seen for a number of years. The Longhorns’ 2011 recruiting class, regarded as one of the best in the nation, currently has seven commits from Houston, including four-star defensive tackle

Desmond Jackson.

“There’s no doubt it’s a boon for Rice,” said Second Baptist’s Michael Sneed, former coach of Texas freshman Connor Wood.

“The fact they have that opportunity to play in primetime— for Rice it might be the only time this year— if they can somehow keep it close or even win, for Rice that’d be a great shot in the arm for their program.”

The greatest beneficiaries might be Texas’ Houston players, who are afforded the chance to compete in front of a home crowd every three to four years.

“I have a lot of family in Houston that want to see the game,” said Texas running back Fozzy Whittaker, who played at nearby Pearland High School. “When I left high school I was undefeated at Reliant so I’m hoping to leave there undefeated again. I’m just excited to play back in my hometown.”

Texas coaches might overstate the effect playing in Houston has on recruiting but it certainly doesn’t hurt the Longhorns’ image in Southeast Texas. And while the team won’t return until at least 2013, there’s no reason to think the University’s status in the city will diminish anytime soon.

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Friday, September 3, 2010

MATCHups Quarterback

Running Back

Receivers

Offensive Line

Texas is set at quarterback with sophomore Garrett Gilbert, who is making his first start for the Longhorns. Rice enters the season-opener having yet to announce a starter. Head coach David Bailiff says he will use at least two quarterbacks against Texas. Gilbert gained valuable experience last season against Alabama and should pick apart an Owl defense that allowed 43.1 points per game in 2009.

Cody Johnson will start for Texas but look for Fozzy Whittaker and Tre’ Newton to see the ball as well. Sam McGuffie, Tyler Smith, and Charles Ross should all see time for Rice. Ross had 11 rushing touchdowns last year as a true freshman to lead the Owls.

The Longhorns’ RB trio has more talent than the Owl runners and should pile up some gaudy stats.

Seniors James Kirkendoll and John Chiles lead a talented receiving corps for Texas that includes Marquise Goodwin, Malcolm Williams and freshman Mike Davis. Gilbert will have a wide selection of talented wide outs to throw to all game. Patrick Randolph returns from a spring injury to lead Rice in his senior season. He is the Owls current leader in career receiving TD’s with six.

Rice returns three starters including senior left tackle Scott Mitchell who was voted Preseason All C-USA. For Texas, senior Kyle Hix moves to left tackle after starting the previous 28 games at right tackle. Hix protects Gilbert’s blindside and should have his hands full with Owls defensive end Cheta Ozougwu. However, the Owls line will be under constant pressure from a swarming Texas defense.

Defensive Line

Linebackers

Secondary

Special Teams

Rice’s Cheta Ozougwu is one of the best defensive linemen in C-USA and will be looking to get to Gilbert all game. Ozougwu will be going up against Kyle Hix, who is making his first start at left tackle. Sam Acho will be the best lineman on the field for either team and should cause havoc in the Owl backfield from the start.

Keenan Robinson’s 14 career starts are tops among the Texas front seven and will be patrolling the weakside for the Longhorns defense. Rice only uses two linebackers in their 4-2-5 defensive scheme. Senior Justin Hill is their most experienced player at the position. Robinson, Emmanuel Acho and Dravannti Johnson are far better than any linebacker on the Owls roster.

Rice safety Travis Bradshaw led the NCAA in solo tackles last season with 90 in his sophomore season. The Owl secondary will be challenged by the Texas receivers all game.

An athletic Longhorns secondary boasts experienced starters Chykie Brown, Blake Gideon, Curtis Brown and Aaron Williams. Texas simply has more playmakers in the defensive backfield, giving the Longhorns a clear edge.

Rice sophomore Shane Turner had 881 return yards as a freshman in 2009, secondmost for a single season in school history. Owls punter Kyle Martens is a candidate for the Ray Guy Award, which is presented to the nation’s top punter. Marquise Goodwin and D.J. Monroe will return kicks for Texas and both have the talent to return one for a score at any time.

Advantage

Breakdown

Advantage

Breakdown

— By Austin Laymance | Daily Texan Staff

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Longhorns feel pressure while Owls look to upset

By Laken Litman Daily Texan Staff As Texas triumphed through its 12th winning season under Mack Brown last year, Rice was a different story, finishing last in Conference USA. But as Brown said earlier this week, Rice is not the same team it was last year.

In the last meeting between Texas and Rice in 2008, the Longhorns blew out the Owls 52-10 in week three. But despite the beatdown, Rice went on to finish the year 10-3, its first 10-win season since 1949. “[Rice’s] whole focus will be coming out and sending a message that this team is more like the one that won 10 games in 2008 than the one last year,” Brown said.

Owls’ head coach David Bailiff has made moves to develop a respectable football program by recruiting players like running back Sam McGuffie, who becomes eligible this fall after transferring from Michigan in January 2009.

Listed as a redshirt sophomore, McGuffie, who graduated from Cypress Fairbanks in the Houston area (where he had 5,847 yards and 83 touchdowns in his career), was recruited by Texas. As a true freshman at Michigan, he was the team’s second-leading rusher with 118 carries for 486 yards and three touchdowns.

Bailiff will use McGuffie and fellow running back Tyler Smith to pressure the Longhorns’ defense on Saturday – a defense which ranked No. 1 against the

rush last year.

In addition to McGuffie, other players to keep an eye on are tight end Vance McDonald, quarterback Nick Fanuzzi and defensive end Cheta Ozougwu.

Though the Owls’ talent doesn’t quite stack up on all cylinders to the Longhorns’, Brown has been upset in week 1 before. In 1999, North Carolina State came in to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium and beat the Longhorns, due in part to three blocked punts, 23-20.

“Rice will make you make a mistake. That’s what they want to do,” Brown said. “Also, they have no expectations in this ball game.

None except for what their coaches are putting on them. All the pressures are on Texas.”

Bailiff knows what kind of ride he and his players are in for on Saturday, but despite the mismatching, he views it as a learning experience and a way for his players to get better.

“This is a game that you don’t have to talk much about. They want to play. They’re excited it is televised. They’re excited it is the Longhorns,” he said. “We will give it our best. That’s what young guys do.”

No matter the opponent, the Longhorns have been itching to get back on the field and face someone other than themselves like they do in practice everyday.

“The season opener means everything,” running back Fozzy Whittaker said. “We’re going out there to do our best and make a statement.”

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Friday, September 3, 2010

GAMEStoWATCH

— By Jon Parrett | Daily Texan Staff

No. 24 Oregon St. @ No. 6 TCU

No. 21 LSU @ No. 18 N. Carolina

UCLA @ Kansas St.

2009: 8-5 (6-3 Pac-10) 2009: 12-1 (8-0 MWC) Cowboys Stadium, Arlington ESPN, 6:45 p.m.

2009: 9-4 (5-3 SEC) 2009: 8-5 (4-4) ACC Keenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, N.C. ABC, 7 p.m.

2009: 7-6 (3-6 Pac-10) 2009: 6-6 (4-4 Big 12) Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kan. ABC, 2:35 p.m.

Senior quarterback Andy Dalton will lead the Horned Frog offense and will need to be sharp against the Beavers to take pressure off the running game.

Sophomore tailbacks Ed Wesley and Matthew Tucker return a total of 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns, but the loss of senior starter Joseph Turner to graduation leaves them without a backup plan if the sophomores slump.

Former Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year Jacquizz Rodgers will be a handful for the TCU defense, if they can even find the 5’7” running back darting through the line. Jacquizz and older brother James Rodgers will hope to provide easy targets for sophomore quarterback Ryan Katz, who after limited action last season, makes his first collegiate start on Saturday.

LSU enters the season with major concerns on the offensive end, most notably at running back. Junior Stevan Ridley is the returning rusher from last year, where he totaled only 176 yards and three touchdowns.

Ridley will split time with Richard Murphy, who only played in two games last season due to injury. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson is going to be the starter against the Tar Heels, but don’t be surprised if Jarrett Lee sees playing time, especially if Jefferson falters early.

Quarterback T.J. Yates and running back Ryan Houston will lead a balanced offense against LSU, but it’s North Carolina’s defense that will give the Tigers the most trouble. Linebacker Quan Sturdivant will focus on shutting down the running game, while sack machine defensive end Robert Quinn will cause havoc in the Tigers’ backfield.

Safety Rahim Moore’s 10 interceptions last season were good enough to place him on this preseason’s Thorpe Award watch list, and you can expect more of the same when the Bruins travel to Manhattan on Saturday. Quarterback Kevin Prince is back from an injury-plagued 2009 season and ready to lead a UCLA offense that hopes to overcome its struggles in putting the ball in the end zone from a year ago.

Kansas State’s Wildcat offense may not be as effective against the Bruins as hoped because UCLA is used to seeing Oregon run it in the PAC-10. If so, Kansas State must switch to a more traditional style of offense, with quarterback Carson Coffman limiting his turnovers. Either way, running back Daniel Thomas must get the ball early and often if the Wildcats hope to win.

BOISE: Profit driven BCS

Purdue @ Notre Dame 2009: 5-7 (4-4 Big Ten) 2009: 6-6 Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, Ind. NBC, 2:30 p.m.

Tradition or not, in the last 13 years, Notre Dame is 91-67 while Purdue is 92-69. First-year head coach Brian Kelly comes over from Cincinnati and brings his spread offense to a school used to a more pro style, and must prove he can coach in the spotlight. Junior Dayne Crist replaces Jimmy Clausen at quarterback after seeing action in four games last season.

Quarterback Robert Marve makes his first start at Purdue on Saturday, after transferring from Miami two years ago.

Marve has plenty of weapons on offense, namely Keith Smith at wide receiver, who led the Big Ten in receptions last year. Marve and the Boilermakers will try to expose an Irish defense that was susceptible to giving up big plays last season.

What are you laughing at?

to earn from Bronco wins From page 3 If the Broncos finish the season undefeated, like they’ve done twice in the past, there’s no way a the BCS can ignore them, just like any other major team. No voter is going to knock a team out of the top 5 when they didn’t lose a game.

Just win and hope Alabama or Ohio State trip up and the Broncos can give a whole community of underdogs reason to stop being so down.

This is the reward for all the pointless debates, speculating and bracket drawing. Those techniques haven’t done much except provide good television, but progress has been made. We should bask in it.

But let’s just say Boise State does find its way into the title game. BCS haters would rejoice

at seeing the Broncos finally get the honor they deserve. We’d clap. We’d hug. We’d issue way too many “I told you so”s.

And BCS executives would do the same. They would have pleased their biggest critics by changing absolutely nothing.

It’s still the same BCS that only respects schools that can make it money. The only difference is Boise State has increased its earning potential. People want to see Boise State play much more than they did five years ago. The Bronco brand is stronger than its ever been, which is exactly what the BCS always wanted.

In the end, the BCS’ weird way of producing a champion will be proven effective if Boise State earns a title shot.

A real title shot. No bowl berth.

No pat on the back. No change.

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LEARNING on the JOB

Gilbert throws a pass during practice. He has had the offseason to settle into a new scheme and the coaches are happy with his progress.

Derek Stout Daily Texan Staff

Texas’ Gilbert ready to prove himself as team leader after rough title game appearance

By Jordan Godwin Daily Texan Staff

In the short time since his last outing, quarterback Garrett Gilbert has moved from the shadows to the spotlight of the Longhorns’ offense.

Gilbert was prematurely forced into the role as team leader when Colt McCoy went down in January’s national championship game against Alabama. But teammates and coaches say Gilbert has come a long way since that night, when his voice would crack in the huddle.

“Garrett’s matured a lot, and he’s our guy now,” said senior receiver James Kirkendoll.

“If he stays poised like he’s been, the sky’s the limit for him.”

Gilbert (6-4, 215) is already considered a more pro-ready quarterback than his predecessor, McCoy, who won an NCAA-record 45 games as the starter at Texas. Gilbert’s father Gale served as a backup quarterback for six seasons in the NFL. Gilbert was born

in Buffalo, N.Y., where his father played for the Bills, then lived in San Diego when his dad was a Charger before moving to Austin at age 3.

At Lake Travis High School, Gilbert put together an impressive resume, throwing for more passing yards than any other quarterback in state history (12,540), winning two state titles and winning the national Gatorade Player of the Year award in 2008.

Despite the achievements, Gilbert is still largely unproven at the collegiate level. He appeared in 10 games last year, completing just 30-of-66 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns in mostly mop-up roles.

This season, Texas coaches have tweaked the offense to take some pressure off the quarterback. The up-tempo, balanced offense will have Gilbert under center for the first time since pee-wee football, but it’s something he’s growing comfortable with. He probably won’t have the 100-yard rushing games McCoy did, but that doesn’t mean he has a lesser role.

“The pressure is still on the quarterback to win ball games,” said Texas coach Mack Brown. “But with the improved running game, we’re hoping to take some of that pressure away.”

But there are many obstacles Gilbert will have to overcome. McCoy had the luxury of proven star receivers like Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley, but Gilbert doesn’t have a go-to receiver yet. Brown

said he realizes how much the team relied on those receivers but wants a more balanced aerial attack.

“Gosh, I’d be afraid to look,” Brown said of Cosby and Shipley’s contributions. “But we’re not worried about that. We’re hoping to get back to spreading it around.”

Having won the starting job with the coaches, Gilbert spent the offseason proving his ability to his teammates. By all accounts, he has won them over.

“Whenever he makes a bad play in practice, he comes right back and makes a great play,” said junior linebacker Keenan Robinson. “We’ll be able to trust him with the offense because he’s such a smart player, and we know he’ll come through for us.”

Gilbert is gaining confidence and taking command of the huddle. He hasn’t fully adjusted to leading the Longhorns, a team he grew up idolizing, but he’s coming around.

“It still feels a little bit forced,” Gilbert said. “But it’s starting to feel more natural.”

As far as getting his first college start on Saturday against Rice, Gilbert plans to listen to “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down, just as he has done before every game since he was 7.

For him, taking over the reins at Texas won’t be easy, but he’s ready to make the leap.

“I’ve never played a football game where I didn’t get a little nervous,” Gilbert said.

“There’s definitely butterflies, but I’m excited about getting started.”

Bryant Haertlein | Daily Texan file photo

Texas’ Garrett Gilbert shouts an audible during the BCS title game after taking the place of an injured Colt McCoy.

Texas’ Garrett Gilbert issues directions to receiver Dan Buckner.

Stephen Keller Daily Texan file photo

Then-freshman Gilbert’s biggest moment starts without a his helmet

By Jordan Godwin Daily Texan Staff

Fewer than than eight months ago, then-freshman quarterback Garrett Gilbert warmed up alongside starter Colt McCoy before the national championship game against Alabama.

There may have been a handful of people in the Rose Bowl who actually expected to see Gilbert play in the game.

But after McCoy suffered a nerve injury

in his throwing arm on the opening drive, Gilbert was thrust into the spotlight. Texas coach Mack Brown hollered Gilbert’s name, telling him to be prepared to play.

The only problem was, he couldn’t find his helmet.

Gilbert frantically searched for it and finally found it beneath a bench near the 50-yard line. The passing of the torch from one Texas quarterback to another wasn’t supposed to happen for another couple of hours, but there was no choice – it was Gilbert’s turn to lead the Longhorns on the biggest stage imaginable.

He struggled mightily in the first half, which ended in a shovel pass intercep-

tion that Alabama returned for a touchdown. Texas was down 24-6, but Gilbert wasn’t ready to accept the loss yet.

After halftime, he began to develop a rhythm with senior Jordan Shipley, one of Texas’ most prolific receivers in school history. Gilbert was still shaky and wild with his passes, but Shipley bailed him out for a 44-yard touchdown in the third quarter and a 28-yard touchdown in the fourth, and the Longhorns were back in it.

But more turnovers sealed the 37-21 victory for Alabama. Gilbert finished the game, completing a miserable 15-of-40 passes for 186 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He said he

learned from the traumatic experience, but he’s determined not to let it affect his confidence now that he’s the starter.

“The whole game was a bit of a blur,” Gilbert said. “It was all moving pretty fast.”

Gilbert’s teammates have gained a respect for him, and they’re embracing the way he handled the national championship game. Many of them feel he earned the right to lead this season’s team in that game, and they’ve showed trust in him.

“He’s already been in the toughest situation possible,” senior receiver James Kirkendoll said. “He won’t find a tougher situation, and he’s ready now.”

Garrett Gilbert throws a pass during last season’s BCS title game.

Lauren Gerson Daily Texan file photo

10

Friday, September 3, 2010

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The Crimson Tide’s BCS title defense took a hit earlier this week when Heisman winner Mark Ingram suffered an injury to his left knee. Ingram hurt his knee on Monday during practice and had arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday.

“It was a situation where everyone involved thought it would be better to take care of now, so he would not have any issues with it later in the season,” head coach Nick Saban told reporters.

Ingram is set to miss the Tide’s first game against San Jose State on Saturday, where sophomore Trent Richardson will start in his place. Richardson is more than capable of filling Ingram’s shoes, rushing for 751 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Alabama will assess Ingram’s injury on a week-to-week to basis and Saban doesn’t expect him to miss much time. This bodes well for the Tide, as they are set to host Penn State next week.

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MASTER’S www.profms.rice.edu

The NCAA has rescinded quarterback Jeremiah Masoli’s waiver to play this season at Mississippi, after transferring over from Oregon this summer. It was believed that Masoli would be eligible to play for the Rebels this season without sitting out a year because he enrolled in a graduate program at Mississippi that Oregon did not offer.

Masoli was suspended for the 2010 season by Oregon head coach Chip Kelly after pleading guilty to a felony burglary charge. Kelly then dismissed Masoli from the Ducks on June 9, when Masoli was cited for marijuana possession. Mississippi has appealed the NCAA’s ruling and a decision is due within the week.

In the meantime, sophomore Nathan Stanley will start in Masoli’s place. Stanley went 11 for 23 for 163 yards with a touchdown and an interception last year as Jevan Snead’s backup.

Tar Heel DT under fire Tar Heels head coach Butch Davis has suspended defensive tackle Marvin Austin for Saturday’s game against LSU. Davis told reporters that the suspension had nothing to do with the NCAA’s ongoing investigation regarding Austin.

“Marvin has violated team

— By Jon Parrett | Daily Texan Staff

rules and has neglected his responsibilities to the team,” Davis said. Austin is being investigated by the NCAA for allegedly taking trips paid for by NFL agents to Florida parties and California training sessions. Star defensive end Robert Quinn is also being investigated by the NCAA for his contact with an agent, and may not be able to play on Saturday.

In total, North Carolina may be without seven defensive starters when they take the field against LSU in the Georgia Dome.

Bronco win can pave road to promised land

Boise State and Virginia Tech are set to play on Monday under the lights, in what’s set to be the first high-profile game of the season. Boise State begins the season ranked third in the Associated Press Poll, it’s highest ranking ever, and a win against Virginia Tech is essential if the Broncos hope to be the first nonBCS team to play for a national championship. The Hokies are easily the toughest opponent Boise plays all season, with Oregon State being a close second. If the Broncos can overcome the Hokies in what is essentially a road game, it’s very possible they could end the season undefeated and would have a ligitimate argument to play for the BCS Championship.

BYU ushers in new era

Brigham Young will leave the Mountain West conference at the end of this season and become an independent in football.

The move comes on the heels of fellow Mountain West defector Utah declaring it will join the Pac-10 next year, and a botched attempt by BYU earlier this summer to leave the MWC. The first time BYU tried to leave the Mountain West, the MWC blocked BYU going to the Western Athletic Conference by convincing Fresno State and Nevada to leave the WAC and join the MWC. With Fresno State and Nevada out, the WAC no longer seemed appealing to the Cougars and they waited until this week to make their move.

In keeping with the their fresh start, ESPN agreed to broadcast the Cougars’ home games for the next eight years, and has also helped BYU sign a contract to play Notre Dame in a six-game series through 2020.

11

Friday, September 3, 2010

O-line hope to make big push in fresh scheme Seniors Kyle Hix, Michael Huey provide physical duo inside

By Laken Litman Daily Texan Staff The Longhorns’ revamped offensive line, led by seniors Kyle Hix and Michael Huey, will be a more physical group than in years past as the offense as a whole tries to develop a downhill running scheme this season.

Head coach Mack Brown and offensive coordinator Greg Davis were comfortable with their NCAA record holder in pass completions by Colt McCoy the past few seasons, so there was no legitimate reason to run for the sake of running because that’s not how the team was going to win games. By leaving the running game by the wayside, the Longhorns’ averaged fewer than than 148 yards per game last year, the program’s lowest in seven seasons.

But this year, Brown and Davis are emphasizing a more balanced offense by passing the ball and running when it’s necessary to take pressure off of first-year starter Garrett Gilbert.

The offensive line loves the new game plan because downhill running allows the front five to fire right off the ball.

“Instead of reach blocking, we get a chance to be more physical off the line of scrimmage,” Huey said. “It’s a lot more fun.”

Since freshman year in 2007, Huey has played in 39 games with 12 starts at right guard, and Hix has played in 40 games with 28 consecutive starts at right tackle. With the departure of last year’s seniors, left tackle Adam Ulatoski and left guard Charlie Tanner, Brown and Davis decided to move Hix and Huey from right to left to protect Gilbert’s blind side.

“That’s 700 pounds of double team right there,” said defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.

‘‘

“That can allow your backs to get downhill.”

The offensive line consists of three seniors, a junior and a freshman. Though a talented crew, there are still some questions.

Senior right guard Tray Allen was set to start this year until he aggravated a left foot injury a few weeks ago, so now redshirt freshman Mason Walters will line up next to fifth-year senior tackle Britt Mitchell on the right. Junior David Snow will start at center.

If anyone else gets hurt, an underclassman will take his spot as the line’s second team consists of a rotation among two sophomores and four freshmen.

However inexperienced the line’s depth may be, the veterans have confidence in their back ups.

“They’re good enough to play,” Huey said. “You can throw them in the fire.”

Last year against Colorado, Texas missed a third and two opportunity because the line was not good enough at protecting the run. Experience is key in those situations.

“The line is only as strong as its weakest link, so if one person messes up, it’s not gonna matter if the other four have great blocks,” Hix said.

This year’s line has potential to make great strides, especially if Allen recovers from his injury, Walters plays on par with his elders and the other youngsters such as freshman Trey Hopkins, redshirt freshmen Thomas Ashcraft and Paden Kelley and sophomores Mark Buchanan and Luke Poehlmann make immediate impacts when it’s their turn to take the field.

Texas finished 61st last season in rushing offense, but McCoy was so accurate that it didn’t matter in terms of winning. That’s not the case this year, and if the Longhorns want to win the Big 12 and be a BCS bowl contender, the offensive line will have to be a cohesive unit that allows the backs to get downhill.

The line is only as strong as its weakest link, so if one person messes up, it’s not gonna matter if the other four have great blocks.”

— Kyle Hix, Offensive lineman

TEXAS’ STARTING OFFENSIVE LINE LT: Kyle Hix, senior LG: Michael Huey, senior C: David Snow, junior RG: Mason Walter,s freshman RT: Britt Mitchell, senior

KYLE HIX

2009: Started all 14 games 2010: moving from right tackle to left.

MICHAEL HUEY

2009: 13 appearances, 9 starts 2010: moving from right guard to left.

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13

Friday, September 3, 2010

BIG 12 POWER RANKINGS

1

Longhorn fans may cringe, but the Sooners’ experience can’t be ignored. Bob Stoops’ squad is bringing back nine offensive starters, including senior running back DeMarco Murray and sophomore Landry Jones.

2

The post-Colt McCoy era has inevitably arrived on the 40 Acres, but that does not mean the Longhorns haven’t reloaded their weapons. With a talented receiving corps and a veteran defense, Texas is still poised for conference championship.

3

Big Red fans are going to be treated to one of the nastiest defenses in the nation, but their offensive consistency is suspect. It’s what keeps them from one of the top two spots.

4

The Aggies are on the rise again. Heisman hopeful Jerrod Johnson will lead a strong offense and 2009 NCAA sack leader Von Miller is serious about relaunching Aggie dynasty.

5

With a new quarterback and an inexperienced defense, concerns that the Pokes may not put up their usual numbers are legitimate. A weak nonconference schedule might do the trick, though.

6

Tommy Tuberville may not be as creative as the “mad scientist”, Mike Leach, but his straight-laced attitude will keep Texas Tech in the top half of the conference.

— By Sameer Bhuchar | Daily Texan Staff

7

Blaine Gabbert is being heralded as one of the conference’s top quarterbacks, but Gabbert will have a poor squad on the receiving end of his throws.

8

Robert Griffin will have to prove he is the “gamechanger” that many around the country thinks he is before the Bears can climb in the rankings.

9

The legend of Dan Snyder might take a little longer to kick in. Even with the second year of Snyder’s return, the Wildcats are still answering questions at quarterback and have a porous defense.

10

They may have stunned Nebraska last year, but the Cyclones have one of the toughest schedules in the conference, facing No. 9 Iowa, Utah, No. 5 Texas and No. 7 Oklahoma.

11

The basketball powerhouse has little chance of raising their football standards. With a new coach and a questionable offense, the Jayhawks will likely be fighting for relevance.

12

The Buffaloes are simply counting the days until they can move to the Pac-10 so they can actually win an away game or two, which they haven’t done since 2007. Of course, they have to make sure they can afford their buyout first.

Offseason personnel changes restock hopeful Rice squad Offensive coordinator, transfers plan to spark Owl’s lowly offense

By Austin Laymance Daily Texan Staff After finishing the 2009 season with a 2-10 record, the Rice Owls were in need of change.

Rice is hoping that a different offensive coordinator and newly eligible transfers will bring a bowl game invitation come season’s end.

David Beaty left his position as wide receivers coach at Kansas to be the Owls’ new offensive coordinator. He was on the Rice staff for two seasons before moving on to Kansas where he helped turn the Jayhawks passing game into one of the most productive units in college football.

Beaty’s main task will be to jump-start an offense that averaged 18.3 points per game last season.

The Owls should be more dynamic on offense this year with the addition of Michigan transfer Sam McGuffie. The sophomore is one of Rice’s biggest weapons on offense.

“He’s very explosive,” said head coach David Bailiff. “He’s really exciting to watch play.”

Taylor Cook is another transfer for the Owls from a big time program. The quarterback transferred from Miami and is in contention for the starting job.

“Cook can really throw a football,” Bailiff said. “He’s very accurate, more mobile than people realize.”

Cook is one of three quarterbacks for Rice that could get the starting nod on Saturday.

Nick Fanuzzi, who started 10

games last season after transfer- “We think all three of them ing from Alabma, and redshirt could start.” freshman Taylor McHargue are Bailiff said his staff has made also in the mix. a decision on a starter but won’t announce it until game time.

Bailiff confirmed that the Owls would use at least two quarterbacks against Texas.

Whoever the Owls choose at quarterback will have a familiar We have three guys face back in the huddle. Corbin we feel are very Smiter, a fifth-year senior, was a medical redshirt in 2009 but is capable. We think all back healthy and will start. three of them could Rice’s changes were not limstart.” ited to the offensive side of the ball. A defense that allowed — David Bailiff more than 43 points per game last season needed some retoolHead coach ing as well.

Scott Solomon, a preseason selection All C-USA, switched from defensive end to tackle.

“We have three guys we feel Solomon led all defensive ends are very capable,” Bailiff said. in tackles in C-USA as a junior

‘‘

last year but will have to master a new position for the Owls.

The linebackers will have a new look this season thanks to Idaho transfer Justin Allen. A starter for the Vandals, Allen will look to shore up a defense that allowed over 190 yards on the ground last season.

Whether Rice’s off-season changes are enough to turn the program around remains to be seen. Come Saturday, Bailiff and his team will be eager to face off against a talented Texas team.

“We want to compete and play our very best,” Bailiff said.

“We want to see what kind of football team we’re going to be this year.”

Rice has never beaten Texas at Reliant Stadium, just another thing the Owls will be looking to change.

14

Friday, September 3, 2010

Next issue: Sept. 10

Wyoming

Maggie Mae’s

BIG 12 notebook — By Jon Parrett | Daily Texan Staff

Washington dismissed Missouri has dismissed running back Derrick Washington from the team after he was charged earlier this week with felony sexual assault. Washington led the Tigers in rushing the last two seasons, totaling 1,901 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Washington was going to be an integral part of Missouri’s offense this season, and had hoped to provide a one-two punch with quarterback Blaine Gabbert. The Tigers will look for Kendial Lawrence and De’Vion Moore will take over for Washington in the backfield this season.

The duo rushed for 500 yards, but only had one touchdown between the two of them. Missouri opens the season this Saturday against Illinois in St. Louis.

Miller to linebacker spot Defensive end Von Miller lead the country in sacks last year, but first-year defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter would like him to expand his roll on the field this season. DeRuyter is switching the team to a 3-4 defense, and is expecting Miller to line up at outside linebacker a lot, and to even drop back in coverage in some instances.

The move could prove beneficial to Miller’s NFL draft status.

Most scouts believe his 6-foot3-inch, 243-pound frame is too small to play defensive end in the NFL, and have serious questions about his coverage ability.

Tough Big Ten start

www.MaggieMaesAustin.com

The Big Ten did Nebraska no favors when they released next season’s conference schedule earlier this week. The Cornhuskers begin their 2011 conference schedule with games against Wisconsin and Ohio State, and end it with Penn State, Michigan and Iowa.

“The schedule will be challenging but also interesting for our players, coaches and fans,” athletic director Tom Osborne told ESPN. Nebraska will not become a voting member of the Big Ten until next July, so Osborne was unable to vote on the schedule.

The Big Ten also released their division alignments this week,

slating Nebraska with Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota and Northwestern. The Cornhuskers will also play Penn State every year, in an annual crossover game the Big 10 installed to preserve rivalries.

Taylor questionable

Senior defensive tackle Adrian Taylor will have to wait until Saturday to see if he can play.

Taylor is going to be a gametime decision for the Sooners in their season-opener against Utah State.

Taylor broke his ankle in Oklahoma’s victory over Stanford in last December ’s Sun Bowl.

“It’s a day-by-day process,” Taylor told reporters. “Don’t be surprised if I’m out there, don’t be surprised if I’m not out there.”

Potts earns starting role

Senior quarterback Taylor Potts will star for the Red Raiders against SMU on Saturday.

Potts had been in a battle with fellow senior Steven Sheffield, but was named the starter by head coach Tommy Tuberville, and has had a couple of weeks to familiarize with the first team offense.

“Whoever plays what position on this team, everybody has the same goal as we all want to win a championship,” Potts told ESPN. Potts played in 10 games last season for the Red Raiders and threw for 3,440 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Healthy Griffin to play

Redshirt sophomore Robert Griffin is hoping to bounce back after tearing his ACL three games into last season.

The quarterback is Baylor ’s biggest offensive weapon, and will need to remain healthy if the Bears hope to get to a bowl game for the first time since being in the Big 12. Through only three games last season, Griffin threw for 481 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 77 yards and two more touchdowns. The Bears open their season in Waco on Saturday against Sam Houston State.

15

Friday, September 3, 2010

PLAYERStoWATCH

— By Austin Laymance | Daily Texan Staff

Travis Bradshaw, FS

Texas loyals must let go of the past, look toward future

By Dan Hurwitz Daily Texan Columnist

Travis Bradshaw, FS From his safety position in the Owls 4-25 defense, Bradshaw led the NCAA in solo tackles with 90. The redshirt junior forced four fumbles in 2009, the second-most in C-USA. His 121 total tackles last year were the eighth highest total for a single season in Rice history. A former walk-on, Bradshaw was an honorable mention All C-USA player as a sophomore and earned the C-USA Defensive Player of the Week Award after forcing two fumbles to lead Rice over UTEP. The hard-hitting safety is one of eight defensive starters returning for the Owls.

Nick Fanuzzi, QB Although Rice struggled last season, the Owls did have a few bright spots, most notably the play of quarterback Nick Fanuzzi. He completed 60 percent of his passes, good for second best in team history, in his first year as the starter. Despite playing in only 10 games because of a shoulder injury he still completed 162 passes, the fifth-most in a single season for a Rice quarterback. Fanuzzi, a junior from Churchill High School in San Antonio, transferred to Rice from Alabama in 2008 after spending one year as a back-up for the Crimson Tide.

Cheta Ozougwu, DE As he enters his senior season for the Owls, Ozougwu hopes to improve on his junior year, in which he set career highs in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss. A local product from Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Ozougwu earned honorable mention All C-USA honors last season. A senior member on the Owl defense, he has started 23 consecutive games and 32 in his career. Ozougwu will anchor the defensive line from his right end position. The three-year letter winner will be looking to overpower a Longhorn offensive line that has seen position changes among its front five.

Newsflash: Texas lost to Alabama in the 2010 BCS National Championship. Get over it.

It is time to stop looking at the past and what could have happened. Because it didn’t happen.

Colt McCoy got hurt in the first quarter of the game and there is nothing you can do about it. The Crimson Tide outplayed the Longhorns. They scored more points.

They won the game. End of story Yes, there were some freak plays in the game from McCoy’s injury to Gilbert’s mishandled shovel pass towards the end of the first half to the fourth-quarter fumble that was picked up by the ‘Bama defense at Texas’ threeyard line, ending all hopes of a possible comeback.

But that doesn’t matter. The whining needs to stop. If you are not over it yet, therapy may be something that you should look into. Because today — nine months later — there are no more excuses.

It is time for Longhorn fans to stop worrying about it, and begin focusing on this upcoming season.

And as annoying as it is to see Mark Ingram celebrate with his customized Alabama gloves every time “SportsCenter” begins, it is time to let it go.

A new season is upon us and it is

time to look ahead. The Longhorns have what will be one of the best defenses in the country and an offense that is not too shabby. What will they have to do to make it back to another national championship?

Go undefeated.

Perfection is needed for a college football team to win a championship. One slipup ends a team’s championship hopes. This weekend, half of the teams in the FBS will lose any hope of competing in the national championship.

To be crowned as the best team in the country at the end of a season, you have to be able to survive through a 14-game marathon.

Alabama did this last year. Texas did not.

This season, however, both teams have what it takes to set up a possible rematch in Tempe, Ariz. Both Texas and Alabama lost talent from their teams last season, but they are both just as strong.

Even without Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, who underwent minor surgery and will miss at least week one, Alabama has one of the country’s best running backs to replace him. Take away any of the Longhorns’ defensive starters, and they would be able to replace him with a guy that would start and be a superstar for any other team in the country.

The depth and strength of these teams make a rematch in Tempe very possible. But which side will the excuses come from this time around?

Sam McGuffie, RB Known for his ability to leap over potential tacklers in the open field, McGuffie comes to Rice as a highly touted transfer from Michigan. An Internet sensation — his YouTube mixtape is nearing 3 million hits — McGuffie competed in track for the Owls last spring after transferring. He played in 10 games, starting six, for Michigan in 2008 and was the second-leading rusher and third-leading receiver for the Wolverines. The redshirt sophomore from Cypress, Texas will be eager to suit up and take the field for the first time since a November 2008 game against Ohio State.

Stephen Keller | Daily Texan Staff Courtesy of Rice Sports Information

Garrett Gilbert lines up during the BCS National Championship.