The Texas Longhorns began the Charlie Strong era with a 38-7 trouncing of North Texas. This week, BYU comes to town in a game that should prove to be more of a challenge for Texas.
The Cougars defeated Connecticut 35-10 in their opener last weekend.
Records:
Texas: 1-0
BYU: 1-0
Last Meeting: BYU won 40-21 (2013)
Key Stat: In last year's matchup, quarterback Taysom Hill rushed for 259 yards and three touchdowns - the second highest total by a quarterback in FBS history (Texas' own Vince Young leads with 267).
Texas Outlook: Despite the victory, Texas did not come out with all positives following their season opener. David Ash will miss this week's game with concussion symptoms, a development that casts serious doubt on his outlook this year.
The Longhorns also lost senior center Dom Espinosa for the season after he suffered a broken ankle. That leaves Texas with a completely new center/quarterback duo this week.
On the bright side, the defense looked stellar and receiver John Harris looks poised for a breakout season.
BYU Outlook: The Cougars took care of business, defeating UConn handily.
Junior quarterback Taysom Hill threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 97 yards and two more scores, leading BYU to a 513 yard offensive effort.
With their second straight road game to open the year, the Cougars are looking for that same performance against a much stronger defensive unit.
What to watch for: The obvious concern is with the Texas offense. Without Ash the Longhorns will turn to sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes.
While BYU will face a tougher challenge against the Texas defense, Hill and the Cougars offense should still be able to move the ball and put up some points, meaning Swoopes and the Texas offense need to get in rhythm early, despite the injuries.
What they're saying:
Texas defense to shoulder burden this year (Star-Telegram)
Rising from the post-Ash ashes (Barking Carnival)
Prediction:
Texas - 23, BYU - 27
Texas will face some serious adversity early in the season. While the defense should hold up, without a few key starters the Longhorns will commit too many errors on the offensive side of the ball to keep pace with Hill and BYU.
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