The Texas Longhorns and BYU Cougars head into tomorrow’s matchup fresh off opening weekend wins. The Longhorns defeated North Texas 38-7 and BYU handed the UConn Huskies a 35-10 loss.
It was just last year, the Cougars handed the Longhorns a 40-21 beat down in Provo, Utah, during the first leg of the teams’ home and home series. BYU racked up 679 yards of total offense and 550 yards rushing.
Fans in Austin knew the end was near for former head coach Mack Brown. The defense was not tough enough and folded easily.
After Brown stepped down as head coach, Texas chased after Charlie Strong, a defensive mind with a knack for building teams with discipline and toughness.
Since taking over, Strong has made it clear…You better be disciplined on and off the field or you can forget about being a part of the team.
Texas will be without starting quarterback David Ash due to a concussion and will turn to sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes who will be making his first career start. Strong recently suspended offensive tackles Desmond Harrison and Kennedy Estelle for violation of team rules so the depth up front will be tested.
Although Swoopes (6’4, 243) has never played any meaningful snaps, Texas coaches believe he can get the job done.
“Ty is ready,” stated Texas quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson. “He can hurt you at running the football, he’s got a very strong arm.”
BYU is looking to use the same formula that tore Texas’ defense apart last season. Run, run, and run some more.
Texas’ game plan starts with Cougars’ quarterback Taysom Hill . Last week against UCONN, the junior accounted for 405 yards of total offense (308 passing, 97 rushing) and five total touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing). He torched Texas last year, rushing for 259 yards on 17 carries and three touchdowns.
If Texas wants to walk out with a W, containing Hill and minimizing his big plays has to be the focal point of the game plan. The Longhorns defensive line, led by Malcom Brown, Desmond Jackson and Cedric Reed, will have to find ways into the backfield and disrupt Hill’s rhythm.
Texas offensive coordinator Joe Wickline will have to draw up plays that will make Swoopes comfortable in his first start. They will have to avoid an early turnover or things could head south quickly. Running backs Malcom Brown and Johnathan Gray will likely hear their names called throughout the night.
The question is, will the young and inexperienced offensive line be able to provide enough time for Swoopes to operate and create gaps for the running backs to make plays?
Those are questions that we will find answers for tomorrow.
Prediction
This is a tough one. There certainly is the revenge factor for Texas after an embarrassing loss last year. However, the Longhorns are starting a young quarterback who has never played any meaningful snaps and will play behind an offensive line that has only five career starts. If Hill was not their starter, I would favor the Longhorns. But with the recent injuries and suspensions, it’s hard to pick Texas. It will be closer than last year but I believe the Cougars get out of Austin with a win.
BYU 31 Texas 20
*Section Photo credit to George Frey, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Chris Nicoll, USA TODAY Sports
