Texas has gone 36-28 since losing to Alabama in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game and the Longhorns didn’t lose more than three games in a season from 1999 through 2009. But now they’ve lost four or more games in each of the past five seasons, winning only two bowls games during that stretch (Holiday and Alamo Bowl). Texas went from being the elite team in the Big-12 to the middle of the pack, with the emergence of Baylor and TCU.
Texas fans are anxious for another shot at a National Title, while second year coach Charlie Strong looks to improve on his 6-7 first season. Strong will have a more experienced team and got rid of a few bad apples along the way. There’s also been reports of better team chemistry, which is always a plus. In February, Strong brought in the Longhorns first top 10 recruiting class since 2012, finishing ninth according to 247Sports.
The Longhorns will start the very talented Tyrone Swoopes at quarterback and Johnathan Gray at running back. Both players have never lived up to their hype, but the talent is definitely there and if everything clicks Texas could be a very scary team in the Big 12. They will have a chance to return to the top of the pack this season and will get their opportunity to prove themselves week one against Notre Dame.
Texas still might be a few years away from returning to old form, but they’re one of the more interesting teams to watch this fall and there’s no doubt in my mind that Strong will return the Longhorns to elite status soon.
