Tag: big 12 football news

Big 12 commissioner tells Texas Tech to take care of business vs Texas

If Brett Yormark isn’t openly rooting for Texas Tech against Texas, he has us fooled.

The Big 12 isn’t going to do the Texas Longhorns any favors in 2023. We could have figured as much. Nevertheless, we didn’t expect to hear what seemed like favoritism from Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark. We will let you decide if that’s what we got on Wednesday.

Yormark made strong comments in support of the Red Raiders in a recent speech to Texas Tech faithful. He said the following.

“Coach (Joey McGuire), I’m not going to put any pressure on you, but I’m going to be in Austin on Thanksgiving. And you better take care of business like you did right here in Lubbock last year.”

The quote is an alarming and seemingly partial statement. While it doesn’t mean the league will tip the scales against Texas on the football field, it certainly draws suspicion. Why is a conference commissioner encouraging the head coach of one team in his league to take care of business against another league opponent?

The Big 12 probably won’t do Texas any favors, but the comments make one wonder if the league will maintain impartiality on the field. If all things are equal, the Longhorns could have the last laugh.

Rece Davis says Texas’ opponent in Week 2 might be “a year away”

Rece Davis sees Alabama as potentially a year away from returning to title contention.

Media are stirring the pot ahead of the epic clash between Texas and Alabama in 17 days. As several outlets and analysts predict the Longhorns to the playoff, one analyst questions if Alabama will play at their usual title-contending level this season.

Rece Davis of ESPN shared his thoughts on the Crimson Tide heading into the upcoming season.

“They’ve got a ton of young talent. I think they might be a year away, because they have a deep roster, but they have a lot of guys that haven’t played a lot who are going to be in key spots.”

It’s rumored that Alabama freshman defensive back Caleb Downs could be set to start in 2023. That certainly presents Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian with the opportunity to test his ability to cover a myriad of route combinations. The biggest test for Alabama will be winning with an unproven quarterback.

Ty Simpson is perhaps the likely starter for the Crimson Tide. There isn’t much in the way of meaningful playing time to be confident in Simpson. Add in some of the struggles the Tide had against Texas with the No. 1 overall pick at quarterback and the questions get magnified.

Alabama is going to be a tough test for Texas. We will have a greater idea of what team it has when the Tide offense takes the field against the Longhorns on Sept. 9.

Brad Crawford explains picking Texas to make playoff in 2023

This season could be less than fun for Texas’ rivals.

Turn the Texas hype up to 11 out of 10. Playoff predictions are rolling in for the Texas Longhorns heading into its 2023 season.

College football analyst Brad Crawford of 247Sports is standing firm in his prediction for Texas to make the playoff. He said the following on why he is high on the Longhorns this season.

“(The Texas) roster is filthy. I’ve picked Texas (over) ‘Bama all offseason and really think Sark has it figured out now.”

Objectively, it’s uncertain what Crawford believes Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has figured out on the football field. After all, his team lost several close games that it could have won if his offense did not stall. We believe Sarkisian will be the answer at Texas based on his talent acquisition and football ingenuity. But again, there’s little tangible on-field evidence that he has figured out game management and in-season program oversight.

What we can agree on is that Sarkisian’s 2023 roster is indeed filthy, and it should lead to a surprise blowout win or two. Though the team’s recent struggles against Big 12 opponents loom large it almost seems likely the team will break through in such games this season.

Texas will begin its Big 12 title bid in 10 days against Rice on Sept. 2.

Texas training staff was key in injury prevention this offseason

Torre Becton and company kept Texas largely injury-free this offseason according to Steve Sarkisian.

Texas exited camp without any significant injuries. According to head coach Steve Sarkisian, the training staff played a huge role in the team’s injury prevention. There’s a great chance that he’s right.

I have been critical of Becton’s initial strength and conditioning program in 2021, but the results in the way of injury prevention are undeniable. Becton has helped facilitate strong-jointed players who have thrived on the field.

Strength and conditioning programs can often do more harm than good. Albeit unlike many training programs, Becton’s program is keeping players fresh and healthy. It’s worth acknowledging as the team approaches the season.

Texas enters the season at full strength in a year where it could afford to suffer an injury or two. In doing so, Becton and company are maximizing the impact that the Longhorns’ depth can make in 2023. They will look to continue close to full strength when the season kicks off on Sept. 2.

Examining how the Texas football team improves in Big 12 play in 2023

We look at what it would take for Texas to win eight conference games for the first time since 2009.

It’s been a long decade on the Forty Acres for the Texas Longhorns football program. Much of the frustration revolves around how the team has fared in Big 12 play.

The program has been barely above average in Big 12 games over that span. Last season was no different. The team went an underwhelming 6-3 against conference foes including losses to Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. Despite outmatching those teams in talent, the Longhorns found a way to lose. It’s become far too common of late for the storied football program.

Since 2013, the Longhorns have never had one loss or less in a season in conference play. In the last three seasons, Iowa State, Oklahoma State and TCU have accomplished that feat.

Texas has finished 7-2 twice since 2013. The team won seven conference games in 2018 and in 2013. In contrast, in six of the last 10 seasons the team has lost four league games or more. What needs to change this season?

For starters, Texas needs to start the season strong. The trip to Baylor will determine whether or not Texas has learned from its 2022 loss to Texas Tech in the conference opener.

From there, the Longhorns need Quinn Ewers to be far more consistent at quarterback. They need Ewers to convert the layups as much as he has converted terrific plays. They need him to excel under pressure, because rival opponents are going to send the house to stop this offense.

Texas needs its receivers to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. It needs AD Mitchell to put games away in clutch moments and Xavier Worthy to catch the schemed up throws. It needs Ewers to connect on those throws.

Inconsistency and resignation to fate have hurt Texas in conference games. Teams are going to try to frustrate the Longhorns. There’s no place for despondence or apathy this year. The team can’t be fazed. It needs to impose its will and take control against lesser opponents.

Though it’s an uphill battle, Texas can fare well in conference play. If the team controls what it can, it could be in store for a special season.

Longhorns Wire Top 5: Ceiling and floor for Big 12 contenders

We give Texas the highest ceiling among Big 12 teams as we set ceilings and floors.

It’s time that we discuss Big 12 teams and their ceilings and floors. Those designations are much more difficult to make for the Texas Longhorns than others.

The ceiling is always there for the Longhorns. When you recruit the high volume of talent the team recruits, there is going to be high potential. However, when you underachieve as much as Texas has over the last decade, the floor is always there, too.

I have stayed steadfast in predicting Texas will go 10-2 this season, but there’s a higher ceiling and certainly a lower floor there to be discussed. The ceiling is 12-0. It’s an unrealistic ceiling and the least likely outcome for the team from seven wins and higher. Even so, the sky is still the limit. Given how good Texas’ three-deep looks and the fact that they have a legitimate three-deep, there’s a world in which this team wins 12 games.

There’s another world where Texas goes 7-5. That’s probably the next least likely outcome under consideration. Getting there would involve head coach Steve Sarkisian losing the team. We don’t expect that to happen.

Here’s a look at our ceiling and floor for each of our Big 12 contenders.

JD PicKell: Texas reaching ceiling is tied to starting QB Quinn Ewers

The plan for 2023 success is straightforward: Texas needs a great season from Quinn Ewers.

Texas’ path to a Big 12 title is simple and straightforward. The team needs starting quarterback Quinn Ewers to be a championship level starter.

JD PicKell agrees with that sentiment and shared the following thoughts on Ewers’ importance.

“If he reaches his ceiling, if he’s a top five quarterback for Texas, they’re gonna be in Jerry World.”

The above statement is true, and perhaps much more. If the Longhorns get a top five quarterback in the country with this offensive line and receiver room, Texas is going to the College Football Playoff.

In reality, he probably will not be that good. He probably will not be in New York for the Heisman, and I would be stunned if he completed anywhere near 70% of his passes.

A realistic expectation goes as follows: 3,000 yards, 30 touchdowns and between 62% and 64% completion rate. With the current receiving corps and how long his offensive time will give him to throw, that expectation is well within reason.

Texas’ season hinges on Quinn Ewers being solid and stable. If he gives the team that kind of performance, the Longhorns will win 10 games and a conference title.

Reality Check: Texas’ quarterback battle ended in the spring

How else can we say it? There is no quarterback controversy at Texas.

There is no quarterback controversy at Texas. Quinn Ewers is the starting quarterback, and it’s highly unlikely that will change.

For those not paying attention, Ewers is having a very strong offseason. Aside from the highlight plays and improvement in accuracy, Ewers is taking ownership of the team. He is comfortable in the system and firmly grasps the offense.

On top of the above points, head coach Steve Sarkisian has already decided the race for starting quarterback. He did that in April. Sarkisian said the following about the position following Quinn Ewers’ strong spring.

“I think it’s pretty clear to say that Quinn’s our quarterback, and we feel good about that.”

Sarkisian decisively shut down the quarterback race in mid-April, and frankly nothing has changed. I wouldn’t expect him to go to another quarterback if Ewers struggles either.

Despite some struggles last season, Sarkisian allowed his quarterback to work through his slump with a good backup quarterback in Hudson Card. In addition, it’s unlikely we’ll see a slump like the second half of Ewers’ 2023 season again.

There is no quarterback controversy in Texas, and there never was one. This team is Quinn’s team. Ewers looks to prove Sarkisian made the right call.

Greg McElroy discusses what happens if Texas doesn’t win 10 games

“When you look at their roster relative to the rest of the Big 12, they have everything you possibly want.”

Expectations are high for the Texas Longhorns heading into the 2023 season. College football analyst and former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy is not afraid to discuss those expectations.

McElroy doesn’t believe a nine-win season is a failure, but it would certainly be a disappointment.

“Nine wins would still be a step in the right direction, in some cases. However, when you look at their roster relative to the rest of the Big 12, they have everything you possibly want.”

While the sentiment that head coach Steve Sarkisian must win 10 games might seem unfair, there’s plenty of logic behind it. If Sarkisian cannot win with the talent advantage the team currently possesses over the Big 12, how is the team going to then go and compete in the SEC?

While it’s possible Sarkisian could develop as a head coach between now and 2024, this season feels like the test of what he truly can do at Texas. Albeit, McElroy is willing to give more benefit of the doubt against a referendum on Sarkisian as a head coach this year.

“Now, if they come up short of the 10-win plateau, I don’t think it’s necessary to overreact and say Stark clearly can’t get it done. He clearly isn’t the right guy for the job. Look at the recruiting; look at how they’ve already landed some five stars in the upcoming class, the momentum that’s created on that part, and the interest and excitement that has led to them leaving the Big 12 of the SEC.”

While a 9-3 season and Big 12 title berth would be progress, it’s fair to say Texas needs to go 10-2 this season. Given the talent on the roster, it’s more than attainable.

Heartland Sports: Texas finishes second, but wins the Big 12 title game

Heartland Sports predicts Texas to go 9-3 but win Big 12 championship game.

It appears Heartland Sports is hedging on its Texas doubt. The publication has the Longhorns winning the Big 12 championship game despite a 9-3 regular season prediction.

Interestingly enough, Heartland has Texas and Oklahoma representing the league in the New Years Six despite Kansas State finishing first in their regular season standings. Heartland Sports’ Brian Clinton predicts that the Big 12 winning Longhorns will travel to Arizona to face UTSA in the VRBO Fiesta Bowl.

The interesting tiering of teams has Oklahoma going to the Goodyear Cotton Bowl to face off with its former head coach Lincoln Riley and quarterback Caleb Williams of USC. That potential matchup would particularly be must-see TV.

Let’s look at how Heartland Sports sees the Big 12 season unfolding.