Tag: Big 12 Football

Ten Predictions for the 2020 season

The 2020 season is a pivotal season for the Texas program, needing to meet expectations. Here are 10 predictions for the upcoming season.

Expectations are high for the Longhorns, with everything seemingly set in place for a great 2020 season. With brand new coordinators hired of both sides of the ball, a reshaped coaching staff is in place to hopefully make good use of all the talent Texas has on the roster.

Coming off a poor 2019 season, this season is a pivotal season for the program. Needing a successful year in the fourth year of Tom Herman, the level of accomplishments like a Big 12 championship appearance and an NY6 Bowl game need to become reality. With all of the experience coming back, it has a great opportunity to finally happen for Texas.

Here are 10 predictions for the Longhorns in the 2020 football season.

Texas will go 2-0 against Oklahoma and LSU

With an early-season matchup against the Tigers, Death Valley will be rocking for the second year of the home and home series. However, losing most of their production on both sides of the ball plus a chunk of their coaching staff and a national championship hangover is in store for LSU. Mix in how well Tom Herman plays in big games and the Longhorns will edge out a win in Baton Rouge.

As for the Red River Shootout, the Sooners will be starting a quarterback who has never taken meaningful snaps in the rivalry game. With the experience Texas is bringing back, they will have the advantage going into this year’s game in Dallas. Herman and Ehlinger have proven they can win the game before and they’ll do it again this season.

Caden Sterns has a bounce-back season

Having an outstanding freshman season in 2018, Sterns spent most of 2019 injured and unable to make a real impact on the team. Only playing in nine games, he missed important games like Oklahoma and TCU, causing the Texas defense to really struggle. Expected to be fully healthy for the 2020 season, Sterns should be able to return to the level he is used to playing at. Having the ability to be the best player in the secondary, Sterns will be a key role to the defense next season.

At Oklahoma State will determine a Big 12 Championship spot

In a weird scheduling move by the Big 12, Texas will end their season Thanksgiving weekend on the road against Oklahoma State. Much like the Longhorns, the Cowboys have a ton of production coming back next season and are expected to compete at the top of the Big 12. Last season, their game in Austin set the tone for how the conference would shake out. This season, it will be a crucial matchup that could have championship implications. What would make it even more interesting is if Texas and OSU could play each other two weekends in a row. Either way, the season finale should have higher stakes than usual in 2020.

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Four key losses for the Longhorns in 2020

Head coach Tom Herman has a plethora of highly-rated athletes arriving in Austin this offseason. Several of these young players will need to fill the void left by former Longhorns who have moved on to play in the National Football League. Not only …

Head coach Tom Herman has a plethora of highly-rated athletes arriving in Austin this offseason.

Several of these young players will need to fill the void left by former Longhorns who have moved on to play in the National Football League. Not only will their play on the field be missed, their leadership will suffer a loss also, as three team captains are among them.

Which players will be the toughest to replace?

Devin Duvernay, WR

Duvernay did not miss a single game throughout his four-year collegiate career. His breakout senior season led the nation in total receptions and receptions per game, while earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors. Duvernay had a unique combination of a thick lower frame, strong hands, and incredible speed.

Collin Johnson, WR

It’s nearly impossible to replace a 6-foot-6, 221 pound receiver. Although Johnson’s career was riddled with injuries, he always seemed to showcase acrobatic catches in clutch moments for Texas. His athletic abilities are off the charts. Losing both of Ehlinger’s go-to receivers will leave a major void to fill. Johnson was elected as one of the team captains for the 2019 season.

Zach Shackelford, C

Also elected a team captain for the 2019 season, Shackelford started 39 games throughout his collegiate career. Serving as Ehlinger’s long-time center, Shackelford began starting for the Longhorns as a true freshman.

Malcolm Roach, DL

Roach’s versatility and leadership is incomparable. He spent time at both defensive end and linebacker throughout his career. As a senior, Roach started seven games, totaling 20 tackles including five for a loss. Also elected as a team captain for the 2019 season, Roach’s consistent intensity will be sorely missed.

Potential Texas football signee now five-star prospect

Defensive end Alfred Collins will be choosing between Texas, Oklahoma, or Alabama on National Signing Day.

Although the early signing period in December of each year has become the norm for top athletes to officially commit to their program of choice, Texas head coach Tom Herman and his staff will be paying close attention to National Signing Day on February 5.

The Longhorns have been in consistent pursuit of the No. 32 overall prospect in the nation, defensive end Alfred Collins. According to 247Sports Composite final 2020 class rankings, Collins has earned his fifth star after an impressive showing at the All-American Bowl earlier this month.

The Bastrop Cedar Creek lineman is the No. 5-ranked prospect in the state of Texas. The Longhorns are fortunate to be one of three programs left in the hunt to land Collins, as it’s one of their primary positions of need.

 

If Collins does indeed choose Texas, he would be the first five-star defensive line prospect to sign in the Big 12 since Malcom Brown in 2012.

 

 

 

How to watch, listen, and stream Texas Basketball vs. TCU

2-4 in the Big 12, UT needs a win against TCU Wednesday night. Here is how you can watch, listen, and stream UT basketball against TCU.

Losers of three straight games, Texas has played some of the best teams in the country. Getting blown out their last two conference games to Kansas and West Virginia, the Longhorns desperately need to get back on track with a win against TCU on Wednesday night.

Both teams taking a break for the Big 12/SEC Challenge, with Texas losing to LSU and TCU losing to Arkansas. Back in the Big 12, the Horned Frogs sit at 4-2 in conference play, going 2-2 in their last four games. 11-2 at home, TCU will be a tough place for Texas to go get a win.

Here is how you can watch, listen, and stream Longhorns basketball against the Horned Frogs:

Game information:

Date: 1/29/2020

Time: 7:00 p.m. CST

Location: Schollmaier Arena Fort Worth, Texas

Watch: Big 12 Now/ESPN+

Listen: TexasSports.com/audio —Austin 104.9FM, 99.3FM, 98.5FM, 1260AM; Dallas 1080AM; El Paso 600AM; Houston 790AM; San Antonio 1200AM — Spanish: Austin 105.3FM; Dallas 990AM, 99.9FM

Stream: ESPN+

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Texas signee ranked No. 1 running back in nation

According to 247Sports final 2020 class rankings, Texas signee Bijan Robinson is now the No. 1 running back in the nation.

As National Signing Day is approaching on the first Wednesday of February, 247Sports released their final rankings for recruits in the 2020 class.

Over the course of the years, there have become two primary signing days worth noting. In December of each year, known as the early signing period, top athletes can commit to their program of choice by signing National Letters of Intent.

Five-star running back Bijan Robinson took advantage of the early signing period, officially inking his commitment to Texas. Throughout much of the recruiting cycle, Robinson was ranked as the No. 2 running back in the nation behind Zachary Evans.

After impressive performances in the All-American Bowl and Polynesian Bowl, Robinson climbed to the top spot in 247Sports final class rankings. The margin is slim between Robinson and Evans, but Robinson is the total package both on and off the field.

The Tucson, Arizona native became the first running back in Arizona history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in three different seasons.

Robinson should make an immediate impact as a true freshman at Texas.

 

Texas offers 2021 Five-Star Linebacker

UT has offered 2021 five-star linebacker Raesjon Davis. Playing at Mater Dei High School, Davis is the highest-ranked OLB in the country.

Texas has offered 2021 five star linebacker Raesjon Davis from Santa Ana, CA. Playing his high school football at Mater Dei High School, Davis is the highest-ranked outside linebacker in the country. The 19th ranked player in the country, Davis is 6 feet 1 inch and 215 pounds.

Currently committed to LSU, Davis announced his commitment to the Tigers on New Year’s Day. With the LSU’s defensive coordinator Dave Aranda off to be the head coach of Baylor, teams have started to start talking to Davis again.

Aranda and the Bears have also offered him since taking over as the head coach and the two schools are the fourth and fifth Big 12 schools to offer Davis. Kansas, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State have are the others.

In the past, Mater Dei High School has been a pipeline for future USC players. According to 247Sports Crystal Ball, Davis is 50% on LSU and 50% on USC right now. While Texas may not be the favorite right now, Chris Ash and the defensive staff are trying to get their hands on one of the best defensive prospects in the 2021 class.

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Texas Offers 2022 Four-Star Wide Receiver

With the 2020 class wrapping up, UT has begun to focus on upcoming classes. UT added another 2022 offer, this time to a WR from California.

With the 2020 recruiting class wrapping up at the beginning of February, Texas has begun to focus on upcoming classes. Already offering 18 players in the 2022 class, the Longhorns added another one to the list, this time from California.

Texas has offered four-star wide receiver, CJ Williams from Santa Ana, CA. Out of the famous Mater Dei High School, Williams is listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 175 pounds. He is currently the seventh-best wide receiver in the 2022 class and ranked 43rd overall.

According to 247Sports, Williams already has 13 offers, but the Longhorns are the first school from the Big 12 to offer him. Local schools Cal, Stanford, UCLA, and USC have offered Williams, along with SEC schools like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia.

This is the fourth wide receiver Texas has offered from the 2022 class. Williams is the second from out of state as they have also offered five-star Luther Burden out of Saint Louis, MO. Caleb Burton and Armani Winfield are both four-stars from Texas.

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Five key Texas football players returning in 2020

These five Texas football players must have significant impact in 2020 in order for the Longhorns to reach the College Football Playoffs.

Texas head coach Tom Herman’s reshaped coaching staff will have a plethora of talented athletes throughout the 2020 season.

Expectations are sky high regarding the Longhorns football program. Although Texas has won two major bowl games the past two years, they’ve underwhelmed throughout the regular seasons.

Texas has consistently had one of the top recruiting classes each year, but player development has lacked. With the recent staff shakeup, Texas needs to compete for the Big 12 Championship and make a legitimate run for the College Football Playoffs in order to prevent another disappointing season under Herman’s guidance.

These five returning players will make a significant impact on the Longhorns success this upcoming season.

Sam Ehlinger, QB

Obvious. Ehlinger is the heart and soul of Texas’ offense. He has consistently improved each year, surpassing several of Longhorn legend Vince Young’s school records in the process. Ehlinger has a serious chance to take home the Heisman Trophy as a senior.

Sam Cosmi, LT

Protect Ehlinger. Team captain and center Zach Shackelford is not returning, therefore left tackle Sam Cosmi will be critical in anchoring the trenches. Cosmi started every game at left tackle for the Longhorns in 2019. After forgoing the 2020 NFL Draft, Cosmi will likely groom into a top draft prospect in 2021 if another impressive season is on the horizon.

Caden Sterns, DB

Sterns must stay healthy. The Junior defensive back will be a critical part of this Texas defense in 2020. Sterns started the first 13 games of his career as a true freshman, earning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Big 12 honors. Injuries riddled most of his 2019 season, but his potential, knowledge, and athleticism is through the roof.

Joseph Ossai, LB

Ossai appeared in 14 games as a true freshman in 2018. After leading the team with eight tackles in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Georgia, Ossai garnered more playing time, starting in eight games throughout the 2019 season. He logged a career-high 10 tackles, including five solo stops against TCU. A breakout season is in his foreseeable future.

Jordan Whittington, RB/WR

Potential. Many fans have not yet been able to witness the talent and impact Whittington can make each time he touches the ball. Due to a sports hernia surgery, Whittington missed the majority of the 2019 season. The former five-star prospect was initially recruited as a wide receiver but desperately switched positions to running back due to lack of depth. Whittington is the prototypical swiss army knife player that will likely be tasked with playing both positions in 2020.

Where does Devin Duvernay rank all-time at Texas?

Was former wide receiver Devin Duvernay one of the top three all-time receivers at Texas?

Former Texas wide receiver Devin Duvernay didn’t miss a single game in his four-year collegiate career.

That’s only one of the many reasons that set him apart from the rest. He was also one of the fastest players in college football and seemingly never dropped a football thrown his direction. He could throw it, too.

Duvernay started all 14 games as a junior in 2018, but was third on the team with 41 catches for 546 yards and four touchdowns. His breakout year came as a senior, one of the top seasons by a receiver in Texas history.

Although Duvernay earned First-Team All Big 12 honors and was honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, he was shockingly snubbed from any major postseason awards after his remarkable senior year.

The former Sachse High School All-America, two-time all-state athlete finished the 2019 regular season leading the nation in total receptions. Duvernay was also atop national rankings in receptions and receptions per game.

Former Longhorn legend Jordan Shipley was the only receiver in Texas history to have more catches or reception yards in a single season (2009). Shipley remains the top receiver to ever play at Texas, as his versatility was such a major force in the return game as well.

In terms of single season statistics, Duvernay would sit right behind Shipley. When you calculate a players entire collegiate career, other former receivers such as Roy Williams come into question.

Williams leads all Longhorn receivers in receiving yards (3,866) and touchdowns (36). As a true dominant No. 1 wide out, Williams is arguably the top all-time receiver in Longhorns history.

Sitting below Shipley and Williams, Quan Cosby, Limas Sweed, and Mike Adams are worthy considerations for mentions on the Top Five list.

Duvernay was simply underrated. He wasn’t used as consistently throughout his collegiate career as Shipley and Williams, but his senior year is one for the record books. That performance alone should garner a spot as one of the top five receivers in Texas history.

This will remain a debate for many years to come, depending on whether you look at career or single season statistics. Regardless, Texas is blessed to have witnessed these great receivers as one of their own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Longhorns Offer 2023 Running Back

The Texas Longhorns have made an offer to freshman running back Rueben Owens II out of El Campo Texas. He is the first recruit of 2023 class

The Texas Longhorns are getting ready to wrap up the 2020 recruiting class with National Signing Day coming up on February 5th. However, the Longhorns have been hitting the trail for the recruiting classes beyond just next year. The latest being that Texas has offered 2023 running back out of El Campo, Texas Rueben Owens II according to his twitter account.

The Texas Longhorns must really thinking highly of Owens since he is just a freshman. It isn’t exactly unheard of but also not commonplace for the Longhorns. He becomes the first recruit from the class being offered a scholarship.

Owens recruiting list includes:

  • Auburn
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Louisiana State
  • Oklahoma
  • Texas A&M