Tim Beck to be hired as North Carolina State Offensive Coordinator

There are reports that Tim Beck will be leaving Texas to become OC at NCSU. The announcement will be made after tonight’s Alamo Bowl.

After the season finale against Texas Tech, the Longhorns announced that Tim Beck would be removed from his role as the offensive coordinator. He was kept on the staff as the quarterback coach.

Zach Barnett of footballscoop.com is reporting that Beck will be leaving Texas to accept the position as the offensive coordinator at North Carolina State. Currently in his third season with the Longhorns, the announcement will be made after tonight’s Alamo Bowl.

This will be Beck’s fourth offensive coordinator job in Divison 1 football. Previously the OC at Nebraska, the co-OC at Ohio State, and the job he just lost at Texas, Beck will take on a new conference in the ACC.

The Wolfpack are off a disappointing 4-8 season in which they only averaged 22 points per game. Playing in the ACC Coastal, Beck will be facing off against former Longhorn Head Coach Mack Brown every year.

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Bleacher Report’s latest NFL Mock Draft includes only one Texas Longhorn selection

Bleacher Report’s latest NFL Mock Draft predicts only one Texas Longhorn selection

In Bleacher Report’s most recent 2020 NFL mock draft, Matt Miller goes through the first three rounds and predicts only one Longhorn being taken in the top 96. Miller has the Buffalo Bills selecting safety Brandon Jones in the third round at 87 overall. The Bills secondary, currently led by Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, gets some much-needed depth and physicality by adding the Longhorn in Miller’s mock.

Dec 1, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Brandon Jones (19) celebrates recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

In his four years at Texas, Jones has played in 44 games and tallied 232 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 14 tackles for loss, and 7 passes defended. Jones is a hard hitter who plays with a physicality that leaves an impression on the offense. He would be a welcome addition to an already stout Bills defense that has recently undergone a reconstruction by head coach Sean McDermott.

Click here to check out the rest of Miller’s mock draft on Bleacher Report – which features an unsurprising top pick.

Three reasons Texas will win the Alamo Bowl

Seen as underdogs, Texas is going to need a lot to go their way to win the Alamo Bowl. Here are three reasons Texas will win against Utah.

Wrapping up the third season under Head Coach Tom Herman, the Longhorns are in their third consecutive bowl game. While it is not exactly where Texas wants to be, after not even going to a bowl game for the final two years of Charlie Strong, it can be seen as an accomplishment.

Seen as the underdogs in the Alamo Bowl against Utah, the Longhorns are going to need a lot to go their way to win this game. Things have gone their way before the game has even kicked off, as they should have the home field advantage and star wide receiver Collin Johnson is expected to return for the game.

Here are three reasons Texas will win the Alamo Bowl against Utah:

Home field advantage

Whenever you play a bowl game in your home state, a huge crowd in your favor is expected. That is especially true when the venue you are playing in is around an hour and a half drive. The Longhorns should have a huge crowd in attendance for Tuesday’s Alamo Bowl against Utah. The Utes should have a decent-sized crowd themselves but will be hard to outnumber the following Texas will have.

In a similar situation early in the year, Texas played a “neutral site” game against Rice at NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans. While Rice is located in Houston, the support was mainly for Texas fans. Utah has a bigger undergrad population and more likely more alumni, it will not be able to balance out Texas fans. Having a virtual home game will keep the Longhorns competitive throughout the game.

Collin Johnson is back

For most of the season, Texas has been without star wide receiver Collin Johnson. After deciding to skip the NFL and come back for his senior season, Johnson has only played in six games this season. He has been effective in those six games, having at least five receptions in four games. He last played against Kansas State in November, where he had seven catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Even if he does not make an impact with the ball in his hand, he is something Utah will have to think about. His presence in the lineup takes the pressure off other receivers like Devin Duvernay. Johnson may not be 100% but as this will be his final ever time to play in a Longhorn’s uniform, expect him to make a significant impact.

Recent bowl success

Under Tom Herman, the Longhorns are 2-0 in bowl games. The last Texas coach to win their first two bowl games with the program was Blair Cherry back in 1947 and 1948. Playing in the 2017 Texas Bowl, the Longhorns took care of old Big 12 opponent Missouri, 33-16. Last season, Texas got a huge win in the Sugar Bowl against sixth-ranked Georgia, 28-21. Herman has gotten the team to play well for the big occasion.

With this being the 11th Power 5 opponent (12th if you count BYU) they have faced this year, they are not stranger to tough competition. However, this will be the most prestigious bowl game the Utes have played in since defeating Alabama in the 2008 Sugar Bowl. The Longhorns have been on a big stage before and will be ready to play. Having that advantage over Utah will give Texas the ability to compete with the Utes.

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Alamo Bowl Comparison: Line of Scrimmage

Most games in college football are won at the line of scrimmage. Here is a comparison of Texas’ and Utah’s offensive and defensive lines:

Most games in college football are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. Having offensive lineman that can block and give time for plays to develop is just as crucial as getting pressure from your defensive line to disrupt what the other team is doing.

That will be no different for this year’s Alamo Bowl when Texas faces Utah. The Utes have some of the best units on the line of scrimmage in the country and have the opportunity to give the Longhorns some problems. Both units considered weaknesses for Texas, if they are not able to hold their ground, it could be a long night.

Here is a comparison of Texas’ and Utah’s offensive and defensive lines and how they matchup against each other:

Texas’ offensive line vs Utah’s defensive line

The second most sacked quarterback in the Big 12, Ehlinger has taken some shots from opponent defensive lines this season. The worst came against Oklahoma when the Sooners were able to record nine sacks from eight different players. The Longhorns offensive line has given up a lot but still has been above average throughout the season.

As for Utah’s pass rush, they have gotten to the quarterback 29 different times this season. Senior defensive end Bradlee Anae is second in the Pac 12 with 12.5 sacks after leading the conference last season. The run defense has also been excellent, only giving up 56 yards per game. After going quiet against a very good Oregon offensive line in the Pac 12 championship, the Utes will be looking for redemption.

Who has the advantage?

Utah’s defense was the best in the Pac 12 and it all started on the line of scrimmage. They have the advantage, but it is not like the Longhorns have gone against bad defensive lines all season. The offensive line for Texas should be prepared for whatever is thrown at them, but if mistakes are made, the Utes will capitalize quickly.

Quarterback Sam Ehlinger may have to do some scrambling throughout the game. Extending plays with his feet and running for a few first downs or finding receivers will be critical. Utah will more than likely have good pressure throughout the entire game, but if Ehlinger can be as clutch as we know he can be, Texas will be just fine.

Texas’ defensive line vs Utah’s offensive line

From a pass-rushing standpoint, the Longhorns have struggled this season, only having 22 sacks this season, the third-fewest in the conference. While the unit as a whole is young, it has still struggled this season, especially in the Big 12. With a defensive line led by senior Malcolm Roach, Texas has a tough test against the Utah offensive line.

The reason running back Zach Moss is having such success this season is because of space the Utah offensive line is giving him. A big, physical group led by left tackle Darrin Paulo, the Utes have one of the best offensive lines in the country. Only allowing 21 sacks this year, only one team in the Pac 12 gave up less. From a running perspective, they average 214 yards per game, the best in the conference. The offensive line has been the key to this success, giving Moss and quarterback Tyler Huntley the opportunity to make plays.

Who has the advantage?

The defensive line has been a weakness for Texas this season while Utah’s offensive line has been one of their strengths. The Utes have the advantage going into the game as it is one of their strengths against one of Texas’ weaknesses, but the Longhorns have an opportunity to flip that.

The matchup between the Longhorns defensive line and the Ute offensive line will be one of the most critical in this game. If Texas is able to get constant pressure, it will disrupt everything Utah has planned offensively. Limiting Moss and forcing Huntley into some early throws would give the Longhorns a great chance to win.

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Texas sends two players home before Alamo Bowl

Texas has sent home two players ahead of tomorrow’s Alamo Bowl. LBs David Gbenda and Byron Vaughns violated team rules and will not play.

Texas has sent home two players ahead of tomorrow’s Alamo Bowl against Utah. Linebackers David Gbenda and Byron Vaughns violated team rules and will not be playing in tomorrow’s game.

Both freshman, Vaughns has played in seven games this season. Recording 14 tackles in those games, he was a key contributor to the win against Kansas earlier this year. Of his eight total tackles that day, six of them were solo. Vaughns also forced a fumble in the loss to TCU.

Gbenda has played in four games, but only recorded a tackle against Kansas.

For a Texas defense that has struggled this season, losing depth at the linebacker position will not help. They will face off against Utah tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN.

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List of Big 12 players that have declared for the 2020 NFL draft

As the CFB season comes to an end, players will be declaring for the draft. We will be updating this list as players start to declare.

As the college football season comes to an end, a lot of players will be declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft. We will be updating this list all the way until the deadline for underclassmen to declare which is January 20.

The Big 12 historically full of talent and this year is no different. Talented players will come throughout the entire league. Texas is expected to have a few names on this list, but nothing is official as of yet.

Here are the Big 12 players that have declared for the 2020 NFL Draft:

(updated as of Dec. 29)

Ross Blacklock: Defensive Tackle, TCU

Jalen Reagor: Wide Receiver, TCU

CeeDee Lamb: Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

Texas officially hires Mike Yurcich as offensive coordinator

After a couple weeks of reports, Texas put an end to their OC search. The Longhorns have officially hired Ohio State PGC Mike Yurcich.

After a couple weeks of reports and speculation, Texas finally put an end to their offensive coordinator search. The Longhorns have officially hired Ohio State passing game coordinator Mike Yurcich. He also spent six seasons with Oklahoma State as their offensive coordinator.

Here is the official announcement from the Texas football Twitter account:

One day after Yurcich’s Buckeyes lost in the College Football Playoff semi-final to Clemson, he is hired by the Longhorns. Texas removed Tim Beck from the OC position after the season finale against Texas Tech. Also hiring Chris Ash as the defensive coordinator, the Longhorns will have new guys running both sides of the ball next season.

Before the season ends, Texas will face off against Utah in the Alamo Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

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Alamo Bowl Quarterback Comparison

This year’s Alamo Bowl has the chance to be high scoring with Tyler Huntley and Sam Ehlinger. Here is the QB comparison between UT and Utah.

This year’s Alamo Bowl has the chance to be an offensive shootout with quarterbacks Tyler Huntley and Sam Ehlinger under center. With Texas scoring 35 points a game and Utah scoring 34 points a game, both quarterbacks are accustomed to scoring.

When looking at the two, they have similar traits that make it an interesting matchup. Each player has been starting for three seasons and has been vital to their team’s success. The offenses run through their quarterbacks and if they are struggling, more than likely their team is going to have a bad day.

Here is the quarterback comparison between Texas and Utah:

Tyler Huntley: 73.7 completion percentage, 2,966 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, four touchdowns, 88 rushing attempts, 257 rushing yards, five touchdowns

Sam Ehlinger: 65.1 completion percentage, 3,462 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 152 rushing attempts, 590 rushing yards, nine touchdowns

Similarities

Both Huntley and Ehlinger are mobile quarterbacks who have the ability to make plays on their feet. While Ehlinger has the better rushing stats on the season, Huntley is a threat when running the read-option with star running back Zach Moss. Letting Huntley carry the ball is dangerous, as he has the ability to make people miss. As for Ehlinger, he has the ability to power over defenders. We saw it in the Sugar Bowl last season and throughout the year this year. Both have the ability to make big plays in the air, but their work running the ball will be key.

Differences

Of the two, Huntley is the more accurate quarterback. Both having their highest completion percentage of their careers, Huntley has slightly better than Ehlinger throughout this season. Completing 75% or better of his throws in seven out of 13 games this season, Huntley has been the most accurate quarterback in the Pac 12 this season and is only behind Joe Burrow on a national level. It will be crucial for Texas to get some pass breakups and not give Huntley time to find receivers. If they do, he is going to hit them all day for big gains.

Which team has the QB advantage?

While they are similar, Huntley is the better quarterback in this game. One of the most accurate quarterbacks in college football mixed with his lack of interceptions this season makes him reliable game in and game out. Having one of the top backs in the country in Zach Moss helps take the pressure off him as well. Ehlinger is more important to the Longhorns than Huntley is to the Utes, but Huntley’s accuracy and ability to use his feet makes him dangerous.

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Longhorns Wire Alamo Bowl Predictions

Texas has a tough road ahead of them. The Utes are still one of the best teams in the nation. Here are some predictions for the Alamo Bowl.

No. 11 Utah will face Texas in the 2019 Alamo Bowl. Only the second-ever meeting between the two schools, this is a huge game for both teams. If Texas is able to pull off a victory, they will have momentum swinging into the 2020 season with a bunch of returning talent. If Utah wins, it will be the program’s first 12 win season since 2008.

It will be the third appearance in the Alamo Bowl game for the Longhorns, coming in with a record of 2-1. Playing Iowa in the first, Texas has played other Pac 12 schools Oregon and Oregon State in previous years. Utah will be similar to the Oregon game in 2013, with highly-skilled offensive weapons ready to make some plays.

Texas has a tough road ahead of them against Utah. Coming in as underdogs, Vegas this Texas will end up on the losing side. While the Longhorns have a chance, they may just come up short. Here are some predictions for the Alamo Bowl:

Final Score: Utah wins, 31-24

Picking against the Longhorns is tough, but Utah is still one of the best teams in the country. If they had beaten Oregon, they would be in the College Football Playoff more than likely as the four seed instead of Oklahoma. Zach Moss is going to be an issue for Texas and I expect him to have a stellar night. The Ute defense is legit, letting up less than 300 yards a game. Texas will come out of the gate fast, but Utah will pull away late in the second half.

Best Texas player: Sam Ehlinger

As usual, if the Longhorns want any chance of winning, Sam Ehlinger is going to need to have a big day. The worst game Utah played all year was against USC when third-string QB Matt Fink came in threw for 351 yards. Part of that was due to the Trojans’ excellent receivers. The Longhorns will need to replicate that, using Collin Johnson and Devin Duvernay as threats. Ehlinger should be able to find those two guys all night, making a few big plays to keep Texas in the game.

Best Utah player: Zach Moss

Texas has given up a lot of yards on the ground this year, nearly 150 yards a game. Chubba Hubbard, Pooka Williams, and a collection of Oklahoma players have done really well against Texas this season. Moss is up there as far as talent with the rest of those players and will have a big day for Utah. Mix in the threat of quarterback Tyler Huntley and guarding Moss will become even more of a challenge.

What determines the game?

Both of these teams have a good turnover margin, with Utah at +8 and Texas at +6. If either team is able to force a turnover, they must capitalize on them. Neither quarterback in Tyler Huntley or Sam Ehlinger are prone to throw an interception, so if given the opportunity, scoring points off it is a must. Look for the Utah defense to find a way to force a Longhorn turnover in the fourth quarter and capitalize on it to put the game out of reach.

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Best Moments of Cedric Benson’s Career

Today would have been the birthday of Cedric Benson. To celebrate him, we are going to look at his best moments as a player at Texas.

Today would have been the 37th birthday of the late Cedric Benson. One of the greatest Longhorns to ever put on the uniform, Benson passed away earlier this season in a motorcycle accident.

To celebrate him, we are going to look at some of his best moments as a player at Texas. Not only is he considered a Longhorn great, but he is one of the best to ever do it in the history of the Big 12 conference.

A four-year starter, he was the main running back for the Longhorns the second he stepped on campus. Never rushing for less than 1,000 yards in a season, he reached as high as 21 touchdowns in 2003. His best season came in 2004 though, as he won the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back.

Here are the best moments of Cedric Benson’s Longhorn career: