Five Questions – BYU

Five Questions – BYU

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By Steve Habel/Associate Editor

Coming into the 2014 season, many perceived that the Texas defense would act as a strong suit of the team and that that side of the ball might have the ability to win games on its own. This notion seemed fortified after the Longhorns’ dominating performance in their season opening win against North Texas.

Then BYU rolled into town.

In a seven-minute stretch of the third quarter, the Cougars scored 28 points against the Longhorns. The offensive explosion led to a 41-7 dismantling of Texas before a stunned crowd of 93,463 fans.

BYU jettisoned any preseason notions about the Longhorns’ defense faster than the rocket man who performs a 30-second flying stint over Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium before each home game.

With all the emphasis placed on avoiding a repeat of 2013 — when the Cougars swamped Texas 40-21 in Provo — many thought it was impossible for the Longhorns to play even worse.

Head coach Charlie Strong said he recognized before the game that his team didn’t seem fully focused or ready to give its best effort.

“It's an embarrassment —to this program, to this university — and I knew it and I didn't do anything about it,” Strong said. “I take responsibility and all the blame for this loss. I knew during warm-ups we weren't ready to play. I told the team we weren’t ready to play. Our focus wasn't there.”

On a positive note, Texas was able to limit BYU dual-threat quarterback Taysom Hill to just [article-offer]