Some would say that in-depth analysis of Texas’ 56-7 demolition of of New Mexico State is overkill. I tend to agree. They went out on the field and won a game that everyone expected them to win. [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)] As for their next game against BYU, things are a bit different.
Regardless of BYU’s 19-16 defeat at the hands of Virginia, the Cougars will provide some challenges for Texas, namely Jamaal Williams, Taysom Hill and the Cougars Defense.
Jamaal Williams is BYU’s star tailback. As a freshman, he ran for 1,090 total yards, then kicked off 2013 with a 144 yards performance on 33 carries. He is a workhorse who will see the rock early and often. For a Horns’ defense that gave up 192.2 rushing yards per game last season, this will provide an early test. Will the return of Jackson Jeffcoat and Jordan Hicks make the difference? We will see.
Taysom Hill is not a true dual-threat quarterback. He does not possess the passing ability for that label. However, he is plenty fast and can burn defenses geared to stop Jamaal Williams. Texas had trouble with similarly mobile quarterbacks in losses to Oklahoma, TCU and Kansas State.
Despite losing seven starters, the Cougars run defense is still formidable, which it proved in holding Virginia to 2.6 yards per carry. The ‘Horns did not have a 100-yard rusher in any of last season’s losses, failing to even reach 100 yards as a team in three of them. While they did run all over New Mexico State, BYU’s defense is much better. Especially against the run.
The crowd in Provo provides a challenge of it’s own. They are loud, rowdy and very supportive. For a Texas Longhorns’ offense still working out the “hurry-up offense” kinks, it can be a difficult to get the plays in. Also, LaVell Edwards Stadium sits more than 4,500 feet above sea level, which will make defending BYU’s hurry-up offense tough for Texas.
Texas is the more talented team and should win this game thanks to far superior skill players. But if the offensive line and linebackers have strong games, this is easily a two- or three-touchdown win for Mack Brown’s squad.
In a tough road environment against a team like BYU, that would be the biggest statement any Big 12 team has made so far in 2013.
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