Week Four: Note To The Longhorns

Dear Longhorns:

Hey, that 52 - 10 thrashing of Rice sure does look impressive. Colt McCoy is moving up the ranks of all-time UT quarterbacks, and now that he has passed Major Applewhite in career touchdown passes, I am sure he'll be able to apply for sainthood sometime soon. The defense had a memorable stand as well, stopping Rice 11 times inside the 10 yard line.

On the surface, it all looks pretty good as we head towards our re-scheduled game against Arkansas and then conference play.

But is the future as rosy as it may appear?

Let's start off with the upcoming conference schedule - Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Texas Tech ... need I say more? Well, actually, yes - we have a defensive secondary that gave up over 300 yards passing to Rice. Yes, Rice. What happens when we have to defend against Graham Harrell or Chase Daniel or Sam Bradford? I squirm at the thought.

Don't forget - Colorado, Oklahoma State, and even Baylor are all showing some potent offensive strategies this year as well. And although Texas A&M is struggling, you know they always show up for the Longhorns.

While everyone was drooling over our passing game, please don't fail to notice the almost-non-existent running game. Colt McCoy is the leading rusher. Yes, repeat after me, Colt McCoy is the leading rusher. We need a lot more running game than that, especially when the games start getting tough in conference.

And while we're on the subject of "offense" - let's talk about something downright offensive: the inability of the coaching staff to utilize John Chiles in the line-up on a more consistent basis. Chiles is one of the most exciting players we've seen at UT recently, and he spent all of the first half against Rice standing on the sideline. When he does get in, it's almost impossible for him to be a factor or threat. He's either in the "Q package" (which sounds like a good concept in theory - if they actually used him as a threat within it), or he's mopping up with the second teamers against Rice in the second half. Put him in with the first team on plays in which he can truly be a threat (running or passing) and you'd see some fireworks. It would add a much-needed dimension to this team.

Unfortunately, his best option may be to transfer to a school that won't squander his talent. In hindsight, a redshirt year might have been the best option for him long-term. I just hope he gets to play - wherever and with whatever team - because he truly is an exciting football player to watch.

So with all that in mind, I hope that we are 3-0 heading into conference play ... and that you are mindful of the power of the Big 12 conference this year.

All the best,

A devoted Longhorn fan.