2007 Texas Longhorns College Football Picks & Predictions
June 6, 2008
Many experts figured quarterback Colt McCoy would be the Longhorns’ biggest question mark for the 2006 season. He ended up being their star and should be even better in 2007. McCoy put on 10 pounds in the offseason in hopes of being able to sustain the pounding of the Big 12 season. He came out of nowhere last season to throw for 2,590 yards and a school-record 29 touchdowns en route to earning Freshman of the Year honors.
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Most of McCoy’s supporting cast returns, including every receiver who caught a pass in the 2006 season. Senior All-American candidate Limas Sweed and junior Quan Cosby lead the way. Junior Jamaal Charles is the team’s go-to tailback in the backfield. He is a star on the Texas track team and has the shiftiness and speed to become one of the Big 12’s best. The offensive line has to replace a trio of veteran horses, but should get a boost from Cedric Dockery, who returns off a knee surgery.
Duane Akina, a longtime Texas assistant, takes Gene Chizik’s place as defensive coordinator after Chizik left to become Iowa State’s head man. Akina’s specialty is in the secondary where Texas loses Thorpe Award winning in Aaron Ross, All-American safety Michael Griffin and a three-year starter in cornerback Tarell Brown. He will have his work cut out in replacing one of the best secondary’s in the nation. Seniors Brandon Foster and Ryan Palmer will get the first crack at the vacant cornerback positions.
The Longhorns are likely to see a youth surge at the linebacker position. Sophomore Roddrick Muckelroy will retain his starting spot after missing the final 10 games last season. Heralded sophomores Jared Norton and Sergio Kindle will push starters Rashad Bobino and Robert Killebrew at middle and outside linebacker. Juniors Brian Orakpo and Aaron Lewis will step into the starting positions at defensive end after seeing significant action last year. NFL talent in Frank Okam and Derek Lokey are a solid one-two punch at tackle. Competition brings out the best in players and that will be the case for the 2007 Longhorns.
Texas made a case for the National Championship for most of last season before losing to Kansas State and Texas A&M in their final two games of the regular season. Texas will go as their defense goes this year because there are no worries on the offensive side of the ball with loads of talent. If the stockpiled talent on defense can step to the forefront in 2007, the Longhorns will be in the hunt for more than just a Big 12 title.
Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:
10-1
Bodog:
8-1
BetUS:
+800
Odds to Win Big 12 South:
BetUS:
-110
Bodog:
+110
