WE'RE BACK!
By: Jonathan Tran
And with those two simple words by Sam Ehlinger, Longhorn Nation was resurrected. Excitement for the upcoming season has kicked into overdrive. Forget August 31st; Longhorns everywhere are already clamoring for the spring game in April. Some fans are even chanting, “We want ‘Bama!”
Photo Credit: Louis DeLuca/ Sportsday-Dallas News
Collin Johnson returning for his senior season was incredible news for Longhorn fans as we prepare to make a run at the Big 12 Title in 2019.
As exciting and successful as this season was, my advice to fellow Horns fans is simple: “be careful what you wish for.” As I am writing this, Alabama is being completely dominated by Clemson in the National Championship game. Regardless of this game, just thinking of how successful Alabama has been in the past ten years is absolutely amazing. Think of it this way, over that time period—a single decade--Alabama has claimed five National Championships.
Texas, who is a “Blue-Blood” has won only FOUR in its entire history. That is FOUR since 1893.
Even to play in the National Championship game, a team needs talent and also a whole lot of luck, which makes this run by Alabama so incredible.
Texas may have been lucky or fortunate to earn this 10 win season. Ehlinger’s shoulder injury could have been far worse, especially since he is such a fearless and physical player. His AC sprain is the same injury that stopped Sam Bradford’s illustrious college career in 2009, and it is the same injury that knocked Colt out of the National Championship game (Which happened to be the start of Alabama’s Dynasty.)
Our message heading into next season should be the same message that was projected following our second consecutive season opening loss to Maryland, “This one game will not define us.” Well, we should take that same attitude going into the off-season: “This one season will not define us.”
Let’s get one fact straight: The Longhorns get everyone’s best game, as every team wants to beat Texas. Our next season will be the same; however, with the recent success, the target on our backs will be that much larger. Also, we face significant losses to our defense to the NFL. It is very difficult to replace NFL talent; however, I believe we can cover the departures by our depth and by committee.
Our offense should be one of the best in the Big XII, barring any injuries. Yes, we are anxiously awaiting the decision on Lil’ YAC aka Lil’ Jordan Humphrey, (Humphrey announced on 1/8 that he will be entering the NFL draft and we wish him the best of luck!) Collin Johnson’s decision to return for his senior season will be enormous for our offense and I expect him to be one of our team captains heading the 2019 season.
Special teams is somewhat of a question to me. We definitely found our kicker of the future in Cameron Dicker. However, our punting game scares me. Ryan Bujcevski had a great Sugar Bowl, and I hope that he has acclimated himself to big time college football. Having a competent punting game, puts our defense in better position to be successful.
Most analysts touch on the “three phases to the game”: Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Steven and I disagree with that breakdown as we argue instead that there are four phases to the game, with coaching all-too-often left out. My brother played for Mack Brown, and the biggest knock on him was the X’s and O’s (even though, he arguably is the best coach in Texas history). Personally, I have never seen a coach prepare his team for a “big game” better than Tom Herman, and I would, without reservation, put him up against any other coach in the nation. This element alone explains why Steven and I were so confident going against 5th ranked Georgia. We knew he is an opportunist, and he would have the team ready to play. This coming season, I would love to see this preparation on a game-to-game basis. I don’t care if we are playing Rice or LSU, I want to see the same focus, because we cannot afford those normal slip-up trap games.
In no way are my ramblings intended to be negative commentary; all Texas fans should feel excited about this team. A lot of fans are even comparing this win to the 2005 Rose Bowl win against Michigan that spring-boarded the Longhorns to a National Championship. Coincidentally, the 2020 National Championship will be played in New Orleans, the Sugar Bowl.
Who knows? Maybe we will be lucky enough to play ‘BAMA as some fans want.
Instead of relying on luck against a seasoned program, let’s just rely on focus and preparation to earn the right to play them.
