2009 College Football Predictions: Texas Longhorns

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

Texas Longhorns

2008 Record: (12-1, 7-1)
Coach: Mack Brown, 12th year (115-26 at Texas; 201-100-1 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Greg Davis (12th year)
Def. Coordinator: Will Muschamp (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (5 offense, 9 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Colt McCoy)

Offense: The Texas Longhorns have all the tools to make it to the BCS Championship game. Senior QB Colt McCoy is back after leading the Longhorns in rushing with 561 yards, setting an NCAA record for completion percentage (76.7%) and throwing for 3,859 yards. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting to Sam Bradford, who also returns. The talent at receiver is amazing, even with a few losses. Senior Jordan Shipley (1,060 yards) is a vertical threat that can also catch passes underneath. At running back, Vondrell McGee leads a solid group of backs, but somebody has to step up and make sure McCoy is not the leading rusher again. They have a solid blocking tight end in Greg Smith (6-4, 267), but need to find one who can go vertical. The O-line returns four starters and a fifth who started three games last year.

Defense: The big issue with the defense last year was that they finished last in the Big 12 and 113th nationally with just six interceptions. They return starting nose tackle Lamarr Houston (6-2, 290) and senior DE Sergio Kindle (6-4, 255), who was second on the team in sacks last year with 10. They will miss the other end, Brian Orakpo, who moved on to the NFL. At linebacker, senior Roddrick Muckelroy returns on the weak side after recording 112 tackles last year. The secondary is led by corners (junior) Chykie Brown and (sophomore) Aaron Williams. Both have excellent size and speed.

Outlook: The Longhorns should steamroll through this schedule. They face ULM, Wyoming and UTEP in the non-conference schedule. A tough road game against Missouri and Oklahoma State, and they face Oklahoma in Dallas. That game may determine when they go undefeated or not. This is a balanced squad with very few weakness.

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