THIS WEEK'S GAME: Texas at Rice, Sept. 4 The Longhorns open the season on the road for the first time since 1995. Truthfully, this won't feel like a true road game as Longhorn fans will probably outnumber their counterparts from Rice at Reliant Stadium. But it will still be a learning experience for new quarterback Garrett Gilbert, who will make his first collegiate career start.
KEYS TO THE GAME: Gilbert must do a better job protecting the ball than he did against Alabama in the national title game. The Rice defense won't be nearly as imposing, but the matchup will provide a good early test for Texas' stated aims of running the ball more effectively. This game should give the Longhorns a chance to build some important early confidence.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
QB Garrett Gilbert He now inherits the Longhorns' offense for good after replacing Colt McCoy in the BCS title game. Gilbert will have a quick chance to flash the skills that helped make him the top quarterback prospect in his recruiting class.
RB Cody Johnson The 5-foot-11, 250-pounder is the ideal bludgeoning instrument in Texas' re-tweaked power-running game. After struggling with his conditioning earlier in his career, Johnson came back in shape and earned the starting job for the opener with an impressive performance in training camp.
DT Kheeston Randall On a defense studded with potential NFL draft picks, Randall is the most important player as the Longhorns' primary inside run-stuffer. Behind him, they have a lot of heralded recruits but not much experience. Keeping Randall healthy will be one of Will Muschamp's primary aims this season.
ROSTER REPORT:
Offensive lineman Tray Allen (foot), tight end D.J. Grant (knee), safety/tailback Demarco Cobbs (hamstring), defensive end Tevin Mims (shoulder) and linebacker Tevin Jackson (wrist) all will miss the Rice game because of injuries. And wide receiver Greg Timmons is doubtful because of a neck injury.
Offensive lineman Paden Kelley will not travel with the Longhorns to the Rice game after an undisclosed violation of team rules.
Punter John Gold and defensive tackle Tyrell Higgins have been placed on scholarship. The move for Higgins, a former scholarship player who left the program in 2008, was well-received by his teammates.
The Longhorns are shuffling through a variety of players as they search for a short-yardage fullback. Inside linebackers Ryan Roberson, Jared Norton and Jordan Hicks are among those who have auditioned.
Case McCoy, the younger brother of former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, has won the backup position behind Gilbert after beating out Connor Wood during preseason work. Texas coach Mack Brown said McCoy could play against Rice, depending on game situations.
James Kirkendoll moved from flanker and took the starting position at wide receiver from Malcolm Williams. And Dravannti Johnson, a 250-pound sophomore who didn't play last season, is listed as the starter at strongside linebacker.
.gif){kind=spacer}
.gif){kind=spacer}
.gif){kind=spacer}
Texas Longhorns
