Big 12 Power Rankings: Little Separation At the Top
By Ben Nielsen
Nov 3, 2012; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns quarter back David Ash (14) call signals against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half at Jones AT
4. Texas Longhorns
Last Season: 9-4 (5-4)
Key Player: David Ash
Key Word: Present
Outlook:
Mack Brown’s job is on the line.
A 5-4 showing in the Big 12 last season, which included a near loss to the hapless Jayhawks, is enough for Texas fans to be very edgy about their program’s leader. Add to it an abundance of talent, especially on defense, and the Longhorns should be at the top and fighting for a chance at a national championship.
The problem may once again be the quarterback.
David Ash has been okay in his time at Texas but injuries and inconsistent performance. This year Brown is hoping for Ash to stay healthy and take the next step everyone has been waiting for him to take.
Ash should be able to use a stable of running backs to help take some of the pressure off of the passing game. Jonathan Gray, Malcom Brown, and Joe Bergeron are all deadly with the ball in their hands. And Mike Davis and Jaxon Shipley bring back familiarity at wide receiver.
Texas has a ton of talent, experience, and a favorable schedule. Anything less than a 10-win season likely means the end of the Mack Brown era.