Recent News | Popular News | Subscribe

GAME NOTES: The second-ranked Texas Longhorns hit the road for the first time in 2009, as they travel to Laramie this weekend to take on the Wyoming Cowboys in non-conference action from War Memorial Stadium.

Mack Brown's Longhorns are once again a true contender for the national title this year and the team enters 2009 with streak of eight consecutive 10-win seasons. Their season-opening performance did little to change minds about their national championship legitimacy, as Texas made light work of UL-Monroe, 59-20. With the win, UT has now won 14 straight non-conference games, the third longest such streak in the country.

The Cowboys may have bit off more than they can chew, as they enter this game off a hard-fought 29-22 win over FCS foe Weber State. Still, it was a nice way to ease first-year coach Dave Christensen into his new job.

Texas is making its first-ever trip to the state of Wyoming and they represent the highest ranked opponent that the Cowboys have ever hosted in Laramie. This is the third all-time meeting between these two teams, but first since 1978. Texas won the two prior matchups, outscoring Wyoming 51-10 in the two games combined.

Senior quarterback Colt McCoy is certainly one of the top players in the nation and a real candidate for the Heisman Trophy this season. He did little to hurt his chances against the Warhawks in the opener, completing 21-of-29 passes, for 317 yards and two TDs. All-American candidate Jordan Shipley was everywhere on the field, hauling in eight balls for 180 yards and one TD.

In all, it was a balanced effort for Texas, as the team rolled up 562 yards of total offense, getting 199 yards on the ground in addition to McCoy's passing efforts. Vondrell McGee led the way with 70 yards and one TD, but Cody Johnson made his presence felt as well, scoring TDs on three of his 11 carries.

Despite allowing 20 points to UL-Monroe, Texas held the visitors under 300 yards of total offense. Still, it may take some time for the defensive line to come together, as three key starters from last year are gone. The hope is that moving standout senior Sergio Kindle up front will solve part of the problem. Kindle finished with just three tackles last week, but did record two QB hurries and it is only a matter of time before he is causing all kinds of problems in the backfield. Junior end Sam Acho adds another playmaker up front. He finished with four total tackles, but was responsible for both of Texas' fumble recoveries. Another playmaker worthy of note was senior middle linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy, who led the team with seven tackles in the opener.

The Cowboys had their way on the ground against Weber State, rushing for an impressive 246 yards, on over five yards per carry. Junior tailback Darius Terry handled the majority of the carries, toting the ball 23 times for 99 yards, with two TDs. It was a good thing too, as neither junior Robert Benjamin nor freshman Austyn Carta-Samuels was very effective under center. The pair combined to convert 16-of-31 passes, for 188 yards. Junior wideout David Leonard was the target of choice against the Wildcats, grabbing seven balls, for 87 yards.

One of the nation's best kept secrets is Wyoming's solid defensive play. With eight starters returning to the fold, the team picked up in 2009 right where it left off in 2008. Sure the Cowboys gave up a lot of passing yards to Weber State (322), but in turn, recorded five interceptions, led by freshman Shamiel Gary's three picks. Gary also led the team with seven total tackles and was recognized as the National Defensive Back of the Week for his efforts. Gary credits the coaching staff for putting him in the right position to make big plays.

"We expected Weber State to pass the ball a lot, and our coaches prepared us to see a lot of screen passes. The coaches told me to just keep the ball in front of me today -- don't let anyone behind me."

Senior defensive end John Fletcher also made his presence felt in the opener, with four of his five tackles coming behind the line of scrimmage, including two sacks.

Coach Brown is familiar with Dave Christensen and seems confident in his team's ability to get the job done this week.

"He (Christensen) was the offensive coordinator and the architect of one of the best offenses in college football at Missouri, and he's a guy that we have seen for the 12 years that we've been here, so we know what they're going to do offensively."

The Cowboys have an ambitious schedule this season, but the team has not arrived yet and is in way over its head in this one. Look for Texas to have its way both on the ground and through the air and put this one away some time in the first half.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Texas 44, Wyoming 10