Big 12 South Preview: Sooners, Longhorns Vie for a Title

Finding a way to get all their linebackers on the field will be a daunting task for defensive coordinators Larry MacDuff and Duane Akina. In fact, considering the issues at corner, don't be surprised to see Kelson play some corner and this team use a 4-4 defense at times, or more of a 46 look with 4 linebackers on the field, as they have linebackers as athletic as safeties. The middle is manned by Rashad Bobino who had double digit tackles behind the line. His playmaking skills will be flanked by two seniors in Robert Killebrew and Scott Derry. Some of the woes of Texas' pass defense last year could be attributed to the linebackers poor coverage skills, which is why the more athletic Roddrick Muckelroy and Sergio Kindle may get more playing time on the outside. Killebrew and Derry combined to only defend two passes all of last year, a number that must increase for the Texas pass defense to improve, so while young and inexperienced, the Horns staff may just rely on the athletic talents alone of Kindle and Muckelroy and let them learn some more on the job. If the pass defense does improve, this defense will be good enough for this team to contend for the national championship, because the run defense will more than suffice. Last year's rush defense only allowed two teams to go over 100 yards, and held seven teams to 40 yards or less, and more of the same can be expected this year.

Quan Cosby will likely assume all the returning jobs, though with injuries so rampant among the receiver position, Mack Brown might hold off on using him as a return man until the unit gets healthier. Cosby will be one of the nation's best return men though, and Texas has plenty of high caliber athletes to put back there in the event Brown doesn't use him there early in the year. Trevor Gerland will become the new punter, though he did get a little playing time last year and his numbers were very similar to former starter Greg Johnson. Johnson also kicked field goals last year, though Ryan Bailey eventually replaced him and was 6 of 6 on field goals.

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