Texas Football: David Ash Shows Flashes of Brilliance in Week 1 Win

In David Ash's first game running the no-huddle offense at Texas, he looked impressive as the Texas Longhorns look to make a run at a BCS bowl game. 

In the Longhorns' 56-7 win over the New Mexico State Aggies, Ash threw for 343 yards and completed 20 of his 28 pass attempts. He also ran for 91 yards on just eight carries. 

Also, the 715 total yards of offense that Texas racked up on the Aggies is a school record. 

Last season, Ash threw for over 300 yards just three times in 12 starts and didn't accomplish the feat until Week 3. But now in the new uptempo offense, Ash looked much more comfortable, especially as the game went along. 

Ash actually struggled early in the game, throwing two interceptions and two touchdowns. 

But in the second half, Ash went to a whole new level that fans in Austin simply haven't seen yet from the junior gunslinger. 

In the final 30 minutes, Ash threw two more touchdowns, added a score on the ground and didn't turn the ball over once. 

One of the biggest concerns going into the season was whether or not Ash could grasp the concepts of an uptempo offense after struggling with his decision-making in his first two seasons. 

In his first two seasons, Ash racked up 23 touchdowns but 16 interceptions. Those simply aren't good numbers for a quarterback for the Longhorns. 

Coming into 2013, though, Ash had a new level of confidence. He also leads all Big 12 quarterbacks in career starts with 19, one more than TCU starter Casey Pachall. 

Texas head coach Mack Brown said at Big 12 media days that Ash would work well in the no-huddle offense. 

"We think we've got better players around him now," Brown said. "We should be better in the offensive line. He is much more confident than at any time. I thought his comeback in the Alamo Bowl really, really helped him with our team, with his confidence, and I think it helps him nationally, and I think he'll have a big year."

Ash certainly seems to have adopted to the new system. It'll be interesting to see if he can keep up the momentum through the rest of the season. He'll get a good test in Week 2 against a pesky BYU Cougars team. 

*All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.