Garrett Gilbert, Texas Longhorns Ready for Breakout Game Against UCLA Bruins

The Texas Longhorns will host the UCLA Bruins on Saturday afternoon in what will be their premier non-conference matchup of the 2010 season.

In three games as the Horns’ signal caller, Garrett Gilbert has showed his composure and poise. Now he is ready to jump into the spotlight as the next big thing on the Forty Acres.

The game still holds significance as a final tune-up before Texas clashes with Oklahoma in Dallas for their annual Red River Rivalry, a game that will have all of the college football world speculating.

Typically, the winner of that game goes on to represent the Big 12 South in the conference championship game, and a breakout performance from Gilbert against UCLA will build confidence in preparation for an Oklahoma defense ranked 89th overall that gives up over 400 yards of offense per game.

But let us not get ahead of ourselves.

Despite the Bruins’ recent victory over No. 23 Houston, the injury to the Cougars’ star quarterback Case Keenum cannot be overstated, but credit is due to UCLA’s running game that racked up 266 yards on the ground.

The Horns are coming off a 24-14 win over the Red Raiders, where the sophomore Gilbert threw for 227 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions that were easily avoidable. But the key to the game was not the interceptions, nor was it the defensive mismatch that Texas so proficiently displayed against Texas Tech.

The key was the emergence of viable targets for the pigskin.

Continuing the development of capable and consistent receivers will only magnify Gilbert’s skills in the passing game, and connecting on the deep ball can finally turn this sleeping giant of an offense into a juggernaut—though the offensive line undoubtedly needs to up its performance.

True freshman Mike Davis and senior James Kirkendoll combined for 12 receptions and 167 yards. These two pass catchers will be critical in Gilbert’s development in both the short and long term.

Throw in the speedy talent Marquise Goodwin, and there are makings of some potent combos all over the field.

The trust between quarterback and receivers is beginning to come full circle.

Now poised for a breakout, if Gilbert continues to build that confidence and comfort with his wideouts, it might allow this Longhorns offense to take flight, and the matchup against an inferior UCLA defense will let the 72nd-ranked unit bloom in ways that fans have not yet witnessed. 

Winning Signs

Multiple signs point to a healthy margin of victory for Texas.

The highly competent UCLA rushing attack will face off against the FBS’ top-ranked rush defense in the Longhorns, who give up just 44 yards per game (9.5 yards less than the second-ranked Boise State).

Overall, the Horns’ defense ranks second, allowing 206 yards per game.

Meanwhile, the Bruins are 105th in rush defense, 27th in pass defense, and 76th overall—clearly not a daunting defensive unit by any means, but Rick Neuheisel’s team will be playing with an air of confidence coming off a big win over Houston.

Should the Horns' defense have its way with a one-dimensional Bruins offense ranked 31st in rushing, 118th in passing, 105th in scoring, and 99th overall, do not be surprised if Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis begins to open the playbook and truly test Gilbert’s arm and precision. 

Digesting the Bruins’ Defense

Bruins safety Rahim Moore will be a point of emphasis for Gilbert. Keeping the 6'1" junior on his heels should leave ample throwing space behind a couple of sophomore corners for UCLA.

Apart from Moore and junior linebacker Akeem Ayers, UCLA lacks the true playmakers on the defensive side of the ball to make impact plays.

With UCLA giving up over 350 yards of offense—mostly on the ground—to both Kansas State and Stanford to open the year, Texas may very well have its way moving the chains on Saturday with either dimension.

Young players like Davis, Goodwin, and Barrett Matthews could have lasting impacts in this game. 

The Best Offense Is a Good Defense?

Ironically, Texas’ defensive bullying could be a leading factor in Gilbert’s breakout performance.

The sophomore has seldom controlled the offense while the team held a healthy advantage, and with a defensive unit that allows just over 12 points a game—tied for ninth in the FBS—Gilbert can ease into executing a game plan that could be a preview of the things to see against the Sooners in a couple of weeks.

Establishing a comfort zone with little pressure will open the outlets in the passing game, clearly with the looming Red River Rivalry game in the headlights.

A quick start offensively, followed by a stonewall effort on defense, will build that buffer zone that ultimately will break Gilbert’s shell and push him onto the scene as one of the top young quarterbacks in the country.