Texas Longhorns Struggle Against Oklahoma Sooners--Must Return to Basics

Yesterday, the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns met in Dallas for their annual Red River Rivalry matchup. 

The Longhorns were favored as underdogs and had high hopes to prevail, to recover from last week’s loss against UCLA, but the cards weren’t in their favor.   

As tense as it was to sit on the 50-yard crowd division line next to Sooners, it was much worse seeing the Longhorns fall in defeat. 

Although it was seen last week that both offensive and defensive lines were struggling—it’s time to break it down to see what is holding them back from being the powerhouse that they once were.

Rewind and Relearn

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DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Running back Demarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs past D.J. Grant #18 of the Texas Longhorns in the third quarter at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Penalty, after penalty, after penalty.  The Longhorns could not seem to get their head on straight, especially the defense. 

The Longhorns ended the game with nine penalties for 81 yards. 

Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp needs to review the basics with his defensive line because the pass interferences and holding penalties gave the Sooners too many yards and may have cost them the game.

Did He Really Just Call That Play

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DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: The Oklahoma Sooners on offense against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

I don’t know what was worse…the plays he called or…no, it was definitely the plays he called. 

Greg Davis needs to do some reconsidering when making game changing calls. 

If he had no faith in the Longhorns making that 4-yard attempt at a touchdown and seriously thought the 3-point field goal would benefit the team more, then my deepest apologies. 

But with one of the best teams in the nation (despite the losses) he could at least challenge them a bit more and believe in them, too.

Garrett Gilbert Is the Leader...prove It

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DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Garrett Gilbert #7 of the Texas Longhorns reacts during play against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Granted we led in passing yards and had about the same amount as rushing yards as Oklahoma, the lack of first downs and incomplete passed contributed to the Longhorns downfall. 

Gilbert seems to lack the confidence and presence of a leader and needs to step up and make some decision with confidence.  Gilbert is good and he needs to believe it to make it happen.

It Only Takes a Little...

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DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Mack Brown of the Texas Longhorns yells on the sidelines during play against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Minor things need to be done in order for the Longhorns to be back on track for a good season. 

By starting with the basics of football, they can easily cut down on penalties and gain some confidence back in their key players.