The Muschamp Effect

28-41 (68.2%), 387 yds, 5 TD, 2 Int.

Normally, a stellar stat-line like this would warrant a resounding victory. Right?

Wrong. These gaudy numbers belong to a certain Sam Bradford, whose former #1 Oklahoma Sooners fell to the new #1 Texas Longhorns in an instant classic. Many people see these numbers and are immediately doubtful as to whether or not Texas' pass defense has returned to its former championship caliber. With the addition of Will Muschamp to the Texas sideline, Horns fans were excited to see a dramatic improvement over last year's lowly-touted pass defense, because in the super-strong Big XII this year, poor pass defense won't get you very far. Let's see how they've done this year compared to last. 

2008 Schedule (As of Oct 15)

Florida Atlantic Owls:    Passing - 17/39 (43.5%), 255 yds (6.5 ypa), TD, Int

         Rushing - 23 carries, 37 yds (1.6 ypc)

UTEP Miners:              Passing - 24/46 (52.1%), 267 yds (5.8 ypa), TD

                 Rushing - 31 carries, 145 yds (4.7 ypc)

Rice Owls:                  Passing - 30/48 (62.5%), 301 yds (6.3 ypa), TD

                 Rushing - 24 carries, 17 yds (0.7 ypc)

Arkansas Razorbacks:  Passing - 14/28 (50.0%), 180 yds (6.4 ypa), Int

                Rushing - 26 carries, 11 yds (0.4 ypc)

Colorado Buffaloes:     Passing - 17/38 (44.7%), 217 yds (5.7 ypa), 2 TD

               Rushing - 28 carries, 49 yds (1.8 ypc)

Oklahoma Sooners:     Passing - 28/41 (68.2%), 387 yds (9.4 ypa), 5 TD, 2 Int

Rushing - 26 carries, 48 yds (1.8 ypc)

Now, I'm sure many of you hate seeing a jumbled mess of numbers and abbreviations like this, so allow me to put it in perspective for you. Up to this point, Muschamp's defense is allowing roughly 268 yards per game passing, and merely 51 yards per game rushing. That puts them at 3rd in the nation in rush defense, as compared to 6th in the nation last year, allowing 93 yards per game. The combination of a fiery DC along with a more experienced D-Line can be attributed to the "turnaround," if it were to be branded as a turnaround. The main concern among 'Horns fans was and is the secondary and pass defense efficiency. After coming in at 70th in pass efficiency defense last year under Duane Akina, the 'Horns rank a modest 61st in pass efficiency defense thus far this year.

The most interesting stat-line: last year, Texas came in at 109th in the nation in total pass defense, allowing almost 278 yards per game. This year, with the retooled defense under Muschamp, the secondary - loaded with freshmen and sophomores - comes in ranked.... 109th. They allow ten yards less per game, but still have maintained the same national rank. 

A place to start is with this year's young secondary's national rank in total defense. Muschamp's squad is ranked 40th this year, as opposed to Akina's group, which came in at 52nd. This may not be a huge improvement, but it's a stepping stone. It'll be interesting to see how much the defense - and in particular the pass defense and pass efficiency defense - improves over the next few seasons. 

What this boils down to is the intangibles that Muschamp brings to the table. Unparalleled fiery intensity, heart, and an attitude adjustment are all things that the new Texas defense has that cannot be expressed numerically. The defense has gotten stronger each quarter, each half, and each game, and the ever-increasing confidence can be seen and felt on the field each kickoff. That intensity has permeated throughout the team, and anyone who has followed the 'Horns for any length of time.

In years past, a Chizik-led or Akina-led 'Horns defense that fell behind 14-3 early on in a game against OU would have folded or come close to it. The fact that Muschamp has inspired the defense speaks for the performance of the rest of the team. The offense, who previously would have seemed to fold under pressure, is now exuding power in the hands of its Heisman hopeful. 

As a lifelong 'Horns fan, I can find little solace in the defensive numbers. Where I find confidence is in Will Muschamp. Texas hired him for a reason, and halfway through his first year, we've already seen some marked improvements. He's brought a level of swagger not seen in Austin since the days of the Vince Young era, and it is important to keep in mind that this is only the midway point in the season, and there are still 7, maybe even 8, incredibly important tests to come. 

Good luck Coach Muschamp, and Hook 'em 'Horns.