Texas Basketball: 10 Biggest Telltale Games on the Horns' 2011-12 Schedule

So far this season, Texas hasn't shown itself to be any kind of basketball power, showing up at 5-2 with losses to both Oregon State and North Carolina State. UT has the potential, however, to morph into a dangerous enemy for anyone on the court.

Rick Barnes knows how to win games. He's been doing it for 12 consecutive seasons, putting up over 20 notches in the win column each year and leading his team onto the Big Dance to boot. This slow start is, to him, just a bump in the road.

This extremely young squad is one of the most talented in the nation. Three freshmen have started every game so far, putting a lot of pressure on veteran leaders J'Covan Brown and Alexis Wangmene to not only perform, but also to provide a good example on and off the court.

Taking on top-ranked squads can be huge games for young players who just want to prove themselves to a fanbase, NBA recruiters or doubters around the country. Texas' young potential will have many a chance to do just that this season.

The Longhorns' big-time games this season will be of the utmost importance. Some will be at home and others will be away but wins in these games can be what propel this team to the top of the conference.

We take a look at the top 10 matchups that are season-changers for Texas.

Dec. 21 at UNC

The No. 4-ranked Tarheels will take on Texas at home just four days before Christmas. Their nationally acclaimed squad is one of the toughest in the country and Chapel Hill is no walk in the park. 

A young 'Horn squad like the one based out of Austin seems to have all of the potential to get crushed in North Carolina, but this game is an important pre-conference matchup and if UT can pull if off...it will have the ability to be the highlight of the season and prove that Texas is for real. 

Jan. 11 vs. Texas A&M

The Aggies and the Longhorns are long-time rivals. A&M has just recently emerged as a player in the college basketball world, actually beating the Longhorns consistently in recent years. UT faces Texas A&M early on this season in what is the last time the Aggies will occupy the Big 12.

The game will just be overall important, especially to the fans. This is the last time UT will face off against A&M at home and a win against this talented Aggie squad will speak volumes. 

Jan. 14 at Missouri

The undefeated No. 10 Missouri Tigers is one of the most loaded teams in the Big 12. Their talent levels are higher than most in the country as Denmon and English lead a squad that has big-time potential.

As Texas visits Mizzou in their last trip to the state, a big win over such a talented team would send a message across the nation that Texas is the real deal. Facing off in the Tiger Den and coming out alive would be something to be proud of for this young 'Horn squad.  

Jan. 18 at Kansas State

Kansas State has recently emerged as one of the best teams in the nation under coach Frank Martin. Although unranked for now, the Wildcats are undefeated and have the potential to play into the Big 12's title run.

Grabbing a win in Manhattan would be a gigantic upset for this young squad. Winning on the road is tough enough, but beating a good team in the process is priceless.  

Jan. 21 vs. Kansas

Kansas is Kansas. Basketball in that state is bigger than anything else. The school has seeded in the top eight in the NCAA tournament for the past 20 years and this year looks like it will be no different. 

Texas faces this Jayhawk squad at home in late January in a game that could turn a mediocre season into one to be remembered. 

Jan. 28 at Baylor

For the moment, Baylor is the top-ranked team in the Big 12. The best revival story in the nation resides in Waco and as the Bears look to win the conference, the Longhorns look to upset them on the road. 

Teams don't get to match up against Top 10 teams a lot over the course of the year and Texas must take advantage of this huge game in Waco. 

Jan. 30 vs. Missouri

As I said earlier, Mizzou owns probably the most talent in the Big 12. Their veteran leaders played last season together and feel they could top the conference for the first time ever in the regular season. 

They visit Austin in late January looking to knock off the 'Horns at home. One of UT's biggest home games and at this point this matchup could be determinant in the Big 12 title.  

Feb. 6 at Texas A&M

The last time the 'Horns will play in College Station as conference rivals, this game will be just as big as the first one in the season. It's not every day that you play your long-time rival for the last time. 

A veteran-led Aggie squad will be tough to take down at home, but the emotion of this matchup makes it a toss-up from any perspective. 

Feb. 20 vs. Baylor

This late February matchup against the now-top-ranked Bears might be one of the biggest games in the conference. As solid as Baylor has looked so far this season, they might be coming into Austin still ranked in the Top 10 and looking to secure the Big 12.

The Longhorns should have something to say about that as their young talent should have evolved at this point in the year, making this a classic upset bid.  

Mar. 3 at Kansas

Texas' only game in March during the regular season, this finale in Lawrence should be pure talent against talent. Kansas is always in mix for the Big 12 title and with the Longhorns coming to visit, they will need a solid win to finish out any doubt, especially with squads like Missouri, Baylor and A&M probably right behind them.

The Jayhawks might underestimate this UT squad at first, but by this game they will be more than certain of their talent. If the 'Horns want to notch another 20-win season into the books, this might be the game to secure that, so watch out for a huge matchup in early March Madness.