Texas will be better in 2010

Mel Kiper, like most media, thinks Texas will take a step back this season, citing the loss of McCoy and Shipley. This is the default position on the Horns going into this season, as the loss of a prolific QB-WR duo presents challenges to any team, particularly when said duo was the most productive in program history.

However, we believe the Texas offense will slowly grow into a more balanced and yes, more productive (or at least more efficient) unit this season. Gilbert will need a few weeks to find his rhythm, but he has the luxury of time since the nation's best defense will keep the pressure off. By October 2, Gilbert will have become comfortable in this offense and confident in his ample weapons at WR and RB, having cut his teeth in games against both Tech and UCLA.

By eliminating the high-risk/low-reward short passes of the shotgun-spread offense employed under Colt, Gilbert will be throwing fewer balls into dangerous windows and instead will rely on more hand-offs and playaction passes downfield. Effectively, this will be a lower-risk/higher reward offense, perfect for a first-year starter who can be patient knowing he has a stellar defense to support his learning curve.

In the end, the 2010 Texas offense will prove more productive in both scoring and efficiency, which will lead to Texas being better overall in 2010 due to the improved defense. However, the schedule is much more difficult this season than last, so an improved overall team from the '09 runners-up does not necessarily mean Texas will win the '10 national title. Texas indeed can win the championship this year, but it is going to need a few breaks as well as use its best performances against its toughest opponents (OU and Nebraska), something it did not do last season.