6. TEXAS

2005 record: 13-0, 8-0 (1st in Big 12 South)  
2005 bowl: Beat USC 41-38 in Rose
2005 final AP/coaches' ranking: 1/1
Coach: Mack Brown, (83-19, 8 years; 169-93-1 overall, 22 years)
Offensive coordinator: Greg Davis (9th year)
Co-defensive coordinators: Gene Chizik (2nd year); Duane Akina (3rd year)
Offensive scheme: Pro Set
Defensive scheme: 4-3
Returning offensive starters: 6
Returning defensive starters: 7
Location: Austin, Texas
Stadium: Memorial (grass, 80,082)
Last league title: 2005
2006 schedule: [view]
2005 statistics: [view]

Offense: Texas must deal with a potential negative as it seeks to defend its national title. The Longhorns will utilize a quarterback who has yet to throw a collegiate pass. But here’s the positive: If the new quarterback can master the skill of handing off, he should be just fine. Vince Young’s early departure to the NFL seemingly opened a chasm as big as Texas. The Longhorns won’t try to replace Young (how could they?), and will make due with some talented youngsters. Redshirt freshman Colt McCoy, smart and steady, is the safe choice (along with an early choice for the all-name team). True freshman Jevan Snead, who originally committed to Florida before switching to Texas, has the better upside, along with a rocket-launching arm. But neither McCoy nor Snead will be the offensive focus. That task goes to a backfield oozing with talent. Sophomore Jamaal Charles is a stud. Senior Selvin Young has loads of experience. The new quarterback also has quality returning at wide receiver, including juniors Limas Sweed and Billy Pittman. And if he needs more encouragement, there’s an offensive line that will show little to no drop-off, due to 305-pound guard Kasey Studdard, 315-pound center Lyle Sendlein and 335-pound tackle Justin Blalock. (Note to Vince: Wow, look at what you are missing!).

David J. Phillip / AP file As a freshman, Texas running back Jamaal Charles ran for 878 yards and 11 touchdowns on only 119 carries during the Longhorns' drive to the national title.

Defense: Texas has enough returning players in the front seven to make running nearly impossible by Big 12 opponents. The Longhorns exploit their depth by rotating players on the line, assuring freshness and top effort. Junior defensive tackle Frank Okam has shifted away from the nose, and he’ll show up more in the face of running backs instead of occupying blockers. Senior defensive end Tim Crowder is the best of a talent bunch on the perimeter. Linebackers Rashad Bobino and Robert Killebrew are veterans of the unbeaten season. There is less depth in the secondary, but good quality in cornerback Tarell Brown and safety Michael Griffin, who is stylistically similar to departed Thorpe Award winner and first-rounder Michael Huff.  

Specialists: The new place-kicker (and punter) is left-footed Greg Johnson, a freshman All-American at Vanderbilt in 2002. Texas is loaded with players to handle return duties. Aaron Ross will take back punts, and Taylor could be really special as a kickoff returner

Game of the year Oct. 2 at Clemson It’s a chance for Miami to avenge last season’s 40-37 OT loss against the Tigers, when the 'Canes allowed a 10-play, 47-yard drive that led to a field goal with 5 seconds left in regulation. It’s also the third consecutive road game in the early season (also at Ohio State and Pitt) and the ACC opener that precedes a home game against Florida State.

Coaching: Mack Brown silenced all his critics — finally — by defeating Oklahoma, running the table and capturing his first national championship. One of the biggest reasons why the Longhorns prevailed was Brown’s strength — an amazing ability to stockpile talent and recruit elite players from Texas high schools. Brown is the ultimate coaching CEO, and his coordinators — Greg Davis (offense), Gene Chizik (co-defense) and Duane Akina (co-defense) are head coaches-in-waiting.

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Heisman hopefuls: Ah, what might have been. Had Young not bolted for the NFL, he  would’ve been one of the most solid Heisman frontrunners of our generation. Charles is a remaining possibility, but his numbers might be affected by a stacked backfield

Overview: It’s very simple. Texas is good enough to repeat as national champions if it can find a competent quarterback. Even with a learning curve, the Longhorns should be on the short list for a BCS bowl appearance. The times are awful good with a 22-game winning streak and the school’s first national title in 35 years. Times would’ve been great with Young’s presence, but Texas must move on without him. By the looks of the roster, the Longhorns will manage quite well.