Over the past two years, media types and fans alike have questioned, "Where is the Texas running game? Why can't the Horns run the ball?" In 2008, the Horns were led by QB Colt McCoy in yards rushing with 542, and in 2009 Tre Newton led the way, with a total in the mid 500s. As spring ball approached, Head Coach Mack Brown has decided Texas needs to establish a more potent downhill running attack, and has spent considerable time in spring practice implementing a "H-Back" formation (i.e. the return of the 2 back set). It seems everyone in Austin and across the country is intent on Texas finding a way to run the ball consistently, and get away from the pass first mentality of the past two seasons.
My question: Why?
Let's look at the past two years. A record of 26-2, with 2 BCS bowl appearances. An offense that averaged more than 40 points per game each year. 2009 produced a national championship birth, a Big 12 conference Championship, a Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and multiple All Americans. 2008 produced a Fiesta Bowl victory over Ohio State, a Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, multiple All Americans. Both seasons produced a Heisman finalist, Walter Camp Player of the Year, 2 victories over OU, 2 victories over TAMU. Save an ill fated drop by Blake Gideon, we'd be talking about back to back Big 12 titles, BCS Championship births, at least one Heisman trophy, and arguable the greatest two years in the modern history of Texas football.
So why change things up? Because of the loss of All Everything QB Colt McCoy? Hogwash. Texas has locked up some of the greatest QB talent to come out of the state in years precisely because of the pass happy offense Mack has run over the past two years. Sophomore Garrett Gilbert proved in the 2nd half of the BCS Title game that the offense designed for Colt McCoy was exactly the offense Gilbert was comfortable running from his days dominating Texas high school football. Look at the numbers: in the first half, behind a run first, conservative game plan, Gilbert endured the worse half possible, going 1-10 with 2 interceptions and -4 yards. Ouch. When Mack and offensive coordinator opened the playbook in the 2nd half, Gilbert lit up the vaunted Alabama defense with 2 long touchdowns to bring Texas within a whisker of the most improbably championship in decades. Watch the tape - the Longhorns didn't outplay Alabama for most of the 2nd half by adjusting the game plan to run the ball - they came within 3 points with under 3 minutes to go because they allowed the talent of their stud QB to play in the system which he committed to playing to when he originally signed with Texas.
I know McCoy can't be replaced. I also know Gilbert is more of a true passer without the escapability or running skills of McCoy (I don't see Gilbert torching A&M for 175 yards on the ground this Thanksgiving). That said, if Mack and the coaches are going to adjust the game plan entirely to focus on the run and misuse the talents of the players brought to Texas to run the offense perfected by their predecessors, Longhorn fans may as well dig in for a few years of OU shellackings and trips to the Alamo Bowl. (which, for those you unaware, is the new destination for the #2 team in the Big 12, replacing the Holiday Bowl)
