Offensive Line
This is already the second time this year the offensive line has been put on this list.
This time, it’s because they aren’t opening running lanes for its running backs — junior Johnathan Gray and senior Malcolm Brown. The Longhorns struggled to run the ball against Kansas as it put eight and nine men in the box. Texas needs to find a way to improve its running game, and that starts up front with the linemen. The Longhorns also need to protect sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes and allow him time to throw the deep ball.
Nick Rose
Junior kicker Nick Rose hasn’t had the best 2014 season thus far. After Texas scored its first touchdown against Kansas, Rose missed the extra point, something he hadn’t done all season. Rose also had a field goal blocked against the Jayhawks, but he wasn’t given enough time to get the kick off after defenders blew through the line.
Rose has missed fifty percent of his kicks this season. The Longhorns will need him to be much better when they take on Baylor.
John Harris and Steve Edmond
Senior wide receiver John Harris and senior linebacker Steve Edmond have both had solid seasons. Harris has been a big surprise, leading the team in receiving yards with 336 and receiving touchdowns with four. Edmond has recorded 40 total tackles and is a key component of the Longhorn defense this season.
But both provided Baylor with bulletin board material. After the spring game, Edmond went on a rant about Baylor, which didn’t exactly sit well with the Bears.
“I really don’t like Baylor,” Edmond said. “I still think they’re trash … Baylor gets the win and acts like they had never won before. Even in high school, you know how to react when you win a game. It’s not like you never won a game. I’m like, ‘They won it, so what?’ They still suck to me.”
Harris followed Edmond’s lead by misspeaking at Monday’s press conference. Bear fans weren’t too pleased with his statement either.
“They’re still Baylor,” Harris said. “Just because they started playing better, that’s good for them. We’re still Texas.”
Now, Harris and Edmond must step up and back up their statements.
