As the Texas Longhorns prepare to kick off their season against the Texas State Bobcats, all eyes will be on new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. This matchup, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at Royal-Memorial Stadium, marks Muschamp's return to Texas football, where he previously served as defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2010.
During the offseason, Muschamp made headlines while recruiting Rasheem Biles from the transfer portal. Their initial communication hiccup, stemming from Muschamp texting an outdated phone number, led to an important lesson for both. Biles reflected on Muschamp's intense coaching style, recalling a moment when he faced Muschamp's fiery demeanor after making mistakes during practice. "You’ve just got to look at him like a man... I made sure it didn’t happen again," Biles stated, highlighting the accountability Muschamp demands from his players.
Muschamp's reputation for intensity is well-known among Texas fans, particularly due to his memorable halftime outburst during a 2009 game against Colorado. His hiring by head coach Steve Sarkisian last December was aimed at revitalizing a Longhorns defense that ranked 28th in the nation for scoring defense last season. With Muschamp at the helm, Texas hopes to improve upon its performance and meet the high expectations set for the season, as they enter the campaign ranked fifth in the Associated Press preseason poll.
Brian Jones, a CBS Sports college football analyst and former Texas player, expressed confidence in Muschamp's ability to enhance the team's defensive strategy. "I know what he brings to bear, and these guys are going to benefit from his aggressiveness," Jones said. He emphasized Muschamp's potential impact on the locker room, suggesting that his coaching style could lead to a successful season on the defensive side of the ball.
In preparation for the upcoming game, Muschamp has instilled a 'fast and physical' defensive philosophy. He has welcomed new talent, including Biles, linebacker Justin Cryer from Florida State, and cornerback Bo Mascoe from Rutgers, while retaining key players like defensive lineman Hero Kanu and defensive backs Jelani McDonald and Graceson Littleton. The addition of these players aims to bolster the Longhorns' defensive capabilities.
As the Longhorns gear up to face Texas State, they will encounter a formidable challenge. The Bobcats' offense was prolific last season, averaging 36.5 points per game and returning record-setting quarterback Brad Jackson along with two 1,000-yard receivers. Sarkisian noted that Texas State employs a fast-paced offense with wide splits, which could serve as a precursor to the styles of other teams they will face later in the season, including Tennessee and LSU.
"It's a very good scheme. It’s tough to defend," Sarkisian remarked, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by Texas State's offensive strategy. With the added time to prepare, the Longhorns are determined to showcase their revamped defense under Muschamp's guidance in what promises to be an exciting season opener.
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