One Austin-area radio host has changed his prediction of Texas' regular-season wins from nine to 10 after watching the team's first two open practices. While some players performed well in practice, there's certainly no reason for people to get ahead of themselves - yet.
We all know the problems Texas faces this year. Aside from a tough schedule, the secondary is young and unproven, the running backs do not have a proven, bona fide starter, and receiver spots three through six are a definite question mark.
Safety Earl Thomas had a very good practice Wednesday, and wide receiver Malcolm Williams looks like the real deal. Vondrell McGee, known for his power, looked quick at running back, and Whitaker broke off some big runs.
The defensive line and linebackers were quick to get to the football. Those two areas will be strengths.
Nobody has won a championship for having the best practices, though. If there were a prize for that, Mack Brown would probably make a case for his team to be in the BCS. Before every game the coach usually talks about how great the team's practices were that week.
But in the words of Allen Iverson, "We talking about practice!"
It's all different once a game hits. The fans, the television cameras, the lights, the pressure and the opponent all change everything. That's why I'm holding off on Texas' outlook.
For instance, Duane Akina will not be able to stand with the secondary and coach in the middle of the field once the whistle blows and prolific passer Rusty Smith starts taking snaps for Florida Atlantic on Aug. 30. Akina might like to, but we all know what happened to Chris Jessie for getting on the field in a game. The young corners and safeties have benefitted from Akina's hands-on attention in practice, and they definitely need it. When game time comes, they're all on their own.
It's much harder for a receiver to catch the ball with 98,000 eyes on him and a crushing hit awaiting him in the middle of a field during the game. That's why veteran receivers are such valued commodities. In Texas' case, Williams has shone in practice, and freshman Dan Buckner has shown great hands. But in learning a new offense with new routes, will they remember to run the right routes and be in the right place come game time? We'll have to wait and see.
McGee has gotten used to the speed of the college game after his experience last season. Whitaker didn't have that luxury. If he can duplicate what he's been doing in practice during the games, Texas will be in good shape.
Not everything from practice has been positive, though. Chris Ogbonnaya fumbled the football on the only big run he was able to break. John Chiles threw a few nice passes over the two days of open practice but still does not look like he is making the strides he needs in that area. Thomas did not look nearly as good on day two as he did on day one.
In general, the atmosphere around the early practices is positive. Players are playing with a lot of enthusiasm and are staying healthy.
We'll get a better picture of whether this is a nine-win or 10-win team on Aug. 30. Until then, Texas can play the part of an "under-the-radar" team that is a practice champion.
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