 "Photo: Paul Chouy")
Senior defensive end Brian Orakpo and junior quarterback Colt McCoy prove that everything's subjective.
Talking to the media after Wednesday's scrimmage, the first of the season in full pads, McCoy mentioned that he had a 70-yard touchdown run. Seems like quite an accomplishment against new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp's revved-up defense.
That's not how Orakpo saw it, though. All quarterbacks wear black shirts to practice, and defensive players are not allowed to hit them.
"If Colt wants to say that, he can," Orakpo said. "But when we see a quarterback, we can't do anything about it."
With the scrimmage closed to the media and fans, there's no way to tell what really happened with McCoy. Other than that, the players seemed to reach a consensus on everything else - particularly that there were some big plays during the scrimmage and that the team seems to be coming together well, especially the offensive line and defensive front seven.
"Everybody's learning, running to the ball and playing fast," said senior linebacker Rashad Bobino. "As long as everybody's playing fast, we're going to do good, and that's what we were doing today."
On offense McCoy ran for a touchdown and threw one to James Kirkendoll. Freshman 6-foot-4-inch wide receiver Dan Buckner, one of the many receivers battling for spots three through six, caught a touchdown.
"The young guys are really stepping up; it was good to see how they would react in certain situations," McCoy said. "I thought Malcom [Williams] played well today, and overall I was pleased with the receivers."
Linebackers Jared Norton and Roddrick Muckelroy had a big hit on the goal line to fire up the defense, and defensive end Aaron Lewis forced a turnover.
"Everybody's showing up," Bobino said. "This is what scrimmages are for: To see which players step up and have a good time."
The scrimmage gave Texas a chance to practice going no-huddle. The defense doesn't huddle at all, and the offense plans on going no-huddle more. With the new 40-second play-clock rule, a lot of teams will utilize the no-huddle this year.
"It's going to be real efficient and I think it's going to be good for us," said senior receiver Quan Cosby. "You get a little tired, but you can really catch defenses off guard."
This was the first time the Longhorns played in a newly renovated Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
"It's good to see how the young guys would react in the stadium to certain situations," McCoy said. "Obviously playing the bubble and out on the practice fields is good, but there's something about coming into the stadium. You can tell who wants it and who doesn't."
The team has another closed scrimmage on Saturday. Wednesday and Saturday's scrimmages will help the coaching staff get a better picture of the team's situation at defensive back, running back and receiver.
Game time announced
The good news: Fans won't have to worry about heat stroke for Texas' season opener against Florida Atlantic University. The bad news: If you want to see the game, you'll have to pay up.
The season opener will kick off Saturday Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. and will be televised by Big 12 Special Order Sports, FSN Southwest's pay-per-view division.
Fewer than 1,000 tickets remain on sale to the general public. Seats are $65, and fans interested in purchasing tickets can order online at www.TexasBoxOffice.com or call (512) 471-3333.
Injury report
Longhorn tight end Josh Marshall sustained a left scapula (shoulder) fracture during practice, football athletic trainer Kenny Boyd said Tuesday. No timetable has been set for his return. Marshall's injury thins the depth of the tight end position.
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