Glad to have you. You're correct in that UT (Big UT, not the smaller school in Tennessee) does not run a typical Big 12 offense. With Sam at QB, it's more balanced and less pass-happy. Last year, you could fairly characterize our offense as a balanced attack that was very proficient at ball control, generating first downs, wearing down defenses, etc. Herman also has many tricks up his sleeve and likes to run trick plays, wildcards, and other unusual plays more frequently than most coaches. We also go to a hurry-up offense with regularity. Look to OU, Baylor, and Tech for the current best examples of the "classic" Big 12 pass-happy spread offenses.
Our biggest loss is LJH, arguably the best possession/ball control WR in the game last year. We'll have more speed on the field at WR this year and are very deep, but LJH will be missed. Epps may play a role similar to LJH this year, but IMHO Epps is nowhere near our most talented WR. We'll also likely hand off the ball more to the RBs to keep Sam from so much contact (which he seems to genuinely relish). Ingram's recurring mild injuries could put that plan in jeopardy--plus you can't stop Sam from taking off running on his own and lowering his shoulder... It's effective, but dangerous. Other than Bama, this will probably be the best OL LSU will face all year. We have the first competent OL coach we've had in eons (Hand), and he's very, very good. LSU will be the only team UT faces with arguably better overall team speed than we have, and it's pretty close (I'd put OU as roughly equal in overall team speed to us). I've long regarded LSU as a program with generally superior raw talent but so-so coaching.
It's been discussed upthread by both UT and LSU fans, but I would anticipate some growing pains early this season at LSU with their new offense. I wouldn't be surprised if they revert back to their more traditional attack if their new offense sputters against UT.
This is a great match up, that may be decided by turnovers, kicking game, home field advantage, and intangibles. Also, these are two great, and generally congenial, fan bases--the tailgate has the potential to be one of the best ever experienced.
Texas by 7.
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