CNNSI.com - 2000 College Football Preview - CNNSI.com's Texas preview

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Texas Longhorns

Taming the two-headed QB monster

College Football: The New Century

'99: 9-5, 6-2 Big 12

Coach

Mack Brown (third season, 18-8; 104-82-1 overall)

Key offensive players

Major Applewhite, QB, Jr.
Returning Big 12 co-Offensive Player of the Year (271 completions, 3,439 yards, 21 TDs) says his knee is recovered after post-season surgery.

Chris Simms, QB, So.
Coaches rave about his handling of the offense and his arm strength after strong spring performance during Applewhite's absence.

Hodges Mitchell, TB, Sr. Undersized threat wore down because of too much work last year, becoming the only back in Texas history to gain 1,300 rushing yards (1,343 yards) and 300 yards receiving (32 catches, 343 yards).

Leonard Davis, T, Sr.
Massive left tackle is quicker and in better condition after losing weight over the summer.

Key defensive players

Casey Hampton, DT, Sr.
Hard-nosed run stuffer who improved his pass-rushing techniques during limited spring work.

Ivan Maisel's Player of the Century: Ricky Williams, RB 1995-98
"The most yards ever, for a year."

Brightest Moment: "The Big Shootout" 1969 victory over No. 2 Arkansas, in which the No. 1 Longhorns stormed back for two late touchdowns to claim a 15-14 triumph in the final regular-season game.

Lowest Moment: The infamous "Rout 66" loss to UCLA -- 66-3 -- that signaled the beginning of the end for coach John Mackovic following a 4-7 '97 season.

Shaun Rogers, DT, Sr.
Combines with Hampton to provide Texas with the best pair of defensive tackles in the conference.

Quentin Jammer, CB, Jr.
His move from safety will allow the Longhorns to play a more physical pressing pass defense.

Key newcomer

Roy Williams, B.J. Johnson, Sloan Thomas, WRs, Fr.
Longhorns' lack of depth at the position should enable all three true freshmen to contribute immediately.

Throwback player

MLB De'Andre Lewis reminds Texas fans of defensive players like Tommy Nobis and Scott Appleton with his production and leadership.

21st century player

Simms could develop into the kind of new-age passing wizard Texas has never had -- if he can win the job from Applewhite.

Fast fact

Texas has not returned a kickoff for a touchdown since Oct. 28, 1978, the longest drought in Division I-A.

Outlook

The Longhorns are stacked with 18 returning starters and two talented quarterbacks that most other coaches would die for. If Brown can handle his looming quarterback controversy and if the line grows up after late struggles last year, a South Division championship should be attainable. The defense is loaded, and the return of Jammer will allow the pass defense to become more physical in coverage. Even though Brown has hinted his team has been overrated in most preseason polls coming into the season, a run at the national championship might come in the next couple of years. Maybe even this year.

-- Tim Griffin