T-Row's Top 25...No. 7 Texas

Originally Published: Aug 30, 2010 5:19 PM CDT

In my opinion, Texas is being ranked in everybodys preseason Top Five simply because theyre Texas. If you realistically look at their team...you cant put them that high. A new, unproven quarterback and a changing offensive scheme raise reasons for concern in Austin.

Garrett Gilbert showed flashes of promise when filling in for Colt McCoy in last years BCS Championship Game. But hes never been in the cauldron of the Cotton Bowl in early October. Just how hell react as the Horns main man is still unknown. And Mack Browns desire to move to a more pro-style offensive attack could have some growing pains. The Texas running game has left something to be desired.

Defensively, however, Will Muschamps crew will be good enough to win most games on their own. The Acho boys anchor an attacking, play-making, ball-hawking defense that can suffocate one-dimensional teams. Texas will be hard to throw against. With three of four starters back in the secondary, falling behind is a bad idea for opponents.

Mack Brown also has a pair of really dangerous return men in D.J. Monroe and Marquise Goodwin. They are game-changers.

I think the Horns lose back-to-back games midseason against Oklahoma and at Nebraska. I think Gilbert will be a bit dazed by his first Red River Rivalry and the chaotic environment of Lincoln.

Prediction: 10-2