Sam Ehlinger was the Longhorns’ breakout star
in 2018. The quarterback led Texas to a victory
over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl and finished his
freshman season with 41 total touchdowns and just
five interceptions. He also thrived on the ground. A
battering ram in the red zone, he led the team in rushing TDs and finished third
in rushing yards. But now he’ll have someone to lighten his load.
Keaontay Ingram didn’t waste time making a good impression. He became
the first Texas true freshman in 13 years to score a touchdown in the season
opener. Ingram finished the year with 708 yards on 142 carries—and he
should see a sizable jump in both numbers. With starting RB Tre Watson
gone, the 220-pound Ingram should get the lion’s share of the carries. He’s
a shifty runner inside the tackles, and he has solid sprint speed as well. Also
in the mix is junior Daniel Young, who had a promising freshman year before
taking a step back as a sophomore.
Texas beat archrival Oklahoma last October, but the Sooners won the rematch
in the Big 12 title game. To contain OU—and snap up a spot in the Playoff—
Texas will have to improve a D that ranked 94th in yards allowed. Eight starters
from last year’s porous unit are gone. How fast the Longhorns’ youngsters adapt
will determine how the team fares.
Malik Harrison wasn’t the most highly recruited player in
the nation when the hometown star arrived on campus
in 2016. After playing quarterback, safety, and punter
in high school, Harrison intended to be somewhere on
offense for the Buckeyes. But during his freshman season
he switched to outside linebacker and special teams. Two years later, and fully
entrenched at linebacker, Harrison had 81 tackles and 21/2 sacks, leading the
Buckeyes’ defense in the final year of the Urban Meyer era. Now, Harrison
could be the nation’s top linebacker as new head coach Ryan Day begins his
run in Columbus.
The veteran is surrounded by talent, especially on the defensive line. Junior
Chase Young is a rising star (and a nice replacement for second overall pick
Nick Bosa), having amassed 91/2 sacks and 141/2 tackles for loss last season.
Young, who could be a first-round pick in the 2020 draft, should occupy the
point of attack just fine in his third season at OSU. That will allow Harrison to
do what he does best: chase opposing players from sideline to sideline.
The Buckeyes will need that stout defense, because there is a transition
on offense. Record-setting QB Dwayne Haskins is in the NFL, and the
unit will be led by sophomore transfer Justin Fields, who was highly touted
coming out of high school but couldn’t find a home at Georgia.
2018 RECORD: 10– 4
2018 RECORD: 13– 1
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