#3 Texas Longhorns @ Kansas Jayhawks football preview

For anyone who may have forgotten about the Texas Longhorns, here is some breaking news.

The Longhorns are very much alive in the BCS championship equation. After last week’s play, Texas moved up to No. 3 behind Alabama and Texas Tech, the only two unbeaten teams.

Last week, Texas put the Texas Tech blues away and handled Baylor, 45-21 as Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Colt McCoy threw for five touchdowns.

The ballclub takes its last road trip of the year Saturday to Lawrence, KS. to meet free-falling Kansas. The Longhorns haven’t lost to the Jayhawks in 70 years (1938). Should the Longhorns win their remaining games against Kansas and Texas A&M, they will be in the BCS picture somewhere.

It may not be the title game, but they will likely be ticketed to one of the BCS bowl games.

“The thing we told them is that nothing really matters except for winning, and if you win, it all will take care of itself,’’ Texas coach Mack Brown said. “The one thing we know for sure is that we’ll be in a better place by winning out than if we lose a game in the next two, so you better go play and forget about it.’’

What is so random about Texas’ season is that the running game by committee appears to be the right combination this year. When McCoy is the leading rusher after 10 games (449 yards), it would usually spell trouble.

But there have been games when Vondrell McGee has led the team, Foswhitt Whittaker and Chris Ogbonnaya have led. And Texas isn’t really doing it with style as it is averaging a modest 4.4 yards per carry.

McCoy continues an impressive season, but he has been a little sloppy with the ball lately throwing four of his seven interceptions in the last three games. But you can’t argue with 28 touchdown passes, a 78.0 completion percentage and 2,879 yards.

For Kansas, the Jayhawks have struggled after their unbelievable 2007 campaign which culminated in a BCS victory in the Orange Bowl over Virginia Tech. While the offense has been moving at will, it’s been the defense that has been the sore spot.

This group is surrendering nearly 393 yards and 28 points per game. That puts a lot of pressure on the offense to keep pace. Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Nebraska have scored at least 45 points on this group. Plus, teams are converting at 40 percent on third down. That’s just not going to lead to a very successful season.

Speaking of the offense, quarterback Todd Reesing, a Texas native, has backed up his 2007 season with a very strong 2008. He’s thrown for 2,942 yards and 23 touchdowns.

The Jayhawks are playing with a little desperation. With six wins, they are not a lock for a bowl. They are bowl eligible but that doesn’t mean anything. After Texas, Kansas plays Missouri on Nov. 29 in Kansas City.

> Check out theTexas Longhorns apparel & gear as well as Kansas Jayhawks hats & merchandise available online through DFN Sports sites!

The last time Texas went to Lawrence was in 2004. The Longhorns looked left for dead. Trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, Vince Young rallied the Longhorns to victory by throwing a touchdown pass with less than 11 seconds to play for a 27-23 win. The Longhorns went on to win the National Title.

Brown probably doesn’t need similar theatrics, but he’ll take the same result. Chances are that will happen.

Prediction: Texas 43, Kansas 30

Texas @ Kansas Notable:

• With its win against Baylor and Notre Dame’s loss at Boston College last week, Texas tied Notre Dame for second on college football’s all-time win list with 829.
• Defensive end Brian Orakpo (knee) is questionable for this week’s game. He leads the team with 9 sacks.

No. 3 Texas Longhorns (9-1, 5-1) @ Kansas Jayhawks (6-4, 3-3)

Time: 11:30 a.m. CST
Site: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS.
TV: Fox Sports Net
Series: 9th meeting. Texas leads, 6-2

By Kevin Lonnquist
Big 12 Fans Staff Writer

Find more Big 12 football articles online through Big12-fans.com and check out our entire archive of Big 12 sports articles!