The Tom Herman era is off to a bad start for the Texas Longhorns, who lost their season opener, 51-41, to the Maryland Terrapins. The Terps took a 30-14 lead into the half, and while Texas was able to cut the lead to as few as three points on two occasions, they didn't stop Maryland from pulling the upset. What were the biggest takeways from the game? Here are three things we learned.
1) Things aren't changing overnight
The hype around this Texas program and Tom Herman's arrival was warranted, but many mistook the promise of things to come as the Longhorns becoming great overnight. This game served as a sobering reminder of how far this team still has to go.
There were a number of really bad penalties - especially in or near the red zone - that halted promising drives. There were dropped passes. There were missed assignments. There were dumb decisions.
All of those things brought back nightmares of how last season went for the Longhorns. Things will change for the better under Herman, and it will happen sooner rather than later. But this game should be a reminder to temper expectations. The rebuild is, after all, a process.
2) Defense, defense, defense
This was the problem with the Longhorns last year and that doesn't appear to be changing anytime son. They gave up nearly 500 total yards to the Terps, including 263 yards on the ground. Texas knew they were going to have problems in the secondary, but their front seven really struggled against Maryland's option attack. Holes were wide open up the middle that the linebackers simply weren't there to plug. It was clear Texas was fooled easily by motion and read option plays, leaving those holes open.
51 points is the most Maryland has ever scored against a ranked opponent. That sums up how poorly Texas' defense played in this game. One of the worst units in the country last year, it looks like the Longhorns may be in a similar situation this year.
3) SPECIAL TEAMS!
For all the negatives, let's get to the positives. Specials teams! The Longhorns scored twice on special teams, returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown and returning a punt for a touchdown.
#Texas returns the favor with a BLOCK SIX of their own! Holton Hill (@Hollywood__5) finds the end zone for the 2nd time today! #HookEm pic.twitter.com/8wlvr5Uyk3
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) September 2, 2017
Texas special teams - the real MVP! Taivon Jacobs takes the punt to the house! #HookEm pic.twitter.com/kaMCI4TgSf
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) September 2, 2017
Considering how poorly Texas' defense played, the Longhorns are going to need all of the points they can get. It looks like they have found some guys who can make plays in the third phase of the game.
Follow our Texas Longhorns team page for all the latest Texas football news!
Back to the Texas Longhorns Newsfeed