Anticipation for Texas football's 2023 campaign is higher than ever
Everybody gets a present on their birthday. It just so happens my birthday each year is August 30. So every year I receive the gift of football returning. I don’t think I can think of a better gift!
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However…
Over the last decade, while I’ve approached every season with excitement, there’s also too often been a slight sense of dread, of knowing ahead of time that Texas just doesn’t have the talent or culture to compete for championships, that on any given Saturday I’m going to be more disappointed than excited by what transpires. I can’t think of a year in the last dozen where I felt like Texas could truly win every game they play. Whether because of uncertain quarterback play, a thinly talented roster, or even a coaching deficit, I knew so many of those years would be an uphill battle and I predicted as such in the preseason.
But this year is different. I don’t have any sense of dread, only anticipation.
The team has begun to develop what I believe to be a winning culture. The Horns have an excellent coaching staff, not only on offense and defense but also special teams. And I know darn well that Texas is starting to reassert itself as one of the most talented teams in all of college football.
Mix that all together and there’s a reason I feel the way I do. Renewed optimism, that’s what it is. What’s more, I think it’s justifiably renewed optimism.
Think back to the years past. A humiliating loss to Iowa State two years ago. Away game blowouts to TCU and Notre Dame during the Charlie Strong years. Baylor obtaining better talent than Texas during the Art Briles era. Too many losses to the Sooners. And way too (two!) many losses to Kansas.
I predict a 10-2 regular season for the Horns. It’s the first time since 2010 that I have predicted Texas to win 10 regular season games. And I’d honestly be happy with 9-3 and a spot in the Big 12 championship game.
It’s time to exorcise the demons of the last decade. Texas has the make-up to do just that in 2023.
