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5 Best Players for Texas Football in First Half of 2016

By Tyler Brett

Oct 15, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; The Texas Longhorns take the field prior to kickoff against the Iowa State Cyclones at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; The Texas Longhorns take the field prior to kickoff against the Iowa State Cyclones at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; The Texas Longhorns take the field prior to kickoff against the Iowa State Cyclones at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; The Texas Longhorns take the field prior to kickoff against the Iowa State Cyclones at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas football is 3-3 in the first half of the 2016 season. They have serious work to do in the second half to overcome some disappointing performances but have seen some positive play from key contributors. Who has been the best?

There’s no denying that Texas has had its fair share of struggles through the first half. They rank No. 8 in the Big 12 in scoring defense, No. 7 in total defense, and allowed 45 points or more four times this season. They have yet to win away from home and Charlie Strong is fielding constant questions about his job security.

It’s not all gloom and doom, however. Texas is gaining nearly 500 yards of offense per game this season and scoring 38.7 points per game. That is a huge improvement over where they were in 2015. Sterlin Gilbert has been a key addition to this coaching staff and likely has saved the Horns from a 1-5 or 2-4 record.

Despite the disappointing 3-3 mark, Texas appears to be moving in a positive direction. Young players are stepping up and finding their rhythm. The defense, hopefully, has started to figure things out and will tighten up in the second half. A Big 12 title is still a possibility, though the Horns will need a lot of help to make it happen.

All in all, it’s been a wild up and down first half of the season. Texas went from unranked to No. 11 before getting bounced way out again during their three-game losing streak. Strong went from finally bringing the Longhorns “back” to worrying about getting fired midseason.

Through it all, Texas has seen some stars emerge. Here are the five most outstanding players for Texas so far in 2016.

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