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Texas Football: 13 Wishlist Items for 2017

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; The University of Texas Longhorns mascot reacts on the sidelines during the game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; The University of Texas Longhorns mascot reacts on the sidelines during the game with the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans head coach Clay Helton leads his players onto the field for the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans head coach Clay Helton leads his players onto the field for the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Upset USC

USC is potentially going to be favored to beat Texas in their late September game. After the way the Trojans have performed in 2016, they seem set for a high ranking in the opening 2017 AP Poll as well. A close score in a loss may be somewhat of a positive for Tom Herman, but what about actually winning in Southern California?

By beating USC on the road, the already mounting hype on Texas’ 2017 football season will increase. They’ll get national attention and probably move into the polls, which would give them the opportunity to make some noise if a winning streak heading into Big 12 play can begin.

Beating USC likely means limiting quarterback Sam Darnold or trying to outscore them in a shootout. Texas doesn’t have a strong secondary as they ranked 102nd in the nation in passing yards allowed (3,102). They have experienced defensive backs like Kris Boyd and Davante Davis coming back, though, so maybe an extra year and

Beating USC likely means limiting quarterback Sam Darnold or trying to outscore them in a shootout. Texas doesn’t have a strong secondary as they ranked 102nd in the nation in passing yards allowed (3,102). They have experienced defensive backs like Kris Boyd and Davante Davis coming back, though, so maybe an extra year and spring practice under theirs and other’s belts will benefit them.

A win at USC would likely skyrocket expectations in Austin, including speculation on if Texas can make the Big 12 Championship game in December. This victory on September 16 would be a stepping stone toward this and making sure Herman’s first year is a success.

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