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Texas Football: 5 biggest storylines in season opener vs. Maryland

By Andrew Miller

AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Tom Herman of the Texas Longhorns walks into the stadium before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Tom Herman of the Texas Longhorns walks into the stadium before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Texas Spring Game AUSTIN, TX – APRIL 21: Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns reacts in the first half after a touchdown during the Orange-White Spring Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Texas Spring Game AUSTIN, TX – APRIL 21: Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns reacts in the first half after a touchdown during the Orange-White Spring Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

2. Sam Ehlinger’s first start in a season opener

While the Terps are coming into Week 1 with the plan of running a two-quarterback system, Texas is set with sophomore Sam Ehlinger as the starter under center. Having that consistency could be huge for the Horns, and Ehlinger, in keeping pace with what was a high-powered Maryland offense coming out of the gates in 2017.

Texas put up 41 points against the Terps in last year’s meeting of these two squads but it was not enough to come up with the win. Buechele had a nice game and the blame couldn’t be put squarely on his shoulders. Ehlinger has to be aware of what lies ahead for him under center given the course of events for Buechele against Maryland last season.

For most of the off-season, it seemed like Ehlinger had the leg up in the quarterback battle. After the final scrimmage of fall camp, Herman announced that Ehlinger would be the starting signal-caller at least for the season opener. Buechele could still be waiting on the sidelines if Ehlinger falters. That could also linger in Ehlinger’s mind.

In about the last two weeks of practice to prepare for the Terps, Ehlinger is the knowing Week 1 starter which allows him to get comfortable with this offensive group. Even before that announcement naming him as the starter to open things up, Ehlinger was taking the first-team reps in fall camp so he should be ready to go.

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