Texas Football: 5 reasons the Longhorns beat Tulsa

5. Extreme motivation from Week 1 loss

Since this is the first opportunity for the Horns to rebound after falling short against Maryland, this should be a blowout in Week 2. Texas was outplayed on both sides of the ball for much of the season opener, even with the rain delay. It was a thoroughly disappointing effort from both the coaching staff and players for Texas.

Now, the focus has to shift from that Week 1 loss to a big chance to start something new in Herman’s second year at the helm. There should also be some extra motivation coming from the fact that this is the first game of the year at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

As hard as it is to look past the Week 1 loss, Texas needs to turn the page and realize there’s still a shot at contending for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game for this team. And, as much as Texas football hears it year after year, this team has the talent to make a run at something like that come Dec. 1.

What happens this weekend will depend completely on the mindset that the Horns come out with against an inferior opponent. Texas has no excuse in keeping it close with a team that was very close with Central Arkansas last week. The motivation level should be high and Texas should be much more prepared to come out fast in Week 2.