2010 was a difficult year for coach Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns. Texas had posted nine consecutive 10-win campaigns until it fell to 5-7 last year.

The losing season, however, is hardly noticeable when looking at Browns 133-34 record in his 13 seasons in Austin. These numbers suggest the wins will start piling up again soon enough. There is reason, however, for a little bit of skepticism.

The coaching staff has been blown up in the wake of last years results. Five assistants, including 13-year offensive coordinator Greg Davis, have been replaced. Texas also lost defensive coordinator, and head coach-in-waiting, Will Muschamp to Florida.

Offense: Losing quarterback Colt McCoy really hurt the Texas offense. In 2009, McCoy helped the Longhorns lead the Big 12 in scoring with 39.3 points per game. Last year, they fell to 10th in the league with 23.8 points per game in the first season with Garrett Gilbert under center.

2010 was not a coming out party for the 2009 Gatorade National Player of the Year, who threw seven more interceptions than touchdowns.

Texas isnt loaded with proven playmakers around Gilbert, but wide receiver Mike Davis appears poised for a breakout season. He showed flashes of brilliance in 2010 and caught 47 passes for 478 yards and two scores.

Fifth-year senior running backs Fozzy Whittaker and Cody Johnson will be pushed by freshman Malcolm Brown, who is one of the top prospects in the nation.

Gilbert took most of the blame for Texas offensive struggles, but the offensive line was another major area of weakness. Only two starters return from last years line, which will now be coached by former Georgia O-line coach Stacy Searels.

Defense: With six starters back, the defense will remain the strength of the team. Last season, Texas led the Big 12 in total defense and finished sixth nationally with 300.2 yards allowed per game.

New coordinator Manny Diaz loves his linebacking corps, which features Emmanuel Acho, Keenam Robinson and Jordan Hicks. Robinson will once again man the middle, where he led the the Longhorns with 113 tackles last year.

A defensive backfield that helped Texas finish second in the Big 12 against the pass (sixth nationally) should remain strong with four-year starter Blake Gideon leading the unit.

Five-star recruits Jackson Jeffcoat and Alex Okafor are expected to step up on the defensive line following the departures of Sam Acho and Eddie Jones. Right now, the line is the most unproven area of the defense.

Prediction: 4th Place Big 12 Its safe to say Texas, which lost seven of its final nine games last season, has taken a step back. But the bottom line is Texas has some really talented kids and will continue to pull five-star recruits. The Longhorns arent ready to challenge for a Big 12 title this year, but they should be back in a bowl game. College football lines makers have listed Texas at +2200 to win the BCS title.

See how I have the rest of the Big 12 Conference shaping up in my 2011 Big 12 predictions.

Jimmy Boyds expert college football picks will help you crush the books this season.

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