![_Action Bronson at the ND [Show Preview]](http://austinist.com/assets_c/2012/02/15694_406375297124_111529277124_4857169_7977866_n-thumb-250x250-693211.jpg)
Football Preview: Florida Atlantic G-Checks the Horns
This is the last in a four-part series previewing the upcoming college football season for the Longhorns and teams across the Big 12.
Part One: Longhorn Offense
Part Two: Longhorn Defense
Part Three: Big 12
A few weeks ago, this was just another ho-hum opener.
Then Florida Atlantic Coach Howard Schnellenberger popped off about Texas not being tough, then UT added some spice by announcing they were bringing back Vince Young to retire his jersey, and finally FAU linebacker Frantz Joseph dismissed Texas as "just a name". Now, things have gotten interesting.
Granted, FAU is no pushover, but you wonder why they decided to poke Texas and wake a sleeping giant. Led by quarterback Rusty Smith, last year's Sun Belt Player of the Year, the Owls are coming off a win in the program's first bowl appearance. But will that be enough on Saturday against Texas' younger, faster defense?
Longhorn fans are anxious to get a look at what new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has put together, with an eye toward matching up better with the pass-happy spread offenses in the Big 12. Senior Brian Orakpo brings the most experience to the defensive line, but tackle Lamarr Houston may turn out to have the biggest impact. Linebacker Sergio Kindle and safety Earl Thomas are a pair of top-notch athletes with a mean streak. Florida Atlantic lost two starters on their offensive line to injury this week, so Texas is expected to put added pressure on the quarterback.
On offense, fans will get a glimpse at how quarterbacks Colt McCoy and John Chiles line up in the same formation, and how the running game will split up time between Chris Ogbonnaya, Vondrell McGee, and Fozzy Whittaker.
NOTES:
- The Vince Young jersey retirement ceremony will take place about 25 minutes before the 6 pm kickoff. UT advises fans should be seated no later than 5:30 pm to catch all of the ceremony.
- The game is available locally on pay-per-view on Time Warner Cable channel 439, for $29.95. A list of all programming providers carrying the game can be found here.
