Longhorns Around the Web

Each Friday, we'll be offering up a sampling of Longhorn- and Big 12-related sports coverage making its way around the Web.

The Longhorn D has been on a roll, knocking out starting quarterbacks in three consecutive games. Logic would dictate that Oklahoma State QB Zac Robinson has had more than a few sleepless nights with images of Sergio Kindle and Sam Acho dancing in his head, but Robinson told reporters this week he's not concerned: "It’s not something you can think or worry about. You just play. I know they’ll fly around and hit, but so does everybody else. We’re excited about playing against such a great defense.”

Seemingly good news for the Horns, word came down this week that OSU wideout Dez Bryant will be suspended until September 2010, and running back Kendall Hunter will likely also be sidelined for the Pokes. In light of the ruling, Bryant is likely leave Oklahoma State and declare for the NFL draft in April. The Cowboys have proven resilient in Bryant's absence though, with a mob of lesser-known receivers stepping into the spotlight, including sophomore Hubert Anyiam, who will certainly be in the sights of the Texas secondary on Saturday.

Closer to home, former Longhorn coach John Mackovic thinks Texas is the top team in the nation. And while we're on conjecture, a rundown of the Heisman candidates thus far, from College Football News.

So Mack Brown's 11-0 against Oklahoma State. But what's more about that record is the manner in which Texas has handled the Cowboys in recent years, in particular spotting the Pokes huge first-half leads, before staging multiple dramatic comebacks. From the San Antonio Express-News, Mike Finger on the Longhorns' flair for the dramatic when it comes to OSU.

This week's pick: The Horns covered in a big way last week against Missouri, and should do so again this week on an 8.5-point line against OSU. Texas' margin in the teams' last two meetings has been a combined seven points, but if the offense continues to roll, the D should keep the Cowboys from spoiling the spread.

From Coach Brown, on OSU fans: "I remember one year up there, I was on the sideline and my headphones went out and we scored a touchdown. Some guys that were enjoying their beverages felt like they were sitting with me and said, "Brown, you're such an idiot they don't even let you hear what they're calling when the score a touchdown." And I thought, "You know, he's really right. I didn't even have it on." You get to know the fans really well there. It's fun. The fans are always great up there. The fans behind the bench are aggressive but they're fun. They usually know your mom's name. They've got a lot of information on you."