AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Longhorns have shown they can run the ball with power and speed. The question now is whether quarterback David Ash can open things up with his arm.
Texas is likely to remain a run-first offense all season, but the 17th-ranked Longhorns want Ash to develop into a more reliable stretch-the-field passer to keep opposing defenses from stacking the line of scrimmage.
Ash was effective throwing short passes in last week’s season-opening win against Wyoming but misfired on his deep throws. Coach Mack Brown likely wants to keep testing that arm against New Mexico.
The Longhorns are heavy favorites against the Lobos, who are 1-0 for the first time since 2005 after former Notre Dame coach Bob Davie won in his debut.
