UTEP got off the mat last week to beat SFA. They're not technically an FCS team, but competitively that's the way to think.
Concur with the feeling. This win doesn't validate Texas, but when compared to seasons past, it's good to see the team functioning as designed.
The first play from scrimmage is a perfect example. The defense showed a tight box. The offense all saw it. The outside receivers took their guys short and to the sides. The slot ran a perfect slant that locked up the safety, grabbed a training ground pass, and darted to the end zone. It was over in 5 seconds.
In seasons past, that play could have featured a breakdown in protection, or a receiver going too vertical, leading to tighter coverage. An incomplete pass could have been followed up with an earnest 3 yard run, plus maybe a mis-timed dig route and a punt.
UTEP's offense isn't toothless. The QB is legit, but needs some help from his receivers. If they scheme around the RB Hankins and his bashing style, they could be respectable. The Texas defense, like the offense, performed their schemes as designed. Modern offenses are hard to stop even when you're playing perfect defense, and UTEP could have helped themselves to 10 or so more points with better execution. Texas, though, avoided the assignment busts that usually lead to walk in scores.
For at least one game, Texas reminded me of the championship teams when I didn't have to sweat out the cupcakes.