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Texas Football: 5 reasons Longhorns can realistically win the Big 12 in 2017

By Connor Muldowney

AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 15: Shane Buechele #7 of the Texas Longhorns drops back to pass against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half on October 15, 2016 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 15: Shane Buechele #7 of the Texas Longhorns drops back to pass against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half on October 15, 2016 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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Texas football has the potential to win — and win now — under Tom Herman, and here’s why the Longhorns can realistically take the Big 12 in 2017.

With the 2017 college football season right around the corner, it’s time to take a look at what each conference brings to the table. While it’s always good to look at the favorites to win each league, it’s equally as important to keep an eye on dark-horse candidates.

Enter, Texas football.

The Longhorns have been one of the more disappointing programs over the past few years during the Charlie Strong era, but they have moved in a different direction. Tom Herman is in charge now and he’s working on getting the Longhorns back to national prominence.

Not many expect Texas to contend for a Big 12 title in his first year, but it’s possible. Heck, the Longhorns have a better chance than people think to win the conference in 2017, but they are constantly being overlooked.

Here’s why Texas should be considered a force and may just mess around and take home the conference title in 2017.

HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 10: Houston Cougars head coach Tom Herman walks the sidelines as he coaches against the Lamar Cardinals in the second quarter at TDECU Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 42 to 0. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 10: Houston Cougars head coach Tom Herman walks the sidelines as he coaches against the Lamar Cardinals in the second quarter at TDECU Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 42 to 0. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) /

5. Players buying into the system right away

It’s always tough going from one head coach who everyone loved, Charlie Strong, to another who has a winning track record and who commands respect. Although firing Strong wasn’t the most popular decision among Texas players, hiring Tom Herman was a step in the right direction.

That hire showed the players, and fans, that the athletic department was prepared to spend big money to invest on wins — and immediate wins, at that.

Herman had just turned Houston into a consistent winner while reeling in some of the country’s top talent to an AAC program. Before that, he was a solid offensive coordinator, and QB coach, for Ohio State who had a wealth of talent to work with.

With that track record, Texas players are beginning to realize the caliber of coach in Austin. The players are buying into the system and that’s sometimes all it takes for some former elite recruits to realize their potential and play as a team. The Longhorns seem to be a close-knit group and with everyone buying in to what Herman is selling, they will be scary in 2017.

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