INSIDE SLANT

The record will go into the NCAA books as his own.

But Colt McCoy, always mindful of his teammates’ contributions to anything he achieves, knows the mark he could set Saturday against Kansas should be a team award.

The senior is bidding for his 43rd career victory, which would break the record of wins by a starting quarterback set by David Greene at Georgia. McCoy is 42-7 and is the first quarterback to guide his team to 10 wins in each of his four seasons.

The significance of this mark, and its impact on the entire roster, is not lost on Texas coach Mack Brown.

“We very rarely talk about records,” said Brown, who then admitted to talking to the team about the mark and noting, “It’s important for all of you.”

McCoy boiled the meaning into the simplest terms. “I want to win,” he said. “That’s a goal of every quarterback.”

And, in this case, every Longhorn.

On a collision course with the national championship game, Texas stands 10-0 overall and 6-0 in the Big 12. Although the Longhorns remain third in the BCS standings, they fit into the championship picture because the teams ahead of them, Florida and Alabama, will clash for the SEC title and drop one squad from championship consideration.

Of course, Texas has some work left too.

The matchup against Kansas was considered a possible prelude to the Big 12 championship game back in the preseason when the Jayhawks were favored by some to win the North Division. While the Jayhawks have unexpectedly skidded by losing five straight, they still have enough veteran playmakers, led by QB Todd Reesing, to stir trouble.

An upset would make McCoy’s bid for a record far less meaningful if the Longhorns were knocked out of the national title hunt. In addition, the quarterback’s quest for the Heisman Trophy, which is beginning to take off again with Texas on a roll, would be derailed.

Of course, McCoy doesn’t put much stock in any Heisman projections, and instead deflects attention to others.

“My team,” he said, “thinks I should win it.”

NOTES, QUOTES

• Texas coach Mack Brown was asked about the possibility of playing TCU, a former Southwest Conference rival that is also undefeated and sitting just below the Longhorns in the BCS standings, in a bowl game. After delivering passionate praise for Gary Patterson, noting that the TCU coach “has done as good a job as anybody in the country,” Brown dodged the question. “I don’t answer hypothetical questions. We’re worried about Kansas. That’s our focus,” he said.

• With 10 non-offensive touchdowns through the first 10 games, Texas has already set a school record. A backup, DE Eddie Jones, provided the latest such score with a 60-yard interception return against Baylor.

Series History:   Texas leads Kansas 7-2 (last meeting, 2008, 35-7 UT).

Scouting The Offense:   Texas gained some confidence in its ground game with a 224-yard output against Baylor. The Longhorns took charge in the first half, converting 5 of 7 third downs while building a 40-0 lead. Then they were content letting the ground game burn down the remainder of the clock in the second half. By inserting RB Cody Johnson as the starter, Texas can rely on more of a power run game. Johnson, however, is sneaky when he breaks into the secondary and can offer big-play potential. A better run game makes QB Colt McCoy more dangerous throwing the ball.

Scouting The Defense:   After rolling to a 40-0 halftime lead against Baylor, the first-string defense played just one series in the second half. When it left, the unit had allowed 41 yards on 37 plays. Better opponents await, but the Longhorns are stifling opponents and still responding to every challenge issued by coordinator Will Muschamp. Texas ranks first nationally in total defense, allowing 232.3 yards on average, though Muschamp is most interested in scoring defense, where the Longhorns rank seventh with a 12.6-point yield. Ahhh … room for improvement.

Quote To Note:   (Seniors) have competed and they’ve put us in the right positions, but they haven’t finished it. Their whole focus, since they haven’t won a championship, is to finish this one right. It’s really hard to be the group of seniors that follows the 2005 group. … Obviously, modern history changed at Texas in 2005 with a national championship, and the standard changes.”—Texas coach Mack Brown.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

This Week  ‘S GAME: Kansas at Texas, Nov. 21—A victory secures a spot in the Big 12 championship game for the Longhorns and would be their first appearance as the South champion since 2005. Either Texas or Oklahoma have represented the South in each of the past 10 conference championship games. Kansas, after a 5-0 start, has slumped, losing five straight.

Keys To The Game:   The game at Texas will be a homecoming for Kansas QB Todd Reesing, who played high school football for nearby Lake Travis. Reesing’s troubles as a senior contribute mightily to the Jayhawks’ losing streak. He committed 10 turnovers in four defeats before steadying himself with a solid effort in a Nov. 14 loss against Nebraska. Kansas led 17-16 midway through the fourth quarter before allowing two late touchdowns. WR Dezmon Briscoe and WR Kerry Meier remain a strong receiving tandem. Kansas struggles to run the ball and defend the run.

Players To Watch:  

RB Cody Johnson—He produced career bests for rushes (19) and yards (109) after drawing his first start against Baylor. Johnson has two rushing touchdowns in each of the past three games.

QB Colt McCoy—The senior ranks first in the Big 12 and 15th nationally in passing efficiency. His 72.4 completion percentage ranks first nationally, though nine interceptions to 19 touchdowns knocks down his rating.

WR Jordan Shipley—He ranks fifth nationally with 8.1 receptions per game and his 109.6-yard receiving average makes him one of six receivers nationally to average 100 yards.

Roster Report:  

• RB D.J. Monroe was suspended indefinitely after he was arrested Nov. 15 and charged with driving while intoxicated. Monroe has been used primarily as a kickoff returner, averaging 35.8 yards with two touchdowns. WR Jordan Shipley likely will replace Monroe on kickoff returns. Shipley also returns punts.

• P John Gold was summoned against Baylor to take over for rugby-style P Justin Tucker. Gold responded with a 44.5-yard average.

• RB Tre’ Newton proved to be a breakaway threat with 80 yards on just seven carries against Baylor, though he must avoid fumbles to gain more work. Newton recovered from a concussion he suffered in the Big 12 opener against Colorado.