IT Roundtable: Issuing midseason accolades for the Texas Longhorns

Six games down, six games to go. With Georgia heading to town, it’s time for the Inside Texas staff to evaluate preseason predictions and make some new ones when it comes to the SEC championship, the Heisman, and more.

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Who has been your offensive MVP so far?

Eric Nahlin – It’s either Kelvin Banks or Gunnar Helm. I’ll go with Banks due to his stellar game to game consistency.

Justin Wells – Kelvin Banks. The pillar of the offense.

Ian Boyd – Kelvin Banks, he’s the best player on the team.

Paul Wadlington – Kelvin Banks. His level of play has been amazing and he’s a terrific anchor for the entire O-line. If he’s not the best tackle in the country, he’s No. 2. But he’s not No. 2. Quarterback is almost always the answer but our starter has only played four games.

Charlie Williams – Gunnar Helm

Joe Cook – Kelvin Banks. Appreciate what he’s doing in burnt orange before he shakes Roger Goodell’s hand.

Who has been your defensive MVP so far?

Eric Nahlin – I’ll keep it in the trenches and go with Vernon Broughton, though I think more of a true playmaker will wrestle the crown from him after all 12 games have been played. Like KB, VB shows up every game and gets it done with effort as much as talent. Anthony Hill or even Colin Simmons could win it. Michael Taaffe deserves a general nod in his direction.

Justin Wells – Vernon Broughton. The pillar of the defense.

Ian Boyd – I’ll go Jahdae Barron, who’s been mostly unchallenged while erasing receivers out wide at cornerback.

Paul Wadlington – This is actually a difficult question for a defense that’s really been about team play more than individual superstars. Recency bias on the heels of the OU game will probably get Anthony Hill votes and there’s nothing wrong with that, but I want to make sure Jahdae Barron gets some flowers. Through six games, the longest pass he has surrendered went for 9 yards. He’s been targeted 22 times for 78 yards. That’s pretty good.

Charlie Williams – Anthony Hill

Joe Cook – I’ll go with Anthony Hill with Jahdae Barron a close second and Michael Taaffe a sturdy third.

Who has been your offensive newcomer of the year so far?

Eric Nahlin – Does Arch Manning qualify? Since I’m unsure, I’ll go with Isaiah Bond over Ryan Wingo. It could very well be Wingo after a full season. I can’t wait to see him versus Georgia.

Justin Wells – Ryan Wingo. Every touch is like 25 yards.

Ian Boyd – Ryan Wingo, he’s going to be really special.

Paul Wadlington – It has to be Isaiah Bond. Elite speed and better pure receiving skills than his rep. Ryan Wingo and Matthew Golden have also been terrific. Obviously, we all love Silas Bolden‘s hustle.

Charlie Williams – Isaiah Bond.

Joe Cook – I flipped a coin and it landed on Ryan Wingo‘s side.

Who has been your defensive newcomer of the year so far?

Eric Nahlin – Give me Colin Simmons over Andrew Mukuba. Simmons has come in and done what Anthony Hill did last year and is on his way to Freshman All-American status.

Justin Wells – Seriously? Colin Simmons.

Ian Boyd – Colin Simmons, of course.

Paul Wadlington – Colin Simmons. Someone taught The Tasmanian Devil to wear a helmet and pads.

Charlie Williams – Colin Simmons

Joe Cook – It’s unanimous. Colin Simmons.

Speak now or hold your peace: Care to change your preseason prediction for Texas? 

Eric Nahlin – Ooh, I like that this comes before the Georgia game. My default is if it’s even or very close, just pick Texas. I think it’s even enough between Texas and Ohio State to switch to UT beating OSU, but there is so much work to be done and so much to learn about this Texas team starting on Saturday.

Justin Wells – I do not.

Ian Boyd – They look more 11-1 than 10-2 now. I also think they’d win if my predicted title matchup with Ohio State occurred.

Paul Wadlington – Booley

Charlie Williams – Texas plays for a national championship.

Joe Cook – I have Texas making the national finals instead of the semis.

SEC Champion prediction

Eric Nahlin – Texas over LSU

Justin Wells – Texas

Ian Boyd – I think I’ll go Texas, the bye week would be really valuable and worth pursuing.

Paul Wadlington – We’re way too early in the process and haven’t even played a quarter of the most meaningful games that will determine tie breakers, etc. Can I see Texas play a QB who isn’t a true freshman or a scrub before making pronouncements?

Charlie Williams – Texas

Joe Cook – Texas over Tennessee.

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Updated Heisman prediction?

Eric Nahlin – I’ll just stick with my preseason choice since he’s still in it: Jalen Milroe. I hope Ashton Jeanty wins it, though.

Justin Wells – Ashton Jeanty

Ian Boyd – Maybe Travis Hunter.

Paul Wadlington – I. DON’T. CARE. But Ashton Jeanty or something.

Charlie Williams – Ashton Jeanty

Joe Cook – I don’t think Dillon Gabriel is out of it yet but if Travis Hunter returns to and remains in his two-way ways, he deserves it even over Ashton Jeanty.