Aug. 30, 2008

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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - FAU tried to capitalize on a young Texas defense,but the No. 11 Longhorns used a powerful veteran offense to defeat the Owls 52-10 in the season opener for both teams.

Texas quarterback Colt McCoy never wavered as Texas ran up a 28-10 halftime lead. His third touchdown pass made it 42-10 and he left early in the fourth quarter with 222 yards on 24-of-29 passing. He also had 103 yards rushing on 12 carries.

McCoy moved the Longhorns with ease, completing his first 13 passes, tossing TDs of 2 and 9 yards to Chris Ogbannaya and Jordan Shipley in the first quarter. Twice he was hit hard late on the drive that ended with Shipley's TD and his 2-yard TD run in the second quarter made it 28-3.

The Texas defense still has plenty to work out.

The secondary that ranked No. 109 against the pass last season started two freshmen at safety and the inexperience showed as Owls quarterback Rusty Smith passed for 226 yards in the first half. Florida Atlantic's first two drives got inside the Texas 20 before both ended in turnovers with a fumbled snap and an interception.

One of the freshmen, Earl Thomas, was burned for several big plays and a touchdown, but also caused the interception with a tipped pass and blocked a punt in the third quarter to set up another touchdown.

Smith, last season's Sun Belt Conference player of the year, finished with 253 yards passing and a touchdown pass to Rob Housler, but was pulled in the third quarter.

Texas has scored at least 50 points in a season opener five of the last six years.