Texas fans who have been conditioned to get a little nervous when the offense trots onto the field aren’t alone.

Since 2009’s run to the national title game, the Longhorns have finished higher than 46th nationally in scoring offense just once, landing at No. 23 in 2012. In 2014, they were 109th.

They finished higher than 58th in offensive yards per play just once in that span. The Longhorns know what fans are feeling.

“In the past, when the offense goes out on the field, people kind of have an uneasy feeling about them,” tight end Andrew Beck said.

So, fixing that isn’t quite about numbers. It’s a little more intangible.

“For us, success is when the offense goes out on the field, that they’ll know we’re going to put points on the board,” Beck said. “Success is confidence.”

The quarterbacks have gotten all the attention but making that happen starts with the offensive line up front. Four starters return from a year ago, and the Longhorns secured Rice transfer Calvin Anderson, a three-year starter and two-time All-Conference USA talent, to replace left tackle and current Dallas Cowboy Connor Williams.

Running backs Daniel Young, Kyle Porter and Toneil Carter return, but the strength of the offense lies at receiver. Leading returning receiver Collin Johnson gives passers an intimidating target downfield. John Burt and Devin Duvernay made strides during spring practice, as well as Lil’Jordan Humphrey.

“They’re different. They’re better,” coach Tom Herman said. “We have a couple NFL-talented guys. I’m not ready to put that stamp on anybody other than (tight end) Andrew Beck, but that’s where we’ve got to turn that talent into production as coaches.”

The question will be finding a quarterback who can get them the ball. Sam Ehlinger and Shane Buechele’s season-long battle for the quarterback job has continued into the spring and may remain unresolved even after the season kicks off.

“They’re both very competitive guys. They use each other to get better and they know they’re fighting for a position,” Beck said. “I think it’s made both of them better. It’s been fun to watch.”