TCU won't be joining the Big 12. Move on, Horned Frog fans. But with the recent announcement by the Big East that the conference will expand to at least 2 teams, talk in Ft. Worth has swirled regarding TCU moving to the home of West Virginia, Syracuse, Louisville, and the rest.
The move would be a mistake. Sure, the Big East has a guaranteed spot at the BCS bowl table. And their basketball league is second to none (though their is debate about whether or not expansion would include the basketball league - which is twice the size of the football conference teams). From a strictly football perspective, TCU has more to lose than gain in the current system by heading to the weakest conference in the BCS world.
Boise State is coming to the Mountain West next year, guaranteeing the conference a premier showdown each year between the current non-BCS darlings of the past few seasons: TCU and Boise State. It would surprise no one to find one of those two teams playing for the BCS title THIS season (assuming TCU can get by Utah this weekend, it seems more likely to expect celebration in Ft. Worth than Idaho).
Compare a potential MWC and Big East with the move by the Horned Frogs:
Starting in 2012
Mountain West: TCU, Air Force, Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, Wyoming, UNLV, San Diego State, Nevada, New Mexico
Big East: Louisville, West Virginia, Syracuse, TCU, Central Florida, South Florida, Cincinnatti, UCONN, Pittsburgh, Rutgers
Does the MWC really look that much worse than the Big East? Staying in the MWC gives a better shot of strength of schedule to TCU as they compete for national titles in football than leaving for the Big East does.
We all know it's not about the best thing for competitive nature or what makes sense on the field, but its all about the cash. And until the MWC gets a seat at the BCS table, they won't have the cash to keep up with even the likes of the mediocre Big East. Should they get the invite, I'm sure TCU will take it. Whether it produces better results on the football field is a question that remains up for debate.
As an aside - is there any way if BYU and Utah had stayed in the MWC that he BCS could have denied that conference an automatic bid?
Think about this conference: BYU, Utah, TCU, Air Force, Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, Wyoming, UNLV, San Diego State, Nevada, New Mexico. Tantalizing. And certainly better than the Big East. Perhaps on par with the watered down Big 12.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Who dressed up as Cliff Lee last night?
The Texas Rangers must have forgotten something in Arlington on their way to San Francisco to face the Giants last night in Game 1 of the World Series - Cliff Lee. Not sure who it was that trotted out there in Lee's #33 jersey, but it certainly wasn't the same guy who owned a 3-0 record with a 0.75 ERA in the 2010 post-season.
The Lee-imposter wasn't able to locate any of his off speed pitches, allowing the Giants to tee off on his first and second pitch fastballs. The pinpoint accuracy that allowed the real Cliff Lee to dominate Tampa and New York clearly wasn't there - the only pitch that got close to the strike zone was his fast ball. Lee's stuff isn't dominating enough if his accuracy is off, and it showed last night.
Luckily, Rangers fans are pretty sure whoever that was last night (I'm thinking perhaps a jealous Kevin Millwood dropped about 50 LBs and snuck into the game) wasn't the real CL33. It better not be, or this could be an epic fail for another Texas team in the World Series.
The Lee-imposter wasn't able to locate any of his off speed pitches, allowing the Giants to tee off on his first and second pitch fastballs. The pinpoint accuracy that allowed the real Cliff Lee to dominate Tampa and New York clearly wasn't there - the only pitch that got close to the strike zone was his fast ball. Lee's stuff isn't dominating enough if his accuracy is off, and it showed last night.
Luckily, Rangers fans are pretty sure whoever that was last night (I'm thinking perhaps a jealous Kevin Millwood dropped about 50 LBs and snuck into the game) wasn't the real CL33. It better not be, or this could be an epic fail for another Texas team in the World Series.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Big 12 Blog - Big 12 Power Rankings – Week 2
Big 12 Blog - Big 12 Power Rankings – Week 2: "Big 12 Blog - Big 12 Power Rankings – Week 2, Sept. 11"
Bush Gives up Heisman
Former USC running back Reggie Bush announced today that he will give up the 2005 Heisman Trophy. Former Texas QB, and runner up to Bush, Vince Young has openly stated that he would accept the trophy given should the Heisman trust decide to award it to VY.
2 thoughts - first, the Heisman trust absolutely should decide to either call for a revote from Heisman voters for the 2005 award, or they should simply give it to the player who finished 2nd. The trust set a standard of rules which requires the Heisman to be awarded to an eligible NCAA athlete. Bush, clearly, didn't fit the mold. If championships can be taken away from USC for using ineligible players, then its not without reason to take away awards for the same violations. Assuming Bush wasn't eligible, voters would likely have picked Young for his monstorous 2005 campaign. Giving the award to the man who finished second in the voting who also meets the Heisman credentials doesn't cheapen the award. Leaving the statue un-awarded merely acknowledges the fact that the Heisman was awarded to Bush The Cheater, who vacated it for his indiscretions. What truly cheapens the award more?
There have been arguments made that stripping Bush and giving it to Young opens an interesting can of worms in regards to previous Heisman winners of questionable character. The most commonly compared example would be OJ Simpson - the argument goes if we're willing to take the Heisman away from Bush, then we have to look at all the past winners who have gone on and committed questionable actions on or off the field of play, like Simpson, and potentially strip these winners as well. Hogwash. Simpson, while a wife killer, did nothing during his tenure at USC to make him ineligible for the Heisman . Perhaps he's ineligible to be a role model or to get into Heaven, but there's no rules for Heisman trophy winners that you have to spend your life being a good citizen. Nor does it say you can't be someone who gets away with murder later down the line. It simply says you must be eligible by NCAA guidelines when you win the award. Simpson was. Bush wasn't. It's apples to oranges.
The good news, though, is even the Heisman trust votes (incorrectly) to leave the trophy vacant, there remains another trophy sitting in Austin that proves who the better player for 2005 really was. So while Bush's 500 plus yard game against Fresno State secured him a tainted Heisman trophy, VY saved his best game for the Rose Bowl. Perhaps now, the Heisman can finally right the original wrong from that fateful season. And if not? Well, Texas fans still have 41-38
2 thoughts - first, the Heisman trust absolutely should decide to either call for a revote from Heisman voters for the 2005 award, or they should simply give it to the player who finished 2nd. The trust set a standard of rules which requires the Heisman to be awarded to an eligible NCAA athlete. Bush, clearly, didn't fit the mold. If championships can be taken away from USC for using ineligible players, then its not without reason to take away awards for the same violations. Assuming Bush wasn't eligible, voters would likely have picked Young for his monstorous 2005 campaign. Giving the award to the man who finished second in the voting who also meets the Heisman credentials doesn't cheapen the award. Leaving the statue un-awarded merely acknowledges the fact that the Heisman was awarded to Bush The Cheater, who vacated it for his indiscretions. What truly cheapens the award more?
There have been arguments made that stripping Bush and giving it to Young opens an interesting can of worms in regards to previous Heisman winners of questionable character. The most commonly compared example would be OJ Simpson - the argument goes if we're willing to take the Heisman away from Bush, then we have to look at all the past winners who have gone on and committed questionable actions on or off the field of play, like Simpson, and potentially strip these winners as well. Hogwash. Simpson, while a wife killer, did nothing during his tenure at USC to make him ineligible for the Heisman . Perhaps he's ineligible to be a role model or to get into Heaven, but there's no rules for Heisman trophy winners that you have to spend your life being a good citizen. Nor does it say you can't be someone who gets away with murder later down the line. It simply says you must be eligible by NCAA guidelines when you win the award. Simpson was. Bush wasn't. It's apples to oranges.
The good news, though, is even the Heisman trust votes (incorrectly) to leave the trophy vacant, there remains another trophy sitting in Austin that proves who the better player for 2005 really was. So while Bush's 500 plus yard game against Fresno State secured him a tainted Heisman trophy, VY saved his best game for the Rose Bowl. Perhaps now, the Heisman can finally right the original wrong from that fateful season. And if not? Well, Texas fans still have 41-38
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Miles Austin extension?
Sure, he was great last year. And sure, Jerry Jones LOVES to overpay as many players as he possibly can. But word of the Cowboys camp is that wide receiver Miles Austin signed a long term, 6 year deal with Dallas. This coming off of his breakout 2009, where Miles caught 81 balls for 1320 yards, good enough for 6th all time in Dallas history. While the move makes some Cowboys fans happy, those in the know are more than a bit skeptical at the move.
Rewarding a player with a record breaking season is fine. But GM Jerry Jones already did that for MA. This past June, Austin received a one year deal worth over 3 million dollars for 2010. Why not have Miles honor that deal, and then pay the big bucks next summer if his production remains at the 2009 level? There is no guarantee that Austin will be as productive in 2010 as he was last year - his best season before last year was 2008. His total receptions? 13.
If he catches another 70 plus balls for over 1000 yards, then sure - pay the man. In fact, pay him a BUNCH, because you've established Tony Romo's go to guy for the next 5 - 7 years. But giving players long term deals based on the results of one season is a move that oftentimes backfires. Ask the Washington Redskins, who rewarded Albert Haynesworth for an All Pro year in 2008 by signing him to the biggest contract of the 08 offseason. Now they're looking to trade him, or outright cut him.
Here's hoping Austin makes Jones look like a genius, and leads the NFC in catches in 2010. He's a great guy, good with the community, and an inspiration for hard workers everywhere. I'm just not sure he's worth the cost that Jones is going to pay.
Although, when you're the guy who builds a 1,000,000,000 dollar stadium, a 6 year deal seems like a drop in the bucket.
CFN: 5 Things to Watch - UT vs. Wyoming
5 Things to Watch For: Texas vs. Wyoming
With a big matchup in Lubbock looming next week for the Texas Longhorns, head coach Mack Brown better be ready to show no mercy in preparing his team for Wyoming. Clearly, the offense looked inconsistent last week versus Rice, and if Greg Davis and the offensive units can’t get their stuff together, the Horns could be facing a season-defining loss against Texas Tech next week. Here’s five things to watch for as Texas prepares for Wyoming this Saturday.
1. Will Greg Davis let Garrett Gilbert be a quarterback this week?
Last week, Gilbert was nothing more than a bus driver. He wasn’t asked to make plays down the field. He wasn’t asked to audile based on coverage. He wasn’t asked to be the focal point of the offense. Basically, he wasn’t asked to do any of the things Texas asked him to do in the BCS title game after Colt McCoy’s injury. His play in that game indicated he could handle the pressure. So what does Texas do his first game as a starter? Focus on the run. On an ineffective run at that. GG should be utilizing his NFL caliber arm to get the ball downfield to some of the fastest WRs in the nation, instead of handing the ball off to the likes of Cody Johnson for a 3 yard gain. Davis needs to open up the offense. This is a kid who ran the spread to perfection in high school (he owns most Texas state passing records and 2 state titles), so why not let him show what he can do? This is the week to make Gilbert comfortable in an offense that certainly can’t be as bland as the game called against Rice – because if that is the game plan from Davis for the 2010 season, expect some disappointed Texas fans. And a disappointed QB.
2. Will the defense force turnovers?
Much has been made of the 2 INTs that were dropped by Aaron Williams and Chykie Brown against Rice. The Longhorns forced 2 turnovers against the Owls, but those two picks that were dropped played a major factor in Texas’s subpar victory. Add an easy 14 points from the INTs to the final, and there may be less talk about the ineffective Texas running game, and more talk about another dominate D from Will Muschamp. The difference between 2008 and 2009 on defense was turnovers – they didn’t force enough in ’08, but led the country last year. To help soften the load on the offensive unit, the Texas D needs to come up with more turnovers. Gimmes like the ones dropped by Williams and Brown may not cost Texas against teams like Wyoming or Rice – but they will certainly hinder them when they face Tech, OU, and Nebraska.
3. Will the special teams be special? Or will they ride the special bus again?
The weak link against Rice was clearly the play of the special teams. They missed two field goals (one was blocked) and muffed a punt inside the Rice 20 yard line that set up the Owls last score. If Texas wants to compete for a Big 12 crown, they will have to be much better in the special teams game. Think of 2008 – Jordan Shipley turned the game against OU around by taking a kickoff back 96 yards when Texas trailed by 11 and seemed to be overmatched. Last year, Nebraska made a huge special teams gaffe when they kicked off to Texas with under 2 minutes to go in the Big 12 title game – the kick went out of bounds, giving the Longhorns the ball on their own 40 yard line. Texas won both games, and the play of the special teams was instrumental in each victory. The Longhorns have been one of the best in the country on special teams for the past decade (they lead the country in blocked kicks since 2000) – in 2009 they returned 2 KOs for touchdowns, one of which saved the game against Texas A&M. Shipley was a master at turning games around with his nose for the endzone on punt returns. Hunter Lawrence was the most accurate place kicker in Longhorn history. Texas will need to find a way to replace these points and production if they are going to win the close games in 2010, and nothing about the Rice game gave UT fans confidence these holes have been filled.
4. Can the running game get going?
The magic question for 2010. Tre Newton will get the start ahead of Cody Johnson. Newton, Fozzy Whitaker, and Johnson will split carries again. The 3 headed monster racked up 179 yards against Rice, but there were no break away runs. Basically, Texas pounded the ball, and pounded the ball, and pounded the ball until finally they had racked up enough yards to look respectable. The longest play from scrimmage running the ball was 18 yards. This won’t get it done. Texas needs to find a way to have more explosive plays on offense with the running game, or else teams will be able to clamp down on the offense Greg Davis seems intent on running in 2010. There can be no legitimate NFL style offense, with play action and deep passes, if safeties and defenses don’t respect the home run threat out of the backfield. Nothing any of the Texas players did against Rice shows the Horns have this threat, either based on the running of the backs, or the blocking of the line and receivers downfield. If they are insistent on running the ball in 2010, the Texas coaches better be insistent on finding a scheme and the players to do it effectively.
5. What is the intensity level of the Texas Longhorns?
Look, Texas doesn’t need a team of Rah-Rah cheerleaders. The Pom Squad, Cheerleaders, HellRaisers, and all the other Texas spirit groups will take care of that. But both Mack Brown and Greg Davis commented this week that the Texas sideline wasn’t enthusiastic enough for their taste. The emotion seemed to be lacking. Perhaps it was playing an inferior opponent, and guys just can’t get excited for games they’ll win on talent alone. Attitudes like this will result in losses when Conference play starts. And it will certainly cost them next week at Texas Tech. Let’s see if there is fire on the Texas sideline this Saturday.
With a big matchup in Lubbock looming next week for the Texas Longhorns, head coach Mack Brown better be ready to show no mercy in preparing his team for Wyoming. Clearly, the offense looked inconsistent last week versus Rice, and if Greg Davis and the offensive units can’t get their stuff together, the Horns could be facing a season-defining loss against Texas Tech next week. Here’s five things to watch for as Texas prepares for Wyoming this Saturday.
1. Will Greg Davis let Garrett Gilbert be a quarterback this week?
Last week, Gilbert was nothing more than a bus driver. He wasn’t asked to make plays down the field. He wasn’t asked to audile based on coverage. He wasn’t asked to be the focal point of the offense. Basically, he wasn’t asked to do any of the things Texas asked him to do in the BCS title game after Colt McCoy’s injury. His play in that game indicated he could handle the pressure. So what does Texas do his first game as a starter? Focus on the run. On an ineffective run at that. GG should be utilizing his NFL caliber arm to get the ball downfield to some of the fastest WRs in the nation, instead of handing the ball off to the likes of Cody Johnson for a 3 yard gain. Davis needs to open up the offense. This is a kid who ran the spread to perfection in high school (he owns most Texas state passing records and 2 state titles), so why not let him show what he can do? This is the week to make Gilbert comfortable in an offense that certainly can’t be as bland as the game called against Rice – because if that is the game plan from Davis for the 2010 season, expect some disappointed Texas fans. And a disappointed QB.
2. Will the defense force turnovers?
Much has been made of the 2 INTs that were dropped by Aaron Williams and Chykie Brown against Rice. The Longhorns forced 2 turnovers against the Owls, but those two picks that were dropped played a major factor in Texas’s subpar victory. Add an easy 14 points from the INTs to the final, and there may be less talk about the ineffective Texas running game, and more talk about another dominate D from Will Muschamp. The difference between 2008 and 2009 on defense was turnovers – they didn’t force enough in ’08, but led the country last year. To help soften the load on the offensive unit, the Texas D needs to come up with more turnovers. Gimmes like the ones dropped by Williams and Brown may not cost Texas against teams like Wyoming or Rice – but they will certainly hinder them when they face Tech, OU, and Nebraska.
3. Will the special teams be special? Or will they ride the special bus again?
The weak link against Rice was clearly the play of the special teams. They missed two field goals (one was blocked) and muffed a punt inside the Rice 20 yard line that set up the Owls last score. If Texas wants to compete for a Big 12 crown, they will have to be much better in the special teams game. Think of 2008 – Jordan Shipley turned the game against OU around by taking a kickoff back 96 yards when Texas trailed by 11 and seemed to be overmatched. Last year, Nebraska made a huge special teams gaffe when they kicked off to Texas with under 2 minutes to go in the Big 12 title game – the kick went out of bounds, giving the Longhorns the ball on their own 40 yard line. Texas won both games, and the play of the special teams was instrumental in each victory. The Longhorns have been one of the best in the country on special teams for the past decade (they lead the country in blocked kicks since 2000) – in 2009 they returned 2 KOs for touchdowns, one of which saved the game against Texas A&M. Shipley was a master at turning games around with his nose for the endzone on punt returns. Hunter Lawrence was the most accurate place kicker in Longhorn history. Texas will need to find a way to replace these points and production if they are going to win the close games in 2010, and nothing about the Rice game gave UT fans confidence these holes have been filled.
4. Can the running game get going?
The magic question for 2010. Tre Newton will get the start ahead of Cody Johnson. Newton, Fozzy Whitaker, and Johnson will split carries again. The 3 headed monster racked up 179 yards against Rice, but there were no break away runs. Basically, Texas pounded the ball, and pounded the ball, and pounded the ball until finally they had racked up enough yards to look respectable. The longest play from scrimmage running the ball was 18 yards. This won’t get it done. Texas needs to find a way to have more explosive plays on offense with the running game, or else teams will be able to clamp down on the offense Greg Davis seems intent on running in 2010. There can be no legitimate NFL style offense, with play action and deep passes, if safeties and defenses don’t respect the home run threat out of the backfield. Nothing any of the Texas players did against Rice shows the Horns have this threat, either based on the running of the backs, or the blocking of the line and receivers downfield. If they are insistent on running the ball in 2010, the Texas coaches better be insistent on finding a scheme and the players to do it effectively.
5. What is the intensity level of the Texas Longhorns?
Look, Texas doesn’t need a team of Rah-Rah cheerleaders. The Pom Squad, Cheerleaders, HellRaisers, and all the other Texas spirit groups will take care of that. But both Mack Brown and Greg Davis commented this week that the Texas sideline wasn’t enthusiastic enough for their taste. The emotion seemed to be lacking. Perhaps it was playing an inferior opponent, and guys just can’t get excited for games they’ll win on talent alone. Attitudes like this will result in losses when Conference play starts. And it will certainly cost them next week at Texas Tech. Let’s see if there is fire on the Texas sideline this Saturday.
CFN Big 12 Week 2 Game Picks
Big 12 WEEK 2 Picks
Oklahoma vs Florida State
The game of the week in the Big 12 brings the Seminoles into Normal for a rematch of the 2000 BCS National Championship. Oklahoma showed they have work to do in the secondary last week. If they haven’t shored up the mistakes from the Utah State, OU will struggle with FSU’s Christian Ponder and a tough, experienced offensive line. OU hasn’t lost in Norman in 31 games. The Seminoles change this in a shoot-out, 35-31.
Nebraska vs Idaho
Taylor Martinez will start his second game for Nebraska. Idaho can score in bunches, but this is still expected to be one of the top defenses in the country. The secondary should have a good test against the Vandals, who passed for over 300 yards a game in 2009. Still, the Cornhuskers come away with a resounding win, 42-7.
Colorado at California
Colorado gets a preview of life in the Pac-10. They won’t like it anymore than life in the Big 12. Last week was a fluke against an embarrassing Colorado State team. We’ll find out that CU will be no better off in the Pac-10 than they are in the Big 12. California wins easily, 35-10.
Iowa State at Iowa
Iowa State was impressive in handling a very good Northern Illinois team last week. This week marks the first of numerous tests for the Cyclones. Paul Rhoads remains one of the most underrated coaches in the Big 12, and will have his team in the game against a Big 10 contender in Iowa. Rivalry games are weird (see Texas and Texas A&M from 2009), and anything can happen. If Iowa sticks to a Big 10 gameplan (run the ball and put me to sleep), then ISU has a chance if they can keep in close. Iowa pulls out the victory, but it will be closer than people think, 27-17.
Missouri State at Kansas State
FCS opponents vs Kansas State – seems about right. The Wildcats live on these opponents, and it cost them a bowl appearance last year. KSU wins easily – no analysis is warranted when you play teams from the FCS: 38-10.
Georgia Tech at Kansas
Turner Gil has been speaking about the positives following last week’s 6-3 loss. Instead of welcoming an easy win into Lawrence, his Jayhawks will face the triple wishbone offense of Georgia Tech, the ACC Champion of 2009. The Yellow Jackets should run all over a weak Jayhawks defense. Assuming Kansas’s offense hasn’t improved in 7 days, this could get ugly quickly. KU’s only hope is Georgia Tech fails to wake up for an early morning start…don’t bet on it. Georgia Tech hands Gil his 2nd loss in as many games, 28-3.
McNeese State at Missouri
Mizzou playing an FCS team? Fine. They’ll win – 52-10.
Buffalo at Baylor
Baylor needs this win to establish some winning credentials as they shoot for a bowl game in 2010. Unlike last year, they don’t need Robert Griffin III to go down with injury early in the season. Because of this, Briles will pull RG3 early, and Buffalo will make the score appear closer than it really is. Baylor wins, 31-20.
Troy at Oklahoma State
Kendall Hunter wowed folks last week with 257 yards rushing in the new OSU spread. It seems Mike Gundy’s play calling replacement knew what strings to pull. OSU will continue to impress on their way to a September 25 showdown with Texas A&M. Hunter couldn’t be stopped by WSU, he won’t be slowed up by Troy. KH runs for over 150 yards, and Okie State wins easily, 42-14.
Wyoming at Texas
They’ll need to establish a consistent running game and find out what Garrett Gilbert can do passing the ball before heading to Texas Tech next week, so don’t expect Texas to go easy on Wyoming, even after learning of the death of one of the Cowboys’ players this week. A subpar performance versus Rice had UT coaches making some running back changes and questioning the fire of their players – those questions will be answered Saturday. GG tosses over for over 225 yards and 2 TD’s, while the running game breaks out with Tre Newton topping 100 yards this week. The defense will be stout, and may well pitch a shutout. Texas wins before Lubbock, 55-10.
La Tech at Texas A&M
The Aggies welcome the 2nd weak opponent of the season, but at least LaTech is an FBS school. Jerrod Johnson and Christian Michael appeared to pick up where they left off in 2009 last week against SFA, piling up 49 points. It will be impossible to gauge the strides made on the defensive side of the ball until that OSU game, but beating up on weaker opponents is a good way to build confidence in a unit that sorely needed it after the 2009 defensive debacle. Aggies win 42-9.
Texas Tech at New Mexico
TTU almost blew it against SMU. Don’t expect the same thing against a New Mexico team that gave up 59 points last week. In the first half. Taylor Potts may throw for 300 yards before halftime, giving us a chance to see backup Sticks Sheffield this week. Tech will build confidence as they prepare to welcome Texas next week. TTU 66-10.
Oklahoma vs Florida State
The game of the week in the Big 12 brings the Seminoles into Normal for a rematch of the 2000 BCS National Championship. Oklahoma showed they have work to do in the secondary last week. If they haven’t shored up the mistakes from the Utah State, OU will struggle with FSU’s Christian Ponder and a tough, experienced offensive line. OU hasn’t lost in Norman in 31 games. The Seminoles change this in a shoot-out, 35-31.
Nebraska vs Idaho
Taylor Martinez will start his second game for Nebraska. Idaho can score in bunches, but this is still expected to be one of the top defenses in the country. The secondary should have a good test against the Vandals, who passed for over 300 yards a game in 2009. Still, the Cornhuskers come away with a resounding win, 42-7.
Colorado at California
Colorado gets a preview of life in the Pac-10. They won’t like it anymore than life in the Big 12. Last week was a fluke against an embarrassing Colorado State team. We’ll find out that CU will be no better off in the Pac-10 than they are in the Big 12. California wins easily, 35-10.
Iowa State at Iowa
Iowa State was impressive in handling a very good Northern Illinois team last week. This week marks the first of numerous tests for the Cyclones. Paul Rhoads remains one of the most underrated coaches in the Big 12, and will have his team in the game against a Big 10 contender in Iowa. Rivalry games are weird (see Texas and Texas A&M from 2009), and anything can happen. If Iowa sticks to a Big 10 gameplan (run the ball and put me to sleep), then ISU has a chance if they can keep in close. Iowa pulls out the victory, but it will be closer than people think, 27-17.
Missouri State at Kansas State
FCS opponents vs Kansas State – seems about right. The Wildcats live on these opponents, and it cost them a bowl appearance last year. KSU wins easily – no analysis is warranted when you play teams from the FCS: 38-10.
Georgia Tech at Kansas
Turner Gil has been speaking about the positives following last week’s 6-3 loss. Instead of welcoming an easy win into Lawrence, his Jayhawks will face the triple wishbone offense of Georgia Tech, the ACC Champion of 2009. The Yellow Jackets should run all over a weak Jayhawks defense. Assuming Kansas’s offense hasn’t improved in 7 days, this could get ugly quickly. KU’s only hope is Georgia Tech fails to wake up for an early morning start…don’t bet on it. Georgia Tech hands Gil his 2nd loss in as many games, 28-3.
McNeese State at Missouri
Mizzou playing an FCS team? Fine. They’ll win – 52-10.
Buffalo at Baylor
Baylor needs this win to establish some winning credentials as they shoot for a bowl game in 2010. Unlike last year, they don’t need Robert Griffin III to go down with injury early in the season. Because of this, Briles will pull RG3 early, and Buffalo will make the score appear closer than it really is. Baylor wins, 31-20.
Troy at Oklahoma State
Kendall Hunter wowed folks last week with 257 yards rushing in the new OSU spread. It seems Mike Gundy’s play calling replacement knew what strings to pull. OSU will continue to impress on their way to a September 25 showdown with Texas A&M. Hunter couldn’t be stopped by WSU, he won’t be slowed up by Troy. KH runs for over 150 yards, and Okie State wins easily, 42-14.
Wyoming at Texas
They’ll need to establish a consistent running game and find out what Garrett Gilbert can do passing the ball before heading to Texas Tech next week, so don’t expect Texas to go easy on Wyoming, even after learning of the death of one of the Cowboys’ players this week. A subpar performance versus Rice had UT coaches making some running back changes and questioning the fire of their players – those questions will be answered Saturday. GG tosses over for over 225 yards and 2 TD’s, while the running game breaks out with Tre Newton topping 100 yards this week. The defense will be stout, and may well pitch a shutout. Texas wins before Lubbock, 55-10.
La Tech at Texas A&M
The Aggies welcome the 2nd weak opponent of the season, but at least LaTech is an FBS school. Jerrod Johnson and Christian Michael appeared to pick up where they left off in 2009 last week against SFA, piling up 49 points. It will be impossible to gauge the strides made on the defensive side of the ball until that OSU game, but beating up on weaker opponents is a good way to build confidence in a unit that sorely needed it after the 2009 defensive debacle. Aggies win 42-9.
Texas Tech at New Mexico
TTU almost blew it against SMU. Don’t expect the same thing against a New Mexico team that gave up 59 points last week. In the first half. Taylor Potts may throw for 300 yards before halftime, giving us a chance to see backup Sticks Sheffield this week. Tech will build confidence as they prepare to welcome Texas next week. TTU 66-10.
CFN Big 12 Power Rankings Week 2
The Big 12 Inglorious Blog will rank all 12 Big 12 teams each week. The rankings will be based on the performance of the season up to the most previous game. This week is the first rankings – no preseason ranks will be used.
1. Nebraska – The Cornhuskers may have given up more rushing yards than Coach Bo Pelini would like against an inferior team, but beating anyone by 39 points is a good way to start the year. Pelini may have found a solution to the most important question in Lincoln for 2010 – who’s going to be the quarterback? With Taylor Martinez running the zone read offense to perfection, accumulating over 100 yards rushing and passing, Nebraska was able to move the ball with relative ease. Putting up any type of offense for the Cornhuskers could spell trouble for the rest of the Big 12.
2. Texas – Doubling up Rice is nothing to write home to mom about. The Texas offense looked lost at times, but still rolled up almost 200 yards rushing. The defense was its expected dominant unit, holding the Owls under 200 total yards. Save a few lucky bounces and some poor special teams play on a punt, Texas would have yielded just one field goal to their Houston bretheren. If the offense can work out some kinks, this unit still has the talent to win the conference.
3. Oklahoma – Much like their hated rivals from Austin, OU struggled with an inferior opponent. QB Landry Jones completed less than 50% of his passes, and the retooled Sooner secondary looked lost until the last defensive stand, where they intercepted Utah State on a final drive to seal the win.
4. Missouri – Without Derrick Washington in the backfield, Missouri struggled out of the gates against Illinois. Once QB Blaine Gabbert settled down, the Tigers handled their business in the second half. The defense showed flashes of improvement, but the offense looks to be adjusting to life without a legitimate running threat.
5. Oklahoma State – The biggest surprise of the weekend was the return of Cowboys RB Kendall Hunter, who returned to his 2008 All American form for OK State. The offense hummed along to the tune of 544 yards. The defense gave up over 300 to a weak Washington State team, but if Hutner is going to run for 240 yards and 4 TDs each game, the defense can take off any number of games and the Cowboys can still sneak into conference title contention.
6. Texas A&M – Beating SFA doesn’t do much credit for the Fighting Aggies, but at least they didn’t struggle and handled their business as needed against the Lumberjacks. Jerrod Johnson looked to be in midseason form.
7. Kansas State – K-State may not compete for the Big 12 north, but they showed some courage and guts to hold off a game UCLA team. Daniel Thomas proved his 2009 campaign was no fluke with 235 yards running. The defense made the key stop when they needed to, and beating a Pac 10 team is something the Wildcats can hang their hat on, especially after missing a bowl game in 2009 because they scheduled too many weak FCS opponents.
8. Texas Tech – The offense moved faster between snaps, but scored less than previous Raider teams. The defense held when it needed to, but giving up 27 points to a C-USA team doesn’t bode well for the transition into the defensive minded Tommy Tubberville era. The verdict is out, but TTU doesn’t appear to have upgraded in the short term.
9. Colorado – They manhandled the Colorado State Rams, but can Dan Hawkins still save his job? If his defense forces some of the inexperienced Big 12 quarterbacks into 3 interceptions like they did on Saturday, they may be more impressive and sneak up on some folks.
10. Iowa State – The Cyclones went into their Thursday night contest with Northern Illinois favored by only 4.5 points. They were able to put the Huskies out of the game early in the 2nd quarter. Wins like these should be savored by ISU who faces one of the country’s more difficult schedules.
11. Baylor – Robert Griffin is the only reason Baylor scares anyone. A one man team can’t compete on a consistent level. Beating up on SHSU doesn’t prove any different.
12. Kansas – a 6-3 loss to FCS North Dakota State? The Turner Gil era isn’t off to a great start. When’s basketball start in Lawrence?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
CFN Article Instant Reaction to Rice vs. Texas
Instant Reaction Rice vs Texas
Texas looked like one would expect a team to look after losing the winningest quarterback in college football history. At times they looked lost, out of sync, and like they were adjusting to a new running game, which they were. The focus on the run was apparent from the early going, with the first 7 plays being runs off the left side of the line. Whether the run will be a successful tool for Texas this year remains to be seen. The defense looked impressive – aside from a fluke tipped pass that went for a touchdown and a muffed punt late in the game by Aaron Williams which put the D in a hole, the unit gave up only 3 points, and looked dominant against Rice.
The running game, as a whole, was hugely disappointing against a weak Rice defense. Right from the first possession, you’ve got to wonder about a team looking to change what was a very successful spread offense for the last few seasons. If you get to the one yard line on third down, and can’t plunge the ball into the endzone on two tries against a Conference USA opponent, what are you going to do against a defense like Nebraska? If Texas wants to be known as a downhill running team who plays a smashmouth style, they’ve got a lot of work to do with their run blocking. Also, calling a pitch play for Cody Johnson and 4th down from the 1 yard line instead of running between the tackles is a goofy way to show you are committed to running the ball for tough yards. Johnson and Tre Newton each averaged less than 4 yards per carry. If you’re becoming a power running team, you’ve got to do better than that. As a whole, the team got 197 on the ground – which is about 50 yards more than they averaged per game in 2009. In theory, that’s good, but when you consider GG only threw for 182 yards, you start to wonder about the over effectiveness of the new scheme.
As the game progressed, it was good to see Texas eating up yards on the run. 3rd and 4 yards to go and the Longhorns running looked weird to Texas fans, but at least they were able to grind out yards when they needed it.
The running game and offense, however, had an eerily similar look to two teams. First of all, when they ran the hurry up offense, and put a receiver in motion for a draw handoff, they showed flashes of the 2008 Oklahoma Sooners, who set offensive records across the board. Minus the effective production at the QB spot, of course. Garrett Gilber is clearly no Sam Bradford, yet. The offense at other times looked like the 2001 Texas Longhorns, a unit led by Chris Simms that was committed to running the ball, results against OU be damned. At times the team was sluggish, out of sync, and it appeared OC Greg Davis and Brown were going to run the ball whether it was working or not.
Speaking of Garret Gilbert, he didn’t impress or disappoint this game. He won’t be able to thrown for 179 yards against good competition and win. Oftentimes, it looked like he and his receiving corps weren’t on the same page. No one stepped up as a go to guy, especially on the few third and longs Texas faced. GG looked lost on most of those plays. The best passing play of the day was a deep ball to Malcolm Williams in the 2nd half. Unfortunately, Williams seemed to make a catch look more difficult than it was – he was focusing on not dropping the ball instead of keeping his feet and catching the ball in stride for a touchdown. The ball was perfectly thrown –put Williams didn’t want to have another case of the drops, so he cradled the ball and fell to the turf, gaining only 40 plus yards. He needs to take that one to the house.
Defensively the Longhorns are loaded. Keenan Robinson, Sam Acho, and Kenny Vaccarro were very impressive. Robinson scored a TD, had a sack and an INT. Acho did what he does best – forced a turnover. He and Eddie Jones were in the backfield most of the second half, after Texas adjusted to the zone read Rice was running. Not sure who, but Kenny Vaccarro needs to replace someone in the starting lineup. Black Gideon wouldn’t be a bad candidate. While he is one of the smarter defensive players on the field, and knows Muschamp’s offense better than almost anyone, Gideon still looks timid when making tackles. More often than not, he lets the play come to him instead of attacking the ball carrier and laying the wood. Vaccarro had a coupld of vicious hits yesterday, the kind that make receivers and running backs forget the run itself, but remember who made the tackle. KV led the team with 7 tackles.
Why Chykie Brown continues to get playing time is a mystery. He was beat by Rice receivers downfield for big plays twice, and couldn’t make a touchdown saving tackled on a deep ball late in the first half. Furthermore, he looks lost covering taller players. Aaron Williams needs to take his spot on the field for standard 4-3 alignments, and Brown can come into nickel situations. Or maybe there’s a freshman on the bench who could take his snaps. The guy is quickly becoming the Brian Boddicker of this team.
The speed of the defense and the pursuit sideline to sideline was amazing. Freshman stud Jackson Jeffcoat’s sack was something to drool over –his explosiveness and speed off the ball was amazing. Now we know what Muschamp and Brown were gushing about all offseason – this is possibly the fastest D Texas has ever had, and it showed yesterday. More forced turnovers would have been nice, but it was still a very impressive unit. Mushcamp’s crew will definitely be the reason Texas has a chance for a special year.
The special teams needs work. Not once did a kickoff by Texas go for a touchback. Field position will be critical in UT’s biggest games, especially if the offense continues to struggle to find consistency and scores. Two missed field goals from over 45 yards isn’t something to flip out about, but when Texas is replacing the most accurate kicker in Longhorns history, it is a bit weird to watch FG attempts sail wide left. Aaron Williams made two terrible decisions as punt returner, one of which cost his team 7 points late in the game when he attempted to run up and field a bouncing ball inside the 15 yard line, only to muff it. Clearly the special teams units didn’t have their A game, and UT will need to correct those mistakes before Lubbock in two weeks.
All in all, it was good to see Texas on the field against someone besides themselves. The run game is either going to develop into a great tool to exploit weaker opponents with deep passes ala OU in 2008, or will bog a team better suited to be a pass happy unit like Texas circa 2001. The jury is still out. The defense is going to be amazing, must watch football. Correcting a few special teams mistakes and working on the tip drill with the DBs, and you’re talking about a unit that gave up barely 200 yards of offense and only 3 points. Mushcamp’s unit should be ready for an impressive showing against Wyoming next week. The small problems need fixing before heading to Lubbock in 2 weeks.
Texas looked like one would expect a team to look after losing the winningest quarterback in college football history. At times they looked lost, out of sync, and like they were adjusting to a new running game, which they were. The focus on the run was apparent from the early going, with the first 7 plays being runs off the left side of the line. Whether the run will be a successful tool for Texas this year remains to be seen. The defense looked impressive – aside from a fluke tipped pass that went for a touchdown and a muffed punt late in the game by Aaron Williams which put the D in a hole, the unit gave up only 3 points, and looked dominant against Rice.
The running game, as a whole, was hugely disappointing against a weak Rice defense. Right from the first possession, you’ve got to wonder about a team looking to change what was a very successful spread offense for the last few seasons. If you get to the one yard line on third down, and can’t plunge the ball into the endzone on two tries against a Conference USA opponent, what are you going to do against a defense like Nebraska? If Texas wants to be known as a downhill running team who plays a smashmouth style, they’ve got a lot of work to do with their run blocking. Also, calling a pitch play for Cody Johnson and 4th down from the 1 yard line instead of running between the tackles is a goofy way to show you are committed to running the ball for tough yards. Johnson and Tre Newton each averaged less than 4 yards per carry. If you’re becoming a power running team, you’ve got to do better than that. As a whole, the team got 197 on the ground – which is about 50 yards more than they averaged per game in 2009. In theory, that’s good, but when you consider GG only threw for 182 yards, you start to wonder about the over effectiveness of the new scheme.
As the game progressed, it was good to see Texas eating up yards on the run. 3rd and 4 yards to go and the Longhorns running looked weird to Texas fans, but at least they were able to grind out yards when they needed it.
The running game and offense, however, had an eerily similar look to two teams. First of all, when they ran the hurry up offense, and put a receiver in motion for a draw handoff, they showed flashes of the 2008 Oklahoma Sooners, who set offensive records across the board. Minus the effective production at the QB spot, of course. Garrett Gilber is clearly no Sam Bradford, yet. The offense at other times looked like the 2001 Texas Longhorns, a unit led by Chris Simms that was committed to running the ball, results against OU be damned. At times the team was sluggish, out of sync, and it appeared OC Greg Davis and Brown were going to run the ball whether it was working or not.
Speaking of Garret Gilbert, he didn’t impress or disappoint this game. He won’t be able to thrown for 179 yards against good competition and win. Oftentimes, it looked like he and his receiving corps weren’t on the same page. No one stepped up as a go to guy, especially on the few third and longs Texas faced. GG looked lost on most of those plays. The best passing play of the day was a deep ball to Malcolm Williams in the 2nd half. Unfortunately, Williams seemed to make a catch look more difficult than it was – he was focusing on not dropping the ball instead of keeping his feet and catching the ball in stride for a touchdown. The ball was perfectly thrown –put Williams didn’t want to have another case of the drops, so he cradled the ball and fell to the turf, gaining only 40 plus yards. He needs to take that one to the house.
Defensively the Longhorns are loaded. Keenan Robinson, Sam Acho, and Kenny Vaccarro were very impressive. Robinson scored a TD, had a sack and an INT. Acho did what he does best – forced a turnover. He and Eddie Jones were in the backfield most of the second half, after Texas adjusted to the zone read Rice was running. Not sure who, but Kenny Vaccarro needs to replace someone in the starting lineup. Black Gideon wouldn’t be a bad candidate. While he is one of the smarter defensive players on the field, and knows Muschamp’s offense better than almost anyone, Gideon still looks timid when making tackles. More often than not, he lets the play come to him instead of attacking the ball carrier and laying the wood. Vaccarro had a coupld of vicious hits yesterday, the kind that make receivers and running backs forget the run itself, but remember who made the tackle. KV led the team with 7 tackles.
Why Chykie Brown continues to get playing time is a mystery. He was beat by Rice receivers downfield for big plays twice, and couldn’t make a touchdown saving tackled on a deep ball late in the first half. Furthermore, he looks lost covering taller players. Aaron Williams needs to take his spot on the field for standard 4-3 alignments, and Brown can come into nickel situations. Or maybe there’s a freshman on the bench who could take his snaps. The guy is quickly becoming the Brian Boddicker of this team.
The speed of the defense and the pursuit sideline to sideline was amazing. Freshman stud Jackson Jeffcoat’s sack was something to drool over –his explosiveness and speed off the ball was amazing. Now we know what Muschamp and Brown were gushing about all offseason – this is possibly the fastest D Texas has ever had, and it showed yesterday. More forced turnovers would have been nice, but it was still a very impressive unit. Mushcamp’s crew will definitely be the reason Texas has a chance for a special year.
The special teams needs work. Not once did a kickoff by Texas go for a touchback. Field position will be critical in UT’s biggest games, especially if the offense continues to struggle to find consistency and scores. Two missed field goals from over 45 yards isn’t something to flip out about, but when Texas is replacing the most accurate kicker in Longhorns history, it is a bit weird to watch FG attempts sail wide left. Aaron Williams made two terrible decisions as punt returner, one of which cost his team 7 points late in the game when he attempted to run up and field a bouncing ball inside the 15 yard line, only to muff it. Clearly the special teams units didn’t have their A game, and UT will need to correct those mistakes before Lubbock in two weeks.
All in all, it was good to see Texas on the field against someone besides themselves. The run game is either going to develop into a great tool to exploit weaker opponents with deep passes ala OU in 2008, or will bog a team better suited to be a pass happy unit like Texas circa 2001. The jury is still out. The defense is going to be amazing, must watch football. Correcting a few special teams mistakes and working on the tip drill with the DBs, and you’re talking about a unit that gave up barely 200 yards of offense and only 3 points. Mushcamp’s unit should be ready for an impressive showing against Wyoming next week. The small problems need fixing before heading to Lubbock in 2 weeks.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ohio State and Michigan - Different Divisions
Fans in Ohio and Michigan are up in arms. Woody Hayes must be turning over in his grave. Ohio State and Michigan, one of the most storied programs in college football history, will no longer be playing each other every year. The Big 10 released the divisional structure once Nebraska is accepted into the league starting in 2011. If the Buckeyes and the Wolverines want to face off on the final weekend of Big 10 play each year, they'll have to plan to meet for the conference title.
The loss of one of sports most storied rivalries is another casualty of conference realignment. When the Big 12 was formed, we lost OU vs. Nebraska. Now we lose OSU vs UM. If not for some last minute finaggling by the state of Texas, we would have lost Texas vs Texas A&M this past season (and may still lose it in the next few years).
It seems in the midst of taking advantage of the popularity of college football, conference commissioners, university administrators, and even some coaches are overlooking the traditions that made the sport as popular as it is. In a sport where only 2 teams have a shot at the national championship at the end of the year, does it seem fair to take away games the players grow up dreaming to play? Players who go to Ohio State yearn to crush Michigan each year, and vice versa. When Michigan plays Ohio State and they are both having subpar years, the ratings are still huge, the emotion is still high, and the desire to win remains higher than for any other game either team played that season. Now what is a 9-2 Ohio State and its legion of fans going to get so excited for? Wisconsin? What about Michigan? With their recent struggles, it seemed their biggest game every year is Ohio State - who replaces the Buckeyes? Nebraska?
If the people running college football want to continue to create high ratings and grow the sport, they ought to reconsider changing the parts of the game we love. Including historic rivalries for the sake of a buck.
The loss of one of sports most storied rivalries is another casualty of conference realignment. When the Big 12 was formed, we lost OU vs. Nebraska. Now we lose OSU vs UM. If not for some last minute finaggling by the state of Texas, we would have lost Texas vs Texas A&M this past season (and may still lose it in the next few years).
It seems in the midst of taking advantage of the popularity of college football, conference commissioners, university administrators, and even some coaches are overlooking the traditions that made the sport as popular as it is. In a sport where only 2 teams have a shot at the national championship at the end of the year, does it seem fair to take away games the players grow up dreaming to play? Players who go to Ohio State yearn to crush Michigan each year, and vice versa. When Michigan plays Ohio State and they are both having subpar years, the ratings are still huge, the emotion is still high, and the desire to win remains higher than for any other game either team played that season. Now what is a 9-2 Ohio State and its legion of fans going to get so excited for? Wisconsin? What about Michigan? With their recent struggles, it seemed their biggest game every year is Ohio State - who replaces the Buckeyes? Nebraska?
If the people running college football want to continue to create high ratings and grow the sport, they ought to reconsider changing the parts of the game we love. Including historic rivalries for the sake of a buck.
NCAA Football Uniforms
Uni Watch is one of the greatest websites in the world. This guy covers all things uniform related, and as college football draws 1 day closer, he took at a look at some uniform changes for the 2010 season.
Texas A&M
The Aggies have toned down the large stripes on the side of the pants, which gives them a much cleaner look. Does this negate the use of gray pants? I hope so.
Virginia
These guys have enough combos to be the Oregon of the east. Doubt they'll be as successful this year as Oregon was in '09.
Iowa
They will only wear them once, but I think the Hawkeyes should go to these throwbacks full time.
Notre Dame
They will still suck.
Army
The best part about Army's uniforms is the new gun metal grays that are a part of the rotation. Pretty sweet, especially for a team named Army.
Pac 10
A strange time to unveil a new conference logo, considering this is the last season there will be a Pac 10.
Tennessee
I don't understand people at Tennessee. A few years ago they went with black jerseys. Now this year's team debuts black socks? It looks like a bunch of dudes forgot to change outta their Sunday best before a football game broke out.
Also mentioned was the fact that college football officials will have the option to wear black slacks instead of white during cold weather games. Great. Now they'll look like recreational flag football officials like those clowns in the NFL do.
http://assets.buffalobills.com/uploads/photo/DC54136126F841D68D138100248D0E20.jpg
Texas A&M
The Aggies have toned down the large stripes on the side of the pants, which gives them a much cleaner look. Does this negate the use of gray pants? I hope so.
Virginia
These guys have enough combos to be the Oregon of the east. Doubt they'll be as successful this year as Oregon was in '09.
Iowa
They will only wear them once, but I think the Hawkeyes should go to these throwbacks full time.
Notre Dame
They will still suck.
Army
The best part about Army's uniforms is the new gun metal grays that are a part of the rotation. Pretty sweet, especially for a team named Army.
Pac 10
A strange time to unveil a new conference logo, considering this is the last season there will be a Pac 10.
Tennessee
I don't understand people at Tennessee. A few years ago they went with black jerseys. Now this year's team debuts black socks? It looks like a bunch of dudes forgot to change outta their Sunday best before a football game broke out.
Also mentioned was the fact that college football officials will have the option to wear black slacks instead of white during cold weather games. Great. Now they'll look like recreational flag football officials like those clowns in the NFL do.
http://assets.buffalobills.com/uploads/photo/DC54136126F841D68D138100248D0E20.jpg
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
CFN #7: 10 Questions for Saturday's Rice Game
10 things to watch for in the Texas opener against the Rice Owls this Saturday.
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Is Garrett Gilbert truly ready to step up? Or do we have another Chris Simms at Texas?
This question may seem a bit crazy, considering all the pre-season hype and expectations surrounding Gilbert after his showing in the most difficult of games last January versus Alabama. But the fact is Texas fans have not seen a full game under Gilbert’s belt. Sure, he responded well and helped lead Texas impressively for about 9 minutes during the BCS title game. But the reality is he still turned the ball over five times, and had one of the worst first halves in football with his 1-10 performance in the first half.
He seems primed for a big year and a legendary career like his predecessor Colt and Vince. But remember, Chris Simms was the national Gatorade Player of the Year coming out of high school too. He couldn’t handle the leadership requirements that come with being QB at a place like Texas. With key seniors from the 2009 team gone, this is the game where Gilbert must step up, young as he is, and make this HIS team. He can’t rely on the success he had in spring ball, or fall camp, or the Alabama game. Going forward the success will be credited to him, sure, but Texas fans and coaches aren’t going to forgive him for 5 turnovers in a game like they did after Alabama. Time to put up and show you’re the real deal.
Can he make the transition from a spread offense QB to a guy who goes under center? Will he see blitzes and audible? Can he learn the art of checking down instead of trying to force it deep? These are questions any first year starter must answer – and although Texas fans think they’ve got another winner in Gilbert, it’s finally time to see just what #7 can do.
What will the “new” running game look like?
The coaching staff’s decision to move to a more power running attack has been routinely questioned and analyzed all off season. Now the question is: what will this attack look like? With powerful Cody Johnson earning the start this week against Rice, you can expect more running between the tackles than fans have seen in Austin in recent years. Gone are the days of the zone and option read in favor of more downhill running. Using Johnson to bully their way down the field, Texas ought to be able to control the clock and allow their defense and running game to maintain tempo to its liking.
Mack Brown alluded to the fact that the game plan won’t be overtly different from the previous years. He still wants to run some no-huddle, fast paced attacks. Expect to see Tre Newton and Fozzy Whitaker to get their fair share of carries, as the Longhorns try to establish the identity of the running game for the 2010 season against the subpar Rice defense.
Keep an eye on Kyle Hix and Michael Huey, the anchors of the left side of the Texas offensive line. With the most experience of any lineman, and the loss of Tray Allen, Greg Davis and Brown will spend ample time seeing if Hix and Huey can become more downhill blockers and lead the charge. Last year’s line couldn’t change during midseason to be better prepared to come off the ball. Now Texas fans learn if the offseason work paid off.
Who will emerge as a go-to receiver?
Jordan Shipley is gone trying to catch whatever extra passes are around Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens in Cincinnati. After catching 115 balls last year, and breaking most all Texas single season receiving records, Shipley leaves behind a group of unproven receivers, one of whom will need to step up to become the safety net and reliable threat for Gilbert in 2010.
Coming out of camp coaches have raved on James Kirkendoll as the potential # 1 receiver, but Greg Davis has also alluded to the fact that 4 guys could catch upwards of 40 passes each this year. Kirkendoll’s disappearance during last year’s Big 12 title and BCS title games is a bit disconcerting – can he step into the role of Shipley and make the key catches when needed? What about Malcolm Williams? Ever since he caught 2 TDs against Texas Tech in 2008 (including a 91 yard streaking bomb), Texas has been waiting for him to step up into a deep ball threat. With a focus on running the ball and more play action, down the field plays, it would seem Williams would be poised for a breakout year. But remember, this is the same guy who had a perfect lob bounce threw his hands (courtesy of Gilbert, in fact) against Alabama that could have turned the tide in favor of Texas in the 2nd quarter. Instead Texas settled for a field goal, and we all remember what happened after that.
There has been praise for some of the freshman, including Mike Davis, a young man who is evidently a workhorse and has impressed coaches with his ability to grasp the offense. Still, relying on freshman is a dubious decision, especially so early in the season.
Whoever it is, someone will need to emerge quickly. A name to keep an eye on – Marquise Goodwin. The world class track athlete may be able to slip past defenders on deep posts and go routes, where the defensive safeties have bitten up against the run on play action fakes.
Can Will Muschamp contain his enthusiasm?
This is simple. Of course not. The biggest of the day Saturday may come from Muschamp on his own players leaving the field after a big defensive stand.
Who will be this year’s Sergio Kindle / Brian Orakpo?
It’s got to be one of Acho brothers, even if Emmanuel is inside LB to start the year. Sam will move from a down lineman in a 4-3 defensive scheme to a blitzing linebacker in 3-4 pass defenses. Remember, Kindle didn’t have a high amount of sacks last year, but he led the Big 12 in QB pressures. All Texas needs for the defense to succeed is a consistent pass rushing threat that offenses must scheme for and protect. Once that is established, Muschamp’s defenses are far more wide open and able to bring more pressure from other parts. With a secondary that is ranked as one of the best in the country, Texas should have no problem remaining a leading sack team in the country, so long as someone steps up into the QB pressure – master role, like Kindle and Orakpo of the last two years.
Don’t be surprised if we see quite a bit of Jackson Jeffcoat occupying this role on Saturday. He’s listed as a backup defensive end behind Eddie Jones, and comes in to bolster one of the strongest aspects of the Texas D – defensive end. He’ll move around much in the same mold as Sam Acho, and it will be interesting to see him compete in game situations as a true freshman.
Will ANYONE throw the ball at Aaron Williams?
My guess is no. And thus, Williams won’t be discussed much for the 2010 Thorpe award, given to the nation’s best defensive back. Unless he makes plays out of position, Williams will be expected to shut down UT opponents’ top receiving threat on a regular basis. He’ll oftentimes be left alone, on the proverbial island against some of the best receivers in the land. Will it happen this Saturday? Probably not, but it’ll be interesting to watch and see how an offense with no identity will avoid the top DB at Texas, and a future NFL first rounder.
Can Kyle Hix make the switch to left tackle and protect Gilbert? Can Texas run behind Hix and Huey?
Kyle Hix seems like he’s been at Texas for years, because he’s made 30 starts on the offensive line. This year, he’s switching over to the left tackle spot to protect Garrett Gilbert’s blind side. Coaches say the switch has gone well thus far, but all it takes is one missed blocking assignment and Gilbert could be lost for the season. Quite a bit of pressure for a guy learning the nuances of a new spot on the field.
In addition, the only other starter on the line with significant playing time is Michael Huey, who will be lining up next to Hix. Even when not worrying about protecting Gilbert, expect the Horns to try and run the ball behind their two most experienced linemen. It will be interesting to gauge how successful the running game can be, especially if, as expected, the run slants heavily to the left side of the line.
Can John Gold replace Hunter Lawrence as a productive placekicker?
Texas fans won’t soon forget the name Hunter Lawrence, he of the last minute kick to win the Big 12 Championship in 2009. John Gold, the Longhorns punter last year, will take the place of a guy who hit over 80% of his FG attempts in his career at Texas. During preseason, Gold missed one opportunity during live ball scrimmages, so the coaching staff is confident in his ability to get the job done. Can he do it with :01 on the clock, with the Big 12 on the line? No one knows until they are in that situation, but Texas will find out Saturday how the new placekicker will perform in front of 70,000 plus fans with expectations sky high.
Who returns kickoffs – can Texas be explosive on kick returns?
DJ Munroe? Marquise Goodwin? These would seem the logical answers, although Munroe’s status is still unclear for Saturday’s game. Last year, Texas was proficient in kick and punt returning, though they will have to replace Jordan Shipley in the punting game. If Goodwin or Munroe can emerge as elite returners, Texas can rely on decent field position to implement their revised offensive scheme. Goodwin also appears to be in the lead for the punt returning job, though a final decision may not be known until Saturday. It was also be interesting to see how the new NCAA rule that eliminates wedge blocking affects the return game of Texas. Coach Brown doesn’t think it will matter much, but Texas has been an excellent special teams group over the last two years. To remain a top 5 team, they will need that spark again this season.
What’s the final score going to be? Can Texas sell the game out in Houston?
The game probably won’t see out, because it is still just Rice. Texas will pour it on well into the 3rd quarter, to ensure the starters are ready to go for Texas Tech in just 2 weeks time. The average score over the past few years has been around 52-10. Our final prediction will come out later this week.
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Is Garrett Gilbert truly ready to step up? Or do we have another Chris Simms at Texas?
This question may seem a bit crazy, considering all the pre-season hype and expectations surrounding Gilbert after his showing in the most difficult of games last January versus Alabama. But the fact is Texas fans have not seen a full game under Gilbert’s belt. Sure, he responded well and helped lead Texas impressively for about 9 minutes during the BCS title game. But the reality is he still turned the ball over five times, and had one of the worst first halves in football with his 1-10 performance in the first half.
He seems primed for a big year and a legendary career like his predecessor Colt and Vince. But remember, Chris Simms was the national Gatorade Player of the Year coming out of high school too. He couldn’t handle the leadership requirements that come with being QB at a place like Texas. With key seniors from the 2009 team gone, this is the game where Gilbert must step up, young as he is, and make this HIS team. He can’t rely on the success he had in spring ball, or fall camp, or the Alabama game. Going forward the success will be credited to him, sure, but Texas fans and coaches aren’t going to forgive him for 5 turnovers in a game like they did after Alabama. Time to put up and show you’re the real deal.
Can he make the transition from a spread offense QB to a guy who goes under center? Will he see blitzes and audible? Can he learn the art of checking down instead of trying to force it deep? These are questions any first year starter must answer – and although Texas fans think they’ve got another winner in Gilbert, it’s finally time to see just what #7 can do.
What will the “new” running game look like?
The coaching staff’s decision to move to a more power running attack has been routinely questioned and analyzed all off season. Now the question is: what will this attack look like? With powerful Cody Johnson earning the start this week against Rice, you can expect more running between the tackles than fans have seen in Austin in recent years. Gone are the days of the zone and option read in favor of more downhill running. Using Johnson to bully their way down the field, Texas ought to be able to control the clock and allow their defense and running game to maintain tempo to its liking.
Mack Brown alluded to the fact that the game plan won’t be overtly different from the previous years. He still wants to run some no-huddle, fast paced attacks. Expect to see Tre Newton and Fozzy Whitaker to get their fair share of carries, as the Longhorns try to establish the identity of the running game for the 2010 season against the subpar Rice defense.
Keep an eye on Kyle Hix and Michael Huey, the anchors of the left side of the Texas offensive line. With the most experience of any lineman, and the loss of Tray Allen, Greg Davis and Brown will spend ample time seeing if Hix and Huey can become more downhill blockers and lead the charge. Last year’s line couldn’t change during midseason to be better prepared to come off the ball. Now Texas fans learn if the offseason work paid off.
Who will emerge as a go-to receiver?
Jordan Shipley is gone trying to catch whatever extra passes are around Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens in Cincinnati. After catching 115 balls last year, and breaking most all Texas single season receiving records, Shipley leaves behind a group of unproven receivers, one of whom will need to step up to become the safety net and reliable threat for Gilbert in 2010.
Coming out of camp coaches have raved on James Kirkendoll as the potential # 1 receiver, but Greg Davis has also alluded to the fact that 4 guys could catch upwards of 40 passes each this year. Kirkendoll’s disappearance during last year’s Big 12 title and BCS title games is a bit disconcerting – can he step into the role of Shipley and make the key catches when needed? What about Malcolm Williams? Ever since he caught 2 TDs against Texas Tech in 2008 (including a 91 yard streaking bomb), Texas has been waiting for him to step up into a deep ball threat. With a focus on running the ball and more play action, down the field plays, it would seem Williams would be poised for a breakout year. But remember, this is the same guy who had a perfect lob bounce threw his hands (courtesy of Gilbert, in fact) against Alabama that could have turned the tide in favor of Texas in the 2nd quarter. Instead Texas settled for a field goal, and we all remember what happened after that.
There has been praise for some of the freshman, including Mike Davis, a young man who is evidently a workhorse and has impressed coaches with his ability to grasp the offense. Still, relying on freshman is a dubious decision, especially so early in the season.
Whoever it is, someone will need to emerge quickly. A name to keep an eye on – Marquise Goodwin. The world class track athlete may be able to slip past defenders on deep posts and go routes, where the defensive safeties have bitten up against the run on play action fakes.
Can Will Muschamp contain his enthusiasm?
This is simple. Of course not. The biggest of the day Saturday may come from Muschamp on his own players leaving the field after a big defensive stand.
Who will be this year’s Sergio Kindle / Brian Orakpo?
It’s got to be one of Acho brothers, even if Emmanuel is inside LB to start the year. Sam will move from a down lineman in a 4-3 defensive scheme to a blitzing linebacker in 3-4 pass defenses. Remember, Kindle didn’t have a high amount of sacks last year, but he led the Big 12 in QB pressures. All Texas needs for the defense to succeed is a consistent pass rushing threat that offenses must scheme for and protect. Once that is established, Muschamp’s defenses are far more wide open and able to bring more pressure from other parts. With a secondary that is ranked as one of the best in the country, Texas should have no problem remaining a leading sack team in the country, so long as someone steps up into the QB pressure – master role, like Kindle and Orakpo of the last two years.
Don’t be surprised if we see quite a bit of Jackson Jeffcoat occupying this role on Saturday. He’s listed as a backup defensive end behind Eddie Jones, and comes in to bolster one of the strongest aspects of the Texas D – defensive end. He’ll move around much in the same mold as Sam Acho, and it will be interesting to see him compete in game situations as a true freshman.
Will ANYONE throw the ball at Aaron Williams?
My guess is no. And thus, Williams won’t be discussed much for the 2010 Thorpe award, given to the nation’s best defensive back. Unless he makes plays out of position, Williams will be expected to shut down UT opponents’ top receiving threat on a regular basis. He’ll oftentimes be left alone, on the proverbial island against some of the best receivers in the land. Will it happen this Saturday? Probably not, but it’ll be interesting to watch and see how an offense with no identity will avoid the top DB at Texas, and a future NFL first rounder.
Can Kyle Hix make the switch to left tackle and protect Gilbert? Can Texas run behind Hix and Huey?
Kyle Hix seems like he’s been at Texas for years, because he’s made 30 starts on the offensive line. This year, he’s switching over to the left tackle spot to protect Garrett Gilbert’s blind side. Coaches say the switch has gone well thus far, but all it takes is one missed blocking assignment and Gilbert could be lost for the season. Quite a bit of pressure for a guy learning the nuances of a new spot on the field.
In addition, the only other starter on the line with significant playing time is Michael Huey, who will be lining up next to Hix. Even when not worrying about protecting Gilbert, expect the Horns to try and run the ball behind their two most experienced linemen. It will be interesting to gauge how successful the running game can be, especially if, as expected, the run slants heavily to the left side of the line.
Can John Gold replace Hunter Lawrence as a productive placekicker?
Texas fans won’t soon forget the name Hunter Lawrence, he of the last minute kick to win the Big 12 Championship in 2009. John Gold, the Longhorns punter last year, will take the place of a guy who hit over 80% of his FG attempts in his career at Texas. During preseason, Gold missed one opportunity during live ball scrimmages, so the coaching staff is confident in his ability to get the job done. Can he do it with :01 on the clock, with the Big 12 on the line? No one knows until they are in that situation, but Texas will find out Saturday how the new placekicker will perform in front of 70,000 plus fans with expectations sky high.
Who returns kickoffs – can Texas be explosive on kick returns?
DJ Munroe? Marquise Goodwin? These would seem the logical answers, although Munroe’s status is still unclear for Saturday’s game. Last year, Texas was proficient in kick and punt returning, though they will have to replace Jordan Shipley in the punting game. If Goodwin or Munroe can emerge as elite returners, Texas can rely on decent field position to implement their revised offensive scheme. Goodwin also appears to be in the lead for the punt returning job, though a final decision may not be known until Saturday. It was also be interesting to see how the new NCAA rule that eliminates wedge blocking affects the return game of Texas. Coach Brown doesn’t think it will matter much, but Texas has been an excellent special teams group over the last two years. To remain a top 5 team, they will need that spark again this season.
What’s the final score going to be? Can Texas sell the game out in Houston?
The game probably won’t see out, because it is still just Rice. Texas will pour it on well into the 3rd quarter, to ensure the starters are ready to go for Texas Tech in just 2 weeks time. The average score over the past few years has been around 52-10. Our final prediction will come out later this week.
CFN #6: Texas Tech Preview
A preseason preview of what to expect when Texas meets Texas Tech September 18.
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A new coach, a new offensive coordinator, a new defensive coordinator, and a bubbling quarterback controversy. While it doens't sound like the recipe for success against the Texas Longhorns, the Red Raiders may be able to pull off some huge upsets with their new leading men in 2010. The game against Texas Tech won't be as easy as some folks think.
Offense
Texas Tech is replacing their offensive coordinator and head coach Mike Leach. In his ten years in Lubbock, Leach only had a QB lead the nation in total offense three times. With a system predicated on spreading the ball around to different receivers and allowing them to make plays by spreading out the defense, Leach built the most prolific offenses of the last decade out in the middle of the dusty West Texas plains.
Now Leach is gone, replaced by the less controversial Tommy Tuberville. Fans of college football will remember TT as the man who led the 2004 Auburn Tigers to an undefeated record (though no national title), only to be ousted as head coach at the end of the 2008 season after failing to successfully install a new offense. What offense was that? A spread, similar in theory to the same scheme designed and perfected by his predecessor in Lubbock.
So how will Tech take to the new stylings of Tuberville? The change may not be as drastic as folks think, and may in fact help TTU get over the final hump which has kept them second tier in the Big 12 south behind OU and UT. Tuberville kept Dan Brown, a young coach (29) who played a few years under Leach and Hal Mumme in Kentucky in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Now, the newly anointed youngest offensive coordinator in the Big 12 has some legendary shoes to fill – those of his mentor Leach.
If 2009 was the year of the QB controversy for the Red Raiders, don’t expect much different this season. Tech has sold more season tickets than ever before heading into the 2010 campaign, and will be opening renovated Jones Stadium this year. Which means the pressure will be on Brown and Tuberville to succeed, early and often. Tech coaches recently anointed Taylor Potts the starting QB job, but you can bet his backup, Steven Sheffield will be breathing down his back.
Tuberville says the job is Potts’s, and he won’t yank him right away if he isn’t getting the job done. But Potts is shaky on his feet in the pocket, and even with the improved running attack that Tuberville promises will be a compliment to the spread Brown will install, Potts is going to have to learn to stick in the pocket and wait for his man to break open. Against a team like Texas, and that ferociously good secondary, don’t expect too much patience from a guy who’s already been shellacked by the Longhorns once (remember the hit from Sergio Kindle in 2009)?
If Tuberville can truly create a running game to keep some defenses honest, he should have no trouble matching last year’s win total. For all the hype about Leach following 2008, when Tech went 11-2, the fact is he averaged a record of 8-4 over his 10 years as head coach. His offense, while effective against the less impressive teams, was only moderately successful against the big boys, including Texas (2-8). Oftentimes, including 2003 and 2007, Tech found itself outplayed against the Longhorns in games that turned into shootouts. Don’t expect that in 2010 – because the Texas defensive strength is its ultra athletic secondary, Tech will have to figure a way to ground the ball with either short screen passes or by running the ball. You can bet Tubby will go with what makes him comfortable – don’t be surprised to see Potts under center and dropping back to hand the ball to Barren Batch more often on September 18 than you would have EVER seen Leach do the same. Running the ball may be Tech’s only chance.
Defense
Tuberville will be installing a 3-4 defense, but won’t have the man power to actually play it. This is going to result in an questionable success rate for a team whose offseason motto over the past few years has been “Man, our defense is going to be GOOD this year,” only to watch that same D crumble and the let the team down. While 5 starters return, this is the same group that gave up 52 points to Texas A&M at home last year.
Specifically against Texas, though, this group may have an advantage: new defensive coordinator Patrick Willis, who was instrumental in helping draft the game plan for a defense who flummoxed Texas QB Garrett Gilbert in the BCS title game in 2009. As linebackers coach at Alabama, Willis helped mold some of the best LBs in the country down in Tuscaloosa, and his work with Kirby Smart and Nick Saban can only make the defensive units at Texas Tech improve. Whether or not this improvement will come in time for the Red Raiders 3rd game remains to be seen.
So what will happen? Tech will keep the game closer than many experts think. Because Gilbert won’t have been tested yet, this will be his true first road experience against a quality opponent. Texas fans know that weird things happen in Lubbock on Saturday nights, especially to Texas. The game is certainly no gimme, but the Texas defense should be able to limit the effectiveness of a Tech offense in a transitional phase. The key will be whether the defensive tackles at Texas can stuff the run that Tuberville will likely try to impose on them. They likely will, leaving the game in the hands of Taylor Potts in the face of constant and varying pressure from Will Muschamp and the Texas D. While Gilbert won’t shine, he’ll do just enough to earn the win, 27-17.
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A new coach, a new offensive coordinator, a new defensive coordinator, and a bubbling quarterback controversy. While it doens't sound like the recipe for success against the Texas Longhorns, the Red Raiders may be able to pull off some huge upsets with their new leading men in 2010. The game against Texas Tech won't be as easy as some folks think.
Offense
Texas Tech is replacing their offensive coordinator and head coach Mike Leach. In his ten years in Lubbock, Leach only had a QB lead the nation in total offense three times. With a system predicated on spreading the ball around to different receivers and allowing them to make plays by spreading out the defense, Leach built the most prolific offenses of the last decade out in the middle of the dusty West Texas plains.
Now Leach is gone, replaced by the less controversial Tommy Tuberville. Fans of college football will remember TT as the man who led the 2004 Auburn Tigers to an undefeated record (though no national title), only to be ousted as head coach at the end of the 2008 season after failing to successfully install a new offense. What offense was that? A spread, similar in theory to the same scheme designed and perfected by his predecessor in Lubbock.
So how will Tech take to the new stylings of Tuberville? The change may not be as drastic as folks think, and may in fact help TTU get over the final hump which has kept them second tier in the Big 12 south behind OU and UT. Tuberville kept Dan Brown, a young coach (29) who played a few years under Leach and Hal Mumme in Kentucky in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Now, the newly anointed youngest offensive coordinator in the Big 12 has some legendary shoes to fill – those of his mentor Leach.
If 2009 was the year of the QB controversy for the Red Raiders, don’t expect much different this season. Tech has sold more season tickets than ever before heading into the 2010 campaign, and will be opening renovated Jones Stadium this year. Which means the pressure will be on Brown and Tuberville to succeed, early and often. Tech coaches recently anointed Taylor Potts the starting QB job, but you can bet his backup, Steven Sheffield will be breathing down his back.
Tuberville says the job is Potts’s, and he won’t yank him right away if he isn’t getting the job done. But Potts is shaky on his feet in the pocket, and even with the improved running attack that Tuberville promises will be a compliment to the spread Brown will install, Potts is going to have to learn to stick in the pocket and wait for his man to break open. Against a team like Texas, and that ferociously good secondary, don’t expect too much patience from a guy who’s already been shellacked by the Longhorns once (remember the hit from Sergio Kindle in 2009)?
If Tuberville can truly create a running game to keep some defenses honest, he should have no trouble matching last year’s win total. For all the hype about Leach following 2008, when Tech went 11-2, the fact is he averaged a record of 8-4 over his 10 years as head coach. His offense, while effective against the less impressive teams, was only moderately successful against the big boys, including Texas (2-8). Oftentimes, including 2003 and 2007, Tech found itself outplayed against the Longhorns in games that turned into shootouts. Don’t expect that in 2010 – because the Texas defensive strength is its ultra athletic secondary, Tech will have to figure a way to ground the ball with either short screen passes or by running the ball. You can bet Tubby will go with what makes him comfortable – don’t be surprised to see Potts under center and dropping back to hand the ball to Barren Batch more often on September 18 than you would have EVER seen Leach do the same. Running the ball may be Tech’s only chance.
Defense
Tuberville will be installing a 3-4 defense, but won’t have the man power to actually play it. This is going to result in an questionable success rate for a team whose offseason motto over the past few years has been “Man, our defense is going to be GOOD this year,” only to watch that same D crumble and the let the team down. While 5 starters return, this is the same group that gave up 52 points to Texas A&M at home last year.
Specifically against Texas, though, this group may have an advantage: new defensive coordinator Patrick Willis, who was instrumental in helping draft the game plan for a defense who flummoxed Texas QB Garrett Gilbert in the BCS title game in 2009. As linebackers coach at Alabama, Willis helped mold some of the best LBs in the country down in Tuscaloosa, and his work with Kirby Smart and Nick Saban can only make the defensive units at Texas Tech improve. Whether or not this improvement will come in time for the Red Raiders 3rd game remains to be seen.
So what will happen? Tech will keep the game closer than many experts think. Because Gilbert won’t have been tested yet, this will be his true first road experience against a quality opponent. Texas fans know that weird things happen in Lubbock on Saturday nights, especially to Texas. The game is certainly no gimme, but the Texas defense should be able to limit the effectiveness of a Tech offense in a transitional phase. The key will be whether the defensive tackles at Texas can stuff the run that Tuberville will likely try to impose on them. They likely will, leaving the game in the hands of Taylor Potts in the face of constant and varying pressure from Will Muschamp and the Texas D. While Gilbert won’t shine, he’ll do just enough to earn the win, 27-17.
CFN Article #5: Reaction to Texas 1st Depth Chart 2010
Texas released its first 2010 depth chart. A look at what some of the moves may mean for 2010 and beyond.
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Biggest Surprise: It’s a tie between Cody Johnson at running back and Tyrell Higgins at defensive tackle.
Johnson came into camp as almost an afterthought, a player who would crush the ball in during short yardage and goal line formations. After losing considerable weight, and adding what appears to be a burst of speed, Johnson leadpfrogged Fozzy Whitaker and Tre Newton to snag the start against Rice. In his only other start, Johnson racked up over 100 yards against the Baylor Bears in 2009. While Texas looks to improve upon the running game with a more ferocious downhill attack, it seems Johnson may be best suited for a between the tackles offensive game plan, especially when you consider the limited bulk and size of his counterparts. Johnson may start, but you can expect Greg Davis will get the ball into the hands of Newton and Whitaker – both of whom bring a game breaking speed to the offense that Johnson lacks. The choice of Johnson could also be an indicator that the offensive philosophy switch may be taking longer than expected to take hold with the offensive line – perhaps the line isn’t opening the holes it needs for the shiftier backs, and coaches believe a bigger, more physical back like Johnson can still earn the tough yards behind a suspect offensive line.
Higgins ascent to the starting position beside Kheeston Randall answers one of the nagging questions concerning Texas fans coming into 2010: Who will step up and lead the interior of the defense? Always a strength for the Longhorns, defensive tackle questions have plagued the Longhorns all off-season, as they looked to replace Lamaar Houston. Most thought Calvin Howell had the job locked up, but he’s currently listed as third team behind Higgins and former defensive end Alex Okafor. Moving Okafor inside is a move similarly made for Houston two years ago, a move which clearly paid off for Texas and Lamaar. It also allows highly regarded freshman Jackson Jeffcoat to earn some playing time at defensive end behind senior Eddie Jones. So while the move to start Higgins may not have been a huge surprise, its announcement exemplified the shakeup of the Texas defensive line, which points to the fact that Will Muschamp and co. are still looking for permanent answers – a troubling idea with the season opening in a few days. Everyone may play every position before the coaches figure out the best combination for each game.
Also, the move to select Case McCoy as the primary backup for Garrett Gilbert over the more celebrated Connor Wood may be an indication of a very smart move by the Texas coaching staff. Texas may be leaning towards redshirting Wood, a more polished player who came out of high school with far more hype, this season and allowing McCoy to play the role Garret Gilbert played last season – mop up duty for blow-outs. Brown may be looking ahead to 2013, when Wood could replace Gilbert as a redshirt junior, allowing the Horns to get two full seasons out of Connor. While his brother will always be a Texas legend, it seems unlikely that Brad McCoy can deliver two starting quarterbacks to Texas. Call it crazy – but the backup QB for 2010 may not be the best player at QB not named Gilbert. Yet.
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Biggest Surprise: It’s a tie between Cody Johnson at running back and Tyrell Higgins at defensive tackle.
Johnson came into camp as almost an afterthought, a player who would crush the ball in during short yardage and goal line formations. After losing considerable weight, and adding what appears to be a burst of speed, Johnson leadpfrogged Fozzy Whitaker and Tre Newton to snag the start against Rice. In his only other start, Johnson racked up over 100 yards against the Baylor Bears in 2009. While Texas looks to improve upon the running game with a more ferocious downhill attack, it seems Johnson may be best suited for a between the tackles offensive game plan, especially when you consider the limited bulk and size of his counterparts. Johnson may start, but you can expect Greg Davis will get the ball into the hands of Newton and Whitaker – both of whom bring a game breaking speed to the offense that Johnson lacks. The choice of Johnson could also be an indicator that the offensive philosophy switch may be taking longer than expected to take hold with the offensive line – perhaps the line isn’t opening the holes it needs for the shiftier backs, and coaches believe a bigger, more physical back like Johnson can still earn the tough yards behind a suspect offensive line.
Higgins ascent to the starting position beside Kheeston Randall answers one of the nagging questions concerning Texas fans coming into 2010: Who will step up and lead the interior of the defense? Always a strength for the Longhorns, defensive tackle questions have plagued the Longhorns all off-season, as they looked to replace Lamaar Houston. Most thought Calvin Howell had the job locked up, but he’s currently listed as third team behind Higgins and former defensive end Alex Okafor. Moving Okafor inside is a move similarly made for Houston two years ago, a move which clearly paid off for Texas and Lamaar. It also allows highly regarded freshman Jackson Jeffcoat to earn some playing time at defensive end behind senior Eddie Jones. So while the move to start Higgins may not have been a huge surprise, its announcement exemplified the shakeup of the Texas defensive line, which points to the fact that Will Muschamp and co. are still looking for permanent answers – a troubling idea with the season opening in a few days. Everyone may play every position before the coaches figure out the best combination for each game.
Also, the move to select Case McCoy as the primary backup for Garrett Gilbert over the more celebrated Connor Wood may be an indication of a very smart move by the Texas coaching staff. Texas may be leaning towards redshirting Wood, a more polished player who came out of high school with far more hype, this season and allowing McCoy to play the role Garret Gilbert played last season – mop up duty for blow-outs. Brown may be looking ahead to 2013, when Wood could replace Gilbert as a redshirt junior, allowing the Horns to get two full seasons out of Connor. While his brother will always be a Texas legend, it seems unlikely that Brad McCoy can deliver two starting quarterbacks to Texas. Call it crazy – but the backup QB for 2010 may not be the best player at QB not named Gilbert. Yet.
CFN Article #4 Wyoming Preview
Wyoming coach Dave Christensen brings his 2010 Cowboys to Austin as a followup to last year’s Longhorn trip to Laramie. Texas fans flooded the state of Wyoming to beat the Austin heat, and watched the Longhorns struggle in the first half against Wyoming before pulling away for a 41-10 victory. In his first year as head coach, Christensen led Wyoming to a 7-6 record, including a New Mexico Bowl victory over Fresno State.
Offense
After leaving Missouri as the Offensive Coordinator, Christensen installed his high octane spread attach in Wyoming – the same attack that led Missouri and Chase Daniel to their magical 2007 #1 ranking and Heisman finalist season. Last year, Wyoming played the role of comeback kids, winning 4 games in which they trailed in the 4th quarter. This year, with sophomore QB Austyn Carta-Samuels returns with a seemingly better grasp of Christensen’s offense. After throwing just 10 TDs in 2009, Carta-Samuels spent the off-season working on routes with his receivers and tight-ends, as Christensen looks to improve an offense that averaged only 18 (113th in FBS) points per game. With a running game that picked up 1770 yards total returning most of its production, Wyoming knows maturity at the QB position can only help improve their results in 2009.
Against a defense like Texas, though, this could prove difficult. Carta-Samuels was sacked 30 times last year behind a suspect offensive line, which seemed at times to have difficulty picking up complicated blitzes. With one of the best secondaries in the nation, you can bet Texas will bring the heat from a variety of places against the Cowboys. Expect Texas to tee off on the still developing QB early and often with a variety of different looks. This is another game where Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp should be able to play some young guys to try and fill the holes at the defensive tackle position, and see who can step up for the interior of the Texas line this season.
Defense
S Chris Prosinski returns to lead the defense. While they bring back 8 starters on the D, it’s not like the guys returning were all that impressive in 2009. Wyoming gave up 27 points per game last. They were even worse against elite teams, giving up 52 to BYU, 45 to TCU, and 41 to Texas. Prosinski is garnering hype as a potential MWC player of the year. Christensen’s defenses focus on utilizing his safeties as a rover, ala Ed Reed and the Baltimore Ravens, so having an experience leader like Prosinski back should help improve the Cowboys efforts.
Again, though, when we’re talking about Texas, Wyoming just doesn’t match up. The athletes on the Longhorns’ side of the ball should push around any players the Cowboys throw out there. The game should be a good opportunity to continue establishing the running game. Oftentimes, games like this in 2009 should have allowed that Texas team to do much the same, but the ineffectiveness of the Texas offensive line in 2009 didn’t allow for such glorified practice. By going back under center and allowing the offensive linemen to push off out of a three-point stance, Mack Brown should be able to establish an attitude against weaker opponents this year that was lacking last year, and ultimately hurt the running game.
Add the weather factor into the mix (Laramie averages temperatures in the mid 70s during August and September – and while the game isn’t until 6, Wyoming players won’t be used to the furnace that is Memorial Stadium in early season games), and you ought to expect a blowout.
Brown and company would be wise to build up Gilbert’s confidence heading into the week 3 matchup against Texas Tech in Lubbock, so the running statistics won’t be as impressive as expected. Still, Texas wins going away 45-7.
Offense
After leaving Missouri as the Offensive Coordinator, Christensen installed his high octane spread attach in Wyoming – the same attack that led Missouri and Chase Daniel to their magical 2007 #1 ranking and Heisman finalist season. Last year, Wyoming played the role of comeback kids, winning 4 games in which they trailed in the 4th quarter. This year, with sophomore QB Austyn Carta-Samuels returns with a seemingly better grasp of Christensen’s offense. After throwing just 10 TDs in 2009, Carta-Samuels spent the off-season working on routes with his receivers and tight-ends, as Christensen looks to improve an offense that averaged only 18 (113th in FBS) points per game. With a running game that picked up 1770 yards total returning most of its production, Wyoming knows maturity at the QB position can only help improve their results in 2009.
Against a defense like Texas, though, this could prove difficult. Carta-Samuels was sacked 30 times last year behind a suspect offensive line, which seemed at times to have difficulty picking up complicated blitzes. With one of the best secondaries in the nation, you can bet Texas will bring the heat from a variety of places against the Cowboys. Expect Texas to tee off on the still developing QB early and often with a variety of different looks. This is another game where Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp should be able to play some young guys to try and fill the holes at the defensive tackle position, and see who can step up for the interior of the Texas line this season.
Defense
S Chris Prosinski returns to lead the defense. While they bring back 8 starters on the D, it’s not like the guys returning were all that impressive in 2009. Wyoming gave up 27 points per game last. They were even worse against elite teams, giving up 52 to BYU, 45 to TCU, and 41 to Texas. Prosinski is garnering hype as a potential MWC player of the year. Christensen’s defenses focus on utilizing his safeties as a rover, ala Ed Reed and the Baltimore Ravens, so having an experience leader like Prosinski back should help improve the Cowboys efforts.
Again, though, when we’re talking about Texas, Wyoming just doesn’t match up. The athletes on the Longhorns’ side of the ball should push around any players the Cowboys throw out there. The game should be a good opportunity to continue establishing the running game. Oftentimes, games like this in 2009 should have allowed that Texas team to do much the same, but the ineffectiveness of the Texas offensive line in 2009 didn’t allow for such glorified practice. By going back under center and allowing the offensive linemen to push off out of a three-point stance, Mack Brown should be able to establish an attitude against weaker opponents this year that was lacking last year, and ultimately hurt the running game.
Add the weather factor into the mix (Laramie averages temperatures in the mid 70s during August and September – and while the game isn’t until 6, Wyoming players won’t be used to the furnace that is Memorial Stadium in early season games), and you ought to expect a blowout.
Brown and company would be wise to build up Gilbert’s confidence heading into the week 3 matchup against Texas Tech in Lubbock, so the running statistics won’t be as impressive as expected. Still, Texas wins going away 45-7.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Colt McCoy Fans - RELAX
There have been mutterings around the sports world, especially here in Austin, about the Cleveland Browns cutting former Texas QB Colt McCoy. Folks in Texas wouldn't mind - we'd probably hope the Cowboys or Texans would pick him up. Keep hoping. Cleveland is NOT cutting McCoy.
Will McCoy be on the opening day roster for the Browns? Absolutely not. He's probably the 4th string QB right now, behind Jake Delhomme, Senaca Wallace, and some dude you've never heard of. Come September 12, when the Browns kick off their season, you can expect Colt to have the best seat in the house - in some press box, with headphones on, watching the game as a spectator.
Consider this his redshirt season at Texas. His seasoning on the bench behind Vince Young apparently did him so good. Delhomme is no VY, obviously, but McCoy is learning an entirely new way to play his position. He hasn't been under center for 4 years. The speed of the game in the AFC north far outclasses anything that Baylor, Rice, or the Iowa States of the world threw at him over the past 4 seasons in Austin. He doesn't have his roommate Jordan Shipley to throw to. A lot is working against the success of Colt, and a year to get acclimated to the life of an NFL QB is EXACTLY what he needs. Browns President and GM Mike Holmgren has a knack for making some pretty impressive decisions regarding his quarterbacks (see Brett Favre and Matt Hasselback), so we should trust he knows what he is doing here.
McCoy won't see the field this year. He'll be lucky to wear a jersey. Head Coach Eric Mangini is trying to save his job - remember when Cleveland brought Holmgren in, most folks assumed Mangini was gone. You can bet he feels the pressure from above to win. Now. McCoy is the solution for the future. NFL rosters are limited to 53, and only 46 dress for game day. Do you think Mangini is going to use one of those spots on a 4th string QB who has no business being on the field now? Of course not. Mangini needs to win to save his job. McCoy can do nothing but hurt his chances of doing that this season.
The press continued to hound Mangini about the status of McCoy. They asked whether Colt will be part of the team this year. Finally, Mangini alluded to the truth - No, in fact, our 3rd round pick will NOT be a part of plan to win this season. Well duh.
The Browns invested an absurd amount of money into McCoy. He was paid a signing bonus that was nearly unprecedented for a 3rd round player, with a guaranteed $1 million. Holmgren has repeated said that Colt is the future. Obviously, Cleveland has made their choice for the long term. But that doesn't mean his learning curve should be hampered, or his play be allowed to hamstring Coach Mangini for 2010.
Think about the position former OU quarterback Sam Bradford is in. He starts tonight. Against the New England Patriots, behind an embarrassment of an offensive line. Here's a kid who hasn't taken a snap in ANY game since October of 2009. His last 3 games have been unimpressive, with 2 shoulder injuries, 3 losses, and a subpar showing against anything resembling a decent defense. And that was on the collegiate level. Does the name David Carr ring a bell? Bradford is getting thrown to the wolves, expected to learn a new system, adjust to the increased speed of the game, earn the respect of his teammates, and deal with absurd expectations, all while being tabbed the savior of a long-languishing franchise. You're talking about odds against success stacked so high, even Bob Stoops couldn't help young Sammy out.
So let the kid from Tuscola "redshirt". Keep him off the field. Let him learn through some seasoned vets about the rigors of this game on the pro level. Don't panic. Come 2012, you'll see him flinging the ball around. Likely with Holmgren back in a head coaching role. For now - just buy his jersey, wear it on Saturday, and hope new Texas QB Garrett Gilbert learned enough from the Real McCoy to help Texas on the field this year. Cause Colt won't be helping Cleveland in 2010. And that's OK.
Will McCoy be on the opening day roster for the Browns? Absolutely not. He's probably the 4th string QB right now, behind Jake Delhomme, Senaca Wallace, and some dude you've never heard of. Come September 12, when the Browns kick off their season, you can expect Colt to have the best seat in the house - in some press box, with headphones on, watching the game as a spectator.
Consider this his redshirt season at Texas. His seasoning on the bench behind Vince Young apparently did him so good. Delhomme is no VY, obviously, but McCoy is learning an entirely new way to play his position. He hasn't been under center for 4 years. The speed of the game in the AFC north far outclasses anything that Baylor, Rice, or the Iowa States of the world threw at him over the past 4 seasons in Austin. He doesn't have his roommate Jordan Shipley to throw to. A lot is working against the success of Colt, and a year to get acclimated to the life of an NFL QB is EXACTLY what he needs. Browns President and GM Mike Holmgren has a knack for making some pretty impressive decisions regarding his quarterbacks (see Brett Favre and Matt Hasselback), so we should trust he knows what he is doing here.
McCoy won't see the field this year. He'll be lucky to wear a jersey. Head Coach Eric Mangini is trying to save his job - remember when Cleveland brought Holmgren in, most folks assumed Mangini was gone. You can bet he feels the pressure from above to win. Now. McCoy is the solution for the future. NFL rosters are limited to 53, and only 46 dress for game day. Do you think Mangini is going to use one of those spots on a 4th string QB who has no business being on the field now? Of course not. Mangini needs to win to save his job. McCoy can do nothing but hurt his chances of doing that this season.
The press continued to hound Mangini about the status of McCoy. They asked whether Colt will be part of the team this year. Finally, Mangini alluded to the truth - No, in fact, our 3rd round pick will NOT be a part of plan to win this season. Well duh.
The Browns invested an absurd amount of money into McCoy. He was paid a signing bonus that was nearly unprecedented for a 3rd round player, with a guaranteed $1 million. Holmgren has repeated said that Colt is the future. Obviously, Cleveland has made their choice for the long term. But that doesn't mean his learning curve should be hampered, or his play be allowed to hamstring Coach Mangini for 2010.
Think about the position former OU quarterback Sam Bradford is in. He starts tonight. Against the New England Patriots, behind an embarrassment of an offensive line. Here's a kid who hasn't taken a snap in ANY game since October of 2009. His last 3 games have been unimpressive, with 2 shoulder injuries, 3 losses, and a subpar showing against anything resembling a decent defense. And that was on the collegiate level. Does the name David Carr ring a bell? Bradford is getting thrown to the wolves, expected to learn a new system, adjust to the increased speed of the game, earn the respect of his teammates, and deal with absurd expectations, all while being tabbed the savior of a long-languishing franchise. You're talking about odds against success stacked so high, even Bob Stoops couldn't help young Sammy out.
So let the kid from Tuscola "redshirt". Keep him off the field. Let him learn through some seasoned vets about the rigors of this game on the pro level. Don't panic. Come 2012, you'll see him flinging the ball around. Likely with Holmgren back in a head coaching role. For now - just buy his jersey, wear it on Saturday, and hope new Texas QB Garrett Gilbert learned enough from the Real McCoy to help Texas on the field this year. Cause Colt won't be helping Cleveland in 2010. And that's OK.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
CFN Article #2: Texas Opponents Preview RICE OWLS
Link to articles here
Game #1
Texas at Rice (Reliant Stadium)
Saturday, September 4 2:30PM CDT on ESPN2
The 2010 Rice Owls are coming off a disappointing '09 campaign, when their total points per game dropped by over 10, following a surprise run to the Texas Bowl Championship and a 10-3 record in 2008. As a program that seems to be in constant flux, Rice is looking to return to a more offensively potent attack under fourth year head coach David Bailiff.
Offense
Offensively, the only question that matters is quarterback. Right now, 10 days before hosting Texas, Rice has no idea who the starter will be when they take the field against the Longhorns. Surely within the next week and a half, this will be decided, but the fact of the matter is, a 3 person rotation at the most important position on the field won't cut the mustard. Until Taylor Cook, Nick Fannuzi, or Taylor McHagure step up, the offense could remain as bogged down in 2010 as it was last year.
The wide receivers and running backs are marginal at best. This is still Rice. However, Bailiff spent a considerable amount of time in the offseason working on bringing more running to his spread attack. Perhaps this will help the Owls down the road. Don't bet on it against Texas.
The offensive line returns 4 players who have started at least 10 games, and 3 All Conference-USA players. If this group can gel, and find some time for whichever QB steps up, then the Owls may have a chance to surprise some folks in C-USA this year. But again - not Texas.
Defense
Last year, Rice gave up 43.1 points per game, 120th in FBS. Yikes. The team is loaded with young players, many of whom were adjusting to the speed of the game. And C-USA has some of the top offensives in the country with Houston and SMU. But still - when your offense is only getting 18 points a contest, you've got to find a way to stop somebody. At some point. Sometime. Just wow.
The D is led by defensive end Cheta Ozougwu, who had a career year in 2009 with highs in tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. Alex Lowry anchors the 3-4 unit at noseguard, and started 10 games as a freshman in '09. The D is young, which bodes well for Rice's future. But, the D remains young, which bodes not-so-well for their first game.
Outlook
The opening lines from Vegas have Texas as a 27.5 point favorite. If I were a betting man, I'd take Texas. BIG. The Longhorns will use this game to establish their new offensive system, allowing a variety of running backs (Tre Newton and Fozzy Whitaker come to mind) to run ram-shot over Rice while giving their reconfigured offensive line some confidence against an inferior run defense. Additionally, Mack Brown knows he needs to boost the psyche of first year QB Garrett Gilbert, and having the sophomore at the reins of a monster blowout can do just that.
On the other side of the ball, a shutout wouldn't surprise anyone. Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp enters his third year in Austin, and he's looking to find playmakers to replace S Earl Thomas, LB Sergio Kindle, DT Lamarr Houston, and LB Roddrick Muckelroy - a quartet that led the Horns to the BCS Title game last year. Expect new names to step up and get their feet wet against the softer Owls. Whoever loses that Rice starting QB job better not get too comfortable on the bench - Muschamp brings the heat, and the Longhorns may just knock a few QBs loopy trying to establish their dominance.
Over the past few years, it seems Texas has played Rice with some regularity. And the result always seem to be 52-10. I'd expect a similar outlook at Reliant on September 4th. The good news for Rice? At least the roof will be closed, so they can avoid a treacherous Houston September afternoon.
Game #1
Texas at Rice (Reliant Stadium)
Saturday, September 4 2:30PM CDT on ESPN2
The 2010 Rice Owls are coming off a disappointing '09 campaign, when their total points per game dropped by over 10, following a surprise run to the Texas Bowl Championship and a 10-3 record in 2008. As a program that seems to be in constant flux, Rice is looking to return to a more offensively potent attack under fourth year head coach David Bailiff.
Offense
Offensively, the only question that matters is quarterback. Right now, 10 days before hosting Texas, Rice has no idea who the starter will be when they take the field against the Longhorns. Surely within the next week and a half, this will be decided, but the fact of the matter is, a 3 person rotation at the most important position on the field won't cut the mustard. Until Taylor Cook, Nick Fannuzi, or Taylor McHagure step up, the offense could remain as bogged down in 2010 as it was last year.
The wide receivers and running backs are marginal at best. This is still Rice. However, Bailiff spent a considerable amount of time in the offseason working on bringing more running to his spread attack. Perhaps this will help the Owls down the road. Don't bet on it against Texas.
The offensive line returns 4 players who have started at least 10 games, and 3 All Conference-USA players. If this group can gel, and find some time for whichever QB steps up, then the Owls may have a chance to surprise some folks in C-USA this year. But again - not Texas.
Defense
Last year, Rice gave up 43.1 points per game, 120th in FBS. Yikes. The team is loaded with young players, many of whom were adjusting to the speed of the game. And C-USA has some of the top offensives in the country with Houston and SMU. But still - when your offense is only getting 18 points a contest, you've got to find a way to stop somebody. At some point. Sometime. Just wow.
The D is led by defensive end Cheta Ozougwu, who had a career year in 2009 with highs in tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. Alex Lowry anchors the 3-4 unit at noseguard, and started 10 games as a freshman in '09. The D is young, which bodes well for Rice's future. But, the D remains young, which bodes not-so-well for their first game.
Outlook
The opening lines from Vegas have Texas as a 27.5 point favorite. If I were a betting man, I'd take Texas. BIG. The Longhorns will use this game to establish their new offensive system, allowing a variety of running backs (Tre Newton and Fozzy Whitaker come to mind) to run ram-shot over Rice while giving their reconfigured offensive line some confidence against an inferior run defense. Additionally, Mack Brown knows he needs to boost the psyche of first year QB Garrett Gilbert, and having the sophomore at the reins of a monster blowout can do just that.
On the other side of the ball, a shutout wouldn't surprise anyone. Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp enters his third year in Austin, and he's looking to find playmakers to replace S Earl Thomas, LB Sergio Kindle, DT Lamarr Houston, and LB Roddrick Muckelroy - a quartet that led the Horns to the BCS Title game last year. Expect new names to step up and get their feet wet against the softer Owls. Whoever loses that Rice starting QB job better not get too comfortable on the bench - Muschamp brings the heat, and the Longhorns may just knock a few QBs loopy trying to establish their dominance.
Over the past few years, it seems Texas has played Rice with some regularity. And the result always seem to be 52-10. I'd expect a similar outlook at Reliant on September 4th. The good news for Rice? At least the roof will be closed, so they can avoid a treacherous Houston September afternoon.
Notes of the day - Aug 24
Does anyone else find humor in the fact that the Minnesota Vikings top receiver, Sydney Rice, recently underwent hip surgery? I mean, you'd think the return of Brett Favre, he of 41 years of age, would lead the headlines of orthopedic injuries, not some mid 20's, supremely athletic receiver. Irony, it seems, is upon all of us.
Also - a quick note on the AP Top 25 College Football poll. I know there are Longhorn haters out there. I know there are Sooner haters out there. I know there are Cornhusker haters out there. But be honest: Does anyone out there think the Boise State Broncos, who came in ranked ahead of all 3 of those Big 12 schools, would defeat any one of them on the field this year? All three teams would be heavy favorites against the Boise Boys in Blue, and yet here we sit, waiting for the start of the 2010 college football season, with the Broncos ranked number 3 in the polls. I thought the polls were indicators of who would win head to head matchups, and who the best teams in the country really are. Instead, it appears the AP voters have decided that because Boise State has a light schedule (save that first game against VaTech), we're expecting an undefeated season from Carl Peterson's team. And thus - we should grant them a shot at a BCS title. Let me ask this - will they feel the same in December if one of those Big 12 schools is undefeated as well? Does an undefeated Nebraska team get the shaft because of Boise State? Not bloodly likely.
The New Mexico State Hairpuller has returned to the Lobos for the fall season. For those who forgot, check this out. Pretty impressive stuff. Even more impressive that New Mexico is letting Ms. Lambert play again. And by impressive I mean embarrassing. Look, I'm all for Title IX and women's rights, but it's not like NCAA soccer is driving up the athletic budget for New Mexico in 2010. I guess if she gets a shot at being a WWE superstar, maybe the Lobos get something out of this reinstatement, other than the ridicule and embarrassment of being another school afraid to truly teach life lessons to student athletes. I mean, if Lambert pulled something like this in her professional career, it's not like her employer would suspend her for a year, and then allow her to return. Sometimes the hardest lessons to learn are the ones it seems coaches who are too eager to win are afraid to teach their students.
The NFL fined Chad Ochocinco 25K for tweeting during a preseason game. What - were they afraid his tweets would take away from the excitement on the field? Of a preseason game? The No Fun League needs to lighten up.
Also - a quick note on the AP Top 25 College Football poll. I know there are Longhorn haters out there. I know there are Sooner haters out there. I know there are Cornhusker haters out there. But be honest: Does anyone out there think the Boise State Broncos, who came in ranked ahead of all 3 of those Big 12 schools, would defeat any one of them on the field this year? All three teams would be heavy favorites against the Boise Boys in Blue, and yet here we sit, waiting for the start of the 2010 college football season, with the Broncos ranked number 3 in the polls. I thought the polls were indicators of who would win head to head matchups, and who the best teams in the country really are. Instead, it appears the AP voters have decided that because Boise State has a light schedule (save that first game against VaTech), we're expecting an undefeated season from Carl Peterson's team. And thus - we should grant them a shot at a BCS title. Let me ask this - will they feel the same in December if one of those Big 12 schools is undefeated as well? Does an undefeated Nebraska team get the shaft because of Boise State? Not bloodly likely.
The New Mexico State Hairpuller has returned to the Lobos for the fall season. For those who forgot, check this out. Pretty impressive stuff. Even more impressive that New Mexico is letting Ms. Lambert play again. And by impressive I mean embarrassing. Look, I'm all for Title IX and women's rights, but it's not like NCAA soccer is driving up the athletic budget for New Mexico in 2010. I guess if she gets a shot at being a WWE superstar, maybe the Lobos get something out of this reinstatement, other than the ridicule and embarrassment of being another school afraid to truly teach life lessons to student athletes. I mean, if Lambert pulled something like this in her professional career, it's not like her employer would suspend her for a year, and then allow her to return. Sometimes the hardest lessons to learn are the ones it seems coaches who are too eager to win are afraid to teach their students.
The NFL fined Chad Ochocinco 25K for tweeting during a preseason game. What - were they afraid his tweets would take away from the excitement on the field? Of a preseason game? The No Fun League needs to lighten up.
Monday, August 23, 2010
CFN Repost#1: Texas Longhorns - The case for running the ball in 2010
The story entering the 2010 football season for the Texas Longhorns has been centered on Mack Brown and the coaching staff's desire to transition their offense from a zone-read, spread formation to a more power-running, play-action attack. It appears the idea is to create a team consistant with the SEC model - win by running the ball and stopping teams with a vicous defense. Think Alabama, 2010. Brown saw up close what a power running game can do for you, and it looks like with the departure of the most accurate QB in Texas history (Colt McCoy), Brown and Offensive Coordinator Greg Davis are making the shift.
A number of folks may question the decision to change a system that has worked so well in Austin for the past 2 years. In 2008 - 2009, the Longhorns averaged over 40 points per game, won 25 games, lost only twice, went to a Fiesta Bowl and the BCS National Championship, and had a QB in the running for the Heisman in back to back years. Seems like the old addage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind.
Clearly, the offense was one of the more dominant in the game over the past few years. But if we anaylyze some of Texas's biggest wins, close games, and those two losses, figuring out why Brown and company want to transition the offense ins't all that hard.
In 2008, everyone remembers the loss to Texas Tech that kept the Longhorns from playing for a Big 12 title, a BCS title, and kept a Heisman trophy out of the hands of Colt McCoy. While the play of the year is what most people remember (Tech QB Graham Harrell to Michael Crabtree with :01 to play), and the bonehead play of the year (Texas S Blake Gideon dropping a gimme interception on the play before the miracle touchdown pass) is what Texas fans remember, it would do folks some justice to recall just why the Texas defense had to take the field in the first place. The fact of the matter is, Brown and the coaches had no confidence in a running game with the game on the line. On the Horns final drive, Texas reached the Tech 30 with just over 3 minutes to go in the game. Intead of lining up in a power offensive set, the Horns stayed in their shotgun, hurry up offense. They scored to take a 33-32 lead with 1:29 to go against a team who had at that time had scored 11 touchdowns in under two minutes in their previous 8 games. Had Texas had a consistant running game aside from McCoy, the Horns could have eaten more of the clock. As it was, they left Tech at least one second too many, costing them a conference title, a BCS title game birth, and potentially a Heisman trophy.
In 2009, their Red River Rivalry game against OU wasn't what many prognasticators anticiated - a repeat of the 2008 shoot out (a 45-35 win for Texas). Instead it was a turnover filled, hard hitting, defensive battle. It was one of those games that folks in every part of the country cringe at. Every part of the country except the SEC, where they call that hard hitting smash-mouth football. At any rate - the most telling stat of the winning team? Texas outgained OU on the ground 142 to -16. The Horns committment to running the ball in a close, turnover prone, defensive struggle earned them a time of possession advantage of almost 10 minutes, and allowed them a victory over a hated rival.
Against Nebraska in the 2009 Big Championship, the play of all star Ndndamukong Suh made headlines, but it was Nebraska's ability to close down any hope of a Texas running game that really cost the Horns. Taking pressure off of McCoy would have been a huge lift against the constant Cornhusker pressure. Instead of being able to establish any kind of running attack, Texas mustered 18 yards on the ground, allowing Bo and Carl Pelini to call a defensive game that allowed Nebraska to tee off on McCoy to the tune of 9 sacks. If not for some poor play by Nebraska's special teams (a kickoff that went out of bounds) and a silly horse caller tackle on Texas's final drive, the Longhorns would have traveled back to Arizona instead of Pasadena last year.
And of course, the 2009 BCS Championship game agaisnt Alabama is a prime indicator of just how important an effective running attack is to the Longhorns. After losing McCoy early, Texas needed to find a way to run the ball, and keep freshman QB Garrett Gilbert as cool and collected as possible against the most dominant defense in college football. Instead, the wide-eyed freshman faced numerous 2nd and 3rd and longs, and as a result had a first half most Longhorns would like to forget (1-10, -1 yard passing). While he and the offense rebounded nicely in the second half, the outcome may have been different if the Longhorn offense wasn't so one dimensional that losing McCoy ended any chance of a vicotry. It's unlikely that Alabama fans would be crest fallen if Greg McElroy went down with an injury at any point during last season, unlike Texas fans who understood the offense would fall apart without McCoy. There simply wasn't any other option.
And thus, Mack Brown decided that the 2010 Longhorns, who will in essence be breaking in Gilbert for REAL this time around, will become a more downhill running team. And face it - Texas faces two challenges this year to getting back to a BCS bowl, and perhaps another shot at the National Title. OU and Nebraska. As 2009 indicated, the games seem to hinge on the ability to own the ground game. With a power running attack, and a strong armed play action QB to keep defenses honest, the Brown running plan may well pay off. So long as Texas can execute.
New Blog
I've begun blogging for CollegeFootballNews about Texas football exclusively. I will be reposting those blogs and links on SWA2, but just wanted everyone to have a direct link if they chose to check it out. I believe we are in the trial period, so you may have to search for BYLINES, but I'm there....
Check it out HERE
Check it out HERE
Thursday, August 19, 2010
2nd Chances don't always pan out....
Man, some people never learn. Remember LaGarrette (which is a stupid same. What does that mean - The Garrette?) Bount from Oregon? He's the one who went all Mike Tyson on some Boise State player after last year's 19-8 loss in Boise. Well, he's at it again. After being picked up by the NFL's Tennessee Titans this off-season, Blount seemed to be the poster child for giving troubled athletes a 2nd chance. He endured the harsh standards set forth by the University of Orego coach Chip Kelly last year, and followed through with some quality playing time in the Ducks Pac 10 Championship clinching win over rival Oregon State. It appeared he was on his way to a productive career, having learned his lesson from his unfortunate encounter last September.
Fast forward to yesterday at Titans training camp.
Apparently, all The Garrette learned wasn't that much. In fact, at least last year he cheap shotted some unsuspecting, 2 star recruit, white dude from Idaho. This year, he went head to head with a NFL man-beast, who not only could probably eat The Garrette for dinner, but also was wearing a helmet. I'm not sure what is stupider - punching some dude who could clearly end you, or punching some dude who could clearly end you while the dude is wearing a helmet, making your attack utterly futile.
Hey The Garrette: It seems your anger management classes that taught you self control have worn off. Also: it seems your common sense hat was left back in Oregon. He'll probably get cut, because the last thing the Titans need is more bad publicity (thanks, Vince Young vs. the Strip Club).
The good news for the The Garrette? He could end up at Ole Miss, with his former Ducks backfield mate, QB Jeremiah Masoli.
Fast forward to yesterday at Titans training camp.
Apparently, all The Garrette learned wasn't that much. In fact, at least last year he cheap shotted some unsuspecting, 2 star recruit, white dude from Idaho. This year, he went head to head with a NFL man-beast, who not only could probably eat The Garrette for dinner, but also was wearing a helmet. I'm not sure what is stupider - punching some dude who could clearly end you, or punching some dude who could clearly end you while the dude is wearing a helmet, making your attack utterly futile.
Hey The Garrette: It seems your anger management classes that taught you self control have worn off. Also: it seems your common sense hat was left back in Oregon. He'll probably get cut, because the last thing the Titans need is more bad publicity (thanks, Vince Young vs. the Strip Club).
The good news for the The Garrette? He could end up at Ole Miss, with his former Ducks backfield mate, QB Jeremiah Masoli.
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