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.