Over the past two years, media types and fans alike have questioned, "Where is the Texas running game? Why can't the Horns run the ball?" In 2008, the Horns were led by QB Colt McCoy in yards rushing with 542, and in 2009 Tre Newton led the way, with a total in the mid 500s. As spring ball approached, Head Coach Mack Brown has decided Texas needs to establish a more potent downhill running attack, and has spent considerable time in spring practice implementing a "H-Back" formation (i.e. the return of the 2 back set). It seems everyone in Austin and across the country is intent on Texas finding a way to run the ball consistently, and get away from the pass first mentality of the past two seasons.
My question: Why?
Let's look at the past two years. A record of 26-2, with 2 BCS bowl appearances. An offense that averaged more than 40 points per game each year. 2009 produced a national championship birth, a Big 12 conference Championship, a Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and multiple All Americans. 2008 produced a Fiesta Bowl victory over Ohio State, a Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, multiple All Americans. Both seasons produced a Heisman finalist, Walter Camp Player of the Year, 2 victories over OU, 2 victories over TAMU. Save an ill fated drop by Blake Gideon, we'd be talking about back to back Big 12 titles, BCS Championship births, at least one Heisman trophy, and arguable the greatest two years in the modern history of Texas football.
So why change things up? Because of the loss of All Everything QB Colt McCoy? Hogwash. Texas has locked up some of the greatest QB talent to come out of the state in years precisely because of the pass happy offense Mack has run over the past two years. Sophomore Garrett Gilbert proved in the 2nd half of the BCS Title game that the offense designed for Colt McCoy was exactly the offense Gilbert was comfortable running from his days dominating Texas high school football. Look at the numbers: in the first half, behind a run first, conservative game plan, Gilbert endured the worse half possible, going 1-10 with 2 interceptions and -4 yards. Ouch. When Mack and offensive coordinator opened the playbook in the 2nd half, Gilbert lit up the vaunted Alabama defense with 2 long touchdowns to bring Texas within a whisker of the most improbably championship in decades. Watch the tape - the Longhorns didn't outplay Alabama for most of the 2nd half by adjusting the game plan to run the ball - they came within 3 points with under 3 minutes to go because they allowed the talent of their stud QB to play in the system which he committed to playing to when he originally signed with Texas.
I know McCoy can't be replaced. I also know Gilbert is more of a true passer without the escapability or running skills of McCoy (I don't see Gilbert torching A&M for 175 yards on the ground this Thanksgiving). That said, if Mack and the coaches are going to adjust the game plan entirely to focus on the run and misuse the talents of the players brought to Texas to run the offense perfected by their predecessors, Longhorn fans may as well dig in for a few years of OU shellackings and trips to the Alamo Bowl. (which, for those you unaware, is the new destination for the #2 team in the Big 12, replacing the Holiday Bowl)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Mike Leach
A suspension of Texas Tech coach Mike Leach should be the last straw for a coach and a university who have been butting heads since the conclusion of the greatest season in Texas Tech football history.
According to sources, Leach locked a player in an equipment room and then an electrical closet after WR Adam James complained about playing time and after having suffered a concussion. Details are sketchy at this time, but what can't be denied is that Texas Tech seems hellbent on getting rid of the eccentric Pirate loving coach.
I find it hard to believe that Leach would be so stupid to do exactly what everyone seems to say has happened. Head injuries are not sprained ankles. They are not cramps, or strained pcl's. They are serious threats to the future and well being of players. Coaches are not coming out of the woodwork to support Leach. He's refused to make any public announcement except through his attorney. All signs at this point appear to be pointing toward Leach's pending firing.
Let's assume Tech finds out that James's story was overblown, and they want Leach back. Why would he come back? This is the same school that tried as hard as possible to run Leach out of Lubbock last year following his stunning 11-1 regular season finish.
If I'm Leach, I'd just walk away at this point. Tell your side of the story, and resign, citing unrepairable damage done by the Texas Tech administration. There's not a major college program in the country that wouldn't want Leach as an offensive coordinator for 2010. (Florida may be looking at this point, considering their OC is taking over as the interim head coach). He'd be back at a major college program by 2011, without the gillutine that hangs over his head in Lubbock.
Still, my guess is he'll stay to fight it out, and Tech will have him fired by February. Based on his history of treatment of players in 2009, locking a player in isolation wouldn't surprise me in the least (remember - he calls his players out to the media when he loses, and he suspended his team captain earlier this year)
According to sources, Leach locked a player in an equipment room and then an electrical closet after WR Adam James complained about playing time and after having suffered a concussion. Details are sketchy at this time, but what can't be denied is that Texas Tech seems hellbent on getting rid of the eccentric Pirate loving coach.
I find it hard to believe that Leach would be so stupid to do exactly what everyone seems to say has happened. Head injuries are not sprained ankles. They are not cramps, or strained pcl's. They are serious threats to the future and well being of players. Coaches are not coming out of the woodwork to support Leach. He's refused to make any public announcement except through his attorney. All signs at this point appear to be pointing toward Leach's pending firing.
Let's assume Tech finds out that James's story was overblown, and they want Leach back. Why would he come back? This is the same school that tried as hard as possible to run Leach out of Lubbock last year following his stunning 11-1 regular season finish.
If I'm Leach, I'd just walk away at this point. Tell your side of the story, and resign, citing unrepairable damage done by the Texas Tech administration. There's not a major college program in the country that wouldn't want Leach as an offensive coordinator for 2010. (Florida may be looking at this point, considering their OC is taking over as the interim head coach). He'd be back at a major college program by 2011, without the gillutine that hangs over his head in Lubbock.
Still, my guess is he'll stay to fight it out, and Tech will have him fired by February. Based on his history of treatment of players in 2009, locking a player in isolation wouldn't surprise me in the least (remember - he calls his players out to the media when he loses, and he suspended his team captain earlier this year)
Urban Meyer
First of all - pundits marking this as the greatest coach of the 2000s are a bit overdramatic. Winning at Florida with Jesus is a pretty simple task.
Looking at this retirement/leave of absence, let's get a prediction out. I think Meyer is a legitimate sore loser. ESPN and CNNSI and FOXSPORTS call it his uber-c0mpetitiveness. I call it being such a sore loser that a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game makes him feel like he came up short. (As a side note - 2 national titles in a 4 year span make you ANYTHING but a loser). He had chest pains after the game. 3 weeks later he "retires", only to return and say he wants a leave of absence. You know why he wants a leave of absence? So he doesn't have to be the head man at Florida next year when he loses the cornerstone of his spread offense (Tebow) in favor of a pro-style offense (which Meyer has little experience running) and the majority of his dominant defense. Once the Gators lose 4 games with Meyer away, he'll come back to a resounding 2011 campaign and soak up the adulation of fans, commentators, and Gator Nation as the greatest coach in Florida state football history (move aside Bobby Bowden).
Sick? You bet he's sick.
Looking at this retirement/leave of absence, let's get a prediction out. I think Meyer is a legitimate sore loser. ESPN and CNNSI and FOXSPORTS call it his uber-c0mpetitiveness. I call it being such a sore loser that a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game makes him feel like he came up short. (As a side note - 2 national titles in a 4 year span make you ANYTHING but a loser). He had chest pains after the game. 3 weeks later he "retires", only to return and say he wants a leave of absence. You know why he wants a leave of absence? So he doesn't have to be the head man at Florida next year when he loses the cornerstone of his spread offense (Tebow) in favor of a pro-style offense (which Meyer has little experience running) and the majority of his dominant defense. Once the Gators lose 4 games with Meyer away, he'll come back to a resounding 2011 campaign and soak up the adulation of fans, commentators, and Gator Nation as the greatest coach in Florida state football history (move aside Bobby Bowden).
Sick? You bet he's sick.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Just Noticed
Have you noticed Texas is 26-1 with Major Applewhite on the coaching staff? Their only loss came at the hands of Texas Tech on the Crabtree miracle.
The final debate on Major vs. Simms should be over. Applewhite is a winner - and makes those around him winners as well.
The final debate on Major vs. Simms should be over. Applewhite is a winner - and makes those around him winners as well.
All Decade D
DB - Aaron Ross: the 2006 Thorpe Award winner. Helped anchor the defensive backfield against USC in the 2005 title game, and led the team to victory over OU in 2006 with 3 forced turnovers. Led team with 6 picks and 3 forced fumbles.
DB - Michael Huff: the 2005 Thorpe Award winner. Lockdown corner and roving safety for the Horns in 2005 championship season. Teams avoided throwing his way, leaving his statistics somewhat short.
DB - Natahn Vasher: As much for his lock down coverage as his ability to break plays for Texas. Vasher is also tied for the career INT mark at Texas with 17. All American selection for his punt returning in 2001.
DB - Quinton Jammer. The essential lock down man in Texas DB history. No one threw his way. 7 picks his senior year, earning All American and All Big 12 in 2000 and 2001. It was tough between him and Earl Thomas, but hte body of work for Jammer was significantly better thus far.
LB - Derrick Johnson. The greatest LB in Texas football history. 3 time first team All Big 12. Two time first team All American (consensus All American both times). Butkus and Nagurski Award winner is 2004. Holds record for more forced fumbles in a season in NCAA history with 11 (9 his senior year alone). 69 tackles for loss in his career.
LB - Rashad Babino: A 3 year starter and significant contributor his Freshman season. Any player good enough to play all 3 years at Texas deserves to be on the list. Tallied 235 tackles over his career.
LB - Aaron Harris: 2005 First team All American. If you lead the charge to stop Lendale White on 4th and 2 with the title on the line, then you make the All Decade Team.
DE - Brian Orakp: His monster 2008 season gets him here. All American, Lomardi, Outland Trophy. He is the Suh of Texas in 2008. Had Orakpo played in the Texas Tech game in 2008, we may be talking about back to back National Championship appearances for the Longhorns. Missed 2 games and still led team with 10.5 sacks and tackles for loss.
DE - Cory Redding: First team All American in 2001 and 2002. Was Orakpo before there was an Orakpo. Chris Simms inability to beat OU cost Redding some of the prestige that Orakpo received in 2008. Nobody could block him 1 on 1.
DT - Casey Hampton. Ate up the middle of the line like no one before him or since him. 2000 First Team Consensus All American.
DT - Rod Wright. First Team All American in 2005 (consensus). Was there with Aaron Harris to stop White in the USC game, opening the door for VY's magic.
DB - Michael Huff: the 2005 Thorpe Award winner. Lockdown corner and roving safety for the Horns in 2005 championship season. Teams avoided throwing his way, leaving his statistics somewhat short.
DB - Natahn Vasher: As much for his lock down coverage as his ability to break plays for Texas. Vasher is also tied for the career INT mark at Texas with 17. All American selection for his punt returning in 2001.
DB - Quinton Jammer. The essential lock down man in Texas DB history. No one threw his way. 7 picks his senior year, earning All American and All Big 12 in 2000 and 2001. It was tough between him and Earl Thomas, but hte body of work for Jammer was significantly better thus far.
LB - Derrick Johnson. The greatest LB in Texas football history. 3 time first team All Big 12. Two time first team All American (consensus All American both times). Butkus and Nagurski Award winner is 2004. Holds record for more forced fumbles in a season in NCAA history with 11 (9 his senior year alone). 69 tackles for loss in his career.
LB - Rashad Babino: A 3 year starter and significant contributor his Freshman season. Any player good enough to play all 3 years at Texas deserves to be on the list. Tallied 235 tackles over his career.
LB - Aaron Harris: 2005 First team All American. If you lead the charge to stop Lendale White on 4th and 2 with the title on the line, then you make the All Decade Team.
DE - Brian Orakp: His monster 2008 season gets him here. All American, Lomardi, Outland Trophy. He is the Suh of Texas in 2008. Had Orakpo played in the Texas Tech game in 2008, we may be talking about back to back National Championship appearances for the Longhorns. Missed 2 games and still led team with 10.5 sacks and tackles for loss.
DE - Cory Redding: First team All American in 2001 and 2002. Was Orakpo before there was an Orakpo. Chris Simms inability to beat OU cost Redding some of the prestige that Orakpo received in 2008. Nobody could block him 1 on 1.
DT - Casey Hampton. Ate up the middle of the line like no one before him or since him. 2000 First Team Consensus All American.
DT - Rod Wright. First Team All American in 2005 (consensus). Was there with Aaron Harris to stop White in the USC game, opening the door for VY's magic.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Texas All Decade Team - Football Offense
Everyone else seems to be doing it, so I think I should go ahead and make some of these all time teams with a slant towards our Longhorns:
OFFENSE:
G Derrick Dockery - Consensus All American in 2002.
G Kasey Studdard - All Big 12 selection in 2005 and 2006. Anchored the weakside interior of 2005 National Champions
T Justin Blalock - All American 2005, Consensus All American 2006. Protected Vince Young's blind side in Championship year, and protected freshman Colt McCoy in McCoy's inaugural campaign.
T Jonathan Scott - Consensus All American in 2005.
C Dallas Griffin - Draddy Trohpy Winner in 2007 for work off the field as well as on the field.
WR Roy Williams - Holds most major receiving records for Texas, and earned them during times with the most overrated QB was at the helm (Chris Simms) and before Vince Young figured out the best way to play his game.
WR Jordan Shipley - What records Williams doesn't have, Shipley holds or will hold soon. His ability to change games with his kick and punt returns puts him on the list.
WR Quan Cosby - Tough call between Cosby, Limas Sweed, and BJ Johnson, but it was Cosby's effect on the 2008 game as a possession receiver that puts him over the edge, as well as being part of the 2005 Championship team.
TE JerMike Finley - No better talent at TE, with all due respect to David Thomas. Finley was a game changer, and could stretch defenses like no other. Thomas earned respect as VY's check down, but Finley could pop for a big game at any time.
RB Cedric Benson - The most decorated UT back this side of Ricky Williams and Earl Campbell, Benson was the bedrock of the offense for 4 years. He'd be the leading rusher in school history if not for a couple of Heisman winners ahead of him.
QB Colt McCoy - All time winningest QB in NCAA history. Most every school passing and total yard record. 2 time Walter Camp Player of the Year. Heisman runner up (2 finalist appearances). Maxwell Winner. 2 Time All American. 2 Time Sporting News National Player of the Year. Davey O'Brien winner. All that's missing at this point is a National Championship - and there is still a chance for this.
OFFENSE:
G Derrick Dockery - Consensus All American in 2002.
G Kasey Studdard - All Big 12 selection in 2005 and 2006. Anchored the weakside interior of 2005 National Champions
T Justin Blalock - All American 2005, Consensus All American 2006. Protected Vince Young's blind side in Championship year, and protected freshman Colt McCoy in McCoy's inaugural campaign.
T Jonathan Scott - Consensus All American in 2005.
C Dallas Griffin - Draddy Trohpy Winner in 2007 for work off the field as well as on the field.
WR Roy Williams - Holds most major receiving records for Texas, and earned them during times with the most overrated QB was at the helm (Chris Simms) and before Vince Young figured out the best way to play his game.
WR Jordan Shipley - What records Williams doesn't have, Shipley holds or will hold soon. His ability to change games with his kick and punt returns puts him on the list.
WR Quan Cosby - Tough call between Cosby, Limas Sweed, and BJ Johnson, but it was Cosby's effect on the 2008 game as a possession receiver that puts him over the edge, as well as being part of the 2005 Championship team.
TE JerMike Finley - No better talent at TE, with all due respect to David Thomas. Finley was a game changer, and could stretch defenses like no other. Thomas earned respect as VY's check down, but Finley could pop for a big game at any time.
RB Cedric Benson - The most decorated UT back this side of Ricky Williams and Earl Campbell, Benson was the bedrock of the offense for 4 years. He'd be the leading rusher in school history if not for a couple of Heisman winners ahead of him.
QB Colt McCoy - All time winningest QB in NCAA history. Most every school passing and total yard record. 2 time Walter Camp Player of the Year. Heisman runner up (2 finalist appearances). Maxwell Winner. 2 Time All American. 2 Time Sporting News National Player of the Year. Davey O'Brien winner. All that's missing at this point is a National Championship - and there is still a chance for this.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
What Notre Dame got me
A friend of mine just pointed out that an advertisement for Notre Dame is now appearing on my blog, thanks to google's adsense. Just perfect - spend 4 years bashing a place, and find them on your blog, advertising.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)