1. It’s Kansas…
As good as it was to see this team execute a blowout today it should be remembered that this is a bad team. Possibly the worst FBS team out there. As we neared the half it was disconcerting to see this Texas team let a bad team hang around. There was a lot to be confident from tonight, but this means nothing as Texas enters the final 3 game stretch in which they will most likely not be favored in any of them, The players and coaches should enjoy the performance from tonight and certainly celebrate, but it’s time to get ready for the next week and start from scratch.
2. A tale of two halves
Texas had a quick start but were quickly mired in offensive struggles and defensive inconsistiency again. Texas actually did something I’m not sure we’ve seen under Charlie Strong and that’s look better in the 3rd quarter than any other. Part of this was an inexplicable rotation of young backups in the secondary and offensive line. While this was a perfect game to find out what younger players could do, I think there could have been some better timing for those decisions. In the second half Texas went back to the well and really ignited things with a big time run from D’onta Foreman. As the game neared the 4th quarter it suddenly looked like Texas could do no wrong as they punched it in time after time including a hilarious comedy of errors from a Kirk Johnson fumbles that resulted in a Tyrone Swoopes touchdown. The defense clamped down and the line started to dominate at the point of attack against an undermanned Jayhawk line. Kudos to the Texas coaches for getting their team prepared coming out of the break.
3. Jay Norvell does read my emails
After the struggles the Texas passing game endured throughout the last few weeks it was good to see Texas try some new things. The biggest adjustment was a passing game that included the middle of the field and allowed Jerrod Heard to make easy reads and get the ball out quickly. Hopefully they will learn going forward that the slant game is a way to get Heard into a rhythm early on with easy completions. Texas also started to get Heard on the move and actually rolled him to the right to give him good looks and build some confidence. John Burt once again came up big from the first snap and I really think his development is going to be fun to watch over the next few years. I hope the offensive staff can see the success they built into the scheme tonight and carry it over into the next few games. Jerrod Heard can become a weapon once again when utilized correctly, and Tyrone Swoopes is feeling it right now in his current role.
4. How about the throwbacks
I’m just a young man who was born long after Freddie Steinmark made his impact on the 40 acres, but I thought the throwback uniforms and tribute to Steinmark were cool. I guess I’m always a sucker for that sort of thing but that is still a great look and one that should probably be rolled out at least once a year. In the age of racing ahead of the trends to have the most cutting edge uniforms I believe a connection to the University history is what distignuishes a program and steeps them in tradition. In my opinion the Texas football program has always done a great job of keeping that history on display for their players and fans.
5. Game balls
While there are many that could go out tonight I’m going to try and imit myself.
Jerrod Heard – After a rough week in Ames Heard came out and pushed the ball downfield before making some nice passes in the intermediate game. He ran effectively and aside from a bad fumble protected the ball
Tyrone Swoopes – The big guy just keeps getting it done as he scored from short yardage, a long run, and a deep pass. It’s really remarkable to see him continue to thrive within the framework of this team.
Deshon Elliott – 2 interceptions tonight in his debut at safety and we all got a look at what we can expect for the next 4 years. Elliott is an athletic, rangy, instinctive safety who has a knack for making plays.
D’Onta Foreman – After a stagnant running game in the first half, Foreman ignited the powder keg with a 93 yard run to give Texas that much needed 3rd quarter score. He added another touchdown run on the next drive of the game and looked very good doing it.
