The point on a brisket is typically the fattiest cut. Pitmasters often trim the point (and select edges) off a brisket and return those pieces to the smoker.
Are burnt ends tough, chewy worthless cuts of meat, or are they heavenly bites of smoky goodness? It depends on who you ask…
Rather than discard the trimmings and fat, we choose to savor all the information that flows through the site. So, sit down and help yourself to some burnt ends.
+++++
This is a free site, so anyone can read this report. If you share it with someone, please take time to attribute the information to HornSports.
+++++
Following yet another road loss for the Longhorns, we checked with our sources to get a read on Charlie Strong’s job security. After speaking with a number of people, the thought behind the scenes is that the end has already been written. Barring a complete turnaround that would include winning out in impressive fashion while drastically improving the defense, we expect to be covering a coaching search this winter. The team is starting to realize the inevitable, and though they are doing their best to support their coach, they aren’t doing it on the field when it matters. Players will bluster a little if Strong is replaced, but that should be expected. Regardless of his performance during his tenure, one thing can be said about Charlie Strong: He truly has the respect of all of his players.
So who would the ‘Horns target if/when this decision is made? Expect Houston coach Tom Herman to be mentioned early and often, but his stock took a shot with losses to Navy and SMU. We also expect Boise State Head Coach Bryan Harsin to be a name in the running. The former Texas Offensive Coordinator has the Broncos undefeated, and many feel he is a rising star in the coaching world. As far as established coaches with a history of success, we don’t expect much in that department. Most of those guys are established in their positions and not looking to leave. We’ve reported in the past that we expect Saban to be contacted to gauge interest again, but we don’t see that as a likely outcome. We fully expect more names to start shaking out as we move closer to the end of the season. Some old and some new.
Sources indicated to us that Herman is the most likely outcome, and as long as he can finish without an implosion at Houston we expect him to be the odds-on favorite in the off-season.
+++++
One of the few bright spots this season has been the play of running back D’Onta Foreman. The hot topic surrounding Foreman is whether he will be back for his senior season with the NFL calling in the off-season. After speaking with a sources a few weeks ago, we were told that no matter what happens with the coaching situation Foreman is leaning towards leaving early depending on his draft grade. When we checked this week we were told much of the same, but our sources expanded saying that it was almost a definite if Strong was let go. Honestly this is probably the most prudent decision Foreman could make. It’s hard to imagine him having a significantly better season, and the wear and tear that running backs take leads to increasingly shortened careers. Foreman already dealt with injury issues throughout his time at Texas, so the smart move is to take the money and start his career at the next level.
+++++
We’ve mentioned it in past weeks, but recruiting is pretty much at a standstill right now. Strong has historically waited until later in the year to really begin his push, and with his situation up in the air right now we hear that recruits don’t really know where things stand with Texas. If the Longhorns do choose to move on with a new coach, it is vital to get someone in before the dead period in order to save this class. Let’s take a quick look at where some situations stand.
Omar Manning committed to TCU last week. Texas did a great job turning the tide in that recruitment, and a strong season would have most likely landed the Lancaster playmaker. Gary Patterson is taking advantage of the Texas stumbles and pushing to land commitments. In the last few weeks he received commitments from Manning and Texas target Jalen Reagor. Patterson isn’t done from what we hear, and he’s set his sights on taking back what he feels is his. We were told that the Horned Frogs are stepping up the pressure on Texas commit Josh Thompson. You’ll recall that Thompson was previously committed to TCU before flipping to Texas. We are told at this time that Thompson is still firm, but he’s fielding a lot of heat from Fort Worth. We are scheduled to see Thompson this week as Nacogdoches takes on Ennis, and we’ll get the latest on his situation.
Kobe Boyce was thought to be wavering a few weeks ago, but we were told once again that Kobe is back to being content with his commitment status. Boyce is dealing with a lot of negative recruiting, but the feeling is some schools are targeting him with no plans for his future in an effort to keep him away from Texas.
Taquon Graham is firm in his commitment to Texas, but things could get interesting following a coaching shakeup. Graham and his mother are big fans of the current coaching staff, and turnover could mean he opens things up.
We continue to hear that things with Texas and Anthony Hines are drifting further apart. Hines is set to make his decision in late November, and he doesn’t plan to take an official to Texas at this time.
Baron Browning is also set to make a decision in late November, but we could see him picking Texas if he knows what the coaching situation is. Browning is looking for a school that suits him beyond the gridiron, and he speaks highly of the Texas academic system.
Walker Little is still in the picture, but not quite the lean he once was. Things could change depending on what happens with the coaching situation, but Stanford still looms here.
Marvin Wilson was quoted as saying Texas would be dropped from consideration if Strong was fired, but we continue to believe the Wilson family supports Texas. The Longhorns will have a puncher’s chance depending on who they hire if they choose to move on.
We expect Sam Ehlinger to stay on board even in the wake of a coaching change unless he just doesn’t feel he’s a fit with the new coach.
