Charlie Strong relieves Shawn Watson of play-calling duties

[primal defense]

I had read that CS gave Watson a pass because of the OL problems last year. I didn't see how Watson could stay the OC after the ND game since this was on a level of Manny Diaz's BYU game.

When two QBs are in competition and the OC cries about one of them that's a strong sign that the OC has a favorite. Unfortunately, Watson believed he could turn Swoopes into another Bridgewater and he believed wrong.

Last year I read where he didn't have Heard take backup snaps for the Texas Bowl which made no sense to me. Also, I read reports that Heard didn't work hard after he was told he would redshirt. Maybe Heard was in Watson's doghouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When two QBs are in competition and the OC cries over one of the QB that's a giant sign that the OC favors that QB. Watson should have built the offense around Heard, but he was blinded by Swoopes physical ability. You don't have to NFL arm to be a successful college QB. Especially if you can run like Heard.

 

[primal defense]

This is worth a read.  The first few paragraphs begin to lift the lid on some of the contradictions we've seen and heard about.

http://insidetexas.com/norvell-named-play-caller/

AUSTIN — The offensive meeting room was not a united place from Day 1.
 
Charlie Strong brought Shawn Watson aboard and gave him authority to build his multiple pro-style offense…but surrounded him with spread offensive coaches. Naturally, the only remotely pro-style capable QB went down in Week 1 along with most of the veterans on the OL and Watson’s fate was more or less sealed as an OC.
 
The Wickline-Watson marriage was whenever a positive one, lack of pre-marital counseling imo. Wickline wants to run zone schemes and little else, his understanding of how to attack a defense is limited to spread-style “count the numbers and react accordingly.â€
 
Meanwhile, Watson’s control over the offense meant that Texas’ inexperienced OL last year was using up valuable practice reps learning pin & pull, trap, lead G, and power blocking schemes rather than using that invaluable time on mastering Wickline’s exceptionally detailed zone techniques.

This is why I wanted to see what Wickline's OL can do with a different OC.

 

[Juan]

This is why I wanted to see what Wickline's OL can do with a different OC.

It also casts some serious doubt about the original decision-making when the staff was put together,

 

[tejasrulz]

There have been some rumblings that the offense Texas has been using in practice wasn't the offense that Watson called in the Notre Dame game.

Doesn't sound true since Strong himself said he is the HC & he could change any play he wanted to.

 

[Juan]

Some classic Jay Norvell on the sideline here

 

[primal defense]

It also casts some serious doubt about the original decision-making when the staff was put together,

The demotion of Watson today proves he was the wrong decision. When he was hired and keeping him this off season. I guess Watson wasn't as bad as Muschamp hiring Charlie Weiss, but it's close.

 

[streettopeschel]

It also casts some serious doubt about the original decision-making when the staff was put together,

You think?

 

[Juan]

Some Norvell stats from when he was Co-OC at ou (2010-14):
 
Record: 51-15 record
 
Top 10 preseason top 10 rank -- 4 times.
In-season top top 5 ranking -- at least 4 times.
Finished season ranked -- 4 times (twice top 10)
BCS bowl wins -- 2
Overall bowl record: 3-2
PPG 36.82 (5 years)
Off yards per season avg -- 6276.2 (over 5 years)
 
Compared to Watson in 2014 --
21.4 PPG
4385 Total Yards

 

[Juan]

The demotion of Watson today proves he was the wrong decision. When he was hired and keeping him this off season. I guess Watson wasn't as bad as Muschamp hiring Charlie Weiss, but it's close.

What the article suggests is that it was a mismatch from the start.

They were in a rush.  Maybe Strong was told -- this is the best OL coach we can get on the fly.

I would be curious to learn how that interview went.  Did Wickline tell him "I only want to coach zone concepts."

Or, did he say, "I can coach up any OL scheme." ?

Or, maybe Charlie didn't even ask him?

 

[Hiphopopotamos]

What the article suggests is that it was a mismatch from the start.

They were in a rush.  Maybe Strong was told -- this is the best OL coach we can get on the fly.

I would be curious to learn how that interview went.  Did Wickline tell him "I only want to coach zone concepts."

Or, did he say, "I can coach up any OL scheme." ?

Or, maybe Charlie didn't even ask him?

Strong and Wickline have history going back to coaching at Florida together.  Watson wasn't Strng's first choice (he reached out to Hermann first) so its entirely possible that Watson was the best choice (in Strongs mind) after Hermann declined.  At that point Wickline was already hired.

 

[Juan]

Strong and Wickline have history going back to coaching at Florida together.  Watson wasn't Strng's first choice (he reached out to Hermann first) so its entirely possible that Watson was the best choice (in Strongs mind) after Hermann declined.  At that point Wickline was already hired.

Ironically, it could be Hermann here in two years.

 

[Juan]

.............. Watson wasn't Strng's first choice (he reached out to Hermann first) so its entirely possible that Watson was the best choice (in Strongs mind) after Hermann declined.  At that point Wickline was already hired.

Even if that's so, its the same thing in that it reveals a lack of planning/foresight as well as poor analysis/decision-making.

I feel like there is still a part to the story that is missing since, as it is, it doesnt make much sense.

Maybe it will be in the depos.

 

[primal defense]

Ironically, it could be Hermann here in two years.

Also, Norvell will be OC against OU in this years Red River Shootout. While Lincoln Riley was interviewed by CS after Herman turned down the job and now he's OU's OC.

 

[Juan]

I wonder if Dan Neil still thinks we beat Baylor?

 

[primal defense]

Jonathan Gray said that first team reps were split between Swoopes and Heard.

 

[CharcoalPuppy]

Also, Norvell will be OC against OU in this years Red River Shootout. While Lincoln Riley was interviewed by CS after Herman turned down the job and now he's OU's OC.

Wait a minute...... Strong interviewed Lincoln Riley ? And he didn't hire him ? ...............@#$% #$$% @#$$ !@@#$ !@@# !!!

 

[Juan]

Some talk out there that Hager will get a look this week at MLB, with Malik moving to SLB in the nickel

 

[GBT]

I am puzzled......So Watson is out as OC because he doesn't know what he is doing with spread offenses.......But he is supposed to coach the QBs in a spread offense ???? WTH ??? Doesn't sound like we are solving our problem............................

 

[bill_ut75]

So does Heard I bet

Yea, Heard... and a whole bunch of other offensive... and defensive players.
The offensive guys may actually get the football with some space to run.

And a defensive guys may actually get some rest on the sideline instead of being right back out there after a 3 and out.

 

[JimsTexas]

Can someone tell me what is going on with Wickline? I really thought he was the answer we had been looking for improved OL play.  I know that CS will turn this team around. MB who would never make the changes that was required CS will not stand by and let Texas play like theway they have been the last 3 games. Y'all have a blessed week