Harrison Wier
Staff Writer
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2016
- Messages
- 1,581
Hey everyone,
Going to try a Friday chat this week to see the type of response we get. Couple of team notes as well as some Big 12 news.
The Big 12 has made a decision on how it will format the renewed conferenced championship game starting in 2017. The days of divisional winners within the conference earning a bid to the Big 12 championship are over. Instead, the Big 12 opted to pit the #1 and #2 teams of the conference overall against each other. I personally think this is a huge mistake for the conference. The goal of the Big 12 is to get a team into the CFP every year. Under this scenario, it is going to be much more difficult to do so. The divisions in the conference are very lopsided. Although it may be less exciting, it almost guarantees that the Big 12 South divisional winner could make the CFP if the record is enough. With two of the best teams playing each other twice a year, there is potential for both to knock each other out of the playoff debate. Yes, the chances of that are slim. But the chances are much higher than if the conference retained the divisional style championship game.
Texas is going to face a tough Baylor offense, but something that has not been talked about enough is just how much the Bears defense has exceeded expectations. Baylor currently ranks 35th nationally in rush defense, and 23rd for total defensive efficiency. Another thing that helps the Bears? They deal with the exact same offense that Texas runs in practice every day. However, the Bears version of the veer and shoot is much more installed than the Longhorns'. It generally takes a couple of years to 100% install an offense like this, which could explain the lack of a diverse play-calling. Overall, this is going to be a tough game for the Longhorns. Texas will have to click on all cylinders to stay in this game.
In terms of team notes, I have a few. Malik Jefferson reportedly practice with the scout team all week. Take it as an attempt by Charlie Strong to give the sophomore LB a "wake up call." Let's hope it works. Jake McMillon has been splitting first team reps at LG (yes, not center) with Patrick Vahe. It is the thought of the offensive staff that McMillon's physical play has earned him a solid look as a starter on the line. Lastly, it was reported by Horns247 that the Texas offense torched the defense all week of practice. Not good. As I said, Baylor has way more diversity in terms of scheme on their offense.
What are your thoughts heading into tomorrows game? Texas takes on Baylor at 2:30 CT on ABC. Oklahoma vs. Kansas received a late night slot on FS1, which just shows how media outlets view the Longhorns as of late. That's just where the Texas program is right now, unfortunately. Fire away with questions!
Going to try a Friday chat this week to see the type of response we get. Couple of team notes as well as some Big 12 news.
The Big 12 has made a decision on how it will format the renewed conferenced championship game starting in 2017. The days of divisional winners within the conference earning a bid to the Big 12 championship are over. Instead, the Big 12 opted to pit the #1 and #2 teams of the conference overall against each other. I personally think this is a huge mistake for the conference. The goal of the Big 12 is to get a team into the CFP every year. Under this scenario, it is going to be much more difficult to do so. The divisions in the conference are very lopsided. Although it may be less exciting, it almost guarantees that the Big 12 South divisional winner could make the CFP if the record is enough. With two of the best teams playing each other twice a year, there is potential for both to knock each other out of the playoff debate. Yes, the chances of that are slim. But the chances are much higher than if the conference retained the divisional style championship game.
Texas is going to face a tough Baylor offense, but something that has not been talked about enough is just how much the Bears defense has exceeded expectations. Baylor currently ranks 35th nationally in rush defense, and 23rd for total defensive efficiency. Another thing that helps the Bears? They deal with the exact same offense that Texas runs in practice every day. However, the Bears version of the veer and shoot is much more installed than the Longhorns'. It generally takes a couple of years to 100% install an offense like this, which could explain the lack of a diverse play-calling. Overall, this is going to be a tough game for the Longhorns. Texas will have to click on all cylinders to stay in this game.
In terms of team notes, I have a few. Malik Jefferson reportedly practice with the scout team all week. Take it as an attempt by Charlie Strong to give the sophomore LB a "wake up call." Let's hope it works. Jake McMillon has been splitting first team reps at LG (yes, not center) with Patrick Vahe. It is the thought of the offensive staff that McMillon's physical play has earned him a solid look as a starter on the line. Lastly, it was reported by Horns247 that the Texas offense torched the defense all week of practice. Not good. As I said, Baylor has way more diversity in terms of scheme on their offense.
What are your thoughts heading into tomorrows game? Texas takes on Baylor at 2:30 CT on ABC. Oklahoma vs. Kansas received a late night slot on FS1, which just shows how media outlets view the Longhorns as of late. That's just where the Texas program is right now, unfortunately. Fire away with questions!
