5 Thoughts Following The Loss to OU

[83Dee]

DMAC,

I'm not the coach... your not a current player (I don't think), I'm a fan on an internet forum.  My eyeballs tell me this team is responding better to how they are currently being coached.  They are playing with more effort than anything we have seen in 8 years.  Certainly there is something to say for not quitting, playing physical and after three straight losing seasons, playing two top ten teams down to the last second?  Again, if you don't see it.... okay. 

Although, I'm not sure how much good your doing for the team's performance by staying angry three days after a game and declaring everyone an aggie who doesn't cry over a blown assignment in week 3?  That's cool - you are a passionate fan.  Texas certainly needs passionate fans.  But perhaps you could knock off the self-righteous superior fan act because you are more upset than everyone else.  The sky isn't necessarily falling just yet.  

 

[DMAC]

DMAC,

I'm not the coach... your not a current player (I don't think), I'm a fan on an internet forum.  My eyeballs tell me this team is responding better to how they are currently being coached.  They are playing with more effort than anything we have seen in 8 years.  Certainly there is something to say for not quitting, playing physical and after three straight losing seasons, playing two top ten teams down to the last second?  Again, if you don't see it.... okay. 

Although, I'm not sure how much good your doing for the team's performance by staying angry three days after a game and declaring everyone an aggie who doesn't cry over a blown assignment in week 3?  That's cool - you are a passionate fan.  Texas certainly needs passionate fans.  But perhaps you could knock off the self-righteous superior fan act because you are more upset than everyone else.  The sky isn't necessarily falling just yet.  

Yea you are right.   Losing to the sooners makes me disappointed.   

So pointing out the repetitive mistakes that cost us the USC game from week 3 to the ou game in week 6 makes me self righteous?

If it does im guilty as sin.  I must have missed the memo on sunshine and koolaid members only around here.  I thought that went away in Charlies last year.

Do you even acknowledge we should have won both of those games?  Or does that disrupt your narrative too much?

BTW this improving "fly to the ball" defense you are talking about is 108th out of 129 in passing defense in the FBS. 

• Current: 108th
  
• Last year: 105th
  
• Prior: 74th
  
• Prior: 11th
  

Maybe im just being self righteous again but that doesnt appear to be getting better over time.  Especially considering our 2 CB's were highly touted recruits now in their junior year.

 

[DMAC]

An ag poster after their loss to Bama

Many people on here are optimistic and happy about the FUTURE of this team, as they notice the we are actually good enough to hang with the best. That we have enough talent to eventually great. That our team is full of youth, and will get even better. Losses are never good. However, as far as losses go, this was one of the best losses a team can take. We fought the best team in the country blow for blow. No one got a serious injury in the game. Given the fact that we were expected to get blown out, I'm proud of our performance. Expectations should evolve as we move on. It's not fair to have expected this team to be undefeated. However, we should be better next year than this year. 

Sounds familiar....

I understand this talk after USC because we were expecting to be blown out but 3 weeks later and we do the same shit, same errors, lose the lead again and we still saying the same thing.  When does it become ok to talk about giving games away from lapses in defense or am I pooping on your sunshine party too much?  

personally I think we played better defense overall vs USC than we did vs ou.  The common theme is giving up scores in the closing minutes.  Atleast we didnt get down 20-0 to usc though.

 

[83Dee]

An ag poster after their loss to Bama

Sounds familiar....

I understand this talk after USC because we were expecting to be blown out but 3 weeks later and we do the same shit, same errors, lose the lead again and we still saying the same thing.  When does it become ok to talk about giving games away from lapses in defense or am I pooping on your sunshine party too much?  

personally I think we played better defense overall vs USC than we did vs ou.  The common theme is giving up scores in the closing minutes.  Atleast we didnt get down 20-0 to usc though.

Why are you so bent on convincing Texas fans we are aggies? 

I'm not sure if you played at UT, or your athletic career consists of watching on TV and playing Madden.... but how mad fans get, how much we hurt really doesn't have an effect on how the team plays.  We can notice trends, improvements, see a rebuilding process and enjoy it.... we don't hurt the performance on the field.  "No moral victories; a loss is a loss; etc...." great attitude for the PLAYERS.  There is a distinction.  It always cracks me up when people on internet forums say things like... "we can't talk about opponent X yet, we must focus on this week's opponent Y!"  Really?  Must we?  We are fans, not players.  Hurt DMAC.... Hate the loss to OU.... It's okay, but do we really need to be classified as aggie for noticing improvement? 

Below is your proof that optimism is misguided: 

• Current 108th
  
• Last year: 105th
  
• Prior: 74th
  
• Prior: 11th"
  

Here we go again with the statistics.... watch the game!  Are you saying the defense under Orlando is no better than the defense under Bedford?  Manny Diaz?  You don't like the big picture here? 

One more thing.... yes we could have beaten USC and OU.  It was there for the taking.  But both teams can make that claim in any close game.  Of course, for Texas to get where most think they should be, the team must learn to close out these type games.  No doubt - I'm  not arguing with you about that.  That being said, I can be happy because.... based on our performance for the past three years, the complete lack of depth and inexperience at many positions... you could make a case that both those games should have been a mismatch.  That's where I can say, with a little maturity, the recruiting that is taking place, and more of this coaching which the team seems to be responding to; I can see this thing getting back to championship caliber really quick.  That's positive! 

Think about it.... we are starting a True Freshman at OT, QB, TE, and have lost our best player and any semblance of depth on the OL.  As you stated above our defense has been awful for some time now, and we played two top ten teams to the last minute but couldn't close it out.  That hurts... but there are some things that some can be optimistic about without being labeled "aggie."  That's going too far. 

I do like your fanaticism DMAC.  On to OSU? 

 

[drgilbert]

 

[DMAC]

I havent read the response yet Dee.

I did watch the TH presser and he made the comment they are simplifying the coverage schemes.  He acknowledged the breakdowns in passing defense and said we need make it easier for the players.  So there is hope.  I trust Herman and the direction of this team I just get frustrated because with juniors CB's we shouildnt have these breakdowns in week 6.  The best defense we have seen was vs Iowa State. 

I will read your response in a bit and respond accordingly in a few. 

 

[DMAC]

1 hour ago, drgilbert said:

Nah.

 

[DMAC]

Why are you so bent on convincing Texas fans we are aggies? 

I'm not sure if you played at UT, or your athletic career consists of watching on TV and playing Madden.... but how mad fans get, how much we hurt really doesn't have an effect on how the team plays.  We can notice trends, improvements, see a rebuilding process and enjoy it.... we don't hurt the performance on the field.  "No moral victories; a loss is a loss; etc...." great attitude for the PLAYERS.  There is a distinction.  It always cracks me up when people on internet forums say things like... "we can't talk about opponent X yet, we must focus on this week's opponent Y!"  Really?  Must we?  We are fans, not players.  Hurt DMAC.... Hate the loss to OU.... It's okay, but do we really need to be classified as aggie for noticing improvement? 

Below is your proof that optimism is misguided: 

• Current 108th
  
• Last year: 105th
  
• Prior: 74th
  
• Prior: 11th"
  

Here we go again with the statistics.... watch the game!  Are you saying the defense under Orlando is no better than the defense under Bedford?  Manny Diaz?  You don't like the big picture here? 

One more thing.... yes we could have beaten USC and OU.  It was there for the taking.  But both teams can make that claim in any close game.  Of course, for Texas to get where most think they should be, the team must learn to close out these type games.  No doubt - I'm  not arguing with you about that.  That being said, I can be happy because.... based on our performance for the past three years, the complete lack of depth and inexperience at many positions... you could make a case that both those games should have been a mismatch.  That's where I can say, with a little maturity, the recruiting that is taking place, and more of this coaching which the team seems to be responding to; I can see this thing getting back to championship caliber really quick.  That's positive! 

Think about it.... we are starting a True Freshman at OT, QB, TE, and have lost our best player and any semblance of depth on the OL.  As you stated above our defense has been awful for some time now, and we played two top ten teams to the last minute but couldn't close it out.  That hurts... but there are some things that some can be optimistic about without being labeled "aggie."  That's going too far. 

I do like your fanaticism DMAC.  On to OSU? 

No I didnt play football for Texas.  Does that disqualify my opinions anymore than yours?  Nope.

Yes moral victories against an arch rival is my definition of aggy.  Thats what they are known for and much more.  Am I the only one that feels that way?  Nope.  Opinions are like assholes and everyone has one.  

Yes I do like the direction this team is headed under Orlando.  I have said it multiple times for weeks.  I said very similar things after the USC loss.  I was proud of the team defense we played with exception to some inexcusable breakdowns such as the halftime TD.  Thats not being negative that is just factual.

I just want to know why we are having breakdowns in the secondary when the game is on the line.  Boyd and Locke have both had them.  It doesnt help with a young safety Jones but hes young.  What's Boyds and Lockes excuse?  Herman can demote CJ but Boyd and Locke are immune?  I would like to see Thompson in place of Boyd.  That being said I think Herman's approach is right.  Apparently trying to simplify the coverages because they dont get it.  Its cost us 2 big games already.

Your points on true freshmen and RS freshmen is very valid.  There in lies the hope.  Especially with the Offense.  TE, OT, C, QB,  that's alot of young guys.

I am talking about the defense secondary.  Jones is the one guy here which I can see giving a pass.  It appears the TD to Andrews was his guy and he followed the WR over the middle leaving Andrews wide open.  Not sure on this but I believe OU had 8 plays of 15 yards or more.  Most of those were either breakdowns on run fits (counters) or busted coverages.  That is how we beat ourselves.   

Im old school.  I f##king hate the sooners.  So yea my butt hurts.  Its the one game I dont sugar coat any positives in a loss because the only thing that matters to me in that game is winning.  I still have my shirt "aggy sucks but ou swallows".  Any other game besides the ags I look for silver linings or something to hang my hope on.  Being a huge critic of Strong I even came on here after he beat those bitches to praise him and the staff.

I will add this note to an already long post.  Its based on expectations for me.  I half way expected us to get blown out vs USC considering the way we played Maryland and beating up a mediocre SJSU team.  So I was very pleased with the way defense played.  To take the lead in the closing was surreal.  I was still proud of our guys.  Now consider we shut down Iowa State and beat a tough KState team.  Add to that ou had trouble with Baylor (0-6) and lost to Iowa State in Norman my expectations regardless of my hate for the sooners was we beat them.  So yea I am disappointed we spotted them 20 in 1.5 quarters.  Still managed to take the lead only to shit the lead away with more repetitive critical breakdowns.

On to OSU.  We win that game.

 

[83Dee]

Fair enough. 

 

[oldhorn2]

Nah.

4 hours ago, drgilbert said:

Hell no!

 

[Bear19]

Hell no!

Ditto

 

[Sirhornsalot]

God bless us all, everyone.

 

[drgilbert]

Sam is having to run way too much

 

[drgilbert]

I’ll take that as a NO to the helmet. Lol

 

[Hiwood]

its time to move on...hard to make chicken salad from chicken****.....this is a team in transition from a losing program to a Coach with more upside than his previous counterpart..It was unrealistic to think that the talent or lack of it on campus was going to play any differently under this administration. This team has to learn to win. Nobody is going to give them a free pass....They will show flashes of individual brilliance but as a team they aren't there yet...but they are headed in the right direction..

 

[drgilbert]

 

[okiehorn]

43 minutes ago, drgilbert said:

That was ugly to watch... again. Even worse in slow mo

 

[DMAC]

its time to move on...hard to make chicken salad from chicken****.....this is a team in transition from a losing program to a Coach with more upside than his previous counterpart..It was unrealistic to think that the talent or lack of it on campus was going to play any differently under this administration. This team has to learn to win. Nobody is going to give them a free pass....They will show flashes of individual brilliance but as a team they aren't there yet...but they are headed in the right direction..

I agree as a whole except for this "It was unrealistic to think that the talent or lack of it on campus was going to play any differently". 

For the last 3 years we heard:

• Lack of talent
  
• Mack Brown left the cupboard bare
  
• Making chicken salad from chickenshit
  

While this argument holds true in some areas it does not in the secondary.  Our defense was top 20 in Strongs first year with Mack Brown players.  Add to that this current secondary is filled with 4-5 star recruits. Hill, Boyd, Jones, Elliott.  I believe Locke was a 3 star but we had to fight Oregon last second flip to get him.  Wheeler and MJ were both 4-5 stars.  As for the secondary and backer situation this group is not lacking talent at all. 

For whatever reason Boyd and Locke are blowing coverages that athletic and talented backs shouldnt be making in their Junior year.   Gabriels video highlights this very thing.  Six games into the season and this is still happening.  Some of these guys are WIDE open.  Its not like the QB/WR just made a great play.  

The more interesting part is Gabriel states these coverages are very basic such as "quarters" yet Herman says on Monday we are going to simplify them even more.  Obviously the players are not getting it and have learned alot of bad habits.  

 

[DBut82]

I agree as a whole except for this "It was unrealistic to think that the talent or lack of it on campus was going to play any differently". 

For the last 3 years we heard:

• Lack of talent
  
• Mack Brown left the cupboard bare
  
• Making chicken salad from chickenshit
  

While this argument holds true in some areas it does not in the secondary.  Our defense was top 20 in Strongs first year with Mack Brown players.  Add to that this current secondary is filled with 4-5 star recruits. Hill, Boyd, Jones, Elliott.  I believe Locke was a 3 star but we had to fight Oregon last second flip to get him.  Wheeler and MJ were both 4-5 stars.  As for the secondary and backer situation this group is not lacking talent at all. 

For whatever reason Boyd and Locke are blowing coverages that athletic and talented backs shouldnt be making in their Junior year.   Gabriels video highlights this very thing.  Six games into the season and this is still happening.  Some of these guys are WIDE open.  Its not like the QB/WR just made a great play.  

The more interesting part is Gabriel states these coverages are very basic such as "quarters" yet Herman says on Monday we are going to simplify them even more.  Obviously the players are not getting it and have learned alot of bad habits.  

From the look of it, to me at least, it's not that the coverage is too complicated, it looks like more of lack of communication.  Locke thought that he had the post over the top when in fact he had the the deep third.  Why he thought that at that particular time? I have no clue.  But whoever is responsible for making coverage calls for the secondary probably should have said something.  I played SS in high school (over 20 years ago) and it was quite common that after the base defense was called, a player at each level would then at least point to the other in that position group just to make sure everyone had their assignment.  We definitely did it in the secondary and this was during a time when Texas high school football was 3 downs and a cloud of smoke (well, except for McKinney's Run & Shoot offense).  I can't for the life of me understand why that little bit of communication isn't happening in our secondary.  I can understand a corner just getting beat like he stole something (i.e. Kris Boyd).  but blown coverages I just don't understand...

 

[DMAC]

From the look of it, to me at least, it's not that the coverage is too complicated, it looks like more of lack of communication.  Locke thought that he had the post over the top when in fact he had the the deep third.  Why he thought that at that particular time? I have no clue.  But whoever is responsible for making coverage calls for the secondary probably should have said something.  I played SS in high school (over 20 years ago) and it was quite common that after the base defense was called, a player at each level would then at least point to the other in that position group just to make sure everyone had their assignment.  We definitely did it in the secondary and this was during a time when Texas high school football was 3 downs and a cloud of smoke (well, except for McKinney's Run & Shoot offense).  I can't for the life of me understand why that little bit of communication isn't happening in our secondary.  I can understand a corner just getting beat like he stole something (i.e. Kris Boyd).  but blown coverages I just don't understand...

^^ This