Charlie Strong naysayers and yessayers stand up and be counted

[texasdobbs]

10 - 2!

may we please allow for all of the ongoing critical ambiguity regarding david ashe, to be resolved as per his coaches. should QB coach shaun watson somehow discover that his junior quarterback

has become a bit GUN SHY (or so to speak) due to his myriad of adverse gridiron circumstances, then mr. ashe should be sidelined with a clipboard in hand. this new coaching staff, along with this particular group of players

shall undoubtably have a lot to prove this forthcoming season. the very last thing that they shall have encounter, should be a quarterback at the helm, that does not have the utmost confidence to lead this team. i for one, cannot help

but find it absolutely amazing, that many of the players are now coalescing around new freshmen quarterback heard. this shall be in lieu of his amazing skills vs poise during his ongoing 7on7 drills. if i have said it once, i shall say

it a thousand times... i think that david ashe is the consummate football player. ashe, is a sparkling monument to what a quarterback should be on paper. a beautiful young man with presumably a heart of gold, along with glowing ethics.

however, upon my own personal standpoint, after viewing his on the field contributions as per the last couple of seasons... i do not view david ashe, as an athlete that an institution such as TEXAS should have at the helm as per it's football team.

upon my very own personal view, i find that david ashe is a bit too soft at times, and that he CONTRIBUTES as per many of his on the field adverse circumstances, due to his total lack of REAL ATHLETIC ABILITY.

therefore, instead of going hereafter with so many ambiguous queries regarding mr. ashe's latest physical vs mental conditions... i have become resolved to relegating these concerns to his coaching staff.

for i am most certain, that they shall be just as concerned as we are.

Disagree with the Ash analysis. ... I think he is very talented and athletic

 

[Randolph Duke]

Disagree with the Ash analysis. ... I think he is very talented and athletic

In my mind, Ash is in a similar situation as Peyton Manning after his neck surgery and Romo with his back issues. No game scheme can fail to protect the qb as the first priority. The limitations on the offense changes the calculus for the offensive and defensive strategists. In theory, there is an offensive scheme that can do the job. In practice, you need every offensive player to execute the scheme to perfection to make it happen. That is the issue. Can the coaches get a new system in place and get the players to execute at a very high level with the limited time they have to do it. Preseason practices start in about six weeks. We will soon find out.

 

[echeese]

So you think we had a team that was impressive during our last four games last year?!

Actually vs both Baylor and Oregon I thought our D was damned impressive. . . . and yes, against TT we were outstanding on both sides of the ball. . . . .do you dispute that?    Since you claimed otherwise. . . . .

You made the claim we were destroyed. . . .I disagreed and pointed out why I didn't buy into your over the top-LOOK AT ME  hyperbole. ..now you are moving the goal posts with a strawman question implying I said we were impressive...as I stated before. . .yes, the defense was. . . . .

As I stated, you are fond of making "absolute" claims and the pattern is to have them refuted then you return and try to change your claim. . . often wrong/never in doubt. . . which makes the goal post moving comical. . .. . 

 

[texasdobbs]

In my mind, Ash is in a similar situation as Peyton Manning after his neck surgery and Romo with his back issues. No game scheme can fail to protect the qb as the first priority. The limitations on the offense changes the calculus for the offensive and defensive strategists. In theory, there is an offensive scheme that can do the job. In practice, you need every offensive player to execute the scheme to perfection to make it happen. That is the issue. Can the coaches get a new system in place and get the players to execute at a very high level with the limited time they have to do it. Preseason practices start in about six weeks. We will soon find out.

Your assuming that they will have scheme to protect him and maybe your right.... but the is no evidence that states this will be needed.

 

[echeese]

Didn't Watson coach up a freshman QB at ok or okie lite? It seems like he did a good job with His QB last year. Why don't you think that won't transfer to our QB?

Neb & Colo . .never coached in Okie-land. . . .

Best year at Colo was 2001 where Bobby Pesavento, Colorado was #13 in the nation in PE rating .. . 

He was also Joe Klatt's coach (2003-05) but he was not a "dynamic" passer by any means. . . .

He was QB coach at Neb from 2007-2010. . . .2008 Joe Ganz finished #18 in the nation   2010 saw Taylor Martinez (primarily a runner) finish in the top 40 of all QBs. . . 

The common denominator of the Shawn Watson offenses is that he coached teams that were predominately rushing programs.

At UL last year, Watson's offense was #16 in passing (based on yards)  but #3 based on passing efficiency so I'd say the man is a better than average OC. . . . Keeping in mind working for coaches who want to win with defense. . .

We are not going to be TT or Baylor. . . .which isn't a bad thing since we are supposed to be about winning titles not recruiting or passing trophies. . . .

 

[drgilbert]

Thanks cheese Martinez was the guy I was thinking of. Didn't he win big 12 freshman of the year. If so was he a true fresh or a redshirt fresh? The point I was trying to find out was answered by your post above. He should not be pooped on as a QB coach.

 

[java]

dobbs, I think your wife will l-o-v-e you for sending her!  I would have gone in a heartbeat, but I'm helping out my daughter this weekend.

echeese, I wish my Daddy were still alive.  He would love an OC that works with the OL coach, also the OC, to create a clock-eating, balanced offense.  He, too, believed defense wins championships.  Of course, Royal did, too.  And, if I'm not mistaken, Landry did, as well.  Those were two of his favorite coaches.  He would have loved the idea that Texas once again has a coach that is tough and defensive minded, but that understands the offense must be coached, and coached well, in order to have a balanced team.

In other words, you cannot neglect offense or defense if you want to win a National Title.  Now, folks, where would Vince Young have been in the 2006 Championship game if our defense had not stopped USC on 4th down?  Precisely.  That gave Vince the opportunity to score the winning touchdown and win the National Championship.  

Hook 'em!

 

[echeese]

Couldn't agree more Java. . . .so many wanted to blame the O's under Mack .. . .which was weird as our O's were outstanding/record setting. . . .Mack never committed to great D's until GR showed up then Coach Boom . ..and we saw what happened when GR returned. ..  .

We will not be able to compare Watson to GD because CFS wants the O to keep the D off the field, play ball control. . .see UL. . #3 in 3rd down conversions #3 in TOP. . . 

Which works for me, wear'em out for the 4th quarter . . .

 

[Sirhornsalot]

I not an alias stirring the pot. Ask Shevis, SHA, Aaron, McPhaul or any of the others.

I have met Randolph Duke on a couple of occasions and can confirm he is a legit posting Aggy-exposing Longhorn. He is also VERY well versed in Longhorns history.

That said, 6-6 - are you on crack?

I drank wine and came up with 13-0. What's your excuse? 

 

[Bear19]

I am firmly of the belief that Ash should not play another down of tackle football at any level. At this point, the kid needs to protect his brain. I really can't fault Ash himself for wanting to play, as he has a competitors spirit, but shame on UT and his parents if they haven't counseled him against playing.

With that said, however, if Ash plays like he can't take hit, then the season is lost as long as he is the starter. To be anywhere near effective, he has to go out there and play football, not worry about an injury of any sort.

10-2 if Ash stays healthy and just plays football.

7-5 if Ash stays healthy and plays scared.

7-5 if Ash gets injured and we have another starter at QB. There won't be much difference between a raw QB trying to make plays and a scared QB trying not to get hurt.

Reposting this because it's the only take in the entire thread with which I totally agree.

 

[Randolph Duke]

I have met Randolph Duke on a couple of occasions and can confirm he is a legit posting Aggy-exposing Longhorn. He is also VERY well versed in Longhorns history.

That said, 6-6 - are you on crack?

I drank wine and came up with 13-0. What's your excuse?

If Watson can scheme a way to stretch the field in the UCLA and OU games, I will feel much more comfortable, but having to protect Ash at all costs shrinks the field on passing downs to single coverage on the wideouts and have the linebackers/safeties drop 15 yards into coverage to make intermediate routes problematic. I think it was Bradford's junior year his shoulder was hurt and we blitzed early. Aaron Williams knocked him out for the season. Stoops hasn't forgotten that. Ash is facing the same situation. Stoops is going to take a half dozen 15 yard late hits if that is what it takes to knock Ash out and even the score for us taking Bradford out.
I don't see how we keep a qb who can't take a hit inside the pocket long enough to allow a deep pass play to develop. You can roll him out to buy time, but if he rolls out, the safety is going to key the first step to go after him. You can do a Blaine Irby halfback pass like we did against aggy in 2011, but that only works once. If we don't have a credible deep pass game, we don't have a balanced offense. If we don't have a balanced offense we go 6-6.

To me, the season rests on whether we stretch the field against UCLA and OU.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

If Watson can scheme a way to stretch the field in the UCLA and OU games, I will feel much more comfortable, but having to protect Ash at all costs shrinks the field on passing downs to single coverage on the wideouts and have the linebackers/safeties drop 15 yards into coverage to make intermediate routes problematic. I think it was Bradford's junior year his shoulder was hurt and we blitzed early. Aaron Williams knocked him out for the season. Stoops hasn't forgotten that. Ash is facing the same situation. Stoops is going to take a half dozen 15 yard late hits if that is what it takes to knock Ash out and even the score for us taking Bradford out.

I don't see how we keep a qb who can't take a hit inside the pocket long enough to allow a deep pass play to develop. You can roll him out to buy time, but if he rolls out, the safety is going to key the first step to go after him. You can do a Blaine Irby halfback pass like we did against aggy in 2011, but that only works once. If we don't have a credible deep pass game, we don't have a balanced offense. If we don't have a balanced offense we go 6-6.

To me, the season rests on whether we stretch the field against UCLA and OU.

Ok, I take back the crack comment. Maybe it was just a Tylenol. he he

Here's where you and I differ. For example, in your description of how to allow a deep play to develop - you then proceed to describe the very circumstances that Jerrod Heard made his name on. It's where he's at his best. And regardless of scheme, if there are plays with the forward pass involved, Heard becomes a phenomenal threat.

So I don't have the built-in fear of Ash going down or Ash deciding not to play. I'd rather redshirt Heard, but if there was ever a freshman who could step in and feel at home - it's Jerrod Heard. The kid thrives under adversity.

Would he be perfect? No. The experience just isn't there. But man, everything else IS.

If I had my way, I'd find SOME way of talking Ash out of playing at all. He's got nothing to prove and his health, life and well being are far more important. I don't do this so I can start Heard. I do it for Ash's sake.

I'm not saying you just hand the ball to Heard. He'll need to earn the chance, like anyone else. I'm just confident in how he'll handle it and perform.

 

[Randolph Duke]

Ok, I take back the crack comment. Maybe it was just a Tylenol. he he

Here's where you and I differ. For example, in your description of how to allow a deep play to develop - you then proceed to describe the very circumstances that Jerrod Heard made his name on. It's where he's at his best. And regardless of scheme, if there are plays with the forward pass involved, Heard becomes a phenomenal threat.

So I don't have the built-in fear of Ash going down or Ash deciding not to play. I'd rather redshirt Heard, but if there was ever a freshman who could step in and feel at home - it's Jerrod Heard. The kid thrives under adversity.

Would he be perfect? No. The experience just isn't there. But man, everything else IS.

If I had my way, I'd find SOME way of talking Ash out of playing at all. He's got nothing to prove and his health, life and well being are far more important. I don't do this so I can start Heard. I do it for Ash's sake.

I'm not saying you just hand the ball to Heard. He'll need to earn the chance, like anyone else. I'm just confident in how he'll handle it and perform.

Swwopes, Heard and Ash have to be having an interesting life experience right now. They have the crown jewel of a $165,000,000 organization in their hands with Strong, Wickline and Watson in on the conversation.

I don't go into any season hoping for rainbows and puppy dogs. I know what I expect to see and am either overwhelmed, whelmed, or underwhelmed. The scenario I set out with Ash as qb and their defense daring Texas to throw deep is what I expect to see. If Mora or Stoops don't test our linebackers on offense and pressure Ash while risking the deep pass on D, I will be shocked. I want to see how Watson establishes the deep threat while protecting Ash. If he does that, we have a shot at establishing the running game as long as Brown stays healthy.

I know what I'm looking to see. It should be fun to see what Mora and Stoops do. Those are the first two games I really think we will have to worry about.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Swwopes, Heard and Ash have to be having an interesting life experience right now. They have the crown jewel of a $165,000,000 organization in their hands with Strong, Wickline and Watson in on the conversation.

I don't go into any season hoping for rainbows and puppy dogs. I know what I expect to see and am either overwhelmed, whelmed, or underwhelmed. The scenario I set out with Ash as qb and their defense daring Texas to throw deep is what I expect to see. If Mora or Stoops don't test our linebackers on offense and pressure Ash while risking the deep pass on D, I will be shocked. I want to see how Watson establishes the deep threat while protecting Ash. If he does that, we have a shot at establishing the running game as long as Brown stays healthy.

I know what I'm looking to see. It should be fun to see what Mora and Stoops do. Those are the first two games I really think we will have to worry about.

Good post and I think you're dead on with regard to the UCLA and OU games. I tend to think the UCLA game will be much tougher than the OU game.

It still comes back to me - we beat them with Colt last year. Think about that.

We've not beaten OU with the deep ball. I expect a bunch of bash and mash and mid-range stuff. So many times in the past, our long plays started out as something else. I do expect a totally different defense on our side of the field this time. Stoops may crap his pants because I'm thinking Heupel will be over his head.

Heard's ability to throw the deep ball - and make a defense pay dearly by either tucking it and running, finding the secondary open man or throwing it long. He has all those options and each of them are the same probability on any given play. Try defensing that.

 

[texasdobbs]

Lol... when it comes down to it none of us know what the hell were talking about. There are just to many variables that are not known, such Ash, team response to Strong and will Strong wear a turtle neck or not on game day? But I love hearing everyone's opinions even when I disagree....

 

[CCausey11]

Good post and I think you're dead on with regard to the UCLA and OU games. I tend to think the UCLA game will be much tougher than the OU game.

It still comes back to me - we beat them with Colt last year. Think about that.

We've not beaten OU with the deep ball. I expect a bunch of bash and mash and mid-range stuff. So many times in the past, our long plays started out as something else. I do expect a totally different defense on our side of the field this time. Stoops may crap his pants because I'm thinking Heupel will be over his head.

Heard's ability to throw the deep ball - and make a defense pay dearly by either tucking it and running, finding the secondary open man or throwing it long. He has all those options and each of them are the same probability on any given play. Try defensing that.

Where the hell was Colt in all the other games??    just kidding!

 

[echeese]

I've resigned myself that Heard is not shirting this year. . .. .

I've never thought Swoopes would be able to hold him off. . .though would welcome being wrong on that one. . . .

Just my cheap seats view but I'll wager Heard emerges from summer/fall drills as the #2.

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

I've resigned myself that Heard is not shirting this year. . .. .

I've never thought Swoopes would be able to hold him off. . .though would welcome being wrong on that one. . . .

Just my cheap seats view but I'll wager Heard emerges from summer/fall drills as the #2.

Maybe so, but will that result in a position switch or transfer for Swoopes?

Is he another Miles Onyegbule with TE in his future?  He's definitely got the frame to add weight.

 

[texasdobbs]

My "hope" is that Ash just gets it done and we don't have to worry about any of this...

 

[North Texas Golfer]

Record

Worst case scenario 4-8

Best case scenario 12-0

Recruiting

Worst case scenario Top 50

Best case scenario #1

I think those are pretty safe expectations.