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5 Thoughts Following the Orange and White Game.

Mike Roach

Staff
Joined
Dec 5, 2013
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2,021
1. Shane Buechele holds the advantage in the quarterback battle

The true freshman had some mistakes, but he was noticeably more comfortable operating the offense than Tyrone Swoopes.  While Swoopes was plagued with some bad luck, he still showed questionable accuracy, slow decision making, and a generally lackluster performance.  Buechele on the other hand, got the ball out quickly. threw with good ball placement. and executed the offense at a pretty high level for a kid that should still be in high school.  Buechele made throws today that Texas fans haven't seen since David Ash was at his best. There was a point in the middle of the first half where you could tell he was feeding off of that confidence going forward.  He's young, and he's going to take his lumps this year, but he looks like the clear option at this point.  While that may not be an ideal situation for the Longhorns. I think Shane Buechele with an assist from the 18 wheeler package gives Texas the best chance to win games.

2. Sterlin Gilbert gave us just a peek of what is in store

The offense did struggle a bit at the beginning of the game, but I thought the overall performance should serve as a breath of fresh air after the last few years of offense.  The scrimmage was run with a nice tempo, and the spacing on offense opened up options in both the run and pass game.  While Gilbert's offense likely won't hit full stride until this time next year, I was impressed with the fairly vanilla game plan on the field.  If Gilbert can get Buechele up to full speed over the summer, Texas has a chance to make some noise on offense.  

3. The running game will be the bread and butter

This isn't exactly a new revelation, but Texas will need to rely heavily on the talented duo of D'Onta Foreman and Chris Warren.  Both players had a big day against depleted defensive line depth, but both are legit options to spearhead a power run attack.  Foreman shows all of the elements in his game to become a superstar over the next two years, while Chris Warren ran more instinctual today than I've ever seen him.  The passing game is going to need to back players out of the box to open up room, but the Longhorns should be able to put the load on their war horses in critical times this season.

4. Texas generated a pass rush from defensive linemen today

Charles Omenihu had one of the best games on the field today from what I could tell.  The big sophomore is finally growing into his frame, and he was a menace on the defensive line all day.  While that may be a bad indicator for the offensive line, it was good to see Texas getting important contributions from guys that will be called upon frequently this season.  Quincy Vasser looked great as well in his role at the fox position.  With reinforcements on their way to Austin this season. it was important for Texas to get a big contribution from some of the players already on campus.  

5. The secondary is going to be ridiculously deep

Being able to add a senior with high level talent like Sheroid Evans adds quality depth to a burgeoning secondary unit.  Kris Boyd really stepped his game up today, and if he can carry that performance over into the season, Texas will have four quality options at the cornerback position.  In a passing league like the Big 12, the ability to keep players fresh while not allowing a drop in performance is vital to winning games.  PJ Locke and DeShon Elliott looked good on the back end in the absence of Dylan Haines and Jason Hall.  Brandon Jones is too talented to be kept out of the rotation in the secondary, but he won't be called upon to be a cornerstone for this unit.  DBU looks like they are on the way back.

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This was a time where I could have gone to ten thoughts. The place kicker question doesn't look great right now.

 
Special teams will be big. I can count the ways we lost games on special teams the last two years but it would take way too long to type.

 
On the sunny side, the offense showed promise. Two years ago I left the spring game thinking "we suck". Last year I left thinking "what the heck are we trying to do offensively". Just didn't see any semblance of an offensive system. This year I left wanting to see more. Talent level is better and we have a chance. We aren't great yet but should be better.

 
Not to belabor, but from Dawson in the mid-90s to Justin Tucker we had a guy who would make every kick when needed. Now, PATs are adventurous.

Anyway, reasonably entertaining show today. Hope at QB, a lethal looking RB duo and a fresh offensive scheme. Things to build on.

 
Not to belabor, but from Dawson in the mid-90s to Justin Tucker we had a guy who would make every kick when needed. Now, PATs are adventurous.

Anyway, reasonably entertaining show today. Hope at QB, a lethal looking RB duo and a fresh offensive scheme. Things to build on.
I'd sure hate to see Texas lose any games this fall because of a weak assed kicking game...but

that may well happen. You're right, STP, it seems like Texas has ALWAYS had great (or at least

"good") kickers. Not now, sadly.

 
Swoops needs to try to aim 3 yds further downfield. He allows too many DB's to make up the separation. 

Whatever happened to the kid that posted his video on here that was kicking with a 20# vest on? There has to be a kicker somewhere willing to join the team.

 
Personally, im frustrated in Swoopes for consistently getting lost in his progressions and then throwing up a prayer.

Swoopes had zero poise in a scrimmage. Hard for me to expect anything different when Gold ND Helmets are flying at em.

 
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Personally, im frustrated in Swoopes for consistently getting lost in his progressions and then throwing up a prayer.

Swoopes had zero poise in a scrimmage. Hard for me to expect anything different when Gold ND Helmets are flying at em.
Swoopes should have been moved to TE for his senior year.  Then he might get a shot in the NFL.

He'll never get that shot as a qb.  

 
Shane is the starter end of story. If Strong rolls Swoopes out there against ND the coaching search might as well start then IMO.
I still have a feeling that the Coaches will want to bring Shane along slowly. Maybe have him ready come conference play.

I dunno. These decisions are way above my pay grade.

Nevertheless, We must trust the process.

 
1. Like Buchele.....think we can win a lot of games with him

2. Loaded at running back. I think even Bernard and Houston can rotate in and Porter coming

3. Loaded at receiver. Should be able to go 6-7,8 deep with not a lot of drop off.

4. Oline should be good......not great, but eventually great

5. DB's loaded....great very very soon. Rotate a bunch of guys

6. LB's good Wheeler a force, Malik a superstar, Shark should play a lot next year

7. DL-ok now. Omenihu is going to give everybody trouble, good luck blocking him. Vasser should be good. Multiply (if not all) freshman should play a bunch.

I like the coaching additions and the look of the new offense. No more flip flopping offenses....this is our new identity.

Times are rapidly going to get better at the 40. 7-8 wins next year. 8-10 the next year. Chance to win all the games the following year.

Oooooooooo Ooooooooooo-Coyote

 
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