Embrey
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- Nov 26, 2013
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FIRECROSS ANALYSIS OF WEEK 1
Texas must be commended for their willingness to compete with a powerful Notre Dame program for an entire game. While handing out compliments, it can not be understated that Texas showed it is learning how to win. For Charlie Strong there is no room to rely on moral victories. With so many alums that don't have his back and Herman at Houston looking to name his price, it looks like it is now or never for Charlie in Austin. Charlie and his staff out coached and his players outplayed the Golden Domers. Well done Horns.
OBJECTIVITY TEST
If you watched Texas defeat Notre Dame there is much to celebrate and there is much to give one pause. I commend Beuchele for his arm strength and touch on his deep throws. A QB either has that or they don't. However, unless every team on Texas' schedule is going to allow Burt to take the lid off the defense, it became obvious that Shane Beuchele cannot yet read a major college defense. Sterling Gilbert did recognize this and adapted his calls to quick WR screens which Beuchele is adept at executing.
DOUBLE EDGED SWORD
Beuchele's runs at key moments were crucial. There is no doubting his competitiveness, heart or will to win. There is the danger of one hit to the youngster that might change Texas' season. I assume Gilbert et al are aware of this but called his number anyway. No guts, no glory. But remember, one bad hit and this team is rolling with Swoopes.
Tyrone played a wonderful game Sunday. It is a true testament for the coaches to identify and utilize his strengths. I expect they will continue to insert Swoopes early and as the game situation requires. Let us hope they mix in a couple of play action passes for him this week. Put that on tape and make future opponents know that they will throw with him.
STAR OF THE GAME
FOREMAN - the kid was the best player on the field.
DEFENSIVE THOUGHTS
I have yet to determine if Texas' defensive performance was a function of their recent fantastic recruiting mixed with the new attitude Malik and company brought or if Notre Dame's coach Kelly was so hardheaded that he thought his team could flip a switch and still defeat Texas. Regardless, Notre Dame had a chance to take a 4th quarter lead after the blocked PAT attempt which ND returned for two points. Texas stopped them. Kudos to the Horns defense.
UNEXPECTED BONUS
Fantastic punting performance flipped the field several times.
LOOKING FORWARD
With UTEP visiting Austin this weekend I expect the Horns to establish dominance early. Goals this week should be to continue growing on the offensive and defensive units. Special teams needs to be more organized and I suspect it will. With an expected lead, Texas should continue to develop Beuchele's ability to read at speed. Look for Charlie's influence to be more apparent this week. These players love him and play for him. For the first time in a long time, Texas played as a power team. There is a time for finesse but not all the time.
GEORGIE GIRL'S PREDICTION
Texas 35
UTEP 13
BIG XII POWER RANKINGS AFTER WEEK 1
1. Texas
2. West Virginia
3. Oklahoma State
4. Baylor
5. Oklahoma
6. Texas Tech
7. TCU
8. Kansas State
9. Kansas
10. Iowa State
Have a safe weekend and Hook 'em Horns.
Texas must be commended for their willingness to compete with a powerful Notre Dame program for an entire game. While handing out compliments, it can not be understated that Texas showed it is learning how to win. For Charlie Strong there is no room to rely on moral victories. With so many alums that don't have his back and Herman at Houston looking to name his price, it looks like it is now or never for Charlie in Austin. Charlie and his staff out coached and his players outplayed the Golden Domers. Well done Horns.
OBJECTIVITY TEST
If you watched Texas defeat Notre Dame there is much to celebrate and there is much to give one pause. I commend Beuchele for his arm strength and touch on his deep throws. A QB either has that or they don't. However, unless every team on Texas' schedule is going to allow Burt to take the lid off the defense, it became obvious that Shane Beuchele cannot yet read a major college defense. Sterling Gilbert did recognize this and adapted his calls to quick WR screens which Beuchele is adept at executing.
DOUBLE EDGED SWORD
Beuchele's runs at key moments were crucial. There is no doubting his competitiveness, heart or will to win. There is the danger of one hit to the youngster that might change Texas' season. I assume Gilbert et al are aware of this but called his number anyway. No guts, no glory. But remember, one bad hit and this team is rolling with Swoopes.
Tyrone played a wonderful game Sunday. It is a true testament for the coaches to identify and utilize his strengths. I expect they will continue to insert Swoopes early and as the game situation requires. Let us hope they mix in a couple of play action passes for him this week. Put that on tape and make future opponents know that they will throw with him.
STAR OF THE GAME
FOREMAN - the kid was the best player on the field.
DEFENSIVE THOUGHTS
I have yet to determine if Texas' defensive performance was a function of their recent fantastic recruiting mixed with the new attitude Malik and company brought or if Notre Dame's coach Kelly was so hardheaded that he thought his team could flip a switch and still defeat Texas. Regardless, Notre Dame had a chance to take a 4th quarter lead after the blocked PAT attempt which ND returned for two points. Texas stopped them. Kudos to the Horns defense.
UNEXPECTED BONUS
Fantastic punting performance flipped the field several times.
LOOKING FORWARD
With UTEP visiting Austin this weekend I expect the Horns to establish dominance early. Goals this week should be to continue growing on the offensive and defensive units. Special teams needs to be more organized and I suspect it will. With an expected lead, Texas should continue to develop Beuchele's ability to read at speed. Look for Charlie's influence to be more apparent this week. These players love him and play for him. For the first time in a long time, Texas played as a power team. There is a time for finesse but not all the time.
GEORGIE GIRL'S PREDICTION
Texas 35
UTEP 13
BIG XII POWER RANKINGS AFTER WEEK 1
1. Texas
2. West Virginia
3. Oklahoma State
4. Baylor
5. Oklahoma
6. Texas Tech
7. TCU
8. Kansas State
9. Kansas
10. Iowa State
Have a safe weekend and Hook 'em Horns.
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