Five Thoughts Following The Win Over Kansas

[okiehorn]

You know I am totally puzzled about the use and non use of certain guys !! I am going to observe till season end  before I judge w/the rest of you But  I will say this not blown away by Herman YET . Hope my gut is right and we will roll in '18 ! Will admit  I thought we would be a 8-9 win team this year--WRONG two years in a row now --Guess I am getting old.

I do not feel the same in any form or fashion... Herman took over a team that’s went 5-7 two straight seasons and lost to Kansas.... he instilled heart and determination in these kids like CS never could. They came to play 100% every game and  fought tooth and nail in 3 games that no one in the nation gave UT a prayer in. I do believe we end up 7-5 and then a bowl win. I was predicting 8-4  regular season but Maryland screwed that up. Herman has proved something to me. With al the injuries in the trenches this season still points up in my book. UT still has #2 recruiting class in the nation, pair that with good coaching and experience in the trenches. Watch out 2018 season..

 I to let the “close” ALMOST wins get to me with this coaching staff. But in reality I didn’t expect them to win those when I thought of Texas football in July..... being so close will do that to ya.

 

[dillohorn]

8 wins is still possible

Hope I'm wrong, but after last night I see WVU and TT rolling this team in an ugly way. I'm aware of the injuries, dismissals, youth etc, but this O (mostly because of the OL) is abysmal. I just hope it improves greatly before next season so we can get out of the dark ages of UT football.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Hope I'm wrong, but after last night I see WVU and TT rolling this team in an ugly way. I'm aware of the injuries, dismissals, youth etc, but this O (mostly because of the OL) is abysmal. I just hope it improves greatly before next season so we can get out of the dark ages of UT football.

Have you not seen the Tech DL this year? Tackling dummies are more formidable. We're going to think we have a great running game when we play them. It will be an illusion. lol

We'll beat Tech.

WVU – depends on who shows up in Morgantown. The team that played OSU to overtime? Or the team that made Kansas look like D1?

 

[Aaron Carrara]

On Ehlinger, Herman said in his postgame presser that the coaches were going to use him on one series in the game - he even said the plan was to use him on the 4th series, which they did.  He wasn't going to play any more than that unless absolutely necessary.  

Herman followed that up by saying it had been 21 days since he had real game snaps and it wouldn't be fair to throw him into a situation like that.

While Ehlinger was cleared to play and no longer in concussion protocol, he apparently is suffering from an inner ear issue.  Not sure if it is a separate issue or a byproduct of the head injury sustained 3 weeks ago, but probably a good thing he didn't play much last night.  He needs to fully heal and be ready to play in Morgantown. 

 

[dillohorn]

Have you not seen the Tech DL this year? Tackling dummies are more formidable. We're going to think we have a great running game when we play them. It will be an illusion. lol

We'll beat Tech.

WVU – depends on who shows up in Morgantown. The team that played OSU to overtime? Or the team that made Kansas look like D1?

I've watched all of TT's games I believe and most of WVU's too. I've also watched our Horns OL. I've never seen a worse O than ours, but I'd happily admit my forecast was wrong should the Horns pull it off. .......P S....I absolutely hate TT.

 

[drgilbert]

This have anything to do with the other post you mentioned? Bout the coach and “sock water”

I don’t think so. It was just something I saw on Twitter. I also think my previous  post could have been the ramblings of an upset fan. 

 

[MikeV73]

On Ehlinger, Herman said in his postgame presser that the coaches were going to use him on one series in the game - he even said the plan was to use him on the 4th series, which they did.  He wasn't going to play any more than that unless absolutely necessary.  

Herman followed that up by saying it had been 21 days since he had real game snaps and it wouldn't be fair to throw him into a situation like that.

While Ehlinger was cleared to play and no longer in concussion protocol, he apparently is suffering from an inner ear issue.  Not sure if it is a separate issue or a byproduct of the head injury sustained 3 weeks ago, but probably a good thing he didn't play much last night.  He needs to fully heal and be ready to play in Morgantown. 

If Sam is still dealing with an inner ear issue why risk playing him at all Saturday?  Not a question for you Aaron, just my thoughts.  Years ago Sidney Crosby from the Pittsburgh Penguins missed almost a season with reoccurring concussions and symptoms.  It was later reported that he was not having long standing concussion symptoms but some sort of neck or inner ear thing.  Always sounded a bit shady to me especially seeing him taking brutal hits every game he played.  I'll check back after I get a medical degree and a specialty in neurology or ENT.

 

[DMAC]

I've watched all of TT's games I believe and most of WVU's too. I've also watched our Horns OL. I've never seen a worse O than ours, but I'd happily admit my forecast was wrong should the Horns pull it off. .......P S....I absolutely hate TT.

Texas tech held Kansas to 19.   We held Kansas to 27.   Using the phrase held Kansas doesnt quite sound right.  Then again tech gave up 24 to Baylor and we smothered rapeU.  

Tech offense kind of scares me especially with Hill out the rest of the year.  Its hard to judge our defense without Hill when all you have is Kansas putting up 27 on our defense.

I think we win the next 2 games if Sam plays and we actually run TC and Young.  This team seems to play up to down to the competition

 

[tejasrulz]

I do not feel the same in any form or fashion... Herman took over a team that’s went 5-7 two straight seasons and lost to Kansas.... he instilled heart and determination in these kids like CS never could. They came to play 100% every game and  fought tooth and nail in 3 games that no one in the nation gave UT a prayer in. I do believe we end up 7-5 and then a bowl win. I was predicting 8-4  regular season but Maryland screwed that up. Herman has proved something to me. With al the injuries in the trenches this season still points up in my book. UT still has #2 recruiting class in the nation, pair that with good coaching and experience in the trenches. Watch out 2018 season..

 I to let the “close” ALMOST wins get to me with this coaching staff. But in reality I didn’t expect them to win those when I thought of Texas football in July..... being so close will do that to ya.

Totally agree with your first paragraph. Well said.

 

[TexExSpur]

IMHO, the winning is over for 2017.   

Texas gave up 20 with the starting defense on the field.  Too much and D Davis got picked on.

The last TD was with Wilbon, Demarco Boyd, Freeman and others getting zero pressure in a prevent with freshmen Thompson getting beat for a TD and called for PI.  He was on him, still has a lot to learn though.  Minutes he needs.

 

[83Dee]

[SIZE=12pt]·       [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]·         [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]I’m offended by how bad the offensive line is at times[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]As a former offensive lineman it’s been painful to watch the Texas offensive line perform this year. It doesn’t matter what kind of protection the offensive coaches call, they find ways to bust it or allow pressure. I saw Zach Shackleford let a late blitzer run right past him in pass protection tonight when he wasn’t even locked up on anyone. I saw the offensive line allow Buechele to be pressured and hit on multiple occasions on sprint outs, which are plays designed to move the pocket and help your offensive line when they struggle with regular drop back protections. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]It gets better though. How many times did we hear the broadcast mention the offensive line allowing pressures on max protections when there were only two receivers going out in routes? It happened at least three times unless I’m misremembering things and that’s the case it’s embarrassing as hell for that unit. If you can’t protect your quarterback in max protection then you as a unit need to take a very long look in the mirror because there ain’t much more your coordinator can do to help you out.[/SIZE]

I hate to do this, because I feel unqualified from my recliner in DFW, but it seems that we sometimes don't mention the elephant in the room?  We rail on play calling, and who is starting at QB.... how about the person charged with coaching up the offensive line?  I get Kerksetter is a true freshman and Okafor was moved to tackle - perhaps justifiable excuses for struggling.  Well, how about Shackelford, McMillan Nicholson and Vahe?  These were all part of an offensive line last year that performed very well.  I would suggest to you that all  have regressed and two seem to be falling off a cliff! 

Is the scheme that much more difficult?  Have they all ordered a jumbo plate of Give-up?  What the heck is going on?  I know they don't have numbers.... but even so the performance is so bad I have to ask why a couple of them are even on the field any more?   

 

[83Dee]

[SIZE=12pt]·         [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]There’s no rhyme or reason to what Texas does offensively [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]We are in the home stretch of the season now and I still can’t tell you what Texas’ identity is on offensive and each week I keep trying to figure out what the offensive staff and play caller are seeing and doing up in the booth during games. For instance, it was clear that Daniel Young and Toneil Carter were rolling and Kansas was having a hard time stopping them. So what does the offensive brain trust up in the booth do? They go away from both of them for long stretches and start airing the ball out. I just don’t understand it. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]I get that Carter put the ball on the deck and I know ball security is important, but at this point in the season there is no reason for the staff not to be getting both young backs as many carries as possible. When you’ve struggled mightily to get a consistent run game going all year it makes absolutely no sense to me to abandon it when you finally got it working to a degree. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Another thing that bugged me was the random usage of Sam Ehlinger tonight. What was the point of rolling him out there tonight? You randomly inserted him into the lineup early on in the red zone for the touchdown pass to Cade Brewer, then we won’t see him again until garbage time when the game finally in control. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]So he was healthy enough to come in early in the game to take some meaningful snaps, but he wasn’t when the offense started sputtering for stretches? My first thought when we saw him briefly was that the coaches were trying to preserve his health, but if that was the case then why insert him when you did for the touchdown pass? I love to get some clarity on this, but I’m sure we will get coach speak and not a real answer.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]·        [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]·        [/SIZE]

I give a pass to play-calling because it is really tough to design a play behind five turn styles.  However, the player rotation is mind-boggling?  We played four running backs (off the top of my head), so I'll stick with that.  Can anyone begin to tell me the thinking behind this?  Is this a product of the participation trophy psychology... if you practice every day you get to play?  Often times we start a running back and he is out of the game after one or two plays.... why?  I think I heard Herman say the asst coaches are responsible for who goes in the game.... well please use that MENSA mind we have been hearing about and correct this or rip that responsibility away from them! 

Why would any stud running back considering coming here for a guaranteed..... 7 carries per game regardless of how successful those plays were? 

 

[TexExSpur]

I hate to do this, because I feel unqualified from my recliner in DFW, but it seems that we sometimes don't mention the elephant in the room?  We rail on play calling, and who is starting at QB.... how about the person charged with coaching up the offensive line?  I get Kerksetter is a true freshman and Okafor was moved to tackle - perhaps justifiable excuses for struggling.  Well, how about Shackelford, McMillan Nicholson and Vahe?  These were all part of an offensive line last year that performed very well.  I would suggest to you that all  have regressed and two seem to be falling off a cliff! 

Is the scheme that much more difficult?  Have they all ordered a jumbo plate of Give-up?  What the heck is going on?  I know they don't have numbers.... but even so the performance is so bad I have to ask why a couple of them are even on the field any more?   

vahe failed to engage "anyone" on several occasions Saturday and it has been a trend.  The OL is the worst unit in CFB. 

 

[83Dee]

vahe failed to engage, anyone on several occasions Saturday and it has been a trend.  The OL is the worst unit in CFB. 

I would like to scorn you for useless hyperbole; but I can't. 

 

[TexExSpur]

Ok, maybe not the worst, but the worst in the Big 12 and almost the worst among Power 5. 

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

I hate to do this, because I feel unqualified from my recliner in DFW, but it seems that we sometimes don't mention the elephant in the room?  We rail on play calling, and who is starting at QB.... how about the person charged with coaching up the offensive line?  I get Kerksetter is a true freshman and Okafor was moved to tackle - perhaps justifiable excuses for struggling.  Well, how about Shackelford, McMillan Nicholson and Vahe?  These were all part of an offensive line last year that performed very well.  I would suggest to you that all  have regressed and two seem to be falling off a cliff! 

Is the scheme that much more difficult?  Have they all ordered a jumbo plate of Give-up?  What the heck is going on?  I know they don't have numbers.... but even so the performance is so bad I have to ask why a couple of them are even on the field any more?   

I’ve said it before, but last year’s offensive scheme and D’Onta Foreman will make the group upfront look a lot better. 

Neither Kerstetter or Okafor should be playing tackle and ideally they probably are still in the incubator with redshirt years. Nicholson has never been very good and has been a liability in pass pro dating back to last year. McMillon came out of nowhere to overachieve and seems to have come back down to earth to what we thought he was. Shack has been injured for most of his time in Austin, but I still have hope since he’s still only a sophomore. In Vahe’s case it looks like he peaked early and hasn’t built upon his freshman year. His regression isn’t exclusive to this year as he struggled last year too. Run blocking was his strength and even that has become an issue for him. Been disappointing to say the least. 

Warehime isn’t off the hook completely because he’s responsible for his unit’s performance, but a lot of it is explainable to a degree at least for me. There hasn’t been any continuity for this group over the past  several years and that’s huge for an offensive line more than anything. 

 

[North Texas Golfer]

I’ve said it before, but last year’s offensive scheme and D’Onta Foreman will make the group upfront look a lot better. 

Neither Kerstetter or Okafor should be playing tackle and ideally they probably are still in the incubator with redshirt years. Nicholson has never been very good and has been a liability in pass pro dating back to last year. McMillon came out of nowhere to overachieve and seems to have come back down to earth to what we thought he was. Shack has been injured for most of his time in Austin, but I still have hope since he’s still only a sophomore. In Vahe’s case it looks like he peaked early and hasn’t built upon his freshman year. His regression isn’t exclusive to this year as he struggled last year too. Run blocking was his strength and even that has become an issue for him. Been disappointing to say the least. 

Warehime isn’t off the hook completely because he’s responsible for his unit’s performance, but a lot of it is explainable to a degree at least for me. There hasn’t been any continuity for this group over the past  several years and that’s huge for an offensive line more than anything. 

Probably as good an explanation as you will find anywhere on any site. 

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

I give a pass to play-calling because it is really tough to design a play behind five turn styles.  However, the player rotation is mind-boggling?  We played four running backs (off the top of my head), so I'll stick with that.  Can anyone begin to tell me the thinking behind this?  Is this a product of the participation trophy psychology... if you practice every day you get to play?  Often times we start a running back and he is out of the game after one or two plays.... why?  I think I heard Herman say the asst coaches are responsible for who goes in the game.... well please use that MENSA mind we have been hearing about and correct this or rip that responsibility away from them! 

Why would any stud running back considering coming here for a guaranteed..... 7 carries per game regardless of how successful those plays were? 

The offensive line makes it tough, but it still doesn’t explain the lack of flow of the play calling when the offense seems to find things that work. 

I haven’t been able to figure the RB rotation out just yet. The only thing I can come up with is that the freshman struggle in pass protection, but at this point you need to get them as many reps as possible and ride it out because it’s obvious they are the best runners you have. 

Add Keaontay Ingram to Carter and Young and I really like that threesome for Texas in 2018. 

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

vahe failed to engage "anyone" on several occasions Saturday and it has been a trend.  The OL is the worst unit in CFB. 

Yup on Vahe. I don’t think it’s all on coaching in regards to him playing terribly. 

 

[Daniel Seahorn]

Ok, maybe not the worst, but the worst in the Big 12 and almost the worst among Power 5. 

It’s as bad as I’ve seen in CFB all year long. And I watch a ton of ball on Saturdays.