Ringing the carillon - Campus Report (by: Kylie Hopkins)

[HornSports Staff]

I would first like to mention that I believe that the Longhorns won the game on Saturday strictly for my birthday. Secondly, we won a very sloppy game.

Our defense didn’t look like the powerhouse that we have come to expect. Our offense is improving with every game, but still lacks consistency. Our special teams is still a hot mess.

Alas, even with all of these little problems, we still won which is fantastic. Though each aspect of our team has improvements to be made, the Longhorns are working better together overall.

This week will be a testament to just how far we’ve come as a team. Kansas State is a ranked opponent, and one that we may have overlooked five years ago. K-State started the season unranked, and fought their way into the top 25. Both football teams have something to prove this weekend.

From most everyone I’ve talked to this week, I’ve heard positivity about the game this weekend. The students think that we have a fighting chance, and so do I. It’s naïve to think that K-State will go down without a fight, however.

Our defense will need to compete as they did against OU. Our offense will need to gel like they did against Iowa State. Our special teams needs to just try not to be terrible. This could be the weekend that it all comes together.

In other news, David Ash is trying to play baseball for the Longhorns. I have mixed feelings about this.

I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it is to come into college expecting to play the sport that you were raised on, just to have those dreams taken away from you. The idea that he is able to have the chance to play another sport, to essentially start over, is appealing.

My biggest concern about this is that he may be offered a position on the team because of who he is. I wouldn’t want that for him, and I don’t think Ash would want that for himself. He’s practicing with a coach constantly, looking up YouTube videos of pitching, and working out with the team. Ash wants to make the most of this opportunity, and I hope his skill will get him a spot.

That being said, the Longhorn baseball team is stacked with pitchers. I did an article on Tyler Schimpf who has been making waves during scrimmages. The Longhorns were so close to the CWS title last year, and this year it’s looking like we have the chance to go all the way. Also, Ash hasn’t played baseball. Ever. Not one pitch. Would Ash be able to have playing time?

This weekend I’ll be watching the game from Little Woodrow’s in Houston. If anyone is around the area, feel free to stop by and listen to me rant about the special teams. Again. 

 

[joeywa]

In other news, David Ash is trying to play baseball for the Longhorns. I have mixed feelings about this.

I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it is to come into college expecting to play the sport that you were raised on, just to have those dreams taken away from you. The idea that he is able to have the chance to play another sport, to essentially start over, is appealing.

My biggest concern about this is that he may be offered a position on the team because of who he is. I wouldn’t want that for him, and I don’t think Ash would want that for himself. He’s practicing with a coach constantly, looking up YouTube videos of pitching, and working out with the team. Ash wants to make the most of this opportunity, and I hope his skill will get him a spot.

I don't believe that Skip would take on a project like Ash if he did not feel that the kid had nothing to offer other than a "name" and/or a "feel-good" story.  That's not how he operates.  He obviously has some ability that Skip likes, and he will be given the same opportunity as any other walk-on.  Skip is as fair of a guy as they come, and he knows pitchers.  If Ash couldn't offer anything, he wouldn't still be there. 

I don't see him making the roster this season, as it will take some time and work to hone his skills.  I would imagine that the earliest he will be given an opportunity to make a splash is next summer/fall . 

 

[Lukus Alderman]

Good stuff. A couple of things:

A) Our Special Teams was anything but a hot mess Saturday night. It was very good, especially considering Rose made 2 of 2 FGs, including a 49 yd and game winner. No penalties or turnovers was also a plus.

B ) I don't think Ash will get a spot if he can't contribute. Texas has too much talent to lose a spot, in my opinion.

You're right about the offense, though. If Swoopes doesn't throw the pic and we go up by 3 scores, I think we run away with it instead of fighting for the win.

 

[Aaron Carrara]

Good stuff. A couple of things:

A) Our Special Teams was anything but a hot mess Saturday night. It was very good, especially considering Rose made 2 of 2 FGs, including a 49 yd and game winner. No penalties or turnovers was also a plus.

B ) I don't think Ash will get a spot if he can't contribute. Texas has too much talent to lose a spot, in my opinion.

You're right about the offense, though. If Swoopes doesn't throw the pic and we go up by 3 scores, I think we run away with it instead of fighting for the win.

Way to defend your Report Card grade of the special teams unit Lukus.  The special teams unit still has a lot to prove in terms of consistency.  Russ is punting really well but the FG unit needs some consistency before the problem can be considered solved. 

 

[Lukus Alderman]

Way to defend your Report Card grade of the special teams unit Lukus. The special teams unit still has a lot to prove in terms of consistency. Russ is punting really well but the FG unit needs some consistency before the problem can be considered solved.

While you are right that the defense still has a lot to prove in terms of consistency, the fact remains that the Special a Teams played very well against ISU and were not a "hot mess".

And, yes, I also enjoy defending my report card grade.