The Good, The bad and The Ugly: Maryland

[Jameson McCausland]

Following a 34-29 loss to Maryland, it’s time to take a look back at the good, the bad and the ugly from a wild afternoon at FedEx field:

The Good

The Freshmen

It was a good debut for several freshmen who were seeing their first action at the collegiate level. Caden Sterns started at safety and finished the afternoon with 4 tackles. BJ Foster played major snaps and showed he wasn’t afraid to defend the run. After Devante Davis exited the game with a neck injury, redshirt freshman Kobe Boyce entered in his place. Boyce played adequately in pass support and made no mistakes defending the run.

On the offensive side of the ball, Texas received a huge spark from Keaontay Ingram. The freshman out of Carthage flashed the same ability that made him the top running back recruit in the state a season ago. Ingram finished the game with 6 carries for 37 yards and a touchdown. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be seeing at least 15 touches every game. Redshirt freshman Sam Cosmi took over at right tackle a couple series into the game and played well, minus a few plays where he got beat on the edge.

Pass Protection

The addition of Calvin Anderson and Herb Hand have already helped a unit that struggled to keep the quarterback upright in 2017. Sam Ehlinger was sacked only once on the afternoon, but the offensive line unit as a whole looked improved in pass protection. All 5 linemen did a much better job of picking up blitzes and all 3 running backs showed a willingness to take on blitzing linebackers one on one. If Texas can develop an offensive identity, it will go a long way in taking advantage of the type of offensive line play that was absent a year ago.

Devin Duvernay

Major props to Devin Duvernay, who had a disappointing 2017 season. The junior hauled in the first touchdown of the season on beautiful 39-yard diving catch. Duvernay is somebody who benefit greatly from improved pass protection, which allowed Texas to push the ball down the field more.

The bad

Missed Opportunities

Everyone remembers Jashaun Jacob’s second touchdown, a 65-yarder after BJ Foster and Devante Davis ran into each other, but the play before Kris Boyd dropped one of the easiest interceptions he will have in his career. Saturday’s loss was full of missed opportunities where Texas had a chance to turn the tide of the game and run away with it. 

Following the weather delay, Texas trailed 31-29 and received the ensuing kickoff. The next 4 drives went like this: punt, interception, fumble and interception. The Longhorns had 4 opportunities to drive down the field and take the lead, and couldn’t take advantage. Unfortunately, missed opportunities seem to be a theme for Texas over the past 2 years. The Longhorns have been unable to make the big play when it’s needed most.

Late Turnovers, Again

Sam Ehlinger had moments where he looked to be an improved version of his 2017 self. He stood in the pocket, stepped up and delivered nice balls. But when the game mattered most, Ehlinger threw two costly interceptions —squashing any hopes of a comeback victory. Ehlinger’s explanation for his second interception centered around the fact that he didn’t want to throw the ball away and face a 4th and 10. While it was an understandable explanation, Ehlinger didn’t need to abandon the pocket when he did. Maryland was rushing 2, spying 1 and dropping 8 into coverage. The sophomore still needs to learn when not to escape the pocket and take a shot downfield. It comes with experience, but learning experiences are not something Texas can afford to have this year.

The ugly

The End Result

There’s no way around it — this was a very bad loss for Texas. All the momentum gained from the bowl win to end 2017 is erased and now Texas is forced take a long look in the mirror. The Longhorns will be underdogs in 3 of their next 4 games and have a very real chance of being 1-4 heading into the Red River Showdown in Dallas. The worst possible scenario played out for Texas, and now the Longhorns face an uphill battle to reach the 8 or 9 win mark, which is what many expected in year 2 under Tom Herman.

Offensive Identity

Texas experienced some individual improvements on offense, but the unit as a whole still lacks an identity, which leads to inconsistency. The offensive staff had a tough time deciding what was working and sticking to it. The one drive Texas went up-tempo, they practically walked into the end zone, then never went up-tempo again. For the Longhorns to be successful in the Big 12, they must figure who they want to be on offense. They found success in a variety of areas, but ability to put together complete gameplans with sustained success could be the difference between another 6 win season or 7-8 victories. 

Penalties

Texas was one of the most penalized teams in the country a season ago and 2018 appears to be trending in the same direction. The Longhorns were penalized 10 times for 102 yards, including an equipment violation by Collin Johnson on Texas’ first offensive play from scrimmage. The Longhorns are not at a point where they can overcome boneheaded penalties and expect to win games. There were 2 roughing the passer penalties that were textbook calls. Gary Johnson was ejected for targeting after lowering his head on a sliding Kasim Hill on a play that was already getting called back for a holding penalty that would have put Maryland in a 3rd and 20 situation.

 

[Matthew1967]

Thanks for the write up, Jameson.  I have a friend who works with a parent of a current player recruited by Herman.  Parent is saying her son says there is a big division in the locker room between Herman's players and Charlie's players AND that morale is POOR.

Have you heard anything to this effect? I have no reason to doubt what my friend is saying.  Although, if you feel this material is inappropriate feel free to delete this post.  Thanks.

 

[horninoregon]

"There’s no reason he shouldn’t be seeing at least 15 touches every game."

haven't we heard this before? :huh:

 

[Hiwood]

Thanks for the write up, Jameson.  I have a friend who works with a parent of a current player recruited by Herman.  Parent is saying her son says there is a big division in the locker room between Herman's players and Charlie's players AND that morale is POOR.

Have you heard anything to this effect? I have no reason to doubt what my friend is saying.  Although, if you feel this material is inappropriate feel free to delete this post.  Thanks.

If this is true or even remotely true, it makes perfect sense..CS was popular with the players, so along comes Herman and not everyone has bought into his schtick yet, that also includes the loyal Horn fan base. I am sure there is some resentment from half the team that was in the Shane is our QB mindset, and along comes a freshman, now a sophomore and he is the QB with mixed results. Saturday's results did nothing to solidify the divide

Until this group wins as a team against a superior team, they won't really be a team

 

[Sirhornsalot]

6-7 months of optimism, hope, promise and anticipation were just flushed down a toilet in one afternoon.

Thats part of the ugly.

 

[CharcoalPuppy]

6-7 months of optimism, hope, promise and anticipation were just flushed down a toilet in one afternoon.

Thats part of the ugly.

Couldn't put it any better.  

 

[DMAC]

6-7 months of optimism, hope, promise and anticipation were just flushed down a toilet in one afternoon.

Thats part of the ugly.

No doubt.  I am still reeling from it.  What makes it worse is this is becoming anual event.  I know its just a game but FFS it has me bumming hardcore.

Herman helped UH he also won a NC at tOSU but why is it I am beginning to feel it doesnt matter who the coach is we are stuck in mediocrity.  Someone put a voodoo curse on us.

 

[oldhorn2]

There aint no voo-doo curse. We have been in dire shape and did not do what needed to be done to get us out of it.

As dumb as it sounds, I think our decline happened starting in 2006 or 2007. It was masked by having and unbelievable QB in Colt and helped by Shipley. We had many problems then that were hidden by those few players that were stellar. We had zero running game after Charles went Pro and R Taylor went full blown druggie. No matter what Mack said we were gonna do were we able to accomplish.Still, we won and won and ignored all the danger signs. Mack had quit, and Charlie came along and had to live with the results. We have been trying to make chicken salad out of chicken shit for so long we might not be able to tell the difference.

We have talent, but we dont seem to be able to get it working as a cohesive unit. That is on the coach of course and I still have a little faith that this coach might be able to pull it together. I hate that I am beginning to doubt this staff, but I do still have a tiny bit of faith/hope.

SHA said it best...all the feel goods I had after the bowl game were washed away. Good teams find a way to win....bad teams find a way to lose....thats us. Will our Defense( which can really be good) EVER start playing a game from the opening whistle? WTF?

 

[horninoregon]

yep, when Mack and Greg started ignoring the OL and the run game was the beginning of the end, but we were scoring like crazy so not many seemed to notice

 

[DMAC]

As dumb as it sounds, I think our decline happened starting in 2006 or 2007. It was masked by having and unbelievable QB in Colt and helped by Shipley. We had many problems then that were hidden by those few players that were stellar. We had zero running game after Charles went Pro and R Taylor went full blown druggie. No matter what Mack said we were gonna do were we able to accomplish.Still, we won and won and ignored all the danger signs. Mack had quit, and Charlie came along and had to live with the results. We have been trying to make chicken salad out of chicken shit for so long we might not be able to tell the difference.

This premise doesnt make sense at all atleast not for 10+ years.  To blame Mack for 10+ years of shit makes zero sense.  Maybe thats is where it started but he has zero bearing on the team now.  Charlie recruited very well plus he enjoyed some Mack leftovers like Hicks, Big M Brown, Hassan Ridgeway, diggs etc all playing in the NFL.  MJ, Elliott, Hill, Dickerson, Poona were all good players Charlie pulled.  Herman did lose out on some players just like Charlie did for alignment reasons.  Eric Fowler is one that comes to mind. 

To me seems very evident our coaches are not getting the most out of the players.  Look Chris Warren yet somehow Herman thought Porter deserved to start.  I cant recall his name but another example was the receiver a few years back that never made a meaningful contribution here but did well in the NFL.  Marcus Johnson I think shit I dont remeber well in my old age.

We always say wait til X get his players.  Charlie had 3 years.  Now Herman has 1+ years.  I dont see much a difference between this team and Charlies.  Defense is better offense is still shit. Hell it swapped if you consider Gilberts offense.

We have not recruited dominant DL or OL consistently.  The last dominant DL was Malcolm Brown not take away from Poona or Hassan but Brown was better.

Name a great OL other Conner Williams in the last 4 years.

 

[horninoregon]

name one in the last ten years, THAT is how it started with Mack. He quit recruiting the position and we are still recovering

 

[oldhorn2]

This premise doesnt make sense at all atleast not for 10+ years.  To blame Mack for 10+ years of shit makes zero sense.  Maybe thats is where it started but he has zero bearing on the team now.  Charlie recruited very well plus he enjoyed some Mack leftovers like Hicks, Big M Brown, Hassan Ridgeway, diggs etc all playing in the NFL.  MJ, Elliott, Hill, Dickerson, Poona were all good players Charlie pulled.  Herman did lose out on some players just like Charlie did for alignment reasons.  Eric Fowler is one that comes to mind. 

To me seems very evident our coaches are not getting the most out of the players.  Look Chris Warren yet somehow Herman thought Porter deserved to start.  I cant recall his name but another example was the receiver a few years back that never made a meaningful contribution here but did well in the NFL.  Marcus Johnson I think shit I dont remeber well in my old age.

We always say wait til X get his players.  Charlie had 3 years.  Now Herman has 1+ years.  I dont see much a difference between this team and Charlies.  Defense is better offense is still shit. Hell it swapped if you consider Gilberts offense.

We have not recruited dominant DL or OL consistently.  The last dominant DL was Malcolm Brown not take away from Poona or Hassan but Brown was better.

Name a great OL other Conner Williams in the last 4 years.

DMAC

I must not have been very clear. I was not blaming Mack at all. I was saying that I thought our troubles started about then because year after year Mack was saying we were going to get a power running game going, but year after year Colt was our leading rusher.

We got exposed starting in 2010 and we havnt recovered yet. What we have needed since then was another Mack to do what Mack did when he came in and get us going again. I hoped that was Herman....Frankly, I dont know any more.

 

[DMAC]

name one in the last ten years, THAT is how it started with Mack. He quit recruiting the position and we are still recovering

My point is unless its a 5th year senior there isnt any holdovers from Mack.  Macks last recruit was the Foreman twins, which was part of Charlies first class.  So technically there isnt "bad recruits" from Macks tenure on this team.  Yes it did start with Mack but if you think we lost this weekend because of Mack Brown then you are grasping.  Well I guess Mack Brown could texted Herman told him to split Porter wide on the last drive or to completely abandon the run game when the QB was obviously struggling.

This drought started under Mack there is no denying it but 4 years later we still are quick to blame him?  Sorry but it has been 4 f##king years since Mack recruited anyone on this team so these players are Charlies and Hermans.  You could argue Mack recruited Vahe but this teams SUCKINESS isnt on Mack.  

Herman and Strong have to own there overall < .500 record.  Mack brought us 2 NC games and 1 NC which is far better than the shitshow we see now.

Edit:

I cut Strong more slack than Herman.  That was considered a total rebuild. Strong had some good players leftover that I mentioned before but all in all his talent pool was down.  Frankly Herman pisses me off.  Stupid decisions, player rotation, Shitty offense and alot of pyschobabble for excuses.  Shit his PC he is trying to sell everyone it was accpetable we lost because our players tried to hard?  I remember that same piss poor excuse for run fits last year.

 

[DMAC]

DMAC

I must not have been very clear. I was not blaming Mack at all. I was saying that I thought our troubles started about then because year after year Mack was saying we were going to get a power running game going, but year after year Colt was our leading rusher.

We got exposed starting in 2010 and we havnt recovered yet. What we have needed since then was another Mack to do what Mack did when he came in and get us going again. I hoped that was Herman....Frankly, I dont know any more.

Good points

 

[RDHookEm]

Lance Zierlein from NFL Network and ESPN Radio was on this morning and was commenting how slow Texas looks and just the overall lack of athleticism and team speed. I was thinking this exact same thing when I was watching the game. I really think we’re in for another long season.....

 

[TexCoyote]

I am still hoping Herman can get us to where we want to be. His teams at Houston were lights out against some of the top competition and I can't believe he had better players there than he does he. I picked 35-17 that we would beat Maryland, so sufficed to say I was shocked. I still think it can and will happen, but I just don't know how long it is going to take. As far back as I can remember, Texas teams always start off slow. I can't for the life of me figure out why. You would think one time, we would come out drive down the field and score, hold the other team to 3 and out and score again and take the opponents crowd out of the game. It just never happens. We just never seem ready to played until we are behind and takes our game plan out of play and we have to start chasing. Maybe we should show up an hour early and scrimmage for awhile before the game.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

Lance Zierlein from NFL Network and ESPN Radio was on this morning and was commenting how slow Texas looks and just the overall lack of athleticism and team speed. I was thinking this exact same thing when I was watching the game. I really think we’re in for another long season.....

I have thought this same thing for several years now. And, to me, we look even slower this year. Bottom line, we simply don't have a difference maker at any of the skill positions, i.e. QB, RB, and WR. But I do think it does look like maybe Ingram and Jamison might be in that category. 

Heck, even the wife commented on how much more athletic Maryland looked than Texas. And before you say, well what does a girl know about football, she was always right that Saban was never coming to Texas even though I kept telling her that all the so-called insiders and experts were saying it was a done deal 

 

[horninoregon]

it's amazing how much faster and energetic an offense can look when you have the right OC

 

[Epictetus]

Stupid decisions, player rotation, Shitty offense and alot of pyschobabble for excuses.  Shit his PC he is trying to sell everyone it was accpetable we lost because our players tried to hard?  I remember that same piss poor excuse for run fits last year.

On the same page here.  Not sure if Herman plans to coach football or just talk a lot of football. If the team was over-thinking on the slow start, can see where they got the habit.

Is Vince Young available to be an offensive coordinator? He has to be the best player-coach I've seen. Far as I can recall, he took over the team when Mack decided to get out of the way and turn him loose.

Two that I miss (when remembering the best of times): Greg Davis and Duane Akina.  Life was pretty good when they were around.