Thursday Chat: All Questions Welcome

[Harrison Wier]

Sorry for the lateness friends. School sucks doesn't it?

Texas faces off against Kansas State on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game is airing on ESPN2 at 11:00. 

Kansas State has the #3 ranked rushing defense in the country. D'onta Foreman is going to have his hands full. The offensive line is also going to struggle to out physical the Wildcats up front. Starting Brandon Hodges over Tristan Nickelson is the best decision Matt Mattox can make with defensive end Jordan Willis on the prowl. 

Kansas State has a really solid special teams unit. Two different returners have returned punts/kicks for touchdowns this season. Texas kicking covering is not exactly a strength for them. The Kansas State kicker has a 75% accuracy, with no makes over 40 yards. Advantage Texas in that category. 

Lastly, the Texas defense should swarm whoever plays QB this weekend. With a simplified unit, Jesse Ertz/Joe Hubener can have a long day. Texas is still top 10 in the country in sacks. The LB corps needs to step up to stop Charles Jones. Malik Jefferson is nonexistent at MLB, but there is nobody talented enough to take his place. Jeffrey McCulloch aka The Shark will see a ton of time. 

What are your thoughts about the game? Personally, I am cautiously optimistic. However, Texas has not won in Manhattan since 2002. That cannot be overlooked. Fire away!

 

[oldhorn2]

I think this is a big damned game.If Texas can build on last weeks game and play solid defense, then we might, just might be on to something. Our offense is developing at warp speed , or at least it would if they defense would just give them a tiny bit of space where they were not under "do or die" pressure to keep up in a boat race type game.

If we can win....and look like we dont just escape with a win....I mean go in there and whip em, then we have a great chance to handle the Bears the next week at home. ...wouldn't you like how we would look at 5-3 with momentum?

On the other hand. If we follow the script of the last 2 years and piss away every drop of momentum we develop then I fear Charlie's days are numbered.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

"Kansas State has the #3 ranked rushing defense in the country" 

This is a very misleading stat. Against KSU, the primary rushers for Stanford, West Virginia, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma ran the ball 73 times for 397 yards for an average of 5.4 yards per carry.  

KSU's rushing defense has been aided greatly by playing Missouri State and Florida Atlantic. 

 

[83Dee]

Sorry for the lateness friends. School sucks doesn't it?

Texas faces off against Kansas State on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game is airing on ESPN2 at 11:00. 

Kansas State has the #3 ranked rushing defense in the country. D'onta Foreman is going to have his hands full. The offensive line is also going to struggle to out physical the Wildcats up front. Starting Brandon Hodges over Tristan Nickelson is the best decision Matt Mattox can make with defensive end Jordan Willis on the prowl. 

Kansas State has a really solid special teams unit. Two different returners have returned punts/kicks for touchdowns this season. Texas kicking covering is not exactly a strength for them. The Kansas State kicker has a 75% accuracy, with no makes over 40 yards. Advantage Texas in that category. 

Lastly, the Texas defense should swarm whoever plays QB this weekend. With a simplified unit, Jesse Ertz/Joe Hubener can have a long day. Texas is still top 10 in the country in sacks. The LB corps needs to step up to stop Charles Jones. Malik Jefferson is nonexistent at MLB, but there is nobody talented enough to take his place. Jeffrey McCulloch aka The Shark will see a ton of time. 

What are your thoughts about the game? Personally, I am cautiously optimistic. However, Texas has not won in Manhattan since 2002. That cannot be overlooked. Fire away!

Correct me if I am wrong; Wheeler was a very highly ranked ILB who de-committed from OU and signed on with the good guys?  And he is playing outside while Malik is playing MLB? 

 

[83Dee]

I think this is a big damned game.If Texas can build on last weeks game and play solid defense, then we might, just might be on to something. Our offense is developing at warp speed , or at least it would if they defense would just give them a tiny bit of space where they were not under "do or die" pressure to keep up in a boat race type game.

If we can win....and look like we dont just escape with a win....I mean go in there and whip em, then we have a great chance to handle the Bears the next week at home. ...wouldn't you like how we would look at 5-3 with momentum?

On the other hand. If we follow the script of the last 2 years and piss away every drop of momentum we develop then I fear Charlie's days are numbered.

I know this is an overused expression in sports; but this is truly a "must win" game for Texas / Charlie!  With three losses and Baylor, TCU and West Virginny still on the schedule... it is critical to put this one in the W column.  

 

[Harrison Wier]

Correct me if I am wrong; Wheeler was a very highly ranked ILB who de-committed from OU and signed on with the good guys?  And he is playing outside while Malik is playing MLB? 

You are correct. It's been mentioned to switch them at the position. I don't know what is best though. Malik just does not get off of blocks well when it's man on man, requiring physicality to get away. When there's space, he uses his speed and is great. 

 

[Harrison Wier]

"Kansas State has the #3 ranked rushing defense in the country" 

This is a very misleading stat. Against KSU, the primary rushers for Stanford, West Virginia, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma ran the ball 73 times for 397 yards for an average of 5.4 yards per carry.  

KSU's rushing defense has been aided greatly by playing Missouri State and Florida Atlantic. 

I somewhat agree. I still think you have to give credit where it's due. The line struggled against Iowa State, one of the worst rushing d's in the country. Kansas State is quite physical. The OL is going to have to step up.

 

[Harrison Wier]

I think this is a big damned game.If Texas can build on last weeks game and play solid defense, then we might, just might be on to something. Our offense is developing at warp speed , or at least it would if they defense would just give them a tiny bit of space where they were not under "do or die" pressure to keep up in a boat race type game.

If we can win....and look like we dont just escape with a win....I mean go in there and whip em, then we have a great chance to handle the Bears the next week at home. ...wouldn't you like how we would look at 5-3 with momentum?

On the other hand. If we follow the script of the last 2 years and piss away every drop of momentum we develop then I fear Charlie's days are numbered.

This could truly be a swing game for Charlie.

 

[Harrison Wier]

I know this is an overused expression in sports; but this is truly a "must win" game for Texas / Charlie!  With three losses and Baylor, TCU and West Virginny still on the schedule... it is critical to put this one in the W column.  

Couldn't agree more. This could decide Strong's future. 

 

[utb040713]

You are correct. It's been mentioned to switch them at the position. I don't know what is best though. Malik just does not get off of blocks well when it's man on man, requiring physicality to get away. When there's space, he uses his speed and is great. 

Yeah, it's a tough spot for the coaches. I just hate seeing a clear 5* talent not being used to his full potential. At this point, with Wheeler leading the team in tackles, I don't see them changing their positions. Of course, Anthony Hines could allow Malik to move back outside, apart from the obvious trepidation in starting a true freshman.

 

[drgilbert]

Why do you think the oline struggled last week when we had over 500 yards total offense and 209 rushing? That sounds pretty productive.

 

[streettopeschel]

Would you like UT's chances better if Snyder was on our sideline and Charlie was on theirs?

 

[Utjb27]

Maybe Snyder 15 years ago, but not present day Snyder (insert old person joke here).

 

[streettopeschel]

Maybe Snyder 15 years ago, but not present day Snyder (insert old person joke here).

or 15 years ahead. Snyder will be 92. Charlie might have the advantage then.

 

[Earl Nobis Jefferson]

1. What is the status of Burk? 

How much play did Brandon Jones get last week, and prediction for this week?

 

[Juan]

Sorry for the lateness friends. School sucks doesn't it?......

This opinion will change .......

 

[Harrison Wier]

Why do you think the oline struggled last week when we had over 500 yards total offense and 209 rushing? That sounds pretty productive.

The statistics are there, that's true. But... Foreman did not have many holes to run through. He averaged under 5.0 YPC for the first time this season. Shane was under pressure a ton in this game. They have to protect him better.

 

[Harrison Wier]

Would you like UT's chances better if Snyder was on our sideline and Charlie was on theirs?

Sure would. I wouldn't be worried about game management/penalties. 

 

[Harrison Wier]

1. What is the status of Burk? 
2. How much play did Brandon Jones get last week, and prediction for this week?

1. You mean Burt? Strong mentioned he had a hip pointer, but I also think he would have just been plain benched. He has to start catching the ball. He'll see the field because he's always a threat. How long he lasts depends on his production.

2. Jones got some PT, and will only continue to see more. I think Texas hangs on in a close won. Not going to be high scoring imo.