Mack Brown Press Conference Notes – OU Week

Mack Brown met with the media this morning at his usual Monday press conference ahead of perhaps the biggest game of his tenure at Texas, and one key to his survival as head coach. It’s Red River Rivalry Week as the Longhorns face Oklahoma.

It was announced the Longhorns and Sooners will wear special uniforms for the next two years. A link to the photos is on our Facebook page.

Brown opened up the press conference by talking about the Iowa State game, calling the 97 yard touchdown pass on third down and eight a “killer”.  He did admit the Longhorns “probably got away from the running game too early”, claiming Iowa State filled the box after Gray’s 45 yard touchdown run.

It was announced Steve Edmond will move to the WILL LB spot for the game, Dalton Santos will be in the middle, and Jinkens will have his usual spot outside. Brown also said Jalen Overstreet will continue to work at quarterback with no definite time table for David Ash to return.  He also mentioned not getting enough in the return game.

Brown mentioned Ash would have to by symptom free for a week now instead of 48 hours. He also mentioned it being Case McCoy’s time and hyped his short list of accolades in the past. Brown also got “stern” when talking about Tyrone Swoopes, saying people need to understand its up to him, Wyatt, and Major if Swoopes gives team best chance to win. Said there was no good time to put him in against ISU and they will keep working at it. Later commentary suggested Swoopes may get thrown into the fire if things go south during the game this weekend. Chatter after that was Swoopes had to “show something” to play. Lots of talking in circles.

On Oklahoma, Brown said this was the best set up schedule wise they’ve had for the game, and refused to make any parallels between this years contest and last years blowout loss.  He went on to compliment the OU defense, talking specifically about its speed, and he did acknowledge Blake Bell running wild on the Longhorns in recent years.

Brown said the “front seven” on defense has done a good job this year other than some last week. He also said this weeks game was more about them “getting things fixed” than it was about Oklahoma. Brown specifically addressed his LB play needing to improve, the return game needing to improve, and guys getting in the right gaps on defense.

Brown was asked about the Mike Davis play most in the country are calling a blatant cheap shot.  Brown admitted Davis was wrong on the play, and he would have more commentary on his TV show.  Brown also praised outgoing AD DeLoss Dodds as one would expect.

[colored_box color=red]A Few Thoughts on Brown’s Comments:

 

• I am not sure how one can consider the play of the front seven “good”. They’ve given up huge chunks of rush yardage.

 

• This game should be every bit about Oklahoma. Brown may be coaching for his career Saturday, and at minimum will 100% lose the fanbase with another loss.

 

• Jalen Overstreet should have been ready to go a long time ago. Texas is really pained into a corner with McCoy, a guy who skipped the summer to go on a mission trip in what is now Brown’s make or break season.

 

• Steve Edmond does need to play outside, as a defensive end. I can’t see where putting him out to be exposed in the flats against slot receivers and backs is a good move.[/colored_box]

 

The Sooners are currently a 13 point favorite, with kick off this Saturday at 11 am.