Some news and notes from Texas HC Mack Brown on the weekly Big 12 Teleconference after his team snapped a decade long losing streak Saturday night in a 31-21 home win over the Kansas State Wildcats.
On the Defense:
Brown heaped praise upon new Defensive Coordinator Greg Robinson and his staff, but cautions things are still being kept simple. He congratulated the players on their execution and in the containment of the Wildcats rushing attack. Brown then added in his usual commentary about the players fighting hard, overcoming adversity, and stopping the run. Made a point to note the Longhorns fforced three turnovers while not giving up the ball themselves.
On the Targeting Rule/call which got Steve Edmond ejected:
Brown stated no one wished to allow targeting in football games, and it was a good rule, but it was difficult to enforce in a consistent manner. He also questioned, as have most around the nation, why it remains a penalty if the foul is overturned upon video review. Brown did state he had an in depth discussion about the rule with players and staff in meetings.
On the Injury Front:
Brown said the loss of Jordan Hicks was going to hurt the defense and team as it did last season, and credited Hicks for being a great leader and player. Regarding QB David Ash, who was pulled from the game with concussion symptoms, Brown stated a doctor would pull a player until 48 hours after symptoms clear if one arises, didn’t have to be a new concussion.
On the Team’s Demeanor after the Win:
Said the victory gave the team confidence and keeps the goal of winning the conference intact. said was a more confident locker room and the team has new hope after playing better against Kansas State defensively. Brown also stated he hopes the Longhorns can get players back healthy between now and ISU and get back to being who they wanted to be at the start of the year.
On his extended post game handshake with Kansas State HC Bill Snyder:
Brown said he was a great friend, had known him forever, and they talked often. He went on to speak about their personal relationship and said the talk was about hating to lose, but being glad it was to a friend.
The Following Longhorns were also honored by the Big 12 Conference:
RB Johnathan Gray was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. Gray had an excellent night against KSU, with 28 carries for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Gray also caught two passes for 14 yards.
DEÂ Jackson Jeffcoat was named the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Jeffcoat had five tackles, two sacks, and was generally disruptive all night long.
