Two Cents: OU projections

by aorist9 on Oct 3, 2007 2:58 PM CDT in Basketball Comment 23 comments

I think beating OU is completely within the realm of possibility, if the team in fact pulls together instead of breaking apart, yet I am a creature of eternal optimism.

Under what conditions would you believe that the Longhorns could win the game this Saturday despite our troubles?

--AR--

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We win when...

Sam Bradford channels Colt McCoy...circa September 29, 2007.

And John Chiles channels Vince Young...circa October 8, 2005.

But we can make up 10 points alone JUST BY playing Muck, Norton and Kindle and never letting Killebrew and Bobino see the field...E-V-A-R.

by jc25 on Oct 3, 2007 3:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think we control our own fate

Sadly, my honest opinion on this matter stems from the reality that our team is not particularly good this season. The poor line play, the inexperienced Chiles vs unhealthy McCoy debate, the poor coaching, the abysmal special teams,etc, etc.

But most importantly, this team lacks leadership and heart, which means that all of our short-comings will not be overcome by some magnificent performance on Saturday (at least I highly doubt it).

This leads me to the dreadful conclusion that this game is not in our hands, our fate rests instead with the douchebags in crimson and cream. If they come out with any focus at all, we're done.

On the other hand, if they've had any in-fighting or bickering from last week's loss, if the media has been rough on them all week in Norman, if they are distracted in any way, then OU teams have a history of coming apart. Bob Stoops is possibly the best coach in America when his team is focused and things are going right. But when they lose focus, the wheels usually come off.

So I'm thinking that our only hope is to inherit an Oklahoma meltdown. If it happens, history would indicate our chances are good.

by BrooklynHorn on Oct 3, 2007 3:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

cliched, but true now more than ever

This game will be won in the trenches. Mark it in stone. If Texas' o-line can miraculously give colt/chiles time and open up a hole or two for jamaal (and vondrell), the offensive talent will put up big crooked numbers.

On the other side, if Texas' front 4 (plus the young LBs) can put enough pressure on Bradford to force him into making mistakes, things will look rosy.

These are massive "Ifs," but they are certainly possible.

...til Gabriel blows his horn

by BigTexBD on Oct 3, 2007 3:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Has anyone seen the Dark Crystal before?

It will take something like the final scene.

The stars, moons and planets will need to align.

This game is about mistakes and emotions.
Sell on the former and buy on the latter.

If they can somehow get JC going, like CU did with their RBs, then we have a chance. JC is basically the indicator of UT's chances.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Oct 3, 2007 3:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

both JCs on the ground

...til Gabriel blows his horn

by BigTexBD on Oct 3, 2007 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

whoops...to clarify

if we can get both JCs going on the ground, we'll have a chance

...til Gabriel blows his horn

by BigTexBD on Oct 3, 2007 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And neither JC puts the ball ON the ground!

by Speedway on Oct 3, 2007 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking

it will be more like the episode of the Simpsons in which Homer has to fight defending heavy-weight champion Drederick Tatum.

Moe asks homer to envision how he can beat Tatum. Homer begins to imagine the referee holding up his hand in triumph as the announcer informs us that Drederick Tatum suffered a freak heart-attack just before the match was to begin.

by BrooklynHorn on Oct 3, 2007 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Texas' d line

The Texas d line has to completely dominate in order for UT to win. They need to slow down OU's run and not give Bradford any time. Thus, leading to a game changing turnover or two.

by JohnsonUT on Oct 3, 2007 3:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

optimistic 10

run the football early and often - don't put the game on colt's shoulders

keep the play calling balanced, no matter what the score is

take away Kelly, double team if necessary

no missed tackles

win the kicking game and field position

get between Bradford's ears

Win the turnover battle

pick your spots to take risks in the first half (bombs and running the zone read w/ chiles). A mistake free first half is paramount

Open it up in the 2nd half and hope that the running game has been able to wear down the OU d-line.

Game changing play - return a punt, kickoff, or turnover for a TD.

by BMG on Oct 3, 2007 3:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

turnovers

take a look at the past 10 Texas OU games. It's always about turnovers. Whoever gives the ball away, gives the game away.

Can our D steal some? Will our O not give any away? I have no clue. But I'll be there with my fingers crossed.

by the other Andrew on Oct 3, 2007 3:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You are right

by Speedway on Oct 3, 2007 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

first half is critical

I think our guys need to feel they have a chance. If the D can hold down OU's scoring so that the game is within reach at halftime, that will do a lot mentally. The O will do its part in the first half just by sustaining a drive or two and not giving up a turnover. Even if it's 0-0, even 14-0 at halftime, we're in it. Second half, O will have to come through with adjustments, surprises, trick plays, supreme heroism (Mr. Chiles) and Acts of God.

by NYCHorn on Oct 3, 2007 4:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

it absolutely is

if, as in what seems like every single game this season, mccoy throws 1+ INT in the first half, we're done for. if he protects the ball in the first half we have a chance.

in a tight second half, our D-line could force the inexperienced bradford into mistakes (allegedly, before colorado he had not once been forced to throw to his second option). of course our defense's ability to rattle him is requires their o-line to not be absolutely dominant.

by jtabor on Oct 3, 2007 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

I have to believe (maybe this is somewhat over-confident) that our personnel all in all is better than Colorado's. That makes me think we've got a chance just off of that fact.

Our O-Line is bad, but then again our standards are pretty high. If we limit turnovers, keep our heads together as a team and don't get down if things don't go our way in the first half, I think we have a fair chance of winning the game, and at the very least making it competitive.

If last week proved anything, it showed that there isn't a team out there that's head and shoulders above the rest.

True parity in the College Game may have finally arrived. I mean, can you imagine a program like USF making it to the Top 10 in 11 years back in DKR's time? No way that happens.

If the mental/emotional side of playing in the RRS doesn't get the best of us, I think this will a lot closer game than people think...

by LeftHandedTexan on Oct 3, 2007 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only chance for a win

for my beloved Longhorns is if they pull their head out of their ass and stop being giant wimps and find their heart. Get Angry. Come early and angry, be loud and excited, stay late and win! That is for fans, players, and coaches. Don't ask of us what you don't have or want to do. I know that they care and want to win, but that's not the same. Where's the fire and the passion?!

by ahaley on Oct 3, 2007 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It will take...

Winning individual battles, just like they teach you in the basics. It will take us getting mad and playing with calculated abandon. We have the talent... WE DO. We just need to live up to it and do what we are supposed to do on EACH play. One play at a time. Also we need to not turn the ball over.

Getting one or two of the breaks in each game that can make it fall either way would help as well. Lord knows we got enough bad breaks on KSU and A&M in the last few games since last year to make up for a whole season.

1 Peter 2:17

by HornsFan87 on Oct 3, 2007 4:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

you guys

are looking like our defense. No fire, no passion. The players might be there, but you can't tell for all the lack of execution.

Don't forget that this is Bradford's first Red River Rivalry game. The guy is just as prone to making mistakes as any another freshman.

Go Big Red Nebraska!
Corn Nation - Graduating more of our players than you are!

by cornnation on Oct 3, 2007 5:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Keys to victory:

1 - find a way to keep Colt/Chiles/Harris from being constantly pressured (improved O-line play, keeping extra people in)
2 - D-line, linebackers stepping up to minimize the running game, especially on 1st down. Let's put Bradford in some 3rd and long's and see how he does.
3 - Balance on O - run the ball well enough to keep pass rush honest (see #1)
4 - Win the turnover battle (no pick 6's!)
5 - The players being pissed about being 11 point underdogs.

I think all of these things are do-able, but won't be easy.

OU Sucks

by SaintBevo on Oct 3, 2007 6:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The crowd

The crowd is a big factor, here. If we throw an INT or something bad happens, just get louder.

Also, GD must let Charles/Ogbonnaya/McGee touch the ball frequently if he wants Colt to survive the game. I think our defense will kick ass if we limit the turnovers and 3 and outs. Just get a few drives and hunt and peck for field position until we catch a break, then unload on the bastards and give them everything we've got. Colt should be doing a lot of long-ball work in practice this week, because we'll only have a chance to go for it maybe 2-3 times, and if we can convert one of those, it will open up the offense for the rest of the game. If Chiles comes out with Colt, they better not do what they've been doing. Chiles under center = keeper, Chiles out wide = bubble screen double pass/just regular old bubble screen. We should be faking these obvious plays that we're known for at least once or twice a game.

"So, the A and the M are just there so you aren't TU?"

by Horn Brain on Oct 3, 2007 6:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Defense will have to cause some turnovers

like last year.

by jwill on Oct 3, 2007 6:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Am I dreaming.....

Its 42-3 as the third quarter starts. Colt was just carried off the field unconcious after his 3rd pick returned for 6. JC has fumbled twice inside our 20 and Chiles is trying to throw a bubble screen. Killebrew was ejected after his third personal foul when chasing Kelly on a 60 yard reception he intentionally put a sideline, blindside shot on Stoops as he waved Kelly on to the end zone....Mack has a goofy smile on his face as he makes small rapid claps in front of his face......

It's right here where I've been waking up in a cold sweat at 3 am.......My heart tells me none of this is going to happen and we are gonna play with anger and passion for 60 minutes and win the game.

It is possible.

Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives....

by MeatchickenHorn on Oct 3, 2007 10:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs