2 Questions for the Knowledgeable UT fan

by headsup08 on Oct 11, 2009 12:14 AM CDT Comment 13 comments

Hi,

I was wondering if some of the knowledgeable fans of UT could weigh in on these questions for me.

1) Is there a logical, data-supported argument for UT to continue to try and establish a running game this year?

From my perspective, the running game appears to be the weak link of the team this year (and there should be enough data this year to prove this). I don't see why the Longhorns continued to try and run the ball tonight. It seemed stubborn almost. I know Mack loves to be balanced and likes his team to run the ball, but that's not what this team does well. In my opinion, this team could win the MNC with all pass plays for the rest of the season.

I would love to see coherent, logic-based, and data-based arguments for why this team needs to run the ball at all during meaningful snaps. I feel like in some respects, football logic (and Mack and GD's offensive scheming and philosophies) are based on myth rather than real data. Look at what Leach has done at TTU with inferior talent. In my opinion Leach's system and play calling ignores myths and focuses on data/results. His team will pass almost every play of the game (and go for every 4th down) if he feels that's the option that will yield the most "point equity" over the long run. Say what you want about Leach, but his team's offensive output is incredible given the talent they bring in. If he ever finds some schematic myths on defense...then lookout.

2) Why does UT run empty back sets with 5 WRs if Colt never checks all the options?

I saw several plays tonight where Colt was fixated on one WR, while another receiver was running loose deep either with significant space between him and the defender and/or only single coverage on him. In other situations Colt didn't have enough time to scan the field for all the WRs. Given, that Colt isn't looking at all the options anyway, tt seems like we're better off, always having an RB (or 2) in there to chip a blitzer or to be an outlet receiver for Colt. Perhaps the 5 WR look gives us decoy routes? I always get nervous when we go 5 Wides as feel like that's when we have turnovers and sacks the most. I don't have the data on this though. I would love it if someone could provide analysis on the productivity of our 5 wide set versus our other formations this year.

And yes, I am a UT fan also, but I just wanted others to weigh in.

Hookem

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toledo had 315 yards rushing vs this team

toledo

No knee jerk reaction here, but I say fire Mac McWhorter, or demote him to recruiting or something… i cant remember the last time I have seen an o line this terrible

not sure whether its the talent, coaching, etc. but something has to change

toledo

"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"

by greenspointexas on Oct 11, 2009 1:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oh and i know stats are for losers but,

CU was 111th against the rush coming in to this game

"We'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!"

by greenspointexas on Oct 11, 2009 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

let me get this straight

You’re not sure whether its the talent, coaching…etc

But you want to fire McWhorter? And you’re saying this isnt a knee jerk reaction? Do you have a comprehensive thought process or did this just sprout out of thin air? Yes, we get it. Toledo.

Read this: http://barkingcarnival.com/2008/10/05/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-colorado/
And then tell me that we’re worse off than last year. We just need to face the fact that the glove doesn’t fit, and we’ll find a way to get around it….like last year.

Get off your knees Greg, you're blowin' the game.

by kriess on Oct 11, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

REALLY?

No knee jerk reaction here, but I say fire Mac McWhorter, or demote him to recruiting or something

by vy til i die on Oct 11, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Particularly knee jerk considering McWhorter didn't pick the OL scheme

proud to swim home

by learned hand on Oct 11, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if you "need" to run the ball

But consider this. It seems to me, like you indicated in your post, that Texas gets the most yardage through the air. So why not throw, throw, throw, and then do a run out of nowhere to catch them off guard. Use the pass to set up the run.

I don’t like the obvious running plays on short yardage. We should expand the playbook in those cases. But to abandon the run entirely and prevent the possibility of busting a huge one on an unsuspecting defense is something I would not do.

by longhorn_dan on Oct 11, 2009 2:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

and no,

I don’t have any data to support my opinion. Just thoughts :)

by longhorn_dan on Oct 11, 2009 2:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Completely agree

before the fozzy TD, we had 24 yards on 21 rushes. fire GD and mcwhorter, use the short pass as our run, and only occasionally hand off to an actual RB. Call me crazy but you should THROW THROW THROW when you have the most accurate QB in college football history. OU and GD suck.

by Orangetower87 on Oct 11, 2009 7:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

agree

I would just run the ball about 10-15 times a game and use Fozzy when I do.

by Longhorns84 on Oct 11, 2009 9:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

To "prohibit" McCoy

from running the ball is profoundly stupid. He can run and it seems to relax him more. Plus it makes the defense guessing.

McCoy is not Vince and we have a nice stable of capable RB’s (as long as they are healthy), but for crying out loud, McCoy needs to run the ball.

by Go Bevo on Oct 11, 2009 10:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Is it "talent" in the O Line?

Our O Line looks lazy. They look lard butt. They don’t seem to have a “kick your ass” attitude. They get whipped when they try to run block, and they whiff a lot of blocks [memory of Uli completely missing a 220lb LB and nearly getting 160lb Monroe killed].

Are we accepting this because we don’t have any better options?

by MesquiteHorn on Oct 11, 2009 2:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I still feel ok

Because our coaches are not going to go no stop we are going to beat you before OU,I mean the coaches have a delicate job by picking what they are going to expose before the MEAT of there schedule,ya the running game was killing me but we are Texas and crappy teams are going to play us like there bowl game especially a team that might not get to 1.

1 reason I feel ok is were 5-0
they will be mad were #3
The D and special teams

People we cant just kill every team out there,wins come in all different shapes and sizes !

by cpabis on Oct 11, 2009 9:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i know there is someone around the interwebs who breaks down almost every facet of the games UT plays, i think they are from this site

it would be good to see the break down of how the different sets sets up things. using a 5 wide will cause more defenders to cover their zone or man depending on the defense that is called. having more defenders taken on other parts of the field allows other plays to be set up. such as a reverse, or a draw (not that GD will call a draw though). the reason to continue to use the run, even if ineffective, is that it forces defenses to look out for it, thus they cant play 7 or 8 in the secondary and the pass can be effective. i know this is a very crude and elementary understanding of pass vs run, but it should also be a fairly effective argument/answer.

If You See Kay, Oh You

by texfan23 on Oct 12, 2009 3:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs