With all due respect to the Florida Gators, but...
by Robertpz on Apr 6, 2010 9:24 AM CDT
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After watching the 2010 Orange-White Spring Game this past Sunday, I think Texas might be the college program that sees the biggest change after replacing a quarterback legend this upcoming college football season. The Longhorn WRs have to be salivating at the thought of all the middle-to-deep routes with Gilbert taking over as quarterback. While I am the biggest Colt fan in terms of his four-year career at Texas, these guys couldn't be more different and yet could be equally successful (except for total wins). Although Gilbert has a cannon of an arm, the glaring need for a consistent running game will be even greater this year as GG lacks the running ability of Colt. Whaley showed some glimpses for running down hill w/ TreFoz doing more of the slash n dash. Perhaps Gilbert's ability to stretch the field will cause defenses to back off the line some to allow for better running opportunities? Clearly, having healthy TEs for the first time in two years will also help with that part of the game too. I don't know, but after 6 years of Vince/Colt behind center, the passing talents of Gilbert under center has me feeling good about the 2010 season. Not National Championship good, but defending the Big 12 title good. I mean let's give Gilbert a small break. One could become slightly jaded after their first college football game as a true freshman is a BCS Title affair....
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it’ll certainly be interesting to watch the two young men’s careers take shape. brantley has been in in limited time, gilbert played the NC game. both gatorade POY, Brantley almost came here to play QB. Both are replacing Heisman contenders although I think Tebow/Brantley are much more different than Colt/Gilbert.
It’ll be fun to watch.
by Displaced Longhorn on Apr 6, 2010 10:11 AM CDT reply actions
Biggest Change?
You make good points, but I disagree. Tebow was a fullback playing quarterback. They had like 38 versions of the Option, and 57 quarterback run plays with Tebow. It will be a complete and utter change in every aspect for them going to Brantley.
We will probably still have some shotgun spreads, and zone-reads, etc…. it just won’t be primary. It will be a huge change for us, don’t get me wrong. But I think UF’s will be more significant.
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
Surprisingly not...
This article on ESPN last night has Meyer saying he plans on playing two quarterbacks. Brantley will play as a standard quarterback but for short-yardage situations they want to continue using the single wing attack because of the blocking advantage. This role would be filled with a freshman quarterback or a tight-end.
Then again, this wouldn’t be the first time Meyer said something to the media that didn’t turn out to be entirely true…
by InDKR'sShadow on Apr 6, 2010 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Interesting to see how it plays out.
VY & Tebow’s college careers are very comparable in their running / passing / personality aspects of the position. Brantley & Gilbert are comparable as passers. And Colt was simply my favorite and easily the greatest overachiever of the bunch.
I think Brantley taking over at UF will be a much greater change for them than GG here at UT. Totally different skillset from Tebow, whereas, GG & Colt are both great throwers. It’s a good thing, though, that Brantley decommitted from Texas to start now as a redshirt junior for Florida. IMO, he’d be backing up Gilbert for the next 2 years. GG will not make us forget about Major, Vince, & Colt, per se, but we’re all going to enjoy him stamping his own significant individual era of Longhorn football. He’s that good.
Gilbert and running
Although Gilbert has a cannon of an arm, the glaring need for a consistent running game will be even greater this year as GG lacks the running ability of Colt.
Is this really true? I thought GG had a lot of rushing TDs in high school. I don’t think we called any running plays for him in the NC, or maybe he’s not that fast or we didn’t want to risk him getting hurt.
While I’m guessing Colt is a little faster than him, I thought GG definitely would be using his legs as an additional weapon to his arsenal this year.
by goingforthecorner on Apr 6, 2010 12:08 PM CDT reply actions
Was going to post the same...
Gilbert is probably the better runner. For some reason his arm and size lead people to assume he isn’t.
by BrooklynHorn on Apr 6, 2010 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't go that far
I would think Colt is the better runner than GG. Sure Gilbert showed a flash during the LA Monroe game last season where he ran for a TD, but he didnt look as natural or fast as Colt did with the ball in his hands.
Now, if the argument is that GG will crack off some runs because people wont be expecting it, 100% agree.
But overall I believe Colt is a better runner.
Colt was never that great of a runner...
He simply developed into a better runner than expected. But he was never a running QB ala VY or Tim Tebow.
Was Colt a better runner his true freshman year than GG was last season? Clearly not. Was a Colt a better runner in high school? Nope.
So on what grounds do you make that claim?
I understand your argument but...
I don’t see Gilbert being a better runner than Colt. Do you see Gilbert breaking off a 67 yarder at any point? I sure don’t. Besides the physical reasons, I think our offense will change to where he won’t be allowed/able to run as much/freely as Colt was able to.
We can’t necessarily say that Gilbert was a better runner last year than Colt because he didn’t play enough to show us he could do it consistently.
At the end of the day one thing we can all hope for is that Gilbert won’t need to run as much as Colt did, and that theres a tailback somewhere on our roster that can pick up most of our rushing yards.
I see GG as more a Tebow / Stephen McGee style hard-nosed runner
based on what he did in high school and the early part of last season. Whether the coaching staff uses him in that manner remains to be seen. I doubt they will, but I still contend GG has better natural running potential.
McCoy gets a lot of the same treatment from fans that Major got a few years back. He’s an over-achieving, gutsy leader to whom people attribute qualities that frankly aren’t there. Most of Colt’s best running came on broken plays, and late in his career when the opposition wasn’t expecting it. I remember very few good runs his first two seasons. Plus, he isn’t durable. GG can probably take that hit in the NC game and return to the huddle no problem.
"that hit"
Had nothing to do with durability…Colt had been hit harder many times and returned to the huddle. I understand the point you’re trying to make but it’s a bad example.
Why the hate on Colt?
McCoy was the best player in college football for the last 2 years running. Don’t know what lack of qualities that you’re referring to but there weren’t any holes in his game that weren’t attributed to a lack of holes in the line’s run-blocking.
Before Colt had even started his first game, the press asked Coach Mack what we could expect to see. He said that McCoy would be very similar to Major – except that he was faster & would be able to run. He obviously knew what he was talking about because that’s pretty much how it turned out, with the exception that Colt’s passing was even better than expected.
The hit that Colt took in the NC was just a freak injury. There’s absolutely NO WAY that you could say GG could take the hit w/ no problem. That’s simply ridiculous. That could have happened to any QB but I saw Colt take more hits for 4 years and bounce back up when other QBs (Bradford) would crumble. Now, I do agree that Colt’s best running has come on broken plays and scrambles and I’m hoping it’ll be the same with GG. I just can’t envision the coaches EVER running the zone read or a called running play specifically for GG after learning what can happen when your QB gets hit. But, if you compare GG’s & Colt’s HS running ability, I think GG would have the better stats probably. Not sure.
I love Colt
No hate at all.
I’m just realistic about who he is. Fans have a tendency to spin charisma and guts into physical gifted-ness Colt certainly has talent, but not to the extent most Texas fans believe.
No, I's just teasin'. I know you love Colt. How could any UT fan not, huh?!
I loved Major’s guts & character but knew he’d never make it into pro ball. And VY was such a freak that you couldn’t help but expect him to pull out the W. But I’ve told people even before the ‘08 season that if I had to pick one QB to watch, I’d take Colt. Just loved his moxie, his character, and his accuracy. I guess I care about how they all do in the pros but how they do while in Austin is really so much more important to a Longhorn fan. He’s just been SO solid for four years – so much better than any of us expected after Vince drove off in the limo.
Either way, I think we both hope that GG throws for 300 yards every game and takes little-to-no part in the planned running game. It’s just asking for injury to the ‘franchise’.
I don't think so...
I doubt Gilbert is able to take a hit better than Colt, not based on charisma, guts or any of that. Gilbert is a lot longer and lankier than Colt is. I’ll put my money on shorter and stalkier any day when it comes to taking licks
regardless
of either way, we better hope GG doesn’t have to be a better runner than colt, because maybe he’ll actually get a consistent line to deal with along with a real running game behind him.
I really would like to see Newton and the other backs get the rushing yards and Gilbert stay in one piece (and the pocket) for the entire season.
"You've got to think lucky. If you fall into a mudhole, check your back pocket - you might have caught a fish" -- Darrell Royal
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Apr 6, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
When I think about GG taking over
I get F’N PSYKED!!!!
I think we’re in as good, if not possibly a better situation than last year. Call me crazy, but I’m looking for 12-1 or undefeated.
Can things go worse than that? Absolutely. Our O-Line can single handedly sink us in 3-4 games, let alone the myriad of other things that can go wrong.
But our D is going to be elite, and if our offense has a pulse, we’re going to be top 5 and contenders for the crown. GG wins the heisman. Write it DOWN! Sophmore winners four years in a row!
Supressing the sudden urge to drink Kool-Aid......
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
Give in to your desires
You know you’ll be wearing a GG jersey by end of year.
no no no no no no!!
I just commented on the fact that goingforthecorner said “oh yeah” much like that of the Kool-Aid man.
While I am a Texas fan to an extent, Tech comes first with jerseys…..
But, I do think Gilbert is going to have a great career.
Cheers
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
You know what...
I agree. This is probably the kiss of death, but I think this team could be better than last year.
by BrooklynHorn on Apr 6, 2010 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions
We still have all the problems we had last year
But I don’t feel we really have any more problems.
Colt regressed to the mean last year, we had a non-existant ground game and an offense that stagnated for large portions of games. We had O-Line problems.
This year, we’ll be breaking in a new QB, will still have O-Line problems, and may have a non-existant running game because of it.
Special Teams and Defense I think will still be very good or elite.
Season comes down to 2-3 big games, but we should be able to win all the rest and be in a position to win the big ones too.
It'll be like the 2009 season
Where I think we’ll exceed expectations.
Bring on the UT – Bama rematch story.
And Johnson (ex.) hasn't missed a free throw all game.
Yeah, I hate to say things like that but I think you’re right. I think the homer in me thinks the same thing. Texas is so loaded now talent-wise and coaching-wise that I just see any other team legitimately being able to beat us until playing an undefeated team in the NC.
However, reality & history brings my hopes back to worry. Didn’t we learn anything from ou’s offensive line problems last year? We’re going into the season with the same problem. Albiet, we’ve got more talent waiting in the wings but it’s still an issue, especially without a mauler at RB (which ou even had). We’ve also lost a ton of talent at WR. Losing Quan, Shipley, Buckner, Collins, (& Irby) in the last 2 years is going to be a real problem. I like Kirk, Malc, & Chiles a lot but if you’re ONLY returning WR veterans all have difficulty catching the ball, you’re gonna have difficulty in this area.
All things considered, though, I am really ready to see what happens. It’s gonna be a fun year, maybe as much fun as ’08 & ’09 and, dare we say, as much fun as ’05.
There are a couple of major concerns
could be this staff tends to be loyal to upper classmen to a fault. If they don’t play Mike Davis because they want John chiles to get more snaps because “he has earned it”….. that is just a bad decision.
I feel like we have a hole in our team due to attrition and mediocre (by UT standards) recruiting 3-4 years ago. No tight end, weak O-line, 1 DT good enough to play, unproven returning recievers. The staff is going to have to throw some youth out there.
Add that to the running-back dilemma, and throw in a rookie quarterback?
I still feel like we are talented enough to win 9 games, and I am hoping for 10+. But I think expecting that is unrealistic.
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
I thought that Mack had gotten a lot better about favoring upper classmen
I remember that he used to be criticized a lot for starting older players over younger but more talented players, but that he kind of got over it after the ’07 season when we lost that shootout to aTm and Mack suddenly figured out how to coach leading into the Arizona State game.
If you're so sure of what it ain't, how about telling us what it am!
I think he learned a lesson in the Sims / Applewhite debacle.
Save for that one situation, I think Coach Mack walks on water. Never understood starting Sims, in front of Applewhite, when he just wasn’t a better option. But you’re right. He has, at times, favored experience over young talent. Seems like he’s worked out a good balance & neverending rotation system now.
We may actually have a tight end in Barrett Matthews, unless his position is cursed...
And the O-Line / RB / DT concerns to me are similar / same as last year.
We are not in OU’s position last year. They sent what, 4 guys to the NFL draft from their O-Line ( #5 in sacks allowed w/out a mobile QB ) and had to recover… this year we sent… 0? 1? ( #96 in sacks allowed with a really mobile QB ) I can’t imagine that the talent drop-offs can be directly compared, they had much more talent to replace.
But as they go, so the offense goes, so here’s hoping that we can at least maintain our terrible level of O-Line play.
I hope you're right.
I see what you’re saying – but I still think it’s a similar problem. I think the shocking thing about ou was how bad their talent level dropped from ‘08 to ’09. Aside from injuries, they were just awful. It’s the worst thing that could have happened to a brittle & immobile Bradford. He’s gonna get killed if he gets picked by the worst team in the NFL.
As maligned as our O-line was last year, I still think there was some talent there. I blame their (poor) run-blocking performance more on the (bad) scheme rather than on the players. I just think the coaches made ’em soft & confused. Hopefully, the new downhill running attitude & (now) veteran RBs will change that.
Exactly....coaching
We are loaded with talent, but for some reason the idea of a Muschamp defense 3 years in the building is the factor about which I’m most excited.
Also, Gilbert’s arm reminds me of watching Ryan Mallet last year. The velocity he puts on the ball disrupts the cameraman’s timing in a similar way. And Mallet seemed single-handedly to turn Arkansas’s offense around.
Plus, a new OL might actually be a good thing.
Realistically, though, the inexperience at several positions should cost us at least one game.
Mallet is a great comparison.
I agree. In spite of losing ET, Muschamp & the D will definitely not be the problem. IMO, this D is going to be one of the greatest in NCAA history for the next 3 or 4 years. So much talent in every position.
Last year’s Spring scrimmage was dominated by the defense – and then the defense had a banner year. This year, GG & the offense looked great – so I’m hoping they’ll be fine. It’s great to depend on this great D but I am very concerned that the early Gilbert era will lack sufficient skill players.
Sadly, you’re right. The inexperience will probably cost us one game – and that’s the 1 game that has cost us the last 2 NCs. Maybe they’ll pull it together early on.
correction
“I just CAN’T see any other team legitimately being able to beat us . . . "
From the NC game and the spring scrimmage . . .
. . . Gilbert’s talent level looks phenomenal. Let’s just hope that he has that same magic & grit that we’ve seen in 3 of the last 4 UT QBs. (Sorry, Mr. Sims)
Whoops, forgot about 'cannon-arm'.
And my best friend is even his cousin. Really liked the kid. Just looked it up and saw that he had 17 career TDs vs. 2 interceptions. Wow. Had that unforgettable comeback vs. TTech in 2003 subbing for Vince. He definitely showed the magic in that game. Pretty solid UT career bridging between Major & VY.
That game marked the only time I've left Austin in a bad mood....
Chance was a great QB, wish he would have had more of an chance…er shot.
I remember ESPN or somebody doing a special on him during a game. He had his bird dog cages in the back of his truck during the film.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
He, Colt, & Ship could all go hunting every weekend.
Had it not been for Vince’s arrival, I agree that he might have had a huge career and also done something in pro ball. He was productive in HS, had a huge arm in college, was fairly mobile, and was very respected by his teammates in attitude & ability. Simply very solid.
As I remember.....
Mock was fairly mediocre. He had the physical talent, yes, but he didn’t put it together on the field. There was a reason that a Vince Young beat him out as starter, even though Young struggled in the passing game.
I watched Gilbert often in high school...
He wasn’t the runner Colt was. He didn’t run the zone read or have designed runs. His runs were sneaks over center for TD’s, called draw plays, or when teams would drop so many guys back he could just take off and run with ease. He’s fast and can gallop. But I would expect it to be more like Colt his senior year (less running, trying to stay healthy) than Colt his junior year. GG didn’t get recruited to run. He got recruited to throw and run the offense and he can do both. He feels 2 years ahead of Colt when Colt was going into his first year starting. That’s saying a lot considering what we got out of Colt that year.
Isn't it fun...
having an opitimistic conversation about our Horns? I am looking forward to seeing GG up close at Fan Appreciation Day in August and then watching him play against Rice!
"I've never gone into a game trying to win the Heisman Trophy; I go into a game trying to win." - Colt McCoy
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