Five Reasons Texas Can Beat OU
by Clayton on Oct 3, 2011 2:59 PM CDT
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The headline says it all. I don't normally blog. These are just five reasons I believe we can win this game. Nothing extraordinary that I thought of in the lab, just five reasons this team is different from years past.
1. Tackling Ability of our DB's
In watching the first four games this year, the one thing that has stuck out to me the most is the physicality of our young cornerbacks. Adrian Phillips, Carrington Byndom, and Quandre Diggs are able to make open-field tackles better than what we have seen since Aaron Ross and Terrell Brown. Phillips and Diggs look like safetys with cornerback ability. This will be huge in stopping OU's bubble screens to Broyles. I plan on seeing a lot of quick screens to the receivers this game due to the pass rush that we have. If our DB's prove early in the game that they can make these first-hit tackles, this will cause OU to throw the ball deep, thus allowing our extremely athletic Defensive Ends more time to get to Landry Jones
2. Harsin/Applewhite
This is really a no-brainer. We all know what we have seen over the first four games. Harsin's ability to confuse a defense has caused headaches for defensive coordinators so far. One thing that OU has always done against us is completely shut down the run game, especially up the middle. With the new scheme, I see Malcolm Brown having a huge game, and to me (80+ yards would be huge) The fake end-arounds to Shipley and Monroe will hopefully open up holes for Brown. I'd like to see some of the Wild-Horn with Fozzy taking the snap and using the zone-read with Brown. Fozzy looked incredible last week at Iowa State, and proved he is capeable of everything we have seen the past three Springs. One thing that Harsin's offense has obviously done is brought confidence to a young team. This is completely the opposite of Greg Davis. Confidence will be KEY in this game.
3. Manny Diaz
Besides all of the crazy blitz packages and forced turnovers, the one specific thing that impressed me so far this year was Manny Diaz adjustments he made in the BYU game. BYU was eating our defense up in the first half with quick flat routes to their backs. Diaz made the adjustment at half time and had Emmanuel Acho and Keenan Robinson all over these short passes. This will be imperative against OU. I see Whaley getting thrown to at least 7 times in the flats this week. We all know that OU will counter our blitz packages with short passes and flat routes. If Diaz can make the adjustments we have seen, I think we will be extremely successful at holding them to Field Goals.
4. McCoy/Ash Ability to Throw the Deep Ball
The big play for me in the Iowa State game was clearly the deep ball to Mike Davis, thrown by David Ash. We finally got to see what he is able to do with his arm. If we can at least throw the ball down field early, the safetys will have to respect us, allowing Malcolm Brown to eat up the middle. Mike Davis has shown his inconsistencies in catching short to medium passes. I expect Harsin to use him mainly for the deep ball, and DJ Grant and Shipley for the key 3rd and 6's. We will need a big play early to get this young offense some confidence.
5. Discipline Discipline Discipline
Last year was a nightmeare. We all know this. We were ranked 116th nationally in turnover margin, and the incredibly stupid penalties killed us time and time again. This year is different. You can see it. You can feel it. I don't see Jackson Jeffcoat pushing down an OU player on a key third down. Our experienced linebackers are clearly the leaders of the defense and will make sure to keep the dumb plays from happening. Discpline does not just mean avoiding penalties and turnovers. Discipline is also gap-responsibilty and the lack of over-pursuing on defense. Keenan Robinson is finally allowing his athletic ability to give him time to watch a play set up, while Acho seems to always be where he is supposed to be, inspite of his lack of explosiveness. Discipline will be a huge factor in this game
Clearly I haven't come up with any incredible theories that no one has ever thought of. I was just bored and wanted to share why I think we can win. I'm so pumped and nervous about this game, but I am ready to see it unfold. HOOK EM HORNS!
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sound reasoning
I am very excited for this game. Much more now than before the year started, that is for sure. It is 4:51 in Omaha, and OU still sucks!
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
OU bubble screens
I like our DB’s and I like what Manny is selling. However, OU’s bread and butter are those damn bubble screens and dink & dunk chicken-shit throws.
As I used to say during GD’s days – why the hell can other teams run those bubble screens for positive yardage but Texas can’t? Oh wait….sorrry, I’m still PO’d GD couldn’t pull his head out of his ass and see they never worked they way he designed them.
I want Texas to stop that dink & dunk B.S. and make Landry throw the long ball. If the Horns can do that, then our chance of winning goes way up. I want our DB’s to lay the hammer on the receivers coming across the middle after catching that bubble/slant garbage.
P.S. Can I make non-game request? Can a Texas LB or DB “inadvertantly” knock that goofy, redneck Heupel on his ass?
I was very interested
Once I saw the first point, because that is my number one “non-completely obvious” facet as well. The overall number one reason has to be Harsinwhite, but I can see why you’d save that for second since it’s so salient.
So far, our DBs have tackled better than any in recent memory. I’m not going to compare them to the 2005 group yet, because those guys played much better competition. But these are the type of DBs you need if you’re going to blitz OU—ones that can handle themselves in the flats and limit big plays off of slants and screens.
Diaz does seem to be a good adjuster, but I didn’t think he did a good job against Iowa State. Maybe that would have been different if we hadn’t started filtering younger players in…who knows.
The fact that Ash can throw the deep ball is extremely important for multiple reasons. As you pointed out, Davis is a deep ball receiver who currently struggles in the rest of the game. The meta-game aspect of the defense being a tick slower in play diagnosis due to a lingering fear of the deep play action is impossible to measure.
The lack of silly penalties and the huge TO margin we’ve had so far is also a huge boon. A small thing I’ll disagree with is about Acho—he’s our most explosive and athletic LB that sees regular playing time. Also the best blitzer.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
There are 4 keys for a Horn Victory
1. We have to get to Jones…if we don’t they will pick us apart
2. CD McC-ash must continue moving the chains…and if they stop our running game, we are finished
3. No mistakes-fumbles/penalties/Ints
4. We must figure out how to cover kick offs… we cannot let OU start at the 35-40, like we did ISU
If you look at the rankings in this game historically, they mean nothing as to who wins, and OU has a history of stupid penalties in Dallas.
We can win this game !
I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize
Good post
Really nice point on the tackling ability of our DBs. You’re right, it’s huge — and especially in Diaz’s scheme.
Hook ’em, and OU sucks.
75-37-5. Now GTFO.
Nice Post
I like all the points you made. For me, the number 1 priority has to be execution. For the first time in quite a while, I feel we have the coaching advantage. HarsinWhite and DIaz have better systems than OU coordinators. Our schemes/play calling beats them. We need the kiddos to execute said plays. If we limit the “freshman” moments, and play with confidence, we can win this.
can’t spell loud mouth douce without ou!
I don't understand "t-sip" as an insult. I like drinking tea, and when is being classy a bad thing?
by TexaStunna on Oct 4, 2011 1:15 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Not sure you can say we have a coaching advantage
Certainly not on the defensive side. What has Diaz done that Stoops and Venables haven’t? That would be nothing and I wasn’t particularly impressed with the defense’s play against ISU (other than the obviously stellar DB unit), although I guess I understand why Diaz chose to coach the game like he did. A lot of things swung our way due to ISU’s utter ineptitude, though, which I think is a risky thing to just “bank on” as a coach.
Harsinwhite is great so far, but are they better than Heupel, et al. just because they are doing less with less experienced players four games into their tenure? OU has one of the best offenses in the country and they run like a well-oiled machine.
I don’t think saying our coordinators have better “systems” is a fair assessment at all.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
He's going to be a beast in the middle.
That’s the last area I’m worried about. The D-Line & LBs are going to wreck the pocket. My only worry is that QB Jones is going to get in a rhythm & figure out how to quickly get rid of the ball to his 2 playmakers. I also think that the only way our youngster corners succeed is if the rush is hellacious. If not, it’ll be a long day for the Orange side of the Cotton Bowl.
Glass half full
Brilliant takes on keys to Longhorn success against OU. Discipline and patience will be key for the Horns to pull the upset. And if that happens, who knows where we’ll end up.
Burnt Orange Nation
Follow Along on Twitter @TXStampede
Great points. Here's five addenda.
1. Tackling Ability of our DB’s
Great key, but I’m more interested in seeing our DBs coverage ability. This will be their first true test. In the next two weeks, we’ll see what our corners are really capable of.
2. Harsin/Applewhite
All the bells and whistles of this offense are predicated on two things, which must happen: The interior run game must have some success (to keep the DL and LBs honest), and they must stay out of third and long, gotta-pass situations.
3. Manny Diaz
OU runs the no-huddle as well as anyone in the country. Every year it seems we see a first down pass against our nickel personnel followed by a toss sweep, for long yardage, against a gassed secondary, and all of a sudden it’s 30 yards in 30 seconds. How will Diaz counter this?
4. McCoy/Ash Ability to Throw the Deep Ball
You know who else throws a great deep ball? His initials are G.G. For Texas to win this game, it’s going to take both QBs. McCoy needs to tap into the family magic, and Ash must gash the Sooners with his feet to bring the safeties up.
5. Discipline Discipline Discipline
Might I add: Disciple Discipline Discipline Discipline Discipline Discipline Discipline Discipline Discipline Discipline.
Simplicity is always the secret, to a profound truth, to doing things, to writing, to painting. Life is profound in its simplicity. - Charles Bukowski
Still disappointed with FSU game
What the Longhorns have done this year has been great and a true testament to the coaching and kids. But I was disheartened with the level of defense that OU displayed in the FSU game. I really thought they were primarily an offensive squad with some holes in the secondary, and a little light on the DL – but they really brought the wood. I really think we have to hold them under 21 or get some special team or defensive TDs to win this one.
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
I thought, and still think that FSU was overrated
I think their defense is good, and their offense is poor. I did not come away impressed with OU from the FSU game, I’ve definitely seen much stronger OU squads. I think this is a little bit evidenced by them being edged out by LSU and Bama in the polls… OU looks good, but not great.
OU may win this year's RRR but this is definitely not one of their best crews.
I really think that both OU (just a bit) & Texas (hey, it’s been a fun ride, so far) are overrated right now. Texas will likely lose this game but, regardless, does have a decent chance of winning the game. However, I just can’t imagine OU beating LSU, ‘Bama, or Wisconsin right now. Pass-happy / average-defensively teams usually don’t win nat’l titles. They probably will cruise to a conference title and not have to prove anything anymore this season … until the BCS title game, where they’ll prolly get their jocks hande to ‘em. Ya never now, though. They’ve hung tough so far against some solid teams.
This is kind of my point here
Pass-happy / average-defensively teams usually don’t win nat’l titles
I’d like to think that we’re the team with the stronger defense and running game, coupled with a hungrier staff and roster… and that is what wins big games.
The stats favor us in rushing and defense, but controlling for the competition it’s probably closer to even.
Hopefully we’ve got the better big game team and can grind it out with solid D and rushing, a good turnover margin, and mistake free special teams.
I think we’ve got a 40-50% chance of taking this one.
I'll list my three advantages here
1. Coaching – I’m really starting to believe in our staff, and I think the players do too
2. Rushing – We have our first legitimate ground threat in years, and OU’s run game is not up to their standard. I think it will be hard for Jones to beat us through the air. Even with elite receivers, it’ll be hard for OU to win with a one dimensional offense.
3. Defense – I think our defense is better than OU’s. In scoring defense we’re #12 and they’re #13. In total defense we’re #15 and they’re #41. In YPP, we’re #12 and they’re #46.
I think those three points are what we’ve got, but if you had to pick three places to have an advantage over your opponent, you would pick rushing, defense, and coaching staff.
OU better be prepared for a tougher game than they faced with Mizzou, or with FSU, because I think we’re stronger than both those teams.
Oh, and I'll just go ahead an mention my #1 point on why we don't win
1. Special teams – I can easily see Broyles having a “Shipley” return moment and putting the game away for the Sooners. If we want to win, we can’t allow any easy scores through special teams, we won’t have any breathing room.
It won't even have to be a return for a score...
If they can consistently return the KOs and punts to the 40/50 yard lines, it’ll be much easier for them to execute and either score themselves or pin us deep if they are forced to punt.
Hook 'em Horns
Yeah, the TD was just the worst case scenario
Allowing repeated, easy shots at 3 points after short drives is something we can’t allow either.
If we can make OU work for all their points, we’re going to be in this football game to win it. We just can’t gift wrap anything for them, through special teams or through drive extending penalties or turnovers.
Special Teams, esp. Punt team, is a big concern.
OU has trouble, too, though. For some reason, Coach Mack continues to think it’s okay to allow the opposition’s really good punt returners to have a chance to return. For me, I wish they’d just normal punt or rugby punt (yikes!) that sucker out-of-bounds every time. DO NOT LET BROYLES RETURN ANYTHING! HELLO?! If you want to win a coaching battle, then do the easy little things like tell the punter to kick it away from the other team’s playmakers. The answer always seems so simple … from the comfort of my couch.
Don't really understand everybody's gripes with OU's running game
Their standard for running isn’t particularly high and hasn’t been since DeMarco Murray got injured his true freshman season. They’re a passing team now and they use the run to A) set up for PA or B) keep the heat off the QB. I think this is OU’s most dangerous running team since 2008. Although I could see the argument that their running game is better because Landry, Broyles, and Stills are so dangerous. I’m a pretty big Whaley fan.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Well, the stats for one
Averaging 4.38 ypc is good to get you 47th in the country in rushing.
They don’t have a Demarco Murray or Adrian Peterson in the backfield, and it shows.
They’re a pass first team for a reason, and that’s normally not a good way to win close games against solid defense.
It's good enough to beat any defense
Other than LSU and Bama. Texas isn’t at that level. 47th in the country in average per carry sounds about right when your passing attack is that potent. That’s not even bad if you have a lackluster passing attack.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
I would kill for Harsin to run the Statue of Liberty in this game.
If we can score on it, thats just gravy. But seriously. It needs to be run.
"Slammed that hoe on the counter like I just got 35 on the domino table!!"
Sherrod Harris
My favorite image of the 2007 Fiesta Bowl...
…was Stoops slowing shaking his head in disgust when Harsin’s H back option TD pass to the TE worked like a champ in overtime… Dear Bob: same stuff, different shade of orange…same result. No prisoners.
I will root for Alabama or Ohio State when they play the Chinese...maybe.
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