Mack Brown on Texas Offense: "We've Got Us A Mess Right Now"
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Nov 15, 2011 11:27 AM CST
in Texas Longhorns Football
Email
PrintSo that whole ground and pound, run the ball down the opponent's throat identity that Texas was developing?
Yeah, so much for that.
The entire edifice Mack Brown and Bryan Harsin built for the Texas offense has come crumbling down in the last several weeks.
Numerous cliches apply here, but suffice it to say that the 28 carries true freshman Malcolm Brown had against Kansas in the blowout victory were a few too many.
Suffice it to say that the 29 carries by the other true freshman running back, Joe Bergeron, in the blowout against Texas Tech were a few too many.
Sensing a trend here? Those 880 yards gained on the ground against the Jayhawks and Red Raiders? Yeah, they came with a price.
The lack of passes against both teams? Also came with a price.
Add on the injuries to Fozzy Whittaker and Jaxon Shipley and suddenly the Texas offense is almost completely without playmakers.
Or an executable identity without those playmakers.
It's a precarious situation entering the final three games of the season that Mack Brown was quick to acknowledge on Monday:
We've got us a mess right now. We've got to figure it out in a week.
The thing you look at is, we've got an identity. And all of a sudden, that identity is gone in the first quarter (at Mizzou). So we've got to go back and regroup.
Ideally, the best way to regroup for Texas would be to get Brown (turf toe), Bergeron (strained hamstring), and Shipley (MCL strain) back into the lineup. Ideally.
Unfortunately, the Longhorns may not be living in an ideal world on Saturday afternoon and it would behoove the coaching staff to actually prepare for such a situation, instead of counting on Brown and Bergeron for carries and then having virtually no back-up plan, exactly what happened last week in Columbia, something the head coach admitted freely:
We thought one of the two or both of the young tailbacks would play. So we were caught off guard. Shouldn't have been. Should have planned for that better, and then we didn't do a very good job of handling all of that I don't think on game day. So we've got to do a better job of preparing for the two young ones not to play and then trying to figure out ways that we can move the ball in different ways.
...
Right now our offense came up with our niche, and our niche was taken away. So we've got to go back and regroup and find another way to figure out how to try to move the ball against a good Kansas State team and against teams that are going to score points here the next three weeks.
Even if Bergeron and Brown aren't available, leaving the running game virtually in the hands of former fourth-string back Jeremy Hills, co-offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin sounded like he is prepared to be stubborn against Kansas State, even against a strong rush defense:
The philosophy's not going to change. We've got guys to play. That's how we play, that's what we believe in and that's what we'll continue to do.
Besides just the running game, Harsin was also referring to the deep passing game. The Texas playcaller was unapologetic for his numerous attempts to push the ball down the field against Missouri, despite the complete absence of success doing so after the first half, when quarterback David Ash connected on long passes to Marquise Goodwin and Miles Onyegbule, but still missed a critical throw to a wide-open Goodwin that would have gone for a touchdown.
Brown sounded more willing to pursue the intermediate and short passing game, while pointing out the novelty of Texas fans complaining about deep throws:
We're trying to get the ball deep. Some of those probably could have come short. We probably designed shorter passes, as well. I never thought I'd have Texas fans griping about deep throws as much as I heard them gripe about short throws for 13 years. I do know we're going to gripe after a loss, so it's guess it's whatever happens we're going to gripe about. And I'm griping, too, so it's not unusual.
Beyond the seeming disagreement between the head coach and his offensive coordinator about whether to continue calling the deep passing game to such an extent, during and following the game, quarterback David Ash received much of the blame for the struggles in the passing game, but Brown took a more nuanced view:
We just didn't play well. We dropped some balls. Everybody wants to blame the quarterbacks. Our offense played bad across the board. People blamed Garrett Gilbert sometimes when we didn't play well, so everybody talks about the quarterback. We've got to give the quarterbacks help and especially these two young ones as they continue to develop.
How exactly Harsin plans to help Ash, and to a lesser extent McCoy, remains to be seen for the Kansas State game. Better protection from the offensive line would be a major step forward, but that's not something that can easily be solved in a week without going max protection on every deep throw. What seems clear is that Mack Brown was absolutely correct to call the current state of the offense a mess.
A mess on a scale that even a coordinator with Harsin's obvious talent may not be able to rectify it in time for this weekend unless some serious healing takes place. Earn your paycheck, Kenny Boyd.
106 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Should be interesting when they line up on Saturday night.....
Honestly why not throw Goodwin and Monroe in the backfield and let them try and call their inner Lamichael James. Seriously after last season I thought we had gone through our heartache, but now this almost hurts more because just as this team really starts to show you how good or potential(whatever word you want to us here) they are, bam the injury bug hits and our hearts are ripped out again.
I wasn't too nervous. I mean, when I'm nervous I work out and I wasn't working out so I must not have been nervous
Breaking your 18 year old kids... Shame on Mack...
You guys are getting it now. Mack is wasting your All Universe Recruiting Class of 2011 by beating them to death against 22 year olds headed to the NFL next year. Some of these guys are likely to never be quite the same again. Coaching 101: #1 – recruit great talent, #2 – Take great care of your players.
Fozzy going down is a heart breaker and a sign of Mack running off your 3rd, 4th and 5th year players. No depth at RB or WR. Really? Where are they?
You guys realize that Ash is 1 QB draw away from the bone pile as well. If this happens, Mack should be fired on the spot.
Who is in charge of the pitch count for our RBs?
Hindsight is everything of course, but if Brown and Bergeron split 15 carries each for both Kansas and Tech, then they likely would have both been available against Mizzou.
True,
But you play the guy who has the hot hand and give them the ball.
I wasn't too nervous. I mean, when I'm nervous I work out and I wasn't working out so I must not have been nervous
by HornsRiverine on Nov 15, 2011 11:55 AM CST up reply actions
but then keep giving them the ball in a blowout?
Even when you are pushing towards 30 carries and there are guys on the bench?
I’d understand riding the hot hand in a big close game, but thats not what happened.
I am not really disagreeing or agreeing with you.
But was the game at a blowout already when Brown had hit 15 carries? Against Kansas probably so, but cannot be sure, I do agree splitting carries because when healthy they both have the hot hand. But what do you do if you are splitting the carries and Bergeron has the hot hand? Do you still give Brown 15 carries? Or do you split 20-10 or whatever? I am not disagreeing with you, I am just saying I do not think it is as easy saying hey you are both going to get exactly 15 carries or whatever the coaches decide.
I wasn't too nervous. I mean, when I'm nervous I work out and I wasn't working out so I must not have been nervous
by HornsRiverine on Nov 15, 2011 12:26 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not proposing an exact count
But 20-10 is the most I would go in a “hot hand” scenario.
After the 20th carry, fresh legs will outweigh hot hand anyway.
I don’t think you need to try to divide the carries up exactly, but I do think a “quality control” GA needs to tap Major on the shoulder when a back passes 21 carries and lets him know its time to be a bit more judicious.
There's plenty of blame to go around
Harsin, Applewhite, and Brown all deserve a heaping helping of blame. It’s not for us fans to debate what the magic number of carries should be. It is for coaches to do that. And in that extremely important responsibility, our highly-paid coaches failed, miserably.
I haven’t posted in a few days, and I walked away from the game at halftime on Saturday. I almost walked away after kickoff, when I saw that Bergeron, despite all the happy talk — i.e. lies — out of Bellmont (“It was just a cramp, he’ll be fine”), was a scratch. That’s inexcusable, because when Bergeron went down, he was gaining yard number 191 on the day, against a gassed defense in a game that was clearly out of hand. WHY WAS HE PLAYING?
I think it’s because Mack Brown had a new toy. And he wanted to send a message to the rest of the league. You know who pulls those kind of shenanigans? Bob Stoops, that’s who.
I still love this team but I am furious with the offensive coaching staff. And that goes double for the head coach.
Simplicity is always the secret, to a profound truth, to doing things, to writing, to painting. Life is profound in its simplicity. - Charles Bukowski
by windycityhorn on Nov 15, 2011 1:29 PM CST up reply actions
Uh, ok
You feel better now?
I wasn't too nervous. I mean, when I'm nervous I work out and I wasn't working out so I must not have been nervous
by HornsRiverine on Nov 15, 2011 1:39 PM CST up reply actions
I do, actually
Sometimes it helps to vent.
Simplicity is always the secret, to a profound truth, to doing things, to writing, to painting. Life is profound in its simplicity. - Charles Bukowski
by windycityhorn on Nov 15, 2011 1:42 PM CST up reply actions
I hear you man,
trust me I was livid last season, this year I have taken a different approach.
I wasn't too nervous. I mean, when I'm nervous I work out and I wasn't working out so I must not have been nervous
by HornsRiverine on Nov 15, 2011 1:45 PM CST up reply actions
I haven't given up on this team
I love the fire they play with. Defensively I continue to be amazed at the growth of this squad. I hope Manny Diaz stays to finish the job before taking the head-coach offers that are sure to be coming his way. This is by far the best defense in the conference.
And the worst offense in the conference, too. Listen, I like Ash. And it’s useless to get too angry at a true freshman QB, even if you believe, as I do, that just because Ash is the best option right now, doesn’t mean he’s the answer next season. And I applaud the strides the O-line has made.
I won’t rehash the arguments that have been made elsewhere on this site about what Harsin, Applewhite, et al should have done. But how you game-manage in blowouts is just as important as how you game-manage in close games. I just hope the coaching staff learns that lesson.
Simplicity is always the secret, to a profound truth, to doing things, to writing, to painting. Life is profound in its simplicity. - Charles Bukowski
by windycityhorn on Nov 15, 2011 2:09 PM CST up reply actions
So the answer next season would be...
McCoy? Who can’t win the job from a true fish?
Or one of the other two true fish next year?
/scary
I think they were wanting to see how far they could push the backs in gametime.
I remember Jamaal Charles rushing for 294 against Ok st on 33 carries. He won that game for us. Granted he was running out of the zone read, but he only weighed 190 on that 6’1 frame. good to know how far they can go. It might help if the Rb’s gave them some feedback, Charles would tap out when he needed a blow.
Has there been a statement saying the Brown or Bergeron would not play?
Me: "Hunny, how much is our Wedding budget?"
Fiance`"No, You can't have Craig Way call our wedding.."
Me: "Damnit.."
This weekend, that is
Me: "Hunny, how much is our Wedding budget?"
Fiance`"No, You can't have Craig Way call our wedding.."
Me: "Damnit.."
Mack did not let anything out last week,
so we will not know most likely until game time.
I wasn't too nervous. I mean, when I'm nervous I work out and I wasn't working out so I must not have been nervous
by HornsRiverine on Nov 15, 2011 11:56 AM CST up reply actions
Mack made it sound like
they will both be game-time decisions this weekend. May know more on Friday or just before the game.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Nov 15, 2011 11:58 AM CST up reply actions
Gah, I hope either turf toe goes away and that Hammy gets feeling better.
Me: "Hunny, how much is our Wedding budget?"
Fiance`"No, You can't have Craig Way call our wedding.."
Me: "Damnit.."
I say save them for aTm
Don’t risk aggravating their injuries. The aggies are a must win. Everything else is just icing on the cake. I don’t want to spend eternity listening to the aggies brag about beating Texas.
they really cant brag.
even if they win hurray for them we’ve still beaten them over 40 more times than they have beaten us
According to Wikipedia You Don't Exist!
Seriously, I say put the fastest guys on the field
i.e. Monroe and Goodwin and hope they find the creases like Lamichael James.
I wasn't too nervous. I mean, when I'm nervous I work out and I wasn't working out so I must not have been nervous
they only find creases of the O line makes creases
or the D falls asleep.
Maybe I should have qouted "hope"
I wasn't too nervous. I mean, when I'm nervous I work out and I wasn't working out so I must not have been nervous
by HornsRiverine on Nov 15, 2011 12:54 PM CST up reply actions
The Deep Passing Attempts are Fine
But when your QB shows no ability to actually hit it, why would you stubbornly keep trying it? The kid can throw, but he can’t throw ACCURATELY right now. Go for the short/intermediate passes, move the ball, allow your players to make plays. Chucking it 40 yards downfield and watching it sail 10 yards past your receiver’s outstretched arms and wasting a precious down that you’ll need given the injuries at RB does not strike me as very smart.
Because we're Texas and we're evil. DUH.
Harsin's basic answer
seems to have been that he was trying to hit some explosive plays, which has the unstated admission that he did not think either the running game or short passing game could move the ball down the field. The running game clearly could not, but he never really attempted much in the short passing game other than a couple screens that got blown up by Lambert.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Nov 15, 2011 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
Hind sight
I get what you are saying about Harsin’s trying to hit something explosive, but by 4th qtr. we needed to move the chains and get some kind of rythm going. I can see where maybe he didn’t think we could sustain drives, but with them crowding the box and our speed any play could go all the way.Not with screens , maybe crossing routes. Just a thought.
by Burnedsince61 on Nov 15, 2011 1:37 PM CST up reply actions
I think there needed to be a better mix of plays.
One of the highlights was Ash running the ball and delivering a blow to the poor guy who tackled him. While I don’t propose running Ash 10 times a game, it may make sense to let him know that he can tuck and run if he doesn’t like what he sees or you can call some designed plays where you allow him to run. Keeps the defense a bit more honest on passing downs in my opinion. I also think it would be smart to work our two speed guys on some wildcat formation and let them have some runs between the takcles, but I would most likely do that in formations that spread the field some (to avoid getting them killed if possible). Mix in some short and intermediate passing on running downs, and then hit with some long balls after we’ve convinced the safeties we’ve given up on heaving it down the field. Just my thoughts.
by Inveigled&Foozled on Nov 15, 2011 12:38 PM CST up reply actions
Ash is aiming the ball
You can see it. It’s not coming naturally to him.
The balls Ash throws best are darts. The third-down pickup against Tech to Goodwin is a great example: not a lot of air under it, got there in a hurry. Passes that require touch, he has struggled with this year.
Ash is the quarterback and I support him and pray for his improvement. But I’ve said it before on this site, many times, and I hate to have to say it again, but here it is:
The next championship quarterback at the University of Texas has yet to take a snap as a Longhorn.
Simplicity is always the secret, to a profound truth, to doing things, to writing, to painting. Life is profound in its simplicity. - Charles Bukowski
by windycityhorn on Nov 15, 2011 1:34 PM CST up reply actions
I think Ash might have been panicking and forcing the ball
after Fozzy, the heart of the offense, went out.
natural progression
New Qb comes in makes stupid throws. Then becomes cautious and waits a little longer. Becomes too careful. Next step is he relaxes. Hoping he hits it this week. Also in 20+
Mph winds you can’t put a lot of air on it.
by codaxx on Nov 15, 2011 8:09 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I agree with Harsin
In that we need to keep repping our linemen on the plays that will be our bread and butter NEXT year. This will also better prepare us for our prime time, and arguably more important and meaningful, games against A&M and Baylor
I think everyone is up in arms about the play calling and the players we’re missing, but really all we’re seeing is that our young offensive line cannot YET effectively block against good defenses. It’s no coincidence that our best offensive games have all come against crappy defenses.
I think, this year ONLY, you keep running the same schemes and plays pretty much regardless of who is carrying the ball or catching the ball. Next year it’s win at all costs in every game.
What's up with Cody Johnson?
In a game that challenges depth in the backfield, CJ only gets two carries?
This
What is getting lost in the Belmont shuffle talk is the fact that once Fozzy went down, the entire offensive staff and unit went on deer in headlight mode. Exactly like what happened after Colt went down. We didn’t even call a timeout to regroup.
There was no plan B. How many times do we have to learn this lesson?
Burnt Orange Nation
Follow Along on Twitter @TXStampede
+1 on Fozzy
Good points, sept GG came in and teased us.
by Burnedsince61 on Nov 15, 2011 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
Understandable
They decided that they had to have Fozzy to win — there was no viable plan B or C or whatever. Without him, you lose both sides of the running game and your best threat on returns. So Fozzy was simply a ‘given’ in the game plan. And once you reach that conclusion, you’re all in.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
What plan B do you suggest?
The flailing seems to me more a result of few viable options rather than a failure of coaching. All the gameplanning in the world won’t make up for being on your 4th string RB and two anemic blue chippers dramatically underperforming to their potential at QB.
Not so fast
So I’m guessing that all the progress we saw from the O line against TT and Kansas, was really outstanding play from M Brown and Bergeron. On not splitting the carries between Brown and Bergeron against TT, I was under the impression that Brown’s injury started in the Kansas game , thus all the carries for Bergeron vs. TT. Question; is it not harder to throw short passes when the Mizz D is already crowding the box?
No, they just suck against the run
They were two perfect opponents lined up for the Horns to knock down.
TEXAS FIGHT
Guys, I think you're jumping off the 15th floor because of a smoking trash can in a third floor bathroom
This isn’t that bad. No, I’m not thrilled to score 5 points on a 4-5 team. Mack’s right when he says the niche has been taken away; he may be right in calling it a mess. But it’s nothing like what we were after Iowa State and Baylor 12 months ago.
You take 3 tailbacks and a starting wideout from any team — and blend in a new offensive philosophy with new QBs — and there’s going to be broken eggs and spilled milk. This team — with four underclassmen in the O-line — has learned to block. It’s learned a new way of playing offense. It’s being done with freshman or sophomore starters at every offensive position except TE, Goodwin and David Snow.
Before last week, and the growing injury list, we were well on the way to a final spot in the Top 25, maybe Top 20. This is a bump in the road, not a clean-house all over again type deal.
You make legitimate points about play-calling, overuse of the freshman running backs, poor execution on some of the passing plays. That said, we’re worse off than 5-5 Florida? Struggling more than 5-5 Texas A&M?
You want to quit on this team, quit. Join Mizzou and Aggie. I’m hanging in there.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.
by edsp on Nov 15, 2011 1:00 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Amen to that
I’m getting a bucket of water and putting it out.
Then I’m bitching out the folks like Harsinwhite, and players like Darius White, DeSean Hale and Ash for not making plays happen. Shipley gets open, why the hell can’t others?
We have too much talent on this team to be moaning and groaning and dialing in all poor and pitiful. Hell, I bet we have more talent on our second string O then UH’s first string, yet they score points. Let’s get our shit together and go score. Our D is giving us all they got, the O needs to step up.
That said, I do miss those freshman. And, I’m thrilled about our future with them and the recruits we have lined up including a top RB in Gray, and 2 top WRs in Jones and Johnson, plus some talent at O-Line. Good times ahead…..let’s get through this without being pathetic.
We're Texas, We're not OK.
Your assertion that y'all have more talent than Houston
on your second string is ludicrous. Houstom has a startimg QB who can pass the ball. They have runming backs capable of moving the ball on the ground and wide receivers who actually catch the ball. Their OL can actually pass protect. Houston’s offense leads the nation in total offense while y’all were held to 5 points in your last outing, only three comong from the offense.
Uninformed arrogance is one thing, but your statement is just wishful thinking and borderline delusional.
by Beergut on Nov 15, 2011 3:08 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
No offense, 12th man
But Missouri and Tech and OSU and the Sooners are a bit different beast than Rice and Tulane and UTEP.
Just sayin’
Please tell me which second steing WRs you have who are NFL quality?
And if they’re that good, why are they sitting behind players who can’t catch?
by Beergut on Nov 16, 2011 4:27 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
It's Funny How the Aggy Mind works
We don’t hear boo from our favorite little Aggy for nearly a month because we were playing well, but as soon as we lose to Mizzou, he shows up with renewed courage.
Forever the jealous little brother, eh?
Because we're Texas and we're evil. DUH.
by iamjackburton on Nov 17, 2011 2:20 AM CST up reply actions
You should know
Wishful thinking and border line delusional, that is just plain funny considering how your season has gone.
by Burnedsince61 on Nov 15, 2011 3:18 PM CST up reply actions
Oh ho ho, it must be Christmas because Beergut is back to spout his usual uninformed bullshit
Merry Christmas, everyone!
And … Ya’ll.
Because we're Texas and we're evil. DUH.
by iamjackburton on Nov 15, 2011 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
LMAO
I’m glad it is just wishful thinking and borderline delusion on my part, because if it was uninformed arrogance that would really suck.
So when we compare the talent on the two teams, shall we use espn, scout or rivals recruiting rankings and see which players on UH’s roster outrank those on Texas 2 deep roster. I’m fairly certain that we won’t find any UH players that did get a Texas offer. On the other hand, I suspect most all the players on the Texas 2 deep had a UH offer in their hand if they wanted it.
I know, I know, Case Keenum is better than any QB we have. Of course that’s true for the moment. But, let’s check in on Ash in five years like Case and then compare. UH clearly wins the QB, but the rest of the O is pretty much in favor of Texas.
FYI, I am a UH Law Grad, so I have plenty of luv for the Coogs….Eat ‘em Coogs!!! and I hope they win out. But, that said, as a sane person I have to go with Texas’ talent.
We're Texas, We're not OK.
You would think you would have learned in 2010
that recruiting rankings don’t have a damn thing to do with performance on the field.
Or can you explain to me why Missouri’s collection of 3-stars on defense shut down your 5-star offense?
by Beergut on Nov 16, 2011 4:30 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
exactly how many 5 star players played on our offense in the Mizzou game?
According to Wikipedia You Don't Exist!
Well said about Florida and a&m
I guess I owe aggy for the going away gift, now if we can just put a big bow on it.
by Burnedsince61 on Nov 15, 2011 1:25 PM CST up reply actions
I'd say your worse off than A&M
No one has held them to 5 points this season.
by Beergut on Nov 15, 2011 2:57 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Worser than a&m?
Depends on how you feel about all that a&m preseason hype. We didn’t have those expectations, this still maybe one game setback. Your whole season is ruined, and don’t come on BON now and try to blow smoke that you didn’t have very high expectations. I remember talk about a&m winning the Big 12, and maybe more.Want to tell me that was not so? Seems like that would be much worse.
by Burnedsince61 on Nov 15, 2011 3:08 PM CST up reply actions
What I expect
Since Texas is so pathetic, what will you do come Thank’sGiving if you loose to such a pitiful mess of a team? Being the honarable aggie that we all know you are? will you come back and give proper respect . Last time I checked it was about wins and losses.
by Burnedsince61 on Nov 15, 2011 3:15 PM CST up reply actions
I'd rather be held to 5 points than choke every game away in the fourth quarter
Like some other team…
Because we're Texas and we're evil. DUH.
by iamjackburton on Nov 15, 2011 3:38 PM CST up reply actions
So nice of you to visit
We always enjoy your valuable insight.
If I remember correctly, the Aggies had championship dreams at the beginning of the season. If not BCS, then surely Big 12. They intended to leave this conference in the dust, suffering maybe one — at most, two — losses along the way. They had one of the best rushing attacks in the country, veteran, all-conference-level performers at every offensive position, and felt good about a defense that had just sent a first-rounder to the NFL and was poised to be a dominant unit again.
If you forgot those prognostications and predictions, please visit your own blog. You’ll no doubt find words to that effect, written by you. (Since no one else ever posts there, which is why you come here and stir up stuff so people will talk to you.)
Texas, on the other hand, was a steaming mess. The one QB with any experience was bad. The others were raw. An all-new coaching staff, new offense, new defense. Few returning starters of any quality of offense, and several years of poor judgment in recruiting. After 5-7 last year, few of us were expected any more than 8 wins. Many of us still don’t.
So with all that in mind, who’s in a worse place now?
But, on the other hand… Texas DID score only 5 points on someone. Which Aggie never did.
Well, by that irrefutable logic and faultless reasoning, the debate is over. I am whipped. You win. Our situation is much worse than yours. How could I have ever thought otherwise? To quote you: “Your” right.
Simplicity is always the secret, to a profound truth, to doing things, to writing, to painting. Life is profound in its simplicity. - Charles Bukowski
by windycityhorn on Nov 15, 2011 3:45 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
LOL Awesome reply, too bad he won't read it
I suspect Beergut has now adopted the “hit and run” approach to trolling. Show up, say something stupid to piss people off, then run off and not read the replies so he can continue to feel satisfied with himself.
Because we're Texas and we're evil. DUH.
by iamjackburton on Nov 15, 2011 4:06 PM CST up reply actions
"Coach Beergut"
The only thing he has coached in real life was as OC for a YMCA boys team, not sure if was tackle or flag. His “college coaching” job was nothing more than picking up towels and delivering coffee, no real coaching. A&M has had an epic fail season based on their MUCH higher expectations.
With all that in ,ind, who is in a worse place now?
texas is staring three losses in a row right in the face, b/c they have an offense that can’t score in a whorehouse.
by Beergut on Nov 16, 2011 5:06 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
"With all that in ,ind, who is in a worse place now?"
You are an aggie….there is no worse place than that.
by LonghorninRaiderland on Nov 16, 2011 5:21 PM CST up reply actions
You're in Lubbock
I beg to differ.
by Beergut on Nov 16, 2011 5:34 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
and luckily A&M is on the schedule and they couldnt stop a 60 year old from scoring
According to Wikipedia You Don't Exist!
GACKKKK GACKKK
Sorry, I was choking there for a moment.
You were saying?
Because we're Texas and we're evil. DUH.
by iamjackburton on Nov 17, 2011 2:23 AM CST up reply actions
Nice Write Up, But...
I’d debate the assertion that we overused the two backs during the blowout wins. They needed to perform like that to create the identity the coach is trying to make. The back’s injuries could have been sustained on carry #5 or carry #55. Let them get better while the team learns how to play this way. But I’d have no problem or hesitation at using them as much in the future if they can perform.
by RMHorn on Nov 15, 2011 1:04 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Tired players are more likely to get hurt
It isn’t a coincidence that both got hurt on a carry over their 25th.
Both are also true freshman who haven’t had a chance to go through a full year of S&C in a college program.
Depth Chart
Has Brown listed as the #1 tailback with Bergeeron as the “or” and Hills 3rd.
DeSean Hales is listed as the H Receiver with Shipley as the “or”.
Wouldn't know how to jump off if I wanted to.
You are absolutely right, about taking away all that talent and not expecting a train wreck. But it helps to talk about what happened. I couldn’t even form a sentence until Mon. I was so pissed, I’m over that now. HOOK’EM On a serious note what’s up with Hopkins? If all he can do is run block we will never have that balanced offense I keep hearing about. I know , I know he’s just a soph, but my lord he looked awful. I can;t blame Ash for not being able to find a reciever. I for sure couldn’t concentrate knowing that was my protection.
Hopkins playing out of position
I think if he could move to G (fingers crossed for next season) he would be a completely different player. The one we all expected this season.
Thanks for the hope
I forgot that important detail.
by Burnedsince61 on Nov 15, 2011 3:34 PM CST up reply actions
More talent on second string?
I agree, I think that’s what makes this rebuild so painful. How in helll did we get in this shape? I understand rollover here and there, but not the whole damn roster at once.
Still waiting on the O
I am watching and hoping for improvement in all the key areas. I have seen some development in the O line, running game, receivers (due to one player). Haven’t seen the genius I expected from Harsin. He hasn’t done anything yet that most O coordinaters in the upper level couldn’t have done, IMHO. Is our talent level really that bad? I see other programs, not all, do things with underclassmen. Can we?
i dont think any team in the nation is playing as many freshman as we are
With a young team you’re gonna have growing pains and that might have slowed down the development of the offense
According to Wikipedia You Don't Exist!
by horns1025 on Nov 15, 2011 3:06 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Is our talent level really that bad?
From our upperclassmen, yes. From our freshmen and sophomores, hell no. Part of the problem with the older coaching regime was that they didn’t evaluate the talent and develop the upperclassmen to their potential – which is a big reason why we are playing more younger kids than any other program I know of. Losing a natural leader like Fozzy is going to hurt until we get the BB’s back.
Que the Mack Brown finger pointing blame game for most of our upperclassmen woes, but remember this – the man cleaned house, brought in new blood and has rejuvenated the program. No one in their right mind expected us to win the conference, and for a team that is starting almost 80% freshmen and sophomores, we’re doing pretty damn good. Imagine this time a year from now, and another year after that we’ll be playing for an MNC again.
by bevosteve67 on Nov 16, 2011 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
We’ve got us a mess right now. We’ve got to figure it out in a week.
The thing you look at is, we’ve got an identity. And all of a sudden, that identity is gone in the first quarter (at Mizzou). So we’ve got to go back and regroup.
Mack and HarsinWhite have no one to blame but themselves for getting into this craptastic mess we’re in right now. You have Cody Johnson and Jeremy Hills ready to take those garbage time carries, and instead you put your two star RBs in a position to get injured by overworking them. Absolutely inexcusable.
We can only hope they learned their lesson for the next two years when the games really do matter as far as BCS implications go, because we will encounter our share of blowout victories for sure.
by goingforthecorner on Nov 15, 2011 2:16 PM CST reply actions
Could Harsin be more concerned with Ash's short/intermediate throws getting picked?
Watching the game I was left wondering if Harsin was specifically going for deep passes, which are typically more simple reads and have less defensive traffic to worry about, because he was trying to avoid interceptions.
Kinda like
What I was saying about box being more crowded?
by Burnedsince61 on Nov 15, 2011 3:24 PM CST up reply actions
I tend to agree
I also would pt out most of those throws the wr was open. 90 percent of poeple here are failing to realize there was more than 1 wr running patterns. I will bet there was an intermediate or short route on evert play. Were they covered? Did Ash make the wrong read? Much more complicated
by codaxx on Nov 15, 2011 8:16 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
2 Points of Concern
I’m not sure if this has been discussed already, but
1) what happened to the great screen play the team had developed and executed so well during the OSU game and continued to use effectively during the Kansas game. The play where we actually lined up for a screen and had the protection out in front BEFORE the ball was passed. I know it appeared somewhat predictable and transparent, but it worked! During the Missouri game, we were back to the Greg Davis swing pass with NO protection and being caught for a loss time after time. When things suck, why do we conjure up the suckiest plays in Horn history and give them another try?
And,
2) Not sure why, but we also gave up on the Jet sweep in the first half…WHY? We have a play that Monroe and Goodwin are both good at and so we stop running it in the second half. (By the way, as fast as Monroe is, he is NO GOOD up the middle…not sure why, but everytime we have attempted to use him in that role…well, its just not his forte! Jet sweep IS his forte. I know I am not as smart as Applewhite or Harsin, but seriously…it seems obvious…what am I missing? No, really, I must not be thinking of something…let me know.
Be proud of your wealth and prestige. Never give in to communism..."equal revenue" sharing is for sissy under-achievers. This is TEXAS, not the former Soviet Union! - Ray Walker
As impressive as harsin's credentials are....he evidently has much to learn...there can be no other explanation
I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize
by MeatchickenHorn on Nov 15, 2011 10:52 PM CST reply actions
Thats what im thinking
He is on a learning curve along with the team. I would be willing to bet Mack is giving him some lessons this week.
Somebody better coach him up fast, with our next 3 opponents looming
I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize
by MeatchickenHorn on Nov 15, 2011 11:00 PM CST up reply actions
well bear in mind Harsin pretty much had to throw away the gameplan the team had been practicing with for the whole week so that really threw a wrench in the machine. plus from what ive read the WildFozz was gonna be used a lot more than normal especially when going into the wind. when Fozzy got hurt that went out the window. i dont think any Offensive Coordinator wouldnt make bad calls if he had to scrap the entire gameplan only a few minutes into the game
According to Wikipedia You Don't Exist!
How could the O staff not have a back-up prepared for the Wildhorn?
Is Fozzy the only player they worked with at that position?
See ya later, alligator and sheep-mater.
by Paleface Horn on Nov 16, 2011 7:37 AM CST up reply actions
back-up
I think what you saw is like the champ game. Someone mentioned that earlier. There was no replacement for Colt. Texas was a passing team, you are basically screwed. There is no replacement for Fozzy. Hills ran it, but it is not the same. Given the depth I am not sure there is a real fix. We are a running team. Top 3 options were out and OL wasn’t getting a push. At this pt if you stop our running game, you stop us. Pretty simple
by codaxx on Nov 16, 2011 9:27 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
It is amazing
3 games 3 tailbacks down, who would have thought that would be the case going into the Kst game? Hopefully Brown and Bergeron are back this week.
The only thing I can think
Was that eventually someone decided that our #1 QB has to, at least eventually, be a better option than our #4 RB. Obviously that’s not yet the case, and it truly still feels like we need elite talent to run a competent offense
Hey now, Romo got to learn under Quincy Carter, Testaverde and Bledsoe. Which is like a human child being raised by a wolf. -DavidH22
If Romulus can do it, so can Romo. ....WAIT A MINUTE - NYHORN
I'm not saying Tony Romo is the reincarnation of the mythical Romulus. I'm just saying
Managing to get off as many deep throws as we did
That OL was not playing as bad as you think. Its become somewhat obvious Harsin game plans and does not deviate from the plan come hell or high water. That will work out for us in the long run provided we can build the depth to pull it off. He needs to install some short passing base plays to fall back on when disaster strikes.
Contingencies
Mack doesn’t seem to have contingency plans in case a key player goes down. Reminds me of the 2009 Rose Bowl. Was GG really the best back up scenario for Colt? They never inserted John Chiles at least to mix things up a little. I seem to recall they ran some wildcat formations with him that year, yet it was completely absent that game. Same goes for Fozzy. I agree with the statements above about using DJ Monroe as the jet sweep back. Wonder if a back up for the Wild Foz or jet sweep was ever a thought?
see above
How could the O staff not have a back-up prepared for the Wildhorn? Is Fozzy the only player they worked with at that position?
See ya later, alligator and sheep-mater.
by Paleface Horn on Nov 16, 2011 7:39 AM CST up reply actions
Hills actually ran the Wildcat for a first down (4 yards) during the Missouri game....after Foz went down
So the tailbacks must practice it during the week
I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize
by MeatchickenHorn on Nov 16, 2011 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
On three series in Q3 last Saturday it was run, run, make the struggling QBs (Ash & McCoy) throw on third & long. No short slants. No play action against a D that was keying on the run
And, only because I am right so infrequently, here’s what I wrote after Tech, where we shut down the passing game entirely during slop time:
With all the run game progress… …I’d have liked to see Ash get a few more throws in late in the Tech game to further develop that threat. I know Mac doesn’t like to run up the score the way his Land Thief nemisis does, but think most folks who understand where Ash is at in his development would understand the rationale for giving him some more reps & secondary reads…
by Poindexter718 on Nov 7, 2011 12:31 PM PST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Burnt Orange Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
