Texas Bludgeons Cal Into Submission, Has Offseason Momentum
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 29, 2011 11:23 AM CST
in Texas Longhorns Football
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PrintAfter a win against Cal on Wednesday night in the Holiday Bowl that included a dominant second-half performance by the defense and some small signs of competence from the offense, the Longhorns go into the offseason hoping that with some more hard work and development, the team can repeat a familiar pattern.
Though the loss to Washington State in the 2003 Holiday Bowl hardly launched Texas into the offseason with serious momentum, Vince Young's progression throughout the 2004 season helped land a Rose Bowl bid. A year later, Young and the rest of the Longhorns were standing on the same field with a crystal football.
The 2007 demolition of Arizona State in San Diego marked the beginning of the same trend -- Holiday Bowl, BCS bid, national championship game appearance.
With the process of recovering from the systemic issues in the program that led to 5-7 now receiving the stage where the process needs to start yielding victories -- and did so against Cal -- the hope is now that Texas can repeat the pattern for a third time.
And now, follow after the jump for a handful of thoughts about the game.
- Mack Brown said after the game that the quarterback competition will still be open through the spring, leaving the door open for Case McCoy or Connor Brewer to claim the job. While that might be true, it seems that the starter against Cal, David Ash, is now the frontrunner after a solid if mostly unspectacular performance. Co-offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin praised Ash after the game for his ability to avoid turnovers -- and indeed Ash was never especially close to throwing an interception -- and the true freshman appeared to settle down a bit after seemingly being hurried a bit early to go 14 of 23 for 142 yards, a touchdown, and the touchdown catch from Jaxon Shipley. There were several nice throws like his touchdown pass to Marquise Goodwin that hit his receiver nearly perfectly in stride, but there was also room for improvement in getting the ball out on time and on target, as Ash missed two potential touchdown passes, one to Goodwin that would have gone for 99 yards and another to Mike Davis that was late coming out and underthrown.
- Especially early, the playcalling left quite a bit to be desired from Harsin, who seemed content to protect his young quarterback early and concede long third downs. Finally, in the second quarter Harsin managed to dial up a few more plays that worked well, including more play-action passes to give Ash more time in the pocket and the reverse pass by Shipley. By the end of the game, the Texas running game created a couple seams and Ash settled in. In the end, it was probably a bit of a mixed bag for the young coordinator with too many screen passes, but just enough brilliance to allow the Longhorns a relatively easy fourth quarter simply by avoiding mistakes and letting the defense make plays.
- Speaking of the defense, coordinator Manny Diaz made himself some money last night. After receiving $625,000 from Texas this season, it's clear that Diaz not only earned every penny, but put himself in line for a substantial rise from the Longhorns, if not some late consideration for a coaching job. If Diaz is in Austin longer past the 2012 season, it would probably be a major upset. Using his favored fire zone, the Longhorns overwhelmed and bludgeoned Cal quarterback Zach Maynard in the second half, bringing up flashbacks to a similar beatdown put on Sun Devil quarterback Rudy Carpenter in 2007. Consider Maynard lucky that he didn't make the Texas defense mad with any ill-advised pre-game comments.
- Though the offense struggled to convert turnovers into points, the defense provided a litany of opportunities to do so. Turnover margin was expected to be a huge factor going into the game and the Diaz defense responded with five takeaways. Cal players struggled to protect the football and the swarming Texas defense took advantage by collectively doing an excellent job of punching at the football to force fumbles.
- Maynard tried to pick on Quandre Diggs early, but the freshman cornerback responded with strong coverage, a pass broken up on third down, and an interception. So much for that aspect of the gameplan. Diggs still needs to be able to recover better on comeback routes, where he can give up completions underneath, but he also showed his physicality once again with an open-field tackle on a big Cal tight end and another hard hit on Keenan Allen.
- On the other side of the field, Carrington Byndom was much less visible, in an extremely good way, as he shut down Allen, who is widely projected as a first-round pick if he declares early for the draft next season. Allen had nine catches for 82 yards, but most of those catches were on screens and most of the yards were inconsequential. Byndom made himself some money on Wednesday night.
- How about Kenny Vaccaro vaulting running back Isi Sofele and then sacking Maynard? Not a bad Superman impression. After the game, Vaccaro said that he will be returning for his senior season to try to lead Texas to a national championship appearance and pursue a Thorpe Award. Still, plenty of players have made similar pronouncements in the afterglow of the season only to leave.
- The Longhorns have had the privilege of Achos roaming the defense since 2006 and when the 2011 season kicks off next September, there won't be one in uniform for the first time in six years. That makes today a sad day, but also a proud one, as both will be playing in the NFL next season and both were and will continue to be outstanding representatives for the university.
- Sheroid Evans flashed late in the game with his forced fumble and should combine with Mykkele Thompson to significantly increase the speed in the secondary.
- Even with the departure of Emmanuel Acho and Keenan Robinson, who both turned in strong performances in their final game as Longhorns, the linebacker position should be in good hands next season, as Jordan Hicks looked fully recovered from the injury that limited him this season and looks poised to become one of the better linebackers in the conference next season, while Demarco Cobbs flashed in some limited action, showing his explosiveness to nearly force a safety pursuing Zach Maynard.
- Calvin Howell forced a fumble and had his strongest game as a Longhorn and Jackson Jeffcoat flashed as well. The defensive line has all the makings of a dominant unit with the best depth in years next season, especially at defensive tackle with the addition of JUCO Brandon Moore and Brenham star Malcom Brown.
- Mike Davis capped off a disappointing season by dropping two passes early and failing to register a catch, though he should have had a touchdown catch late when Ash underthrew him on a post route.
- If Marquise Goodwin could spend the spring and summer working with the quarterbacks instead of running track, he could have the senior season fans have been expecting ever since the tantalizing promise shown during his freshman season. Unfortunately, he's a world-class long jumper and that probably won't happen as he prepares for a chance to compete in the Olympics. Selfishly, it's easy to wish that he wasn't after the spectacular jet sweep that he cut upfield before spinning to break a tackle and then accelerating to nearly score a touchdown. It was perhaps his most explosive play as a Longhorn, and one of the few times that he didn't seem to be fighting himself running in the open field.
- Cody Johnson will be extremely difficult to replace and it was great seeing him get a final touchdown in burnt orange and honor his classmate Fozzy Whittaker by wearing the no. 2 on Wednesday night. What a great career for the big guy, who is now rated as the third-best fullback in the 2012 draft class by ESPN and could work himself into a long NFL career.
- Dom Espinosa had a tough night against a solid nose tackle and could be pushed by Sedrick Flowers next season if the coaches opt to give Flowers a shot at the center position. All in all, it was a solid season for Espinosa, but he has some development to do if he wants to be a four-year starter.
- The rest of the line could benefit greatly by a move back inside by Trey Hopkins, who struggled at times outside.
- Spring practice starts on February 24th and the 2012 season in 247 days. Until then, welcome to recruiting season!
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Hey GOBR...
what are the chances we move Hopkins over to Guard and possibly Walters to Center.
Espinosa hasn’t been great this year and we have a combination of Sedrick Flowers, Garrett Greanlea and the JUCO OL ready to go for 2012.
Don't really see Walters moving to center.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 29, 2011 11:47 AM CST up reply actions
How do you see the O-line stacking up next season?
I too was disappointed in Espinosa. On one play he let the Nose Tackle glide right by unblocked — that’s on him, he makes the line calls. A holding penalty. And on another play he just got beat.
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 Dec 29, 2011 12:05 PM CST up reply actions
I gotta believe Coach Searles...
won’t tolerate that level of play from the Center next year.
I’m sure he will look at combinations during the off-season.
by Hippie Killer on Dec 29, 2011 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
I agree with the Walters to center suggestion
Two points:
1. Walters was a HS center at Frenship High in West Texas. He was installed at guard in the summer of 2009 because the O-line at that point was thinner at guard than any other position.
2. Center is a natural leader’s position, and we’ve seen Walters’ vocal on-field intensity. In addition, he’ll be a third-year starter in 2012 in his fourth seasonin the program. We won’t have a senior offensive lineman on the team next season, and Mason is as close as we can come.
I envision Hawkins and Cochran manning the tackles, with Kelley, hopefully Greenlea and one of the incoming frosh pushing for snaps. At guard, Hopkins and maybe Flowers, backed by Porter, Ashcraft (if he doesn’t leave) and incoming freshman Curtis Riser. Walters, Espinoza and Porter would be at center.
Not necessarily predicting this, but I’m kinda hoping.
Good point on Walters playing center on Frenship
I had forgotten that he had played there. Definitely increases the chances that he could slide over.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 29, 2011 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
Exactly my point.
Walter’s has that experience at Center and it opens up the RG spot for either Flowers or Greanlea with Hopkins moving over to the LG spot.
by Hippie Killer on Dec 29, 2011 1:56 PM CST up reply actions
More cautiously optimistic than before the game.
In some ways, it’s hard to separate the lack of success running the football from the Cal defense stacking the box to stop it, so that influences the evaluation. I think players like Mason Walters, who will have his first offseason to work on improving his lower-body strength since he’s been at Texas, Dom Espinosa, Josh Cochran, and Trey Hopkins all have a chance to improve pretty substantially during the offseason.
Add in what could become more quality depth if Paden Kelley can step in for a few snaps along with Sedrick Flowers, Garrett Greenlea, and Donald Hawkins, and I think the starting unit will perform better if they can get more rest during the game. The rotation was pretty short this season.
There’s a really strong correlation between starts on the offensive line and success in college football and as the starts begin to mount for this unit, I think they have a chance to become one of the better units in the country by 2013, especially if Searels and Wylie can continue to do good work, which they did their first season at Texas.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 29, 2011 12:47 PM CST up reply actions
Ash didn't make a bad read
But, that doesn’t mean that he always made the right one. The play that he got sacked on, he needed to get the ball out quicker. And, there were a few other plays that pop into my mind that he missed.
But, the QB play is probably going to be the most talked about thing coming out of the game. If it was as “solid” all season as it was last night in the second half, we would not have been in the Holiday bowl. So, you like what you see from Ash when it comes to him getting better.
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But, the QB play is probably going to be the most talked about thing coming out of the game.
This is a really interesting comment, from a Cal fan point of view. I didn’t think Ash was that impressive, but it looks like from your POV he was much less of a known quantity compared to the D-line. And having a game-managing QB who doesn’t make many mistakes will be enough to win a lot of games when your D steps up; that’s been the MO for most of Cal’s wins the last two years.
FUTBALL IZ SRS BUSINESS GUYZ // ONLY HAVE FUN WHEN ROZ BWL
--Thoroughbred
Exactly
The D-line was playing lights out the last few games of the season(aside from Baylor), so we knew what we had there.
But, the QB was better than it had been since probably the 4th game of the season against Iowa St. It is encouraging to see some improvement, something that we had not seen in a long time.
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I like Ash’s athleticism but he’s only asked to make a few throws and rarely changes the play at the line. He can throw a bullet — that’s his strength. Touch is not. That rainbow to Irby was in the air for about 6 seconds.
Also he barely faced a pass rush, as Cal was content to play coverage and stop the run.
I’ll take the win and I’m happy for David, but my worries about the QB position next season are not assuaged.
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 Dec 29, 2011 11:41 AM CST up reply actions
Barely faced a pass rush?!
Did you see how bad our OL was in the first half? Ash didn’t have a ton of time, nor a running game on which to lean…
Kevin, email me!
Kevin, can u shoot me an email at eric_benavides32@hotmail.com Thanks! I have a questions about your longhorn memorabilia.
I'm really happy for ASH
As a true freshman he has shown solid improvement and he will have plenty of time in the offseason to start 2012 with experience and confidence.
Now, about that O-Line play. They were killing Malcolm in the backfield before he got the ball. I know we had some major misses on prior recruits, and I’m really glad allowed a JUCO with Hawkins to join us. We also have some talented recruits lined up, so I hope that gets fixed.
Congrats to Ash. He really put a lot of worries to rest and as a TRUE FRESHMAN he did better than good.
We're Texas, We're not OK.
Tipoti and Guyton are both pretty good. Tipoti, the nose tackle, has especially had a strong second half of the season.
FUTBALL IZ SRS BUSINESS GUYZ // ONLY HAVE FUN WHEN ROZ BWL
--Thoroughbred
Tipoti is talented
but he was getting away with lining up in the neutral zone countless times. Also, that juking towards the Oline causing false starts crap shoulda been neutral zone infractions but whatevs.
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
by dukeoforange on Dec 29, 2011 1:17 PM CST up reply actions
McCoy
Great writeup as always, GoBR.
I have to think McCoy transfers in the off-season. To win the biggest game of the year in College Station, only to be benched in the bowl game for the guy you already replaced… I think he senses that he’s not wanted on the roster.
Maybe it’s just me, but I get the impression Mack wishes he hadn’t recruited Case. All these veiled comments we’ve seen this last year about meddling parents on the sidelines in practice and in Mack’s ear to play their kids… I mean, I think we know who he’s talking about, no?
Simplicity is always the secret, to a profound truth, to doing things, to writing, to painting. Life is profound in its simplicity. - Charles Bukowski
I also get the impression that the coaches strongly favor Ash
I’m guessing it’s a combination of attitude and practice success.
I imagine that they’re telling the team that you have to practice well to play, in order to combat the “entitlement” attitude. With that these it’ll be hard to keep McCoy in there.
There have certainly been rumors
about Brad McCoy and his helicopter parenting, but I don’t think that’s why Case wasn’t playing. As for whether he transfers or not, I don’t think that will happen, if it does, until after spring practice since Mack said the job was open.
The biggest problem with Case is probably that he is known to be a guy who doesn’t practice well. Combine that with all the interceptions against Baylor and it’s not that hard to see why Ash was given the first shot against Cal and then he just never made the mistakes to warrant taking him out of the game.
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 29, 2011 11:56 AM CST up reply actions
I agree
And what we’ve seen in games is that there is just a limit to how far Case can throw the ball. Period. We saw it way back at UCLA where a lucky bounce of an underthrown ball turned an INT into a TD.
I think he will go down in Longhorn history for his performance in Aggieland, probably parlay that into free drinks on Sixth Street for life, and hopefully hold a clipboard for two more years.
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 Dec 29, 2011 12:02 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
Case, while I apprecite the effort, cannot physically stretch the field with his arm, and when if comes to rushing I don’t think anyone is comfortable with either how he carries the ball or the idea of him taking a lot of hits compared to the sturdier Ash.
I see the QB decision(s) before, and in, the bowl as
putting the McCoys — both of them — on the spot. Either accept probable backup status for Case going forward, or transfer. If the coaching staff wanted to force the McCoys’ hand on the issue, they certainly did so.
It’s not too late to bring in a veteran backup QB. I don’t think that happens if McCoy tells Mack he’s staying in the program. But if McCoy and Pop indicate a transfer is coming, the staff may be able to bring in a JC or already-graduated D1 quarterback.
Be interesting to watch.
Some Ash thoughts
I was more impressed with the decision making. Pulls the ball down runs for a first down (holding negated). Threw the ball away several times. This was the most intelligent play out of the QB position all yr. He had pressure on him all game. i do disagree on the Davis pass. He was set to throw and was forced to side step a pass rusher, which delayed the throw (still got hit on the throw). He still has a lot of work to do, but if he plays like he did from about the midway pt of the 2nd quarter, Texas is a 10 win team
by codaxx on Dec 29, 2011 12:04 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Absolutely agree ...
What most impressed me was that he got stronger as the game went on. Once he relaxed, he was fine. I think if Davis had caught the early pass … he drives me crazy … then who knows? Maybe Harsin would have opened it up more and earlier? I think Ash can develop into a quality QB. He clearly got the separation last night, and apparently, some confidence, too. Good for him.
I will change my legal name to "I. M. Harsin" if Texas scores on a Statue of Liberty or Hook-and-Ladder vs. OU."
by Distributor of the Football on Dec 29, 2011 12:22 PM CST up reply actions
On receivers who don't catch balls that hit them in the hands...
…why has #1 been a starting receiver this year when he rarely receives?
Well, that’s not putting it quite right—when he refuses to receive—that’s more to the point.
Can anyone explain this phenomenon? Any chance it will persist next year?
by MesquiteHorn on Dec 29, 2011 1:03 PM CST up reply actions
amazing talent and quickness
he just isnt catching balls. might be a moot point when DGB arrives to much fanfare.
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
by dukeoforange on Dec 29, 2011 1:27 PM CST up reply actions
on talent...
OK, I’ve seen that Davis has speed, and sometimes gets decent separation, but wouldn’t “talent” depend on actually catching the ball?
What makes me crazy is he won’t lay out for the ball, go up for the ball, come back for the ball, fight for the ball, keep possession of the ball, or consistently block when he needs to do so. And, he’s one of many who need to spend some serious time in the weight room.
by MesquiteHorn on Dec 29, 2011 1:36 PM CST up reply actions
Agree, and ...
Compare him to Shipley who does all the things he doesn’t. Shipley would have caught both that Davis dropped last night. First pass was a tad high but you go up and get it. I just don’t see the fire and mental toughness in Mike.
I will change my legal name to "I. M. Harsin" if Texas scores on a Statue of Liberty or Hook-and-Ladder vs. OU."
by Distributor of the Football on Dec 29, 2011 2:48 PM CST up reply actions
Agree, but don't think it is a lost cause
Davis looked like the go to receiver early with Gilbert but has never really seemed to mesh with either Ash or McCoy. The spring, summer 7 on 7 and fall practices could be just as big for Davis in terms of developing his relationship and timing with these QB’s as it will be for the QB’s developing individually.
This.
You make a good point about how development will go both ways. That’s one thing that this years offense lacked. With the switching of QB’s almost weekly, it was probably impossible for guys to get comfortable, with the exception of Shipley.
7 on 7’s this year are extremely important. It’s the perfect times for these WR’s and Qb’s to develop chemistry.
Me: "Hunny, how much is our Wedding budget?"
Fiance`"No, You can't have Craig Way call our wedding.."
Me: "Damnit.."
full disclosure: I am a Mike Davis believer (barely)
Let’s be honest he looked pretty damn good with GG lobbing the ball around didnt he? he was catching the ball well enough than wasnt he? he didnt just forget how to catch a football and his speed and quickness didnt just go away forever.
With Davis, I feel like something is affecting him. There have been rumors he has been banged up and that could be affecting him. He is NOT earning his spot right now with his play but he has shown enough to at least have a shot next fall, which is about all we can say for 95% of the entire team huh?
Oh as a side note, dont compare him to Shipley, please please please! Shipley is a gifted freak who has a great Coach of a dad crafting and training him his entire life. He also has an NFL WR brother who was training with him in the spring.
So let’s stay objective and remember that Davis has had 3 different QBs in the last season and an entire new offense as well and let’s just see what happens in the spring practice. Fall cant get here soon enough HOOK’EM BITCHES!!
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
by dukeoforange on Dec 29, 2011 4:56 PM CST up reply actions
davis
He can be great, I do worry that he is not a natural pass catcher. He does everything right up until the ball comes, I can not remember one catch in traffic or him going up and getting the ball. He does not make great adjustments on balls that are off target. I would love to take Davis’s ability and merge it with Shipley’s ball skills.
by codaxx on Dec 29, 2011 10:12 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I was not comparing Davis to Shipley
I was simply saying because Shipley is as good as he is, it didn’t matter what QB was throwing the ball.
I’m not giving up on Davis either. He’s obviously an extremely talented athlete.
Me: "Hunny, how much is our Wedding budget?"
Fiance`"No, You can't have Craig Way call our wedding.."
Me: "Damnit.."
Harsin
Nobody has followed up on your point about playcalling, but i was very frustrated in the first half with the play calling. The wide receiver screen to Goodwin on 3rd and forever had me seeing deja vous and wondering if that is the best he can think of after over 3 weeks to prepare. Is it only long bombs or line throws? Where are the 10 yard passes in the playbook? Fortunately, the real Harsin came out after half time.
by everything horns on Dec 29, 2011 12:31 PM CST reply actions
i dont get the play calling slams
Yes, we has very conservative early. Ash looked very shaky early and I think Harsin was waiting (praying) he settled down. Soon as Ash it a couple of passes the play book was opened up. Multiple reverses, WR threw a TD, and a flea flicker were called ho win the world is that conservative and Greg Davis like? A game is 4Qs, not just the 1Q
It should be the case with any OC,
but it seems like Harsin uses his early play calling to feel out the defense and set up tendencies. From his interviews, it seems like the early plays are gauging reactions for very specific things he can exploit later. Again, that seems like basic football play calling, but it doesn’t always seem to be the case, at least to the extent of the Harsin system.
Things might be different in a few years as this talent matures and we can impose our will on teams early on. The VY and Colt offenses dared you to stop what you knew was coming. The Greg Davis offenses bludgeoned you with talent, a highly effective strategy when you have mature, NFL ready talent. When you don’t have the talent advantage, such as Boise St., you have to be a bit more patient.
The tantalizing thought is what can happen when the early feeling out process is backed up by dominating talent (Brown/Bergeron/Gray/DGB? please?) and superior execution (such as blocking instead of watching your man blow by you).
by bevosbackside on Dec 29, 2011 1:29 PM CST up reply actions
I was happy with the win...but I am still worried about next year.
Let’s be honest, Cal would most likely have trouble beating anybody in the B12-2 save Kansas. It was clear to me that on a position by position basis we were clearly superior at all postions but QB and a reciever position (Allen?).
I think Harsin called a game in which job one was to minimize or eliminate turnovers. It worked and D won the game for us by forcing turnovers and pretty much shutting down the Cal offense. Our offense while hardly spectacular was able to prevail and score three TDs.
This all works against a team of Cal’s capability…but I don’t see it working against the top teams in B12-2. Our offense has to significantly improve and especially at the QB position as well as the O-line if we want to make a run for a 10 win season or the conference championship next year.
Great players make great coaches, but great coaches make champions." DKR circa 1964
true
QB play needs to be consistant the whole game. i am hoping the “good” Ash shows up next yr and this wasnt just a 35 minute teasing. OL is a serious issue. Dom needs to really work on his game. He was abused. He could use some time in the weight room and sizzlers buffet
Right now I don't know that "the good Ash" will ever be good enough. He needs to improve a lot.
To be frank about it, Ash had trouble yesterday executing a dumbed down version of the offense. He missed wide open receivers and had trouble dealing with simple routes.
Hopefully either he or McCoy or Brewer or some else will step in and provide quality QB play next year and into the future. If we want to get back to the top of college football, we’ve got to have a quality QB. I actually don’t care who it is…they are all Horns; hopefully one will mature and lead us to the promised land.
Great players make great coaches, but great coaches make champions." DKR circa 1964
Off topic
But do we root for ND today hoping that Edwards would much rather dawn on the Burnt Orange
if last night helped anything
It was the recruitment of Edwards. Not sure a DL recruit could have watched that game and not got a chubby
Case and Pop McCoy have nothing to cry about here
The coaching decisions all follow a logical process. After GG went out, they gave both a shot. Really a play to play comparison. I wish I was kidding. That was a real shitshow. Anyways, Case bitched out at the end of the RRS, and was decisively second string. Ash screwed it up against Mizz and KSU, so Case started and won against Aggie. Then he looked like a wreck against Baylor, and was subsequently benched in The Bowl. He also apparently looks average at best in practice as well. Everything follows a just and logical progression, so it looks like he has two decisions:
1) Man up, hit the weights, get better, and try to win the job.
2) Take your chances somewhere else.
I like him and hope he chooses option one. Him being in the program just gives it a little more character. If he opts out though, it’s on him; he’s had every chance to make the position his own, and still has every chance.
by Tackchevy on Dec 29, 2011 1:19 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
+1
Yes, Case can’t complain that he hasn’t had a chance — actually multiple chances — and he can’t ask for anything more than a fair shot in the spring. In the meantime, work and prove in practice and at game time that the arm and the decisions are better. He looked to me to go out of his way to support Ash during the game, so I hope this is the attitude he will adopt in the offseason.
recruiting
So the only other for sure recruit we could get is daje Johnson from tcu? That will be enough for a great class. If we get DGB, Mario Edwards, or landing Collins that will put us over the top.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the contributions from the TE's in the passing game
Off the top of my head, Irby had the long catch and run on the misdirection, and Grant had a big catch for a first down, a screen that he turned into a 19 yard gain, and another catch on 3rd down that was just inches from being a first down (Ash QB sneak picked up the 1st down).
Nice to see this production from the position. DJ Grant still has the potential to be a huge security blanket for our young QB’s.
Good call on the TE love
I think it has been so long since any TE did anything of note most have forgotten that they are out there. As a group, the TE’s performed solidly and added a very missing dimension to the still budding offense.
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
by dukeoforange on Dec 29, 2011 5:04 PM CST up reply actions
Ash
Ash didn’t boggle my mind last night, but he did some good things within the limited offense the Horns were playing. I wouldn’t say the quarterback problems are solved, but the position looks to be in better shape than it did coming out of the Baylor game. It’s easy to forget that Ash is a true freshman who at this time last year was still at Belton High School. I’m looking forward to spring practice to see how much more polished he looks. One thing I liked about last night…whatever problems Ash had throughout the season, his confidence isn’t shot, and maybe that says as much about his offensive coordinator as it does him.
Speaking of Harsin, I’m betting the offense, and his play-calling, are a lot smoother next year, now that the team’s had a full season with him, and Harsin will have a full off-season to work in some more offensive wrinkles.
The O-line had some problems last night, but nothing that can’t be fixed in the strength and conditioning program and spring training. Some added depth next fall will make the O-line even better. That being said, there was no comparison between this year’s o-line and the sieve that was last year’s.
Reference the defense…PAY MANNY whatever it takes to keep him around for a while…otherwise, concerning the players, keep on doing what you’re doing. It worked fine last night.
Beating Cal in the Holiday Bowl doesn’t compare to making it to a BCS bowl, but it doesn’t suck, and it sure beats sitting at home with a 5-7 record. This team made some serious strides this season, and never quit on the coaches. That’s progress.
"I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead." (Jimmy Buffett)
The best thing to be said about Ash's performance
last night is that he didn’t do anything stupid with the ball. He made a conscious effort to dump it out of bounds when he wasn’t comfortable with how the play had developed (ok, once he didn’t get past the tackle and was called for grounding) and I think that is improvement. But the actual throwing needs work, a lot of work. I cringed at the longer balls, wondering, oh god, how many people are going to be jumping up at this thing once it comes back down. On the big plays our receivers had to stop and wait for about two seconds for the ball to arrive, but luckily they were wide open, and a couple of touchdowns were lost from underthrown balls.
The defense overwhelmed Cal and won us this game. Most apparent when Cal took a punt from our end zone and started a drive at our 27. First we stopped them cold, then profited from a dumb 15 yard penalty, then turned on the heat when we knew they had a lot of yards to make up, and wound up stripping the ball, leaving us in great field position.
The offensive line had their problems, but maybe not too surprising since Cal was well prepared to stop the run game. I agree, I hope we get some depth next year and watch these guys get stronger and more savvy by next season.
Also agree we got better as we went along, and they didn’t quit. Not too bad for such a young bunch.
Another off topic subject
But can someone explain why they are not using Goodwin on kick/punt returns. After Fozzy went down, I figured that Goodwin was next in line for those touches. The guy has world class speed. Surely the coaching staff could find another way to use him besides jet sweeps and receiving.
Dude,
you could ask the same question about:
Hales and Monroe too.
It seems like Diggs has at least one of those spots down for the next 3 years.
I mean we have a TON of guys who can return kicks and punts.
I think the allure of Goodwin’s Olympic calibur athleticism is too much for the coaches to ignore and he will continue to be placed on those special teams.
I understand the question though. Goodwin’s track speed doesn’t always translate on the field.
by Hippie Killer on Dec 29, 2011 4:31 PM CST up reply actions
Ability to reliably catch the ball
Great players make great coaches, but great coaches make champions." DKR circa 1964
Another off topic, kinda, subject
How much effect will WVU and TCU have on the Big 12 next year? How competitive will they really be?
I feel that the net between TCU/WVU and Mizzou/A&M is about even
With a possible advantage to TCU/WVU
8-5 - Which Path Better?
Just finished watching the Champs Bowl. We saw two 8-4 teams, both solid programs, play. The Holiday Bowl saw two 7-5 teams, both solid programs, play. After both games two teams finished 8-5. All things being equal, no regard for prior season rebuilding or current season collapse, and all four teams from BCS conferences (or ND AQ status), and positing that the 8-4 teams are in a “better bowl” against better competition than the 7-5 teams (however marginally) – with all of those presumptions, assumptions, conditions – which path to 8-5 would you rather take: have a better regular season, go to a better bowl and then lose to a better team there? Or have a worse regular season, go to a worse bowl and beat a worse team there?
Obviously a non-objective result to be had, more about psyche, sense of accomplishment, impact on future team aspirations however nominal it may be, a just for fun question to speculate nonsensically on.
by RMHorn on Dec 29, 2011 8:15 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Great post
Been scrambling with work and travel and haven’t had a chance to sit down and write anything yet. Great stuff Big Roy — thanks for the excellent break down.
76-37-5. Now GTFO.
Analysis after re-watching the game
Starting with the highlight…Defense. Wow, really rebounded after the Baylor debacle. I will forgive the D for Baylor because the 2nd half was horrid and our D was really pushed to the brink against a much better offensive team. I like where we are headed. Hicks really stepped up and Cobbs shined when in. I think Hicks, Cobbs, and Edmond will be the best LB corp in the big 12 next year.
Our CBs are going to be the best tandem in the country next year…bank on it. After OU, they really came into their own and have only become great. As for our safeties, Kenny V coming back is huge. Now we will be loaded back there. Phillips, Evans, and Thompson can easily handle the FS and dual safety positions when in nickel. Phillips had an amazing night and will only get better.
Our DL is going to be nasty and deep. JJ really turned it on lately and will have plenty of time to fully heal. Whaley has stepped up in a great way (Melton 2.0 but faster). MB2 coming in will solidify our depth. Our DL will be 2 deep and very good next year.
Diaz has exceeded expectations and really deserves to be paid for it. I think this D is top 3 in the country next year and easily best in the Big 12.
On offense I am a little more reserved but some things stood out last night. Despite Harsin being very conservative in the first half, when he just let Ash loose a little I saw something from Ash I haven’t seen this year. He really took control of his play and managed the game well. He didn’t make freshman mistakes and turn the ball over. Hopefully with a full offseason of individual and mechanics work, he will progress to a good QB (not great but good). This should allow for Brewer to RS and get used to the speed of the game. I think Brewer will be special if developed correctly.
Davis really has disappointed this season. Sophmore slump? I hope so but he will be a big question mark until proven otherwise. Shipley will be back to full speed and great once again. I really like how multiple he is as well. Harris coming back will be HUGE and not many people are talking about that. He is a big body that can catch and is a great blocker. We have missed him a lot this year. I think Cayleb will make an immediate impact. He is a great WR and just has amazing natural ability. Good speed and will go get the ball. I’m excited to see how he fits in. IF we get DGB, then our WR corp is going to be unstoppable.
Our OL has come together and will only get better next season. I truly hope Espinosa develops because he has great potential. If not, Flowers may slide inside to center. Walters moving inside to guard is natural for him and will benefit us greatly. Cochran has NFL potential and watch for him to excel next year with a full off season of development. Estelle should RS but we will see. Very raw and needs Searels to coach him up but will be a great one on the 40. Hughes is the same way. Hawkins is a crucial commit and will solidify at RT (excited!).
RB is going to be out of this world. With a healthy MB and JB splitting carries, hopefully injuries will go away. Those two guys are both future NFLers if they continue to develop. They didn’t look healthy last night at all but when healthy, they are beasts. Really excited about our downhill running attack with a solid OL. Add Gray and you are looking at the best backfield in the nation folks. Gray is multiple and fast along with his ability to be elusive. Gray is a sturdy version of Fozzy with great vision. I can see Gray getting all of the Wildhorn snaps and also some traditional snaps. 2012 backfield will be a nightmare for DCs.
TE development is a dire need. Grant finally looked like he picked up his game which has me excited. McFarland coming in will be a blessing. He has the ability to block and is a great catching TE. Remember when the coaches were talking about how excited they were about the ability he showed in the spring and summer? Yeah, that RS was only because we had so many TEs already. He will be great next season. 2013 will be critical to build that TE depth though.
Harsin has done a pretty fair job with what he has had to work with. Do I think he was a little overwhelmed with the level of play in the Big 12…yes. However, now he has his feet wet and knows what it takes in this league. He will also have more depth to really get his offense installed and MUCH more time to further develop what he really wants to do. I think he will be better next year. Major is our OC in training and I’m glad he is learning an advanced style system.
2012 will be exciting. The returning talent plus the incoming talent will really make it an easier job for our staff. Wylie will continue to build conditioned monsters as usual. 2012 looks good gents! I think at the least, we will be eyeing a BCS bowl win. OSU will be down, Tech just lost their DC and their O will be the same as usual, OU will be down and I don’t think Jones will want to face a secondary or DL like we will have (if he comes back). KState was easily beatable with QB play we had last night. Piss on Mizzou and their crappy field but hey they are gone! TCU is very vulnerable. WVU is just like OSU and will be in our house. ISU will be tough but beatable with our D. Kansas (meh). Baylor without RG3 is average and their backup QB did good against Tech but it was Tech’s D. I like our chances to win the conference next year in all honesty. Here’s to landing Edwards and DGB! Hook ’Em!
Excellent write up, STLaw, and well thought out
I particularly agree with you statement on Harsin. After thinking about it, however, another year of experience for our COACHES should be evident on the field next year as well. Really, this can’t be over emphasized.
As far as our defense, there is no other way to put it – it will be scary sick!
David Ash may never be great, but he doesn’t need to be – he just needs to be error free and be able to make a critical pass now and again. Our running game will be other worldly! Nobody is going to believe that we will have three running backs, like we will have, on the same team.
Gray is a once in a life time back and the other two will feed off that and set records themselves. This will carry over to our OL, which will have another year of experience and weight lifting and it will be salty as well.
So you are right – next year is going to be a bitch – even without DGB or Edwards and with them – omg!
by Longhorn Doc on Dec 29, 2011 9:57 PM CST up reply actions
Also, which we both forgot about, the two JUCO additions will make a large impact as well.
by Longhorn Doc on Dec 30, 2011 9:55 AM CST up reply actions
I mentioned Hughes
He is the JUCO commit that I think has the biggest impact next year. He will solidify RT while Cochran will be even more dominant at LT. Walters moving inside will be huge.
Really?
There has been post after post on this site as why the BCS title game will be boring. Other than being a fan, why would anyone want to watch UT-Cal again?
"Excuse me while I whip this out."
by FreedomDip on Dec 29, 2011 11:09 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
What are you talking about?
You do realize I was talking about 2012 and how things will be better??? As in “better offense”. If you don’t like real analysis then don’t read it. Some of us prefer to be more than a casual fan. I re-watch every game. Comparing this game to LSU-Bama isn’t even close. That game had no exciting plays at all…none.
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