Texas Co-OC Bryan Harsin Owns Early-Game Playcalling Mistakes
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 30, 2011 10:07 AM CST
in Texas Longhorns Football
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PrintWhile many Texas fans were sitting in their living rooms or in their favorite sports bar yelling for Case McCoy to replace David Ash early in the game against Cal, the real issues in the early going stemmed from the inability of the offensive line to give Ash time to throw from a clean pocket and Mike Davis dropping passes.
Oh yeah, and the fact that the Golden Bears were daring the Longhorns to run into a box stacked with defenders. And co-offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin was obliging in his first bowl at Texas.
Watching a coordinator bang his head against the wall repeatedly and expecting something good to happen isn't exactly heartening, but Harsin at least owned his mistakes after the game:
Part of that is my fault. I needed to look to the outside more on some sweeps and probably pass earlier in the game on first and second down.
They were putting eight and nine guys in the box and I was still trying to run the ball. I should have switched the game plan earlier than I did. I think that had a lot to do with our struggles running the ball.
Just as importantly, Harsin made the necessary adjustments during the game, as Ash connected with Jaxon Shipley on first down on a possession midway through the second quarter, then hit Blaine Irby for 30 yards after another running play failed. After Ash caught the touchdown pass from Shipley on the reverse pass, the young quarterback seemed to settle down on the pressure by the Cal front seemed to subside somewhat as the Longhorns demonstrated that the defense would be punished for completely selling out against the run.
With the benefit of hindsight, the start of the game somewhat resembled Greg Davis going into a shell against Alabama after Colt McCoy went down with his injury. In an effort to protect his young quarterback, Davis tried to run the ball against a defense not only didn't respect the pass, but is essentially designed to always stop the run on first and second down. Instead of protecting Garrett Gilbert, Davis ended up making things worse by putting him in third-and-long situations that were obvious passing downs. When Davis finally did dial up a successful play, Gilbert overthrew an open Jordan Shipley.
Attempting to protect Ash was certainly understandable given his struggles with decision-making that have resulted in numerous interceptions, but it's also the case that jittery quarterbacks need some success to settle down in high-pressure environments and Harsin wasn't able to manufacture those opportunities for success early in the game, especially since Mike Davis decided that he wasn't particularly interested in catching passes in his vicinity. So when Ash had an open Jaxon Shipley down the sideline on a scramble, he wasn't in rhythm and missed the throw.
Eerily similar, eh?
Fortunately for the Longhorns and a fanbase on the verge of a collective heart attack, Harsin helped manufacture the scoring drive, and on the following possession a screen to DJ Grant and a swing pass to DJ Monroe helped build on the momentum established earlier, but a holding penalty negated a first down and killed the drive.
Still, when Texas got the ball in the third quarter following a long Cal touchdown drive, the defense was softened enough to allow two runs before Ash used the rhythm he established in the first half to hit Marquise Goodwin nearly perfectly in stride.
So while Harsin may have been slow to get it right in the game -- which could have been a much more serious mistake were the Texas defense not such a strong unit -- when it did matter within the specific context of the game, he made a lot of the right decisions and he was rewarded by Ash protecting the football.
In the end, it was a learning experience for both, but one that should benefit the team heading into the offseason.
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Taking responsibility=Great Leadership
LOVE IT!
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
I'm glad he owned up to it
makes my headache from banging my own head against the wall more worth it.
I wasn't calling for Case to play,,
but I was dang sure scouring the sidelines and press box looking for GDGD. The first half was an ulcer activator and anxiety inducer, for certain. Thank all of the Gods that Harsin took a deep breath, cleared his head, and started doing what Harsin does best.
If a man is alone in the woods and he speaks, if no one hears him,,is he still wrong?
He manned up - which a serious +1, in my opinion
I have been getting blasted on another blog for stating that Harsin and AppleWhite are responsible for the embarrassing showing of the first half. His admission sorta justifies my opinion.
Not withstanding the players, I don’t think it is an overstatement to say this year has, also, been a learning experience for our COACHES as well. The importance of this can’t be overemphasized.
Furthermore, I think HarsinWhite, had the most difficult job of game preparation of any of the Longhorns coaches. They had the least amount of experience and talent and THEN were crippled by devastating injuries to their primary skill players.
I have hopes for Ash going into next year, but I understand that we just went through a spring practice, fall practice, 12 games and a bowl game and it might be a little pre-mature to pin my hopes on the second half performance of the last game for Ash.
Wrong on both counts
What you’re taking heat for on the other blog are statements like these:
Harsin is in SERIOUS question as our OC!and
I give both Applewhite and Harsin a grade of F in this game!
Nowhere in any of your posts did you give either Harsin or Applewhite any credit for adjustments that they made through the game, and nothing about Harsin’s comments justifies your giving both coaches a post-game F (with an exclamation mark no less).
Even in the hyperbolic world of Internet blogs, there is a large and bulbous difference between “I wish Harsin had made adjustments earlier in the game but I’m glad he made them” and “These guys have been EXPOSED and both get an F!”
by tx2step on Dec 30, 2011 12:08 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I will take responsibility for hyperbolic remarks
And I will back off Harsin as being in serious question – particularly in light of his heroic admission. This impresses me.
My comment, in the other blog, was primarily directed at the first half, which was a complete failure in the offense. It’s true that adjustments were made in the second half that somewhat mitigated the first half’s dismal performance. My not mentioning this was wrong on my part.
Look, it it ridiculous to complain about a game that we won, but if we are going to hand out grades to players then we should not exclude coaches either. I will also back of the grading of the coaches for the whole game, however and In my opinion, HarsinWhite should get a grade of F for the first half and no better than a B for the second.
For myself – Harsin vindicated my frustration with the first half and I will give myself a B for my opinion there. For the second half, I deserve an F.
Sometimes the old saw “There is no fool like an old fool” has elements of truth in it.
by Longhorn Doc on Dec 30, 2011 12:35 PM CST up reply actions
Prolly means nothing coming from me
but well played Doc. Most of us say things from time to time that in hindsight can be off base but it takes a mature adult to admit it. Lord knows I do it too, just look up some of the things I have said about Gideon and GDGD. It is always nice to have passionate fans who are willing to admit as much when they are a bit too ‘passionate’.
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
by dukeoforange on Dec 30, 2011 2:10 PM CST up reply actions
no problem
With Harsin going conserative early. QB making first bowl start and score never dictated a move to open it up. I am sure if Cal scored on opening 2 drives Harsin would have reacted. Last thing you want to do is put the fate of the team on a jittery QB. If it was Colt behind center than it is another story
by codaxx on Dec 30, 2011 2:16 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
You Are Excused
Hey that was tough to watch – I think all passionate Longhorn fans were entitle to 3 hyperboles and 2 sarcastic remarks.
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
It happens especially with a passionate subculture of a fanbase
I for one didn’t go that extreme on Harsin or Applewhite but I was not happy in the first half at all. There were times I thought to myself that if adjustments aren’t made soon, something needs to be looked at.
Do I think Harsin earned his salary? Maybe but it really depends more on next year and how everything progresses. I try to give at least 2 years. However, I stand by the fact that I DID call for Diaz to get a large raise regardless. He has done nothing but impress me.
I appreciate Doc owning up to his statements. No big deal, passion gets the best of everyone at some point in time.
make no mistake
I literally turned to my wife and said (at halftime) the first quarter and a half was an abomination. I was pissed at some of the 3rd and forever plays that were being called, ie WR/bubble screens. At no point did I want a new OC but I was wondering if McCoy would be coming in the 2nd quarter, and when he didnt, the second half. I wasnt calling for him but I had thought that the game plan was to rotate them throughout the game. In the end, I feel slightly more positive about Ash and look forward to what he can do to improve for next fall. Bring on the 2012 football season!!
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
by dukeoforange on Dec 30, 2011 2:31 PM CST up reply actions
Coach Etch made a comment that has stuck in my mind
He said that a lot of us are condemning Ash by assuming he is static and will always be an inexperienced freshman. He has a point!
Obviously, he will get more weight training and QB reps, not to mention this summers 7 on 7 experience. He has to improve.
It will stun me if Ash could ever be considered “great” in his career, but I would not be surpised if he wound up being the equivalent of McElroy at Alabama – who in his right mind would not take that?
By-the-way, was it just me or did Ash not look particulary fast? Especially with that DE running him down from behind?
by Longhorn Doc on Dec 30, 2011 3:01 PM CST up reply actions
agree with ya
I believe Ash was thinking alot and not playing as instinctively as we would like in our QBs (imagine that, he’s a freshman, hah). Seemed like he had a list of things to remember to do, ie look downfield while scrambling, dont hold the ball too long, dont force the throw, yada yada. Again, cant wait to see/hear/read about all the improvement that WILL DEFINATELY be made. Color me excited.
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
by dukeoforange on Dec 30, 2011 3:10 PM CST up reply actions
Ash
this is radical, but please be open it this idea
Ash week 3-11 < Ash after 15 bowls practices
Ash after spring ball > Ash after 15 bowl practices
Ash after summer camp > Ash after spring ball
Ash Is a Box of Chocolates
It is obviously too early to write the kid off – but equally absurd to assume that he will be a good QB next year just because he has a year of experience. My concern is that he really wasn’t good when compared to most freshman QBs. That kid at tOSU really showed promise – was inconsistent – but you can see the talent. Ditto when Darnel and Tate Forcier were at Mich.
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
Ash is a Box of Chocolates
I have nothing to add to that, I just thought it was such an incredible sentence that it needed to be repeated.
by BrooklynHorn on Dec 30, 2011 7:47 PM CST up reply actions
We had a lot of instability all year offensively
especially with the GG, Trey Allen and Paden Kelley experiements and during the time when all the RB’s were hurt. Plus a new scheme with all new coaches including the QB coach. It would have been very difficult to excel in that environment.
You could see Ash build confidence in the second half of the game. Ash is a gamer and not about to go without a fight. Get him some help and I could see him 20 TD/10 INT next year. 20/5 and we’re in a BCS bowl.
"One player was lost because he broke his nose. How do you go about getting a nose in condition for football?" -- Darrell K Royal, when asked if the abnormal number of Longhorn injuries that season resulted from poor physical conditioning
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Dec 31, 2011 10:51 AM CST up reply actions
How many of those freshman QB's
Played behind a (mostly) freshman OL, with WR’s who either couldn’t catch the football (White, and sadly, Davis) or who were also freshman? How many had their top THREE RB’s out due to injury? How many were fourth on the depth chart at the beginning of the season? How many were playing for a brand new Offensive staff? Finally, how many had to split snaps with another QB during games?
I don’t pretend to know if Ash will ever be an “elite” QB, and I don’t mean to imply that he is blameless for the struggles on offense this year. He will have to improve if wants to be the starter.
That said, comparing him to other freshman QB’s strikes me as an oversimplification.
I thought he showed real improvement in several areas against Cal; in terms of confidence, not forcing the football into traffic, not constantly overthrowing the deep ball, not holding onto it too long, etc.
A year with Harsin and leading the summer workouts could certainly help him develop into a respectable QB, and who knows, he may well develop into something more.
Bottom line, I don’t think there’s a position on offense that doesn’t need improvement and development. But I feel optimistic heading into 2012!
The hardest part is waiting a whole year for football again.
Happy New Year and Hook ’Em!!!
by BurntOrangeForever on Dec 31, 2011 8:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Steps forward don't always happen without steps backward
And sometimes there are even more backwards ones than forward. But even if they’re all forward, they’re not necessarily going to be at a decent pace. In other words, projections like that are optimistic at best.
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
by burntorangehorn on Dec 30, 2011 11:23 PM CST up reply actions
Rewatchimg the game
The one thing that stuck out is Goodwin needs time on the football field. His field awareness is pretty poor. Completely understandable given his track responsibilities. He had 2 long balls that should have been positive plays, but turned into incomplete passes. The first he ran out of bounds to avoid contact, only to make an illegal catch. That should have been PI at the least, because DB did not spot the ball. Second one would have been a 99 TD if Ash got it to him in stride, but 50 yd touch passes rarely hit players in-stride at any level. He caught the ball, but his back foot stepped out. You can not step out on a ball that in the field play. I think it a correctable issue with reps. I hope he focuses on football this spring
I think that's probably true about Goodwin, but the blame is mostly with Ash on both plays
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
by burntorangehorn on Dec 31, 2011 11:47 AM CST up reply actions
that is not pt
Neither pass was great. QB was off a bit, but both passes were passes the wr could make a play on. I saw 3 such plays if I add in the 2nd pass to Davis. The first would have been spectacular. 3 plays that have been typical of Texas offense for 2 yrs. QB is off target, but a catchable ball. WR makes no play on it. Places like OU they make those plays 60% of the time. We should be making those at 50% of the time.
I have to admit, I am guilty for wanting to see Case come in after the 3rd rep.
I figured maybe we would see different results.
He actually used the term, "My fault." Not, "Mistakes were made."
Or any number of other ways to avoid personal scrutiny. Shows he takes his performance seriously. Makes me happy.
I never wanted to see McCoy, but if Harsin was going to be stubborn with the run, I would have like to see him fire CoJo right at them starting with the first possession just to wear them out/ soften the target/ attrit the enemy.
It was clear that Cal did not enjoy trying to tackle Cody. Who does?
Anyway, can’t wait to see how Ash does with more attention from the coaching staff.
One of my biggest beefs with early playcalling:
From what I’d heard and read prior to the game, Cal was supposed to be stronger up front but susceptible to runs on the perimeter where their ends and outside LB’s struggled. So, I was hoping to see a good dose of outside runs and jet sweeps with Monroe and Goodwin. I at least wanted those guys in motion with fake sweeps to see how the defense reacted and to account for that player. It sounds like Harsin said as much in this interview, though. Good on him. I think this season will help a lot in going forward as he learns his personnel, develops a good working relationship with Major, and starts getting more players that fit his style.
Agreed
Based on everything I read leading into the game, I was expecting an early dose of jet sweeps and then maybe some fake jet sweeps to create indecision on the part of the defenders. Instead, Harsin seemed to opt for slow developing plays that allowed immediate penetration, especially by the nose tackle.
Not to take away from a very good read buttt....
Is it just me, or in that picture, does Justin Tucker look like an old man?
Me: "Hunny, how much is our Wedding budget?"
Fiance`"No, You can't have Craig Way call our wedding.."
Me: "Damnit.."
Tucker
is totally getting his creepy old man on there. He’s going to be well prepared.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 30, 2011 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
not a single wildcat play either
interesting that with the extra practice, we couldn’t find a fozzy. with the way he throws, seems like shipley would be a good candidate.
I still can't believe Fred Akers went for the tie...
My take
is that it was because both were hurt, so it wasn’t worth and I guess the coaching staff didn’t want to circle back on the CoJo Wildcat that they used a bit in the Kansas State game. Probably both good decisions. Should help the redzone offense next season to have J-Gray in the Wildcat.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 30, 2011 2:23 PM CST up reply actions
I've lusted for M. Thompson to run the Wildhorn.
One more thing in my life I’ve lusted after but didn’t get.
Someone threw out the idea of Ship running it
which intrigued me greatly. He has enough of an arm to make the throw over the top but still has the quickness and excellent decision making to lead the Wildcat. I wonder if they are concerned about the hits though.
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
by dukeoforange on Dec 30, 2011 3:12 PM CST up reply actions
Early in the season
Shipley had a Wildcat package. Got dropped for whatever reason, probably because of the injury. Wouldn’t be surprised to see it again next season — another package for which a defense has to prepare.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 30, 2011 4:23 PM CST up reply actions
or Overstreet
There’s a small chance of this happening but if Case leaves then one of the freshman QB’s will have to play. I could see Overstreet running a wildcat package.
The thing is we have to get back to redshirting freshmen, especially QB’s, so hopefully Overstreet and Brewer both ride the bench next year unless Brewer is just that good as a true freshman.
"One player was lost because he broke his nose. How do you go about getting a nose in condition for football?" -- Darrell K Royal, when asked if the abnormal number of Longhorn injuries that season resulted from poor physical conditioning
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Dec 31, 2011 10:40 AM CST up reply actions
Off Season Adjustments
What would be the harm in letting Harsin and Applewhite switch as position coaches in the off season? If Applewhite could prepare our QB’s like he prepared our running backs this year, we’ll be playing on New Year’s day.
Not a bad idea - especially since Major was a QB himself
However, it has been my experience that the play calling coach was the one that worked with the players that did the play calling, i.e – QB’s
by Longhorn Doc on Dec 30, 2011 5:26 PM CST up reply actions
Harsin was a QB too.
But I agree. Its Harsin’s scheme — he’s the right person to teach the field general how to command it.
Not to open a can of worms but, Harsin had to know that Cal was strong on inside run D and would have 8 in the box....
Wouldn’t you think he should have planned for that, rather than what we tried ?
I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize
by MeatchickenHorn on Dec 30, 2011 7:41 PM CST reply actions
not only did harsin own up to the play calling he actually made in half adjustments.i still do not think greg davis knows that this was an option.the problem i had with the game plan which looked alot like greg davis called games is when a defense is fixated on stopping the run at all costs throwing passes at or behind the line of scrimmage just plays into the strengths of the defense.if the receiver makes his man miss there are still 10 more to make the tackle.harsin has to do a better job of running the defense off the line of scrimmage by passing downfield.this does not mean just step back and heave the ball 40 yards but run one receiver deep ,run another receiver 12-15 yards on the same side of the field,run another receiver on a crossing route,and have a running back run a check down route or wheel route.these types of routes force the safeties off the line of scrimmage while also forcing the linebackers to cover the crossing route and the running back.defensive coaches are all scared of getting beat deep they would rather make the offense run 10 plays and hope for a bad play by the offense then to give up alot of yards in one play.even a deep incomplete pass early in games will help the running game by moving the safeties back.if you do these things early it also makes the short throws more effective because there are less defenders near the ball.
In defense of "Harsin-White"
Given a relatively inexperienced and perhaps insecure QB, somehwat prone to turn-overs, I believe Harsin-White expected to be able to run on Cal, with a reportedly healthy Brown and Bergeron, even if Cal “stacked the box.” Whether due to lingering injury, the O-line, or Cal’s defense, Brown was unimpressive, and I don’t remember seeing Bergeron at all (maybe one play?). I though Cody Johnson should have been used more, too. To some extent, Mack has expressed the desire to go back to a hard-nosed, cloud-of-dust, power running game where you are able to gain 3 or 4 yeards or more even when they know you are going to run. If Malcolm Brown and the O-line had delivered, Harsin would not have to be apologizing. We would have beaten Cal by 30.
"Only angry people win football games." --DKR
Ash is going to be a strong QB soon
He was an 18/19 year old kid out there in front of 60, 70, or even up to 100,000 people at times in Austin. You people are rediculouse! Give the kid a break and let him grow and learn! I think you are still forgetting about V. YOUNG!!! How long did it take him to learn the college game? He is one of the greatest to ever play QB in college and he was boooooed off the field as a RED SHIRT SOPHMORE for not being able to throw. Ash has ten times the ability to throw as a TRUE FROH than V. YOUNG ever did as a RED SHIRTED SOPHMORE!!! Just be paitent and wait till next year. Even COLT McCOY struggled as a RED SHIRT FROSH. He even had a year to sit and learn, and had a great recieving core along with strong OL to help him. ASH’s help is other true FROSH and SOPHMORES out with him. He’ll be fine!!!
OU about to see serious problems with team!
Those good ole’ family realtives that are OU fans and TAM fans can give you some good Info every now and then! It sounds like OU is in for some serious set backs for next season! Stoops is losing a number of seniors but also had to kick off a number of underclassmen just before there bowl game. They wern’t going to class and skiping practices. 3 to 4 of them were DL, 2 WR’s, some RB’s and more to come from other positions. According to OU fans, its going to be a house cleaning for them and could be a lot of players they were expecting to have start for OU next season. I’ve never seen these OU fans concerned like this before! Few even said it could be the type of house cleaning that takes years to come back from. Recruits have even stated that they saw and heard very negative things coming from OU players.
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