Garrett Gilbert Named Texas Starting Quarterback
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 29, 2011 2:53 PM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Football
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PrintIn his Rice game week press conference on Monday morning, Texas head coach Mack Brown named junior quarterback Garrett Gilbert the starter following a competition that last throughout the spring and summer and into the fall. Well, Gilbert would walk out onto the field with the first-team offense were the Rice game held on Monday -- Brown made it clear before and during the press conference that the depth chart is extremely fluid and subject to change.
That may not change the fact that Gilbert is almost assured of being the starter come Saturday barring injury or a complete meltdown during game week preparation. It was an unsurprising but somewhat anticlimactic announcement -- after so much speculation and so much spilled ink over the competition, Gilbert has seemingly had the job locked down since the second scrimmage, when he took control of first-team reps simply by not making mistakes and mostly handing the ball off to a group of running backs that collectively dominated the action.
And therein lies the issue for many fans decidedly non-plussed by Gilbert returning to the starting role he occupied last season -- the perception is that Gilbert didn't necessarily win the job, he just managed not to lose it. When asked why Gilbert won the job, Brown cited his experience and leadership abilities, then concluded simply that "he's older." Sounds like after months of competition, the only thing that separated Gilbert from the rest was game reps.
Not consistently making better decisions or having a better arm. Not because the team rallied around him. After charting every situation, every throw, after all the scrutiny, Gilbert won the job because he's simply older.
Co-offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin had a slightly different take, saying that Gilbert earned the job by outperforming the other quarterbacks after a demotion following his disastrous two-interception performance in the fall's first scrimmage. More effusive praise, especially after Brown hardly gave Gilbert a ringing endorsement earlier in the day.
So, for better or worse, Gilbert's the guy. For now, at least, as it remains to be determined how many mistakes Gilbert can make before getting pulled in favor of back-up Case McCoy or true freshman David Ash. At times, Gilbert has looked like a quarterback thinking too much out on the field and playing to avoid mistakes won't help his performance. He'll need to play with confidence to keep the job and strike that delicate balance between taking calculated risks and cutting down on the interceptions that helped derail the 20120 season.
Outside of the program -- and likely inside the program as well -- no one knows if Gilbert really has turned the corner in the last several weeks. What is clear is that the next several weeks will mark the most crucial period of Garrett Gilbet's Texas career.
Can he approach the level of play expected of him when he was anointed as the "Next Great Texas Quarterback" out of high school? Can he simply be serviceable? Or will he continue to be the mistake-prone quarterback he has been in live action since he replaced Colt McCoy against Alabama?
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Worry that could make things worse for him.
His mental toughness has not been a strength for him so far.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 29, 2011 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions
No downside
If he isn’t mentally tough enough – he just cannot be the QB. May as find out by putting as much pressure on him as possible early. If he survives great – if his confidence is rattled – he didn’t have enough anyway.
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
It's not that simple.
Case in point – VY. The dude was nails under pressure in a game, but couldn’t handle criticism/lack of support among fans/coaches.
Point being, that all pressures are not created equally. Just because Gilbert’s performance might suffer from constantly looking over his shoulder, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he will also struggle in “crunch time”. They are two different things entirely.
GG already struggles in crunch time.
More importantly, if his mettle needs to be tested, why not test it both ways?
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 29, 2011 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep. He did.
And GD didn’t adjust the plays and UT’s personnel to help Gilbert make plays.
Davis took the Colt & Vince approach — Do this if you can, and that if you can’t. And if nothing else works, just make the play yourself. Nice. If you have a veteran, headed-for-the-NFL QB.
I hope GG has learned not to carry the football like a loaf of bread in the pocket
I was always worried about him fumbling anytime pressure was put on him in the pocket.
short lease
i’m sure GG is on a short leash and we’ll know by the end of the Rice game whether GG is for real or not.
I have no confidence in GG but I DO have confidence in Majorsin that they will scheme GG to have him succeed. Our Running game is so vital to the success of our QB’s… if we can’t run it against Rice… we are in big trouble
Then maybe we shouldn't capitalize it just yet, don't you know.
Shades of Super Bill circa 1968. There weren’t even this depth of questions about him, although a knee injury had slowed his cutting ability and as a passer his hands ‘were just too small.’ He made it through the opener versus cougar high but fumble woes in a loss against Tech led to a new guy, an inexperienced guy who no one knew: James Street.
The nut on this is that players of reputation have to be handled somewhat more delicately, not just for them but for the team and institution that put them on such a pedestal. But when they gotta go, they gotta go…and that won’t be particularly pleasant.
I bet you don't see GG
as a stud DB like Super Bill.
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 29, 2011 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
The "System Thing"
…certainly affected Bradley. He came out of Palestine as more of an “I formation classic passer” (remember the ambidextrous hype?) and got asked to adapt to a new “system”, the wishbone, for which he didn’t have the requisite skills. There has been plenty of talk here and elsewhere about GG’s being a “system guy” out of high school, but I think the jury is still out on that…we had too many other “holes” last year. I agree with Paleface’s post below that he definitely won’t switch to DB!!
TE?
Can’t even really see that. Can he punt?
Bill was a team player and accepted the “demotion” admirably. from what I’ve read.
Bradley recorded a Texas single-game record of four interceptions in the Longhorns’ 35-14 win over Texas A&M as a senior, a mark that still stands as the best-ever by a Southwest Conference performer. He played in the 1969 Hula Bowl, the Coaches All-America Game and the College All-Star Game. Bradley earned UT’s 1968 D.H. Byrd Leadership Award.
Talk about handling pressure.
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 29, 2011 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Bradley did take it well
He scored as a WR in his first game at that position, just a week or two after he was replaced by Street. At that point, he was still the backup QB.
He only moved to safety about the fifth, sixth game of the season. Edd Hargett (A&M QB) still sees Bradley in his dreams. Uh, nightmares.
Remember, he played a split-t QB in '67 and as a freshman in '66.
Note: freshmen weren’t eligible for the varsity in ‘66 and only played a raged schedule against other freshmen in the SWC. Went to some of those…very ragged because they didn’t have enough players in a recruiting class to fill two teams. When Chris Gilbert pulled all his muscles (that’s what they said), Bradley sorta had to do everything himself.
Anyway, Bradley had experienced another system – basically a flip-flopping split T, almost a wing-t, before the wishbone.
He was ambidextrous, though, threw a left-handed 30-yard TD in the playoffs to win a game late in the fourth quarter. He also was a left-footed punter.
Agreed, but...
Many people have posted that GG should be on a “short leash” as a starter. Unfortunately I fear this will not be the case. First he will be most likely alllowed several games (4? 5?) to learn the “new system” and adapt to the “new coaches” and get “in synch” with his “new” RB’s, linemen, receivers, etc. At that point you are a third or more way through the season. How likely at that point will Mack Brown be to (1) admit he was wrong, (2) “hurt” GG’s “confidence”, (3) risk a QB controversy, and (4) break in another totally inexperienced QB? Finally, the first part of the season should be relatively easy and the lack of strong competition will likely mask GG’s short-comings. I really believe if GG starts the Rice game, we will have him the enitre year. Also keep in mind if one or more QB’s transfer, we will have fewer options to GG than we do now. Lastly, he will not be on a short leash because it appears the decision was made based on his being the oldest and most experience. That won’t change.
"Only angry people win football games." --DKR
by OBdoc on Aug 29, 2011 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Except it seems he has already been shown to be on a short leash this year
From the sounds of the practice reports and Harsin’s interview today, after the first scrimmage, GG got moved to 3rd string. He only moved back to the starter’s role when he responded and started playing better than the other QB’s.
How many times last year did GG get benched even in practice? We don’t know for sure, but probably none. It sounds like Harsin isn’t afraid to bench anyone and I think Mack is deferring to Harsin on these calls. Harsin isn’t going to wait three games if GG is playing poorly.
I hope you're right.
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 29, 2011 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Huh?
Finally, the first part of the season should be relatively easy and the lack of strong competition will likely mask GG’s short-comings.
I don’t think byu is easy, and UCLA is, well, UCLA for us, and we get them on the road. Our early schedule isn’t a murderer’s row but it’s not a walk in the park. Certainly not bad enough that it would be easy to mask whatever GG’s shortcomings are.
by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 29, 2011 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think UCLA is a push-over, but
Steve Campbell, who thinks we will lose 5 games, does think we can beat UCLA.
"Only angry people win football games." --DKR
UCLA is a wildcard
because the team has so much talent. Maybe not as much as Texas, but the gap isn’t that large. A lot of upside with that team if it can put it together.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 29, 2011 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions
They sure played crappy throughout the season to be as talented as they are
kind of like another team I won’t mention by name.
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
What makes anyone think they'll pull GG at all
…if they didn’t pull him after throwing 5 picks vs K-State? That’s a devotion that Mack Brown hasn’t shown anyone not named “Chris Simms”. I fear that Mack doesn’t have the stones to pull GG.
I don’t expect perfect play from Gilbert but I do expect him to learn from his mistakes and that simply has not been the case over his career. He keeps making the same types of mistakes over and over again. Reminds me more of Shea Morenz than he does Colt McCoy.
Sorry. Had to be said.
You got a point
but there is absolutely no way GG throws 5 picks in a game this year. He won’t have the chance. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s pulled after two picks. The team as a whole seems to be under a different philosophy in which accountability is valued.
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
I agree to an extent however,...
isn’t Mack the guy who insists on playing upperclassmen who may not be as good? (I am actually asking…not rhetorical)…
This is a coach who allowed a BCS NC berth to slip away with his best QB riding the pine (Major).
I agree that Mack won’t allow five picks in a game but he’ll allow GG to piss it away.
You're half-right
Mack was notorious for playing upperclassmen ahead of more talented freshmen, but he’s changed tunes (Marquis Goodwin and Mike Davis come to mind). I believe Mack will trust his coordinators as to who’s benched and when (this is credible, however still optimistic)
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
Your statements conflict with each other.
Major Applewhite WAS the upperclassman benched in favor of the younger Chris Simms and it potentially “allowed a BCS NC berth to slip away”. It’s debatable who the better QB was but Major was definitely the jilted upperclassman – pushed aside in favor of younger unproven talent.
Everyone needs to get off of this “hard & fast rule” of Mack favoring veterans over younger talent. He’s always been great about giving plenty of playing time to the younger guys. You can criticize him for plenty of other things, like offensive line development, but Mack has always put the best talent on the field, regardless of their age.
Rice game won't tell us much at all..
Wait till we start playing some teams that have a chance at beating us.
I beg to differ.
The Rice game told us everything we needed to know last year. And I think if our offense is really, really strong against Rice (e.g., scores 50 or more) with several players contributing, I’m prepared to feel pretty good about the team. Not NC-good, but pretty, pretty good.
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 29, 2011 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Agree on the Rice game.
I’m already hearing that CWood is going to CU. Soon.
So, I do expect Harsin to play Ash and Case more than a fair amount. I think the game goes on, the competition continues. Practice is one thing, but I think you will probably agree that the coaches (not to mention us) need the game experience (and film) to really sort this out.
This is a long term investment…no need to make quick judgments despite the onset of the season.
I disagree..
We’ll be able to run the ball against Rice and we’ll be comfortably ahead most of the game. Field position will probably be good for most of the game.That won’t put any pressure on the QB position. I’d wait to do any evaluation until we play a more talented team.
If we score 50+ points against Rice running the football,
I’ll feel pretty, pretty good about this team.
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 30, 2011 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions
This year should be different.
I’m not sure there will be any confidence building tolerance for Gilbert this year. If a continuation of his historically lousy play occurs in the first couple games, I think the coaches will simply have no choice but to bench him, possibly for the rest of his career.
Mack has to either play a QB who can win games, or retire. Given that scenario, GG finally sits.
You are so not a coach.
“I think the coaches will simply have no choice but to bench him, possibly for the rest of his career.”
Hyperbole much?
im really gonna be pissed!!
i agree GG is in my book NOT a QB to go with …but he got the job,I am dissappointed with the staf in giving GG the start i knew it was coming but hey..we are gonna be in major trouble if Gilbert starts choking!!!!…he wears the unform to play not look pretty!!!
apparently we dont whills
otherwise I doubt the fans would’ve made this choice, hah!
by dukeoforange on Aug 29, 2011 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions
We can cry and bitch and moan cause we don't get no stinking choices.
The team can used the other QBs.
But the position is for GG to lose at the moment.
Love Your Passion - but Not Your Logic
Trust me – there is no way Mack Brown risks his $5 million dollar job on GG. If GG is starting – it is because he gives us the best opportunity to win the Rice game. You can’t risk going with the wrong guy after a 5-7 debacle. Too many friends turn to wolves at midnight.
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
Disagree
First, I doubt Brown thinks his job is on the line this year. This year for once the bar is set low. Steve Campbell and others are predicting a 5-loss season, including another loss to Baylor. UCLA or Tech could hand us additional losses. So a 7-5 season and minor bowl, which Brown can usually do in his sleep (last year being an abberation), will not cost Brown his job (IMHO). Second, even the best coaches can have blind spots, stubborn streaks, or personal favorites which can make them stick with a player longer than objectively they should.
"Only angry people win football games." --DKR
I concur with this line of thinking
I got off the use-rational-logic train about a decade ago, and boarded the expect-Mack-to-be-stubborn train shortly after. My track record for predicting Mack’s behavior has since improved exponentially.
by BrooklynHorn on Aug 29, 2011 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions
From everything I read this offseason
7 wins will be a disappointment. I don’t see this team winning less than 8 games. I think 9 is very possible, 10 would be overachieving.
We will see
but I dont like it as a committment to winning in the future. BYU, UCLA and OU will shut down the run and make GG throw it, we do know that. If he hasnt deveopled touch we are screwed. 2-3 to start, sit him.
We don't know that at all.
If you want to make grandiose projections of the future without any evidence, that’s a reflection of your mind only, not something we either know or agree upon. Keep fantasy world crap where it belongs.
BYU, UCLA and OU will shut down the run and make GG throw it, we do know that. I
I think sam has a valid point
we all to some extent "project: into the future, but these teams (esp OU and UCLA) know Gilbert’s lack of decision-making. They will focus on getting Gilbert to pass and will look to shut down the run. However, we have an OC this year that can call plays to develop the QBs confidence and put him in a position to succeed. If Gilbert can’t produce by OU, he never will.
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
I'm fine with it
If the practice reports are to be believed around the Internet, then Gilbert has outperformed the other QB’s recently. Maybe not by a landslide and maybe more so because of the limitations of Case McCoy and Ash’s age, but he outperformed them nonetheless and therefore got the job. That’s all I wanted to hear from Harsin.
That said, the leash will obviously be short this season. He simply can’t keep turning over the ball at the rate he has been.
by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 29, 2011 3:16 PM CDT reply actions
So none of them are very good, at least for now?
Is that the inference one might draw, especially given Mack’s less than ringing endorsement. Can’t we recruit/develop better than this?
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 29, 2011 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
One could cynically interpret it that way
But if the reports on Ash are also believed (that he’s doing well) and GG has outplayed him, then Gilbert is at the very least competent. I doubt he’ll ever be Colt McCoy-great, much less VY great, but that’s not exactly a reasonable standard to measure every QB.
As far as recruiting and development, yes, we should have done better developing Gilbert in a sane system, but the coaches didn’t last season. We already know that. The question now is if the current coaches can salvage GG or not.
by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 29, 2011 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
. . . in a nutshell
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 29, 2011 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
We really got our curly ones singed last year
I don’t expect anyone to go much on a limb for GG.
He’s gonna have to earn it all:
1/entitlement.
Here's a breakdown
QB A has experience, but lacks confidence and ability to read defenses.
QB B has a feel for the offense and makes the correct reads, but lacks mechanics and ability to make the necessary throws.
QB C has natural leadership abilities, is mobile and can make the necessary throws, but he’s a true freshman.
QB D is physically imposing and athletic with a good arm, but lacks consistent accuracy.
Mack basically went with (at least in his mind) the lesser evil
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
Wow, you've really got this situation down.
It’s almost as if you’ve been at practice. Maybe the coaches could utilize your player evaluation skills?
Case's Limitations?
You mention the limitations of Case McCoy. What’s the story there? Is it just the size thing?
Semper ubi sub ubi. My music reviews.
by thiswillbegreat on Aug 29, 2011 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Watch him throw
He doesn’t have a strong arm. His great line in the spring game that had some people talking was the result of ducks that should have been intercepted. At least 3 passes should have been picked off.
I don't meant to say he's not a good athlete
Just comparably speaking with the others, he doesn’t have as big an arm and he doesn’t strike me as athletic as his older brother. That doesn’t mean he can’t start in Harsin’s system, though, because according to practice reports he is consistently accurate.
by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 30, 2011 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Big Picture...
Let’s all take a second and look at the big picture. Vince Young’s first two years in the Greg Davis system were forgettable, but he had a stellar junior to finish his career. Gilbert has struggled early on in his career with Davis’ system and maybe that’s due to limited reps under live fire. He made some noble plays in the Nat’l Champ. game but he didn’t set anyone’s hair on fire with his 4 interceptions. Maybe under the tuteledge of HarsinWhite, we may see a new Gilbert. Remember, Harsin is going to put our team in positive situations depending on down/distance. I’m anxious to see where we go from here since Gilbert has a week to prepare for what would be a very vanilla defense in Rice. Hook ’Em Horns and OU Sucks!
-The only stat that matters is the score.
I'll nitpick a little
You may be right about GG, but:
Vince Young’s first two years in the Greg Davis system were forgettable,
I have not forgotten the Rose Bowl against Michigan, the comeback against Okie State, 4th and 19 against Kansas, etc. He was obviously a lot better his junior year, but his sophomore year was mostly impressive save that crappy 12-0 game against OU.
by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 29, 2011 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly
Greg Davis changed the system to make it work for VY after that OU game. And he was a changed QB after that. I’m hoping this new system will benefit GG better than the last. I do think he has the tools to win at this level, especially now that he should have better blockers, receivers, and runners.
12 TDs, 11 Picks…forgettable, save for Michigan…
-The only stat that matters is the score.
by HornsAPlenty on Aug 29, 2011 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Forgettable as a passer, maybe
But certainly not as a player. He was too good to be forgettable in 2004.
by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 29, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Most QBs . . . you give 'em a chance to be successful,
they will be. We put all kinds of NFLers around Vince and Colt McCoy.
Last year, we put Kirkendoll and Huey and (a physically limited) Newton and Mitchell and Greg Smith around GG.
Every critic conveniently forgets how bad everyone on offense performed last year.
Gilbert was thrown to the wolves by his own offensive mates & offensive coordinator.
I'll accept this argument in defense of Gilbert
he had a weak line, no run game and one receiver he could routinely count on (and he was a freshman). Our offensive recruiting in 07 and 08 was truly offensive; or our coaches did a very poor job of developing them (I choose to believe it’s some of both).
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
First two years were FORGETTABLE?
I’d like to have what you were smoking back then, buddy.
by iamjackburton on Aug 29, 2011 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions
I am hoping we'll witness a re-enactment of Colt, 2007 vs 2008
Unlikely, but I am hopeful…right now
by LonghorninRaiderland on Aug 29, 2011 3:17 PM CDT reply actions
Don't forget
Colt 2007 was a step back from Colt 2006. Last year was essentially GG’s first year. He very well might be markedly improved. Not a guarantee, but I think it’s unfair to say last year’s GG is the GG that history will remember. Everyone points to Carson Palmer, and it’s true. He deserves a chance to show that last year was the aberration.
Why do you suppose '07 was a step back for Colt?
Try Blaylock, Sendlein, Studdard and Selvyn Young going to the NFL and Limas Sweed missing most of the season. The line included one NFL-level player (Tony Hills), and he got hurt in November. So did another senior starter (Dallas Griffin).
Like I said above: Put some help around the QB, most of them will be fine.
And Colt was subjected to play-calling that could have cost him his career
and may have cost him a national championship. Stinger after 4 carries up the middle from approx. the 1-yd line against K. St. Reinjured same season by the Aggies. Reinjured again in the NC game against the Elephants. One of you probably knows a lot more about this. Were Colt’s three stingers all in the same area/nerve?
Somewhat parallels GG’s experience. Okay, so it’s possible that GG can do it, but he sure hasn’t shown the fire that Colt did. I doubt that he has Colt’s resilience. I would love to be wrong.
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 29, 2011 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
I think they were in a similar position. Remember also that Colt had no expectations in 2006. When he lost everyone in 2007, he’d already had a year of surprising success. Expectations last year were very high, but he didn’t have the surrounding cast that Colt had his first year as a starter. Sure, Gilbert could be the same this year as last, but I expect improvement and more comfort. Guarantee you though that he’ll be pulled if he doesn’t produce. It won’t be like K-State again. Harsin will make the call and Mack won’t disagree. He’s not in the position to, and I suspect he learned his lesson.
But with Colt and Vince, you could tell they believed in themselves
I have not seen one ounce of emotion out of Gilbert and he lost too many games no to be visibally upset. Colt and Vince were both down against Kansas and Okie State. They both fought back and made sure their team did too. Gilbert seemed to give up too easily last year and his teammates didn’t help.
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
Smart move
GG’s never lost to Rice…you’ve got to play the percentages
@longhorn54b
by 54b on Aug 29, 2011 3:25 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Question
Does anyone know whether or not the game will be re-broadcast Saturday night or on Sunday by any chance on Texas Sports TV? I doubt the LHN will be offered in St Louis anytime soon.
3/19/2009 & 12/15/2009 - Games Where Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
by burrito on Aug 29, 2011 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
i know....
I am praying that because we have U-Verse that some kind of deal is worked out shortly and I will be able to add the package. But yes, this site and a few others that link here are how I get my Longhorn fix when games are not on ESPN/ABC. It’s sad really to be stuck in STL without the ability to get LHN.
I fully support VY and all he did for our program. The fact remains, that GD had to tweak his offense to support VY’s athletic ability. Maybe the HarsinWhite project that is a little more WestCoast/I-Form could do GG some good.
-The only stat that matters is the score.
I'm with you
I haven’t given up on Gilbert yet and remain cautiously (blindly?) optimistic. I was just nitpicking at a minor point in your post because I will never forget those plays by Vince Young.
by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 29, 2011 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Let’s also not forget, VY got yanked vs. Tech for Chance Mock because he was young and didn’t have as big of an arm as Mock. All we can do is support GG and hope for the best. There are reserves in the chamber.
-The only stat that matters is the score.
That was in 2003.
Vince dominated Tech in ’04.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 29, 2011 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
i dont know much about practice...
…but I have always liked GG and i think he is a good QB. there were two problems last yr, one there was GD who wasnt coaching GG well, IMo and the second was that mack put wayyy too much pressure on GG to be responsible for the team, when there was no running game and no good receivers. this didnt bode well for GG’s confidence and he started making mistakes too.
i think with the right training and the right group around him, GG will show that he is a good qb..
by vanterminatorhorn on Aug 29, 2011 3:55 PM CDT reply actions
Shouldn't this coaching staff be given at least some credit?
Isn’t it at least possible that Garrett Gilbert gives us the best option to win? I think third/fourth hand reports from unnamed sources in practice are widely being accepted as gospel, when the reality is that none of us know for sure how this whole process has gone.
I certainly don’t think GG is the second coming of Colt McCoy, but I also don’t think that it’s unreasonable to believe that he may be our best option available on the 40 acres.
Consider that this offense is being run by two of the best minds in college football today, and they have more information than all of us. It doesn’t have to be a character flaw among the coaching ranks that lead to this decision. Or, risk aversion. Or, veteran favoritism. Or, a promise made to GG as a HS senior. Isn’t it possible, if not probable, that the sole reason GG leads the depth chart is that he’s better than the competition?
by SuperHorn on Aug 29, 2011 3:57 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
likely(?) that he's better than his competition, but it may not mean that he's good.
I’m hoping he’s improved light years and Mack’s afraid to play anything/anybody up too much (e.g., this may our best defense ever! – 2010)
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 29, 2011 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
To be clear, I'm not saying he's "good", mostly because I don't have nearly enough information.
I just look at the rest of the depth chart and it’s loaded with youth, and that shows me that Mack may be turning a corner. The amount of Freshmen/Sophomore’s at the top of the depth chart is unprecedented, which shows that he’s willing to put the best guy on the field regardless of age.
And, I think it’s reasonable to assume that the same philosophy was applied to the QB position. That is, I believe it’s more likely than not that Mack and Co. had a legitimate open competition and Garrett won it.
If Ash doesn't redshirt
Coach Brown said that he will play his packages in games. That tells me that Coach Brown isn’t beholden to Gilbert.
Who are you?!
I'm Kick Ass!
by TexasGarcia37 on Aug 29, 2011 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
I like what you guys are sayin'.
I’d like to see both of ’em. If putting GG third string after the first scrimmage helped him step up and win the QB competition, then by all means we should put Ash in to make sure GG stays motivated.
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Aug 29, 2011 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Mistake free football
They will run 3 to 5 times for every pass. So they will expect 1 int or less and 80% accuracy against Rice. He will be pulled IMHO after 2 turnovers. Is that kind of pressure fair?
NO but this is Texas Football not Michigan football. I love their 0 – 10 record vs OSU. I think Mack knows that you better have atop 25 finish with signs of a national title team for 2012-2013.
How many?
How many does he have to lose , 7 this year, 6 the next until you(superhorn) say enough is enough!
Sure, but...
It’s the week of the Rice opener and we still are looking at the “lesser evil” to start for us. The saying goes that if you “have multiple QBs, you have none”. The fact that a veteran like GG can’t convincingly beat out Case McCoy (who is only here because his last name is “McCoy”, let’s be honest) doesn’t have me brimming with confidence.
I am willing to give the coaches the benefit of the doubt because they’re obviously more qualified and have more information to view but it doesn’t sound like a firm grip on the QB job to me and that’s simply not good enough for this player and this team at this time.
Once VY and Colt took the job they never let go…not even close. Perhaps that’s spoiled us but it is the benchmark. It’s always tough to be the guy following a legend (much less two). The problem is that GG has shown no real progress in any tangible way. He still relies on his arm….doesn’t make the right reads and honestly makes mental error after mental error.
I am really impressed by those having opinions like this ...
… based on not one shred of watching practices. I sure wish I had the same grasp of the game as you guys.
My expectations for this year weren' too high....
now they are a lot lower.
Great players make great coaches, but great coaches make champions." DKR circa 1964
I hate to admit it
but I’d be ecstatic for 9 wins. 7 wins is an absolute minimum and still a disappointment to me, even after last season.
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
IMHO, Rice is the only chance GG gets
I am disappointed but not surprised that GG got picked as it makes for the easiest choice. That being said, not only does Texas need to dominate, yes DOMINATE, Rice, but GG must have a very good, not perfect game, ala 2 tds/1 int or less and 200 sh yards and around 60% completion. As a wise guy said once, We shall see.
Game Manager
If GG is a game manager, Texas will be much better than last season. We should have a running game and a solid defense. He doesn’t need to make big plays. He just needs to cut down on turnovers and move the chains. I think he can do better than that, but at a minimum, Texas will win games with that type of performance.
Mack wanted an SEC team and your description sure sounds like one
However, if it was good enough for at least 3 out of the last champions (LSU, Bama, AU) it’s good enough for me.
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
in my opinion
we need to chill until the BYU game lets face it Rice could make a freshman high school QB look good. i say we put away the torches and pitchforks until we see how he does against BYU if he still makes the same mistakes then pull them out
formerly "Horns102591"
Agree with the Duke and 1025,
Let’s see how GG does in the BYWho game, after we presumably destroy the Owls. This will be more of a litmus test than the first game. And as was stated previous, we put Huey, Newton, Smith, Kirk and Mitchell around him in a new system that he was playing in for the first time ever and expected grand results?? For all practical purposes, he was a freshman last year. I mean, he’s had what, 12 starts now? Mack had to go with him, but a short leash for sure.
Connor Wood allegedly is visiting Colorado
Per the Austin American Statesman
A&M: Ready,Set, Go.....
Good for him....but if you can't beat out GG then maybe
Colorado isn’t the place for him
Great players make great coaches, but great coaches make champions." DKR circa 1964
There are plenty of OCs that would love to take Connor Wood
Big, athletic, strong arm, just lacks consistent accuracy. That’s the description of most 1st-round quarterbacks
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
Yes at Sam Houston State and SF Austin
I bet he doesn’t go to Colorado
Great players make great coaches, but great coaches make champions." DKR circa 1964
Well, GG has won before
and will prob win again. Two state titles, a 5A Gatorade Player of the Year, and looks like a stud in the making during a MNC game with some real talent around him. Sure, last year was rough, and the talent pool was certainly lacking. Couple that with a whole new system and you have the 5-7 recipe. Let’s see what happens this year before the GG wisecracks start up.
Pfffft
You’re underrating my ability to judge, from my living room, quarterbacks who I haven’t seen play in person, or even on video… all based off internet rumor. It’s a talent of mine.
It’s not like there are people being paid millions of dollars to make the best decision. And if there were, well then I’m sure they just made a mistake.
You know why? Because my gut tells me that your “Gatorade Player of the Year” is actually just a bust hiding behind his high school laurels! That’s right!
Sure, talent scouts from all over the country agreed that he was one of the top quarterbacks in the country, but they’re all full of shit. I know what’s going on, but those fuckers don’t ask me, do they? Idiots.
That year where GG played behind the worst O-Line that UT has fielded in the better part of two decades was the real him! He made the O-Line look worse, if you can believe it. Heck, if it wasn’t for him bobbling snaps, Fozzy would have put up those 1000 yards we were looking for.
Well, the kid just doesn’t have it, and I’m tellin’ you.. I know it when I see it. Yessiree.
by notsofst on Aug 29, 2011 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
High school?
I thought he was the Hornss QB! How many games has he won, sure, more then me, but I was not a 5 star(I’m laughing)player, he will do the same thing for the next 2 years, I hope 2 of the QB’s leave, others have and they have done well else where!
This is not high school
If GG needs a system to succeed, then he could’ve went to a Conference-USA school.
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
All QB's need a coherent system to succeed
Some are more versatile than others, but you can even make VY look bad sometimes if you try to make him something that he’s not (of course, Jeff Fisher NEVER did that). Or try to imagine Peyton Manning running the zone read. That would be funny but not exactly useful.
Vince and Colt were playmakers who could create out of nothing. It’s a useful skill for a QB to have, but it’s not one that a wise offense will come to rely on. A good offense can be run with players that aren’t superhuman.
by TheElusiveShadow on Aug 30, 2011 12:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Meh, so Gilbert is starting
I would be infinitely more upset were 2011 a potential title year. Starting the wrong quarterback can be a disastrous move for a top-10 team. But how could anything we do this year really be disastrous?
Seems our goal for this campaign is to rebuild the team entirely. We’re all expecting 4 or 5 losses, regardless, so who cares if Gilbert begins the season at the top of the depth chart? If he shines in a new system [I doubt it], then great, this year could exceed expectations and our time-table gets moved up, and if he flops and gets yanked in mid-season for Ash [more likely] then also great; we’ll get 2012’s starter some much needed work.
Haven’t we all pretty much agreed that 2011 is really all about 2012? Practically every important member of this team is an underclassman. So just let the experiment begin, and we’ll adjust as necessary.
I seem to have misplaced my optimism and enthusiasm.
Thank God I found my flask.
If a man is alone in the woods and he speaks, if no one hears him,,is he still wrong?
Looks like Kirk Bohls knew what he was talking about after all
"I have a theory that the defense determines whether you win or lose. Offense determines by how many." Manny Diaz
Gilbert didn't win the job, he just didn't lose it.
If he can do that for all our games this year, I think we’ll be fine.
3/19/2009 & 12/15/2009 - Games Where Dogus Balbay Made a Three-Pointer. Never Forget.
hopefully we dont win any games this year
as long as we dont lose them either….wait..what?!
by dukeoforange on Aug 29, 2011 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions
starting gig is not on lockdown
If GG turns the ball over, he won’t start. It’s just that simple.
Who are you?!
I'm Kick Ass!
Question
Will gilbert see boos after his first int. or when he walks onto the field. i hope not for either. but?
I would say if he throws one in the first series, yes.
If he throws two or more on the night, then yes.
Do not be distracted by what you see, but be transformed by what you believe.
When the 1st interception comes, and they will come!
When they come, please be nice, you might ruffle Mack;s feathers!
Very nice
Eight Walls a new MMA blog from Fantake
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SECede?....Whoop(s)!!
Lake Travis laced that kool-aid with cyanide
and we got drunk off it. God said to drink in modesty but this is Texas football damnit (sorry God).
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
So who was everyone wanting to see upon the top of the depth chart this morning?
Wouldn’t our fanbase be just as nervous if it were a true frosh or Case? I was really hoping, going all the way back to spring ball, that Wood would assert himself as the top qb. I wish him nothing but the best wherever he ends up.
Am I the only one who thinks GG looks like Gumby when he runs? He’s all over the place. Hopefully Bennie strengthened up that core.
Do not be distracted by what you see, but be transformed by what you believe.
Bets on who goes upstairs in the Rice game?
Harsin or Applewhite?
"I have a theory that the defense determines whether you win or lose. Offense determines by how many." Manny Diaz
Can't say I know much about Harsin
but Applewhite definitely seems like a sideline kinda coach to me. I just get the feeling he’d rather be right next to his players. Though, I’m pretty sure he was in the booth at Rice.
Bama
He was in the booth at Bama but I think he would be good on the sidelines too. Probably depends on what spot Harsin or Mack wants him in but if I had to bet… Booth.
My guess
Applewhite down on the field. Harsin in the booth.
Who are you?!
I'm Kick Ass!
by TexasGarcia37 on Aug 29, 2011 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Believe I saw/heard somewhere
that Harsin will be in the press box and Applewhite will remain on the sideline.
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Burnt Orange Nation
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Aug 29, 2011 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I understand your frustration
but step back from the ledge. Mack Brown did exactly what he needed to do last year and that went against everything we’ve come to expect from him. Hopefully we see the desired results.
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
Week 2 Will Tell the Tale
Who knows, maybe GG has improved. /shrug
It’ll be difficult to know against a team like Rice. I mean, it’s RICE. Texas couldn’t lose this game if they TRIED. Any UT QB can win this game. It doesn’t take VY back there. It’ friggin’ RICE.
We’ll know for sure if GG has improved or not in Week 2 against BYU. You’re not going to be able to out-5-star that team, that’s for damn sure.
And if GG proves to be as bad as his 2010 self against BYU, and Mack puts him back out there for Week 3, then we’ll know for sure that Mack is still the same old stubborn mule he was in 2010.
Emotional and Irrational Fans.......Me thinks so
We were in the NC Game 19 months ago
Mack has given us a decade plus of outstanding football and talent
We have the Boise OC
We have the SEC hot DC
We have the SEC premier Line Coach
Our Strength coach is a monster
We have top 5 recruiting classes on the team
This group will do the right thing with GG depending on his game performance and Ash & McCoy will play. If the line can gel and respond, we could win 10.
Have faith Horns.
If they outlaw Willie Nelson, only outlaws will be Willie Nelson
by MeatchickenHorn on Aug 29, 2011 10:09 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
Word.
And green’d
Eight Walls a new MMA blog from Fantake
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SECede?....Whoop(s)!!
We have two SEC premier Line Coach.
Do not be distracted by what you see, but be transformed by what you believe.
I'm that emotional fan after a loss
My family knows not to talk to me. I return to my normal self on Monday, as long as I can avoid ESPN and all college football websites
It Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It.
That's why God put college football on Saturdays
Because it takes til Monday to recover if the Horns lose.
Big Mistake! Politics, Just Like With Simms, Prevailed
Coaches are obviously too worried with the politics on the team, who may transfer if a QB decision goes one way or the other, and not worried enough about the team’s success. I’m sickened.
That said, the best thing for all Longhorn fans is for Gilbert to royally suck a$$ against Rice so badly that the coach’s are forced to make the change. I’ve never pulled for a Longhorn athlete to do badly before, but this time it’ll be for the betterment of the team – kinda like when Simms went down in the B12 Championship game against CU. At least Major coming in gave us a prayer, it didn’t matter that Simms came up clutching the wrong shoulder that didn’t even take contact and we all knew he was simply embarrassed about being out of his league. If we could only be so lucky with GG!!
Could it be... just maybe... that GG got the starting job because he earned it?
by goingforthecorner on Aug 29, 2011 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions
GG should thank his mother and father for earning it, real hard.
When asked why Gilbert won the job, Brown cited his experience and leadership abilities, then concluded simply that “he’s older.”
And if the sonofabitches are gone, then it is goodbye. Good enough. nt-whills
by run Bevo run on Aug 30, 2011 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions
This isn't just stepping out on the ledge.
This logic is downright ridiculous. Mack’s worried about politics? No. These coaches try to put the best players on the field … so they can keep their jobs. To wish for Gilbert to “royally suck”?! Brilliant. Simms going down was for the “betterment of the team”?! Wow. The second you start pulling for a Longhorn athlete to do badly is the same second you need to switch allegiances.
What the heck is wrong with everyone today?! Get a grip!
Good, GG deserves a shot with the new regime
seems like this is the general consensus already, but here’s what I feel will happen.
GG/Case – both will play this year. Case WILL start if GG doesn’t live up to the coaches’ expectations.
Ash – redshirting, will have a huge impact on this football team a few years down the road
Wood – transferring, would hurt to see him go to a place like LSU and lead them to the promised land, but you’d rather have huge QB depth than none at all
by goingforthecorner on Aug 29, 2011 10:59 PM CDT reply actions
Ash redshirting
Now that’s comedy.
And if the sonofabitches are gone, then it is goodbye. Good enough. nt-whills
by run Bevo run on Aug 30, 2011 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions
It is what it is....
So Mack is going with GG against Rice. Fine. I don’t want to see the kid fail. I am just not sold he’s ever going to be as good as he was touted to be.
Fair enough. I don’t think the proper question is “Does GG deserve to start?”. I think the proper question is “How does Mack intend to handle GG when he doesn’t do well?”. How many bad decisions/bad throws/ints will it take for Mack to give him the hook?
I think those are the questions that make me more uncomfortable.
Our eyes have not lied to us.
GG is not a good QB, maybe he is serviceable but he is not good. We have all seen Gilbert play in every game last year. He doesn’t have it. Maybe the OCs can scheme him into mediocrity but that’s still not enough to compete at a high level. I hope I’m wrong but GG is not the answer. I’d rather rebuild with a young QB than to give a mediocre at best QB the reins once again.
"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad" - Unknown
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