Texas vs Rice Recap: Longhorns Wear Down Owls 34-9
by Peter Bean on Sep 4, 2011 2:23 AM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Football
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I just got home from the game and hope that everyone was able to see it one way or another. For those who missed it, Texas' 34-9 win over Rice (box score) mostly confirmed what we thought about this team heading into the season. At least as far I'm concerned, that's a good thing.
Although Texas led just 13-6 at half, the struggles were different in kind from a year ago. Texas wasn't executing particularly well, but the approach was sound and the team was engaged. By the second half, the Longhorns started to find a bit more rhythm, and wound up pulling away from the Owls for a solid, satisfying 34-9 win. The game seemed a bit like what we should expect from the season as a whole: some missteps and challenges in the early going, but steady improvement throughout, culminating in a stronger team that crescendos to finish the year.
A few assorted thoughts on the game:
Tantalizing tailbacks. Watching each of our tailbacks finish their runs was terrific. Cody Johnson hammered home a touchdown and picked up a big first down on determined effort alone. Malcolm Brown looks fantastic at his current playing weight and will have as few negative-yardage carries in his career as Cedric Benson. Joe Bergeron is more impressive live than I'd anticipated, and I was already high on the kid. And Fozzy Whittaker finished off the Owls with two touchdowns, both of which showcased what he brings to the table for this group: explosiveness. Honestly, I liked what we saw from every single one of our tailbacks tonight, and we're going to get a lot out of all of them. Those who will focus on who should start are missing the strength of this group. It doesn't matter who starts, and we'll use all of these guys to try to get what we want from the running game as a whole. Tonight was a great start for this group.
Garrett Gilbert, good and bad. Gilbert was frustrating to watch in the first half simply because he seemed to be operating so mechanically, like a pre-programmed machine. But even in his lackluster first half there were three things that were very encouraging to see: First, he avoided costly mistakes, which is of course a minimum requirement but still important. Second, Gilbert connected on a deep ball that he -- wait for it... put some air under! Touch has been one of the things missing from his passes, but he showed some tonight. And third, Gilbert steadily got more comfortable as the game went on, and along with it, a good bit better. Early in the game he was still alarmingly stiff and mechanical, but as he started to settle in he began flowing through the pocket more comfortably, and using the extra half-second to deliver completions. If I had game tape to review and present to you, I'd highlight a few plays: (1) His early misguided throws where he seemed to have decided where he seemed to have decided where he was going to pass it before the snap. (2) His deep balls that demonstrated improved touch. (3) A second half completion where he sidestepped pressure and used the extra time to throw a catchable ball on the sideline for a first down. Taken together they would show a performance that has plenty of room for improvement, but which was encouraging in ways that were so critical that we see. We'll see if he can keep progressing as the defenses stiffen, but my biggest worry in this game was a catastrophic performance from Gilbert. We just didn't need that, and for now I'm happy enough to have gotten what we did. Especially given his improvement as he got more comfortable throughout the game. Hopefully that suggests further improvement can and will follow.
Manny Diaz's mad science. Our defense assuredly has some exploitable weaknesses, but one of the neat things about taking in tonight's game was experiencing Manny Diaz's operating theories in action. Time and again it sure felt like Rice was getting it done against our defense, but they kept failing to produce the points to show for it. It's crucial to remember that's not an accident -- that is the very design of Manny Diaz's defense. It was cool to contemplate in theory, but it was even neater to experience it in action tonight. Rice was able to do some things against us on the ground, but they never really sniffed a big play and continually had to sustain drives if they wanted a touchdown to show for it. They never got one, and that's something to keep in mind as we go forward this season. Offenses are going to have to sustain drives, move the chains, and finish those drives. Rice had two nice drives of 10+ plays, but in both cases couldn't turn them into six points. This Texas defense isn't ready to be a dominant unit, but neither is it going to allow touchdowns easily. It's a simple thing, but so crucial nonetheless.
Malcolm Brown is primed to produce. I cautioned against getting too caught up in which tailback is starting, but feel free to get excited about what Malcolm Brown's going to do in this offense. We knew he was a powerful runner, but the more exciting news is that he's playing at 215 pounds, and it shows in the way he's cutting and in his lateral movement. He looks great and he's moving great, but the reason he's able to capitalize on his abilities is his patience and vision. It's the hardest skill to teach a tailback, and Brown has that "feel" for both timing and spacing that is the difference between great athletes and great rushers.
Jordan Shipley returns for a 7th year of Texas football. Okay, watching Jaxon Shipley play football for Texas wearing No. 8 is just weird. The similarities between him and his brother go well beyond resemblance; they're outright uncanny. If there's a difference, it's that Jaxon looks like his brother did as a junior already, as a true freshman. I'm not sure I've ever seen a more polished true freshman receiver in all my years of watching college football. One of the best parts about watching the game in the stadium was getting to see Jaxon run his routes. He's fast, crisp, technically sound, and creates separation from his defender exactly like his older brother did not so long ago.
The offensive line is improving. The performance of the offensive line was in lock step with the offensive unit as a whole, in that they started to really get going as the game went on. They kept Gilbert's jersey clean in pass protection and seemed to execute better and better in the running game as they began to get into a rhythm. The fun thing about it is that you can see how an offensive unit that's fully immersed in, and comfortable with, Bryan Harsin's system is primed to succeed. Texas's offensive line really started to work well together in the run game in the second half tonight, and you could see how they benefited from Harsin's systematic attacking of the defense over the course of the game.
Quick hits. Carrington Byndom and Quandre Diggs both impressed tonight and are going to be damn good by November.... Bryan Harsin used DJ Monroe purposefully more times in one drive than Greg Davis did over two years... Speaking of which, after the past few years, just about every instance of good old fashioned variance and diversity we saw tonight seemed like a trick play, didn't it? It's actually just quality football, but the difference sure is stark... John Harris will make the highlights for his touchdown throw, but his coaches will be even happier with his blocking on the edge... I thought Jordan Hicks came on stronger as the game went on, but my impression on first live view of the game was that our linebackers left something to be desired. I'm worried about teams that will pound us on the ground.
Wrapping these game night thoughts up, this was definitely a win to celebrate, Longhorns fans. Nevermind the opponent or final score; we saw the important things that confirm our reasons for believing that this team will continue to improve, and that this program is being coached in the right direction. It'd be nice if it all came together quickly, right away -- this season -- but more important is that this season starts us down the right path. What we saw tonight absolutely aligns with that view. And that's by far the most important thing.
Tonight provided a solid warm up for the team to find a rhythm, and next week we'll actually get tested, as a stout BYU team that won't be intimidated by us in the slightest comes to Austin. The Cougars feature a better defense than I'd anticipated, and an offense with similar to potential to our own.
Fun times, and tonight I hope you enjoyed the return of Texas football as much as I did.
Hook 'em.
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I texted my dad that I thought the team snuck Jordan in for Jaxon. Not that I have as many years of viewing as Peter, but I’ve never seen a true freshman like that. It wasn’t just his great plays, or speed, or route runing; he acted like he’d been there before. Jax just looks like an upperclassmen.
The defense did leave me wanting more. What did impress me is that they flew everywhere…even if it was the wrong gaps/spots/assignments. I’m ok with that. Film and good coaching can fix that.
Like Lou Holtz said (excuse the spittle) “biggest improvement is between week 1 and 2.”
I don't understand "t-sip" as an insult. I like drinking tea, and when is being classy a bad thing?
My 2 cents
GG throws a good short ball, and his long throws have always been good, I think. It’s the intermediate passes that seem perpetually LOW every time. Not sure what mechanics need to be addressed, but look at the tape: low, low and low on anything over 10 yards. Shipley is way too good for true frosh. Hicks looks improved, Robinson uncomfortable in the MLB spot. Finally, this won’t make me popular, but Gideon and Acho are supreme liabilities. They’re both slow and never seem to make a play. BG refuses to wrap up even as a senior. Time for Brewster and Benson.
I think GG struggles at time throwing a good short ball as well
namely, he throws 100 mph fast balls to the TE or RB when it isn’t necessary. Irby dropped a pass and would-be first down, but part of the reason for that drop is Gilbert launched a cannon ball at him. On the Fozzy TD, the pass (while caught) was also a low laser.
by goingforthecorner on Sep 4, 2011 4:45 AM CDT up reply actions
You are correct
the pass to Blaine was a rocket that didn’t need to be. But overall, I think his short passes are acceptable. His medium throws are always nose down in the ground, though.
I think this is paranoia about his INTs over the middle.
GG would rather miss low than high, which I agree with in theory but right now he was just flat out missing on short & intermediate routes.
Those deep balls are the reason he is the Starting QB right now.
Disagree. It’s the QBs job to get I there, as fast as he can. I guarantee you the receivers will blame themselves. This is D1 football if it’s at your hands you catch it.
by 40A on Sep 4, 2011 12:39 PM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Don't agree with that
his job is to throw a catchable ball that puts the receiver in position to not only catch it, but to where he can run immediately after the catch. The ball to Fozzy wasn’t a great throw but Fozzy used his natural talents to score anyway. The ball the Irby IIRC wasn’t thrown at his chest and had too much sizzle on it.
by goingforthecorner on Sep 4, 2011 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions
I totally agree with your assertion, however...
Why are these college receivers having so much trouble catching GG’s passes when his HIGH SCHOOL receiver didn’t? Just saying.
I had to watch the damned game in a Mongolian grill in Katy, Texas because Direct TV didn’t have LHN.
I will say this, GG’s passes, in the first half, were mostly at the feet of the receivers – think Colt threw like that?
"Bye bye love, bye, bye happiness - hello, emptiness, I think I'm gonna cry" aggy war hymn
As I said earlier
any pass over 10 yards that was NOT a go-route, was at the recievers feet. Period. I was there, I saw it with mine own eyes. GG has been doing this for two years. Surely we’re not the only ones to see it. Just don’t understand.
Agreed on Gideon.
Facemask and late hit, also, to give Rice 2 first downs. hard to believe he’s the best we hjave at safety.
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Sep 4, 2011 8:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Gideon
He made several TD saving tackles yesterday.
by Ryan2907 on Sep 4, 2011 9:14 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Well Ryan...
he is the last line of defense and that is what a safety is supposed to do. Brewster came in and did the same thing. BG also whiffed on quite a few tackles and continues to get a 15 yard penalty or two per game. Unacceptable.
I do not believe
That is true regarding Gideon. I don’t remember him making a tackle with nobody behind him and a surefire path to the endzone for the Rice player. Certainly not several.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Though he did have
A really nice play where he came up to the second level of the defense and stoned a ball carrier.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
maybe you should re-watch the game
I remember at least two tackles from Blake that if he missed on there were no Longhorns behind him.
Talk about the fan energy
The thing I noticed about the LHN broadcast was the production quality was not your typical 3-4 cameras and half a production truck. There were more camera angles and mic’s setup than I remember for an opening non-con affair. As a result, the view was treated to a well-rounded experience…almost like being in the stands. The crowd enthusiasm was electric. Maybe it was me, but I felt like I was there.
The fans were so hungry to fight for the team. Mack even made mention in his post game remarks of how proud and grateful he was of our fans. I definitely got the feeling that they, for the most part, recognize the youthful, rebuilding, product and as a result were a lot more enthusiastic and supportive as the game went on. Case in point, there seemed to be a blood lust response after the muffed punt turnover. The crowd rallied an extremely high-pitched TEXAS! FIGHT! and the team responded. It was one of the most hair raising viewing experiences I can recall watching a home game on TV. That turnover quickly cauterized the team’s effort in all 3 phases and the next gear kicked in.
This team will be a fun to watch grow and mature. There will be bumps and bruises but this product will be entertaining if nothing else.
Burnt Orange Nation
Follow Along on Twitter @TXStampede
Wasn't a fan
Of booing Gilbert after that debacle with Whittaker. Yes, it was an absurdly ridiculous play, but let’s get past the myth that we went 5-7 solely because of Gilbert, please.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Can’t agree more, they should’ve booed the line. Rice’s pass rush was in the backfield pretty consistently all game. I thought GG did a pretty darn good job avoiding the pass rush all game.
by 40A on Sep 4, 2011 12:41 PM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Just not
A proponent of ever booing a team unless they quit on you. That certainly was not the situation last night.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
by GoHornsGo90 on Sep 4, 2011 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't know why no one else is saying this too
My biggest takeaway from the game was how much I saw Rice blasting through the line and stuffing the run at the point of attack.
That being said, it’s not worse than last year… but still, it makes me worried.
Whenever the PA bought GG time, or the line picked up their assignments, the offense seemed to hum. Our skill position players aren’t the problem, for sure.
The fan energy was good until there were 5 minutes left in the game and DKR was half empty. I understand that barring some major meltdown we were going to win, but they couldn’t even stay for the entire first game of the season? It’s absolutely pathetic
by kotalikmyballs on Sep 4, 2011 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Well the mouth breather behind me left during the third quarter
Saved me from having to listen to him bitching about Garrett being the QB
Good start...it's a win!
There were a few things that concerned me, but hey it’s a win! Out D is going to give up a ton of yards this season. I just don’t see us stuffing the middle with anyone. If the O can pull together and get this running game going, we will win 8-9 games.
This is truly going to be our rebuilding year.
One other thing...
Gilbert scares me. I didn’t see much of a change from last season. Still slow making decisions.
I was encouraged by him
It was a pivotal moment when he got sacked and pitched/fumbled the ball 5 yards backwards.
I was worried that after that he was going to tuck his tail between his legs, sulk, blame his blockers. etc. He could have came in the next series pushed it too hard, thrown an int, and that would probably be the end of his career at Texas.
But he pulled it together , was poised, and played solid the rest of the way.
Thanks Peter!
No tv or radio in the Midwest so I watched the first half on Gametrax :(
Hoping for a re-broadcast soon.
LHN as a recruiting tool
I never really believed that LHN would be a huge recruiting tool for us, but after watching the game I’ve changed my mind. Its like one glorious 4 hour long commercial for Texas.
I especially like how much the announcers talked up how the fans were reacting when Brown came into the game. Probably wouldn’t have been mentioned much if at all on a national broadcast, but they really went on and on about how much the fans loved him and how much the fans were yelling , how much the fans follow the big name recruits etc. Great way to sell the program to the high profile recruits out there.
Why don't we
just show pictures of potential recruits wearing superimposed UT hats and shirts on with a shopped horns-up pose? Seriously, I think they LHN staff did pretty well last night.
Hook Em Horns!
Quandre Diggs
is a stud. Very physical against the pass and run. That helps make up for his lack of size. What a competitor. I want to see more of Edmond. I do not think Robinson is physical enough to play the mike. We will have problems with anyone that can run straight ahead. Fortunately, we are in the Big VII. I can’t wait for BYU.
Lbs
I thought th looked terrible. Really can’t remember someone coming up and filling. Not saying they aren’t good, but just worried about MLB. Didn’t see much in. He way of shedding the block. ND filling the gap
The LBs
Were simply not good enough last night. Especially with the style of offense that Rice runs that lends itself to being able to make a lot of plays as a LB.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Going to be a shutdown corner
He’s not there yet – but if he progresses the way he should, Quandre Diggs is headed for the Pantheon of Texas football. He absolutely stood out with his speed, tackling, hitting and aggressiveness – all in his very first game of Division I football.
I originally thought that by next season we wouldn’t be worried about opponents throwing to his side of the field. Now I’m not so sure opponents won’t avoid his side of the field altogether (throwing or running) come November.
Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
Groucho Marx
by beast in bama on Sep 4, 2011 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Still worried
The OL looked awful imo. It just felt like GG was running away from a defender most of the game. GG is still throwing bullets at our receivers knees. The run defense makes me cringe, especially with UCLA coming up. If our defense is having trouble with Rice’s running game I shutter at the thought of UCLA, OU, OSU, etc. Hopefully they improve substantially. I am excited about the offensive scheme, but I am scared we don’t have the OL, QB, or TE to pull it off. I hate to be the pessimist but I am very worried about this team going foward.
by horninraidercountry on Sep 4, 2011 8:41 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Yeah, I am disappointed we didn't get any production out of a TE/H-Back again.
I was hoping with all those scholarship players there we would see some more production. Perhaps next game they will break out.
What are you not disappointed in?
Let’s hear some positives since by reading your comments we lost 46-2
And if the sonofabitches are gone, then it is goodbye. Good enough. nt-whills
Browns ability is promising. Obviously Shipley is going to be a stud, and I love the new offensive scheme. I think in the coming years we are going to be absolutly nasty, and we will be playing for a championship. I am generally not a negative person on a team for the first game, but I have my concerns. I guess I am one of the few that didnt come away from this game pumped about our teams execution. Hopefully I am wrong about all of my concerns, and will be forced to eat crow. I will eat that crow all day as we dance through our schedule. At this point however, I am not seeing a team that will beat BYU or UCLA, unless serious improvement is made before those games.
by horninraidercountry on Sep 4, 2011 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not looking for sunshine pumpers
The deal is we hired two new coordinators and 4 other coaches, played 20+ freshman, had the pressure of coming off the worst season since 1997, played our first meaningful game since November 25, 2010, and doing all that in front of 100k on a field that was probably 115 degrees at kickoff. I think a little slack could be cut because everything wasn’t perfection.
I am not seeing a team that will beat BYU or UCLA
You can put 2 in the “L” column if you wish, I prefer to see what the Horns can do on the field despite my concerns.
And if the sonofabitches are gone, then it is goodbye. Good enough. nt-whills
I never claimed I was looking for perfection. Far from it. I understand this is a new season with new coaches and such. I would still like to see Rice be handled a bit easier than they were. I am not saying it should of been 62-0. I was merely pointing out there were some major issues with run defense, and the OL at this point did not look like they improved much from last year. I am not writing this team off for the rest of the year, but the some of the positions have not improved from last year. The play calling and coaching is a step up from last year,and I think that is what helped us put some distance between us and an inferior opponent.
The idea that I am irrationally believing this team should be perfect, and I am not going to watch the future games because I already know what is going to happen is wrong.
by horninraidercountry on Sep 4, 2011 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
I think this is a defensible position
I don’t agree regarding the OL play, which I thought was better as the game went along, but I can understand why you’d be bearish on GG, the TEs, and the front seven.
I’d take what GG did last night merely for the sake that it will boost his confidence, though I agree the TEs and the front seven couldn’t have been much more disappointing after all we heard in the offseason.
I’m on the opposite side of the coin regarding outlook on the team: I think we will be getting better every week, instead of worse like last year. Right now, that feeling is nigh euphoric.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
improvement
I can say I saw improvement. OL, QB, and RB definitely showed improvement. Front 7 was disappionting, but the truth is that is an area I think we can work on. There is talent there. DE didn’t play up to hype and I thought LBs were not good in the run game. Strike that I thought they were not tough. I would expect vast improvement there. Those are areas we can address, because there is talent there. Hell, whaley made a nice play. Plus you have to remember this is the system. Diaz philosphy is that college offenses are generally not suited to maintain 10-15 play drives. So his defenses will give up some underneath stuff.
by codaxx on Sep 4, 2011 10:58 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
The defense
Gave up 220 yards for 3.7 yards per play and zero touchdowns. The rush defense that made you cringe gave up 130 yards on 30 attempts. What exactly made you cringe? It wasn’t uber dominating but if you’re pessimistic after that then I think you may need to reset your standard of what excellence is.
http://www.twitter.com/orlansky_40as
http://www.twitter.com/JayMashBON
Maybe you are right, but If Rice can run for 130 yards then what can a better team with better athletes run for?
by horninraidercountry on Sep 4, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
These are division 1 football players
Rice competes with every university to try to pluck the best athletes in the area, on top of that they have their admission standards. Rice is behind the eight ball on two different fronts and they still get guys that want to compete. You act like they’re fielding a middle school team. Give them some credit.
And if the sonofabitches are gone, then it is goodbye. Good enough. nt-whills
McGuffie
Don’t forget, Sam McGuffie was a 4 star recruit who started at Michigan as a freshman. He had 15 yards last night. He ran all over us last year.
Ran all over us?
I remember him running backwards for like 15 yards every play. How many rushing yards did he have last year against us?
He also hardly played last night, ergo the only 15 yards.
Rice did have a lot of success in the running game where guys were getting to the third level untouched or breaking tackles from DL at the LOS. Luckily, those guys were not McGuffie and weren’t able to separate from our faster defenders so we could lessen the damage.
I expected a dominating performance from the front 7 and a shaky performance from the secondary. Oddly enough, I got exactly the opposite.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Rice's ability to run and get to the third level
is demonstrated in the box score. The top nine leading tacklers are LB’s and DB’s. Calvin Howell did not record a tackle, Randall with one and Jeffcoat and Okafor with two each.
Do not be distracted by what you see, but be transformed by what you believe.
What I noticed
1. Much improved O line play. I always wondered last year if the horizontal pass attack was in some part due to an inability to keep a pocket together long enough for the vertical. While I give GG some credit for the vertical game to Davis, I have to think Searels’ guys did MUCH better. Also, I might be wrong, but I don’t think there was a single holding penalty. Finally, they also showed an ability to road grade and simply move the pile for 3-4 yards, which last year was only seen in DKR when everyone on the schedule did it to us.
2. A TE actually catching a pass. Who knew? Receivers fighting for balls (little Ship’s TD not the only example).. There is a pride in that bunch that was missing last year.
3. A crowd that couldn’t get enough. The “bored” DKR crowd’s of year’s past was non-existent. I was amazed at how few headed for the exits after the last TD. Besides the energy noted, they actually wanted to see more. Of course, mebbe it was because they couldn’t see it any where else!
4. Recognize the multiple shift penalties are a product of learning the Harsinwhite O. Has to be fixed. Alo a little worried about the D line against the run. I hope PB is right, but seeing what Rice could do up the gut scares the poop out of me for UCLA, et al.
That’s it. Since I missed Wyoming and FAU last year, it was a great feeling to drive home after a win. Hook ’em!
Pretty sure we did have at least one holding penalty
Really like your other points.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Think we'll see more of the TEs as the year progresses
Given everything that we saw last night, there’s so much that Harsin held back. What impressed me most is his utilization of the speed at his disposal in his playcalling, combined with the timing of those plays. The reverses with Monroe and Shipley were thrown in (for the most part) at just the right moments.
O-line is still a worry. They got better as the game progressed, true; but one injury anywhere along that front could tumble the dominoes.
Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
Groucho Marx
by beast in bama on Sep 4, 2011 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Glorious Evening - Big Up - n down
Great atmosphere last night. Big horns up to the youth movement! I have never seen so many frosh just calmly go in and produce. Are you kidding me Diggs, MB, Jax? Disappointed in the D. I did not notice a single player wreaking havoc againt an undersize Owl squad.
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
by realmccoy on Sep 4, 2011 9:03 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Good start for the offense
Glad to see that we hit a few big plays. That was really missing last year. Also, only one turnover.
So I am pretty optimistic after one game.
I am on Twitter @jeffchaley
Thanks for the write up.
Unfortunately, couldn’t find the game on the radio/online and due to the infamous LHN blackout I obviously couldn’t watch the game.
ATX
by Atownatx on Sep 4, 2011 9:26 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
That's what the game thread is for
We found a link and everybody dialed it up and streamed LHN in HD. Join the thread next time…it’s a lot of fun.
Burnt Orange Nation
Follow Along on Twitter @TXStampede
I really appreciate everyones work with the links. I am terrible at finding those things, so the game thread was a life saver.
by horninraidercountry on Sep 4, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Absolutely join
But read the whole thread before you repeatedly ask for a link to the game like a whiny douchebag.
Who are you?!
I'm Kick Ass!
by TexasGarcia37 on Sep 4, 2011 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Or at the very least
Look for bright green beacons of gloriousness (at which were repeatedly pointed).
On that note
I want to take a moment to thank you personally for saving my evening with the Veetle link you provided. Once I downloaded and installed the DVD enhancement, it was one of the best streaming experiences I’ve ever had. That, combined with the fun of interacting with the BON community during a Texas win, combined for a very enjoyable evening.
I know that there’s a lot of back and forth about LHN access and its overall worth – especially out that way – but once you’ve got it (or if you ever get it), you’re going to love it. The quality was superb – even the commercials were good!
Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.
Groucho Marx
by beast in bama on Sep 4, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Patience
Implementing a new O and D are a multi year process – not a multi month. I was impressed with the O’s progress over the course of the game, especially running the ball.
For the Offense – Primary Objectives:
1. Did we minimize the # times the opponent starts drives on our side of the field – Yes. That killed us last year. We reduced turnovers and stupid plays which is key to winning football. We did not set the D up for failure.
2. Did we average more than 5 yds on first down – not sure, but looked much better in 2nd half. Helps sustain drives, and give the D rest. Shows a marked improvement in OL play and overall blocking and execution by all positions. Also shows a reduction in penalties. We sucked at this last year.
These are two important goals for the first year in the new scheme for the offense. This was first game, and againt Rice. If we track, improve and excel at these throughout the year, we should do pretty well.
Confidence
Harsinwhite is crafting an offense that is both potent and fun to watch. The OL will congeal as the season progresses, and we’ll be dangerous. Everything worked sometimes (deep shots to Davis) and some things worked every time (DJ’s jet sweeps, hand it to Malcolm, Fozzy in the wildcat). But the most exciting thing was seeing the offense as a whole, especially in the 4th quarter, play with genuine confidence. This bodes well.
AGREE
Tonight was a breath of fresh air. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable. Loved the play calling ( both offense and defense ). Execution of these schemes is still a work in progress.Gilbert showed sighs of the ghost of 2010 but did appear more comfortable as the game progressed. If Mack wanted a "brick ", tonight was a good start.
new offense
Am I the only one that noticed that we had more big plays in the passing game last night than all season. Nice to see coordinator realize his QB’s greatest strength is the deep ball
by codaxx on Sep 4, 2011 11:13 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Power running + big passing plays =
an offense that will make me happy. Gilbert is never going to have Colt-like ability to jam the ball into super tight windows on third down. But he can probably cut loose down-field a few times a game. If we hit a few of those, and move the chains with the running backs, we are going to be alright.
I am on Twitter @jeffchaley
Malcolm Brown, Double G , and Blake Gideon
Malcolm Brown is going to be something special, you can just feel it ever time he touches the ball. It feels very similar to a Cedric Benson. I was please with the amount of reps he got. Rating 8
Garrett Gilbert was pretty poor in my eyes. Obviously he was playing very nervous in the first two quarters, but I feel like anyone would. It was weird to have 101 thousand people waiting for your to fuck up again! There were times where people were booing before he even got rid of the ball. That being said, he never showed that he has anything better than tunnel vision. The article above was exactly correct about his already having a receiver picked when leaving the huddle.. can anyone say Mike Davis. Rating 3
Blake Gideon is very poor at tackling, but we already knew that. The first 4 plays that Gideon was actually involved in were comprised of him doing his famous one armed broken tackle. The best that position was played all night was not until the last quarter and a half of the game. This was done by none other than NOlan Brewster! so Gideons rating 1.
mike davis
The stats were great, but he dropped a first down pass on the 2nd drive that forced us to kick a fg. He dropped at least 2 other passes in the first half. He needs to work on his hands, if he is going to become elite.
by codaxx on Sep 4, 2011 11:02 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Shipley wearing 8
was weird, only because I could have sworn we retired that number as well as many others.
LHN, it’s too grainy. Close-ups of anything are pretty clear. Otherwise, it’s like watching on the Big Screen at the Pizza Hut, circa 1980. That isn’t my cable, it needs to be improved. Every other game on the tube last night was crystal clear. Funny, had to interrupt my typing as entouch just called to ask if we got our LHN last night. She also indicated it was the network.
Our D against more formidable backs: we’re going to give up serious yards & td’s on the ground.
Otherwise, it only gets tougher from here. But I am still optimistic on the season. Hope to go to the RRR this year, need 2 tickets.
Hook ’em!
GOMER TAPPED OUT !!! GOODBYE GOMER !!!
I think that was your setup
TV was crystal clear where I was, and that was at a bar.
While some of our young players looked impressive and GG turn the ball over,
the fact is that our start this year was almost identical to our 2010 start. So I still waiting to be impressed!
Great players make great coaches, but great coaches make champions." DKR circa 1964
GG didn't turn the ball over...sorry!
Great players make great coaches, but great coaches make champions." DKR circa 1964
No, it really wasn't
The score was somewhat similar, but the game flow was entirely different. Instead of coming out expecting to kill Rice and then falling asleep in the second half, we came out shaky and then started getting more and more confident throughout the game. Instead of being left empty-handed, like I was after last year, I felt like we were actually building toward something.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
Harsin impresses
The offenses was not dominant, but the turn around shown through in all facets. Harsin’s offense is not just fun, it makes use of every player (Jamison berryhill) and their strengths and – gasp – makes sense. If we reach our potential, the schemes alone can be a difference-maker.
by BMG on Sep 4, 2011 10:23 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Just think
Over 500 yards and still not dominant. That’s a pretty exciting feeling if you ask me.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
3rd & short
From reading Barking Carnival’s LonghornScott, 3rd & short was a part of the offense I was most excited about and Harsin did not disappoint. We started out slow on 3rd downs but you could see the progress and the conversions started picking up throughout the 2nd half.
I was not as impressed with the O-line as others seem to be so far, at least in the first half. GG did not look like he could settle in the pocket the 1st half. I wanted to see us push Rice around a lot more upfront than we did.
D-line, jury is out right now due to the amount of zone-read and running we saw. Next week will be a great test against BYU and I am hoping to see more of the blitzing scheme come out.
First Half
I attributed the first half to two things: Harsin probing and prodding and, more importantly, nerves. The team settled down in the second half. I think the second half performance will be our starting point next week.
There are no bad wins for this team right now
I’ll take it.
May I say, “watching” the game on ESPN Gamecast blows. Anyone seen a good highlights package out there?
Worring: No sacks. Interior run D.
Simplicity is always the secret, to a profound truth, to doing things, to writing, to painting. Life is profound in its simplicity. - Charles Bukowski
Also
I think the Horns were very scripted in what they chose to show to rival coaches. If anything the fact that the game was all but impossible to watch works in their favor. Just one throw for Ash speaks to that. We haven’t seen anything yet. (Literally for some of us.)
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 Sep 4, 2011 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Ash didn't throw the ball
He handed it off a lot and the ball that went to Shipley for the TD was thrown by Harris.
TEXAS FIGHT
He threw one pass
It was a screen of some sort.
There's a brief highlight reel
Over here. Not much, but something.
"Disco?" He shakes his head. "What a dark time for our country."
by Burrito Electrico on Sep 4, 2011 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Rice's O doesn't allow for sacks.
In fairness, Rice doesn’t really allow anyone to sack them, just like last year. Next week will be more telling as far ad getting pressure onthe QB I think.
The biggest issue, as Mack pointed out, was stopping that inside trap. Otherwise I thought the defense as a unit wad gear. I bet Rice averages 30 in C-USA.
There is such a thing as a bad win for this team
A “bad win” is when you don’t deserve to win a game, but you ignore that fact anyway and refuse to accept that there’s something wrong with your team. I.e. The first three wins from last year.
by iamjackburton on Sep 4, 2011 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, Peter
Posting at 3:23 AM? I hope you are sleeping in today.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
#8
At DKR last night and was so surreal to see a #8 with Shipley flying down the sideline. The TD catch in the end zone reminded me so much of his brother in the grittiness and determination to come down with the ball. He also has the ability to get open like his brother.
Freshman
Playing those 18 freshman last night a lot will pay off very well later in the year and the years to come.
Great summary PB...
My only concern is a couple of big Rice plays that ALMOST happened. A kickoff runback that Tucker had to close out otherwise the Rice return-man had 6. The fact that our safeties had to get engaged on so many run-play tackles. I counted 4 runs in which, had not one safety or d-back made a great open field tackle, the Rice RB was gone.
I know, I know…coulda, woulda, shoulda…words of a loser. But there were a few times that we were one open field tackle away from the score being a lot closer. I just hope the Mad-Manny-Scientist’s schemes hold up to a team who’s RBs are bigger, stronger, faster.
My most pressing concern is that we didn't manage a sack
With all the hype our D-line came into this game, all we managed was a QB hurry against Rice, who while probably better than last year’s team is still not an AQ quality opponent.
TEXAS FIGHT
Sack
Both Mack and Manny talked about this last night. Very much because of the Rice offensive scheme – lots of quick passes and running that really does not provide for sacks like a drop back passer. Rice specifically tried to slow down the game as you could see they were getting the play off with less than 5 seconds on almost every play.
You can't really learn anything from Rice
They are just really, really bad. We’ll see how good this team is (can be) against BYU next week. I’ll hold off all critique until then, though I was delighted to see M. Brown getting the carries in the second half.
I liked the M. Brown usage as well
It will help keep Foz fresh and hopefully keep him healthy cuz with Foz playing like that, wow!
Agree PB, and no injuries. Or at least none I've seen published. Thankful for that and the...
emergence of a real run game in the 2nd half.
But the DTs need to get their hands on the ball carrier in the middle. It was alarming to me how easily Rice ran up the middle in the open field. True, the D didn’t break, but it’s going to be stressful to watch until I gain confidence that they can hold fast against better teams. But I guess that’s why God gave us beer.
Oh, yeah. Million thanks to Stampede for the link. That was awesome.
Being able to actually watch the game despite all the jackassery surrounding the lack of LHN was totally gratifying.
Hope I don’t have to pirate the Kansas game using TW’s bandwidth, but if I do, I’ll feel really,really good about it.
Link?
Hey wrecker, reading your post from above and tried to look for the post regarding info on the link for yesterday’s game. For future reference; 1.) what is the link? 2.) can I utilize it on my I pad2? Thanks
Someone had it streamed on http://veetle.com/. But no guarantee it'll be there for KU.
Just check the open game thread at that time to see if anyone has found a functional link.
Will Lyles loaned them to Tucker...
…apparently Oregon gave them to Lyles as a thanks for the discounted “services” he provided them.
link
“We found a link and everybody dialed it up and streamed LHN in HD.”
Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me and neither did any of the other links that posters were so kind to provide. What those links did uncover is that there are way more soccer teams in Europe than I realized and the diversity of TV shows in India is quite impressive. So I “listened” on ESPN Gamecast. Very frustrating.
I dunno
I was having UCLA flashbacks watching Rice gash us up the middle. A lot of teams are going to smile when they watch our tape.
sorry if its already been said
I just got back from Austin and only read the post, not any of the comment yet. The defense didnt register any sacks or INTs. Also Rice mostly ran what looked like an option offense for most of the game and got their yards on the ground. Bad thing about that is BYU and UCLA also run the option, but are better teams than Rice. I agree the 2nd half was 2x better than the first. I also saw GG staring down his receiver almost before the snap as well. GG was looking at Davis the second he got out of the huddle. It was almost to the point where I wanted Davis to come out the game just so GG HAD to throw to someone else. Another thing I saw was that Rice blitzed alot which led to alot of those hurried passes. All in all, if they can play all season as well as they did in the 2nd half then everything will be fine
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Sep 4, 2011 2:14 PM CDT reply actions
one last thing
its obvious that they are still learning the offense because they ended up with 3-4 penalties for illegal shift and too many people moving without being set before the snap
"Stability is a factor in teams that win the championship. But if you stabilize on a team that's going to end up short of that, then all you're doing is spinning your wheels in the 45-win range."-----Daryl Morey
by fanoflosingteams on Sep 4, 2011 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Little things
The illegal shifts were somewhat annoying but also expected and easily correctable. I know at least one of them (I think it was actually 2 of them) was because the outside receiver was just trying to make sure he was actually on the line. It wasn’t that he lined up incorrectly, he was just slightly adjusting to make sure he was all the way up on the line. It just so happened that he did it with a man in motion. They have to learn to get to the right spot the first time (and if they don’t, they are better off not adjusting because it is less likely to get called).
GG = Mr. Roboto
I have been a huge GG apologist, and am really rooting for him. He really was tight last night, and when he threw a worm burner on that first series – the air went out of the stadium. His biggest opportunity for improvement is in the accuracy of his short and medium throws. His deep balls were just beautifully thrown with touch and accuracy. But he just was not hitting the short ones in stride. Many times the balls were too hot and towards the knees, forcing the WRs to slide or go down for the catch – negating YAC. I gotta believe that he should be able to improve that, if you can drop a ball into a “teacup” from 50 yards with great touch – certainly you can learn to do the same from 8 yards – right?
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
You would think so
Gotta give playmakers like Ship, Davis, White, Harris, Monroe, Fozzy, and Brown a chance to run after they catch the ball. You can’t waste their post-catch abilities by making them fall down or stretch out to catch passes.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
FANTASTIC GAME at DKR
Before the game, as I walked from players to the stadium, groups of students were chanting, singing, fired up! I only saw 1 woman holding up a ticket for sale. TERRIFIC
ATTENDANCE for this game. That was a concern for me after last year. But the students
showed up and there were spinkled empty seats but not whole sections, (mostly students last year who did not draw tickets.) The crowd and the game were terrific and made me
a happy camper. The only downer was 1 guy on the Texas bench who insisted on swirling a white towel ala A&M. Last year the whole team did it and it was a total distraction. I wanted to go down and yank that towel out of his hand! That is aggy and they are gone.
The team produced, especially with 12 true freshman and sophmores starting. Kudos to Mack & Co. putting the best players out there regardless of seniority. They can ride the bench and still be on scholarship. To me, a great start not allowing a touchdown and no
interceptions. And Malcomn Brown is going to be something very special! Loved every
minute. Beat BYU and Hook’em!
ut1ou2 for texas-ou weekend
Stats may be for losers
but they were promising for the Offense:
- Time of possession 33:01, 10:11 in the 4th quarter.
- 3/3 in red zone scoring opportunities
- 18.5 yards per completion. Awesome!
- 6.7 yards per offensive snap.
Yes, I know it was only Rice, but this is still a step forward in the right direction. Folks need to temper their expectations down a bit. Offseason camp reports were VERY promising, but its completely different under the lights on Saturdays. We have a ways to go, but we’re finally looking like a complete, cohesive team.
Hook ’em!
Eight Walls a new MMA blog from Fantake
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SECede?....Whoop(s)!!
Rice wanted it bad...
…we always want to beat you guys, bad. Believe me, years of pain makes a team work their butts off to end the pain. How much pain – here again is the quote by JFK in 1961 at Rice Stadium:
“But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic? * Why does Rice play Texas? * We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”
You guys stuck it to us, again but we will see you next year and try to get to the moon. The addition of Harsin to the Horns coaching staff was a setback to the chances of the pain ending before I die (figure he will take over some day), but hope springs eternal. We really thought we had a serious shot this time and for 3 quarters, were hanging in there with you. Good game Horns…again, and good luck the rest of the way :(. Beat the Aggies…please.
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