WTH?! (What the Heck?) moments are attempts to find the memorable and the off-beat perspective on Longhorns sports. Here are some interesting moments from the Texas’ game against the Central Florida.
Pregame WTH UT Fans?! The Horns have not played a home game in close to a month and you need the alumni band to help fill out the upper deck. Yes, I know the game started at 11am, but there were way too many empty seats for the 2nd ranked team in the nation. Now I know why they announce the attendance (101,003) in the third quarter.
Kickoff (15:00) WTH Adidas?! Even before the kickoff, the UCF football team, wearing Adidas, was hexed because of a contract dispute. Newly signed Marcus Jordan (UCF basketball player) wore his dad’s Nikes which caused Adidas to terminate their $3 million dollar contract with the school. Never bite the hand that feeds you. The football team never had a chance.
2nd Quarter (5:22) WTH Jekyll?! Maybe I should call you Mr. Hyde. UT kicker [tag]Justin Tucker[/tag] boots a 70 yard kickoff which is not returned. Great Dr. Jekyll! Then Justin ( 3rd Qt. 11:31) proceeds to uncork a 16 yard punt. Come on Mr. Hyde! You know things are going good with the Horns when you’re complaining about the punting.
4th Quarter (13:01) WTH Jordan?! What an incredible pitch and catch between [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag] and [tag]Jordan Shipley[/tag] for an 88 yard touchdown. After the game you put together (11 catches 273 yards), you deserve to take a bow. How about a Heisman pose like [tag]Ricky Williams[/tag] threw down? I guess your offense lineman wanted you to take a curtain call at the end of the game when they pushed you out to acknowledge the student section who was cheering your name.
Whole Game WTH Defense?! No interceptions. No fumble recoveries. Not even a touchdown? What is happening?! Oh yeah, UCF is 2 of 12 on 3rd down. The defense holds an opponent to lowest score of the season (3 pts.). Yeah, this group is OK. Defensive MVP was clearly [tag]Sergio Kindle[/tag].
WTH Big XII?! Can the Longhorns continue the season as an Independent? Take the Longhorns win-loss record out of the mix and the rest of the Big XII record is 57-44. Only four teams after the first week of November are even bowl eligible.
Next up for the Longhorn’s is a trip up north to Waco to face the Baylor Bears at 11am Nov. 14th.
Follow along live with 40 Acres Sports on Twitter and below for our thoughts and analysis during today’s Texas game versus [tag]Central Florida[/tag] on FSN. We’ll be live right around kickoff so join us to discuss the game bright and early at 11:00am Saturday.
Feel free to leave comments and questions using the live tool, but not all comments will be published. Read below for more notes on comments and how the live blog will work. Hook ’em!
After a tough stretch of games the Texas Longhorns take on the Central Florida Golden Knights and are big favorites in a game they should win easily. All the talk amongst the media and fans this week has been about how it’s a cakewalk from here on out for Texas to get to national championship game, were the Texas players listening to all the hype? Is this a game that could possibly trip up the Longhorns? Check out our predictions below:
Brian – The Longhorns are finally playing like the team fans thought they’d see all season long. That’s bad news for the Central Florida Golden Knights who are probably wishing the schedule hadn’t flip flopped and this game was taking place 6 weeks ago when Texas was still finding it’s identity. This game could be one that in previous years Texas would have overlooked, but not with the carrot of a national title shot out there and with Will Muschamp’s defense crushing opponents. The offense rolls with two TD passes over 40 yards and the defense gets on the board again. Texas 49, Central Florida 7
Jeff – “The spread is crazy on this game.” That statement is usually followed by a guaranteed cover. But the numbers and my gut just don’t add up to a huge scoring day from Texas. I don’t believe that the Horn’s offense will score more than 5 touchdowns in this game. Central Florida has only given up more than 20 points twice all year, once to a better than average Southern Miss, and once to Miami, both in losing efforts. As solid as their defense seems to be, their offense is the opposite.
As I watched their game last week with Marshall, I kept having the thought that a shutout was on their horizon. I don’t believe they will score more than 3 points. I REALLY would love to throw up a zero, but they have a strong-legged accurate kicker who has hit 5-7 outside 40 yards and is 1/1 from 50 yards out. So put it all together and I see 35-3 without defensive/special teams scores. But since we seem to be scoring non-offensive touchdowns every week, I’ll add one of those too. Texas 42, Central Florida 3
Ross – Since we have the #1 ranked scoring offense (41.75 points / game) and the #1 ranked rushing defense (52.88 yards / game) at the 40 acres, I believe this is a lethal combination that will go against Central Florida. The Horns have not played a home game since October 10th. Expect a very rowdy and loud UT crowd when the 2nd ranked team in the country hits DKR Memorial this Saturday morning. I see another game with everything clicking right for the Longhorns against the knights. Texas 49, Central Florida 13
Can Texas make it through their schedule and back to the Rose Bowl for another MNC?
It’s about that time to start sizing up the college football season, so here’s my rundown of games on the Longhorns schedule, in order from easiest to hardest. These rankings take each team’s projected strength, plus the location and timing of the game.
12. [tag]Louisiana-Monroe[/tag] (Sept 5)
Why they’re here: Because this is a gimmie game. Don’t kid yourself; this is the Glass Joe on our schedule. In their two games versus big-time teams last year (Auburn and Ole Miss) the Warhawks were outscored 93-0. Best of luck fellas!
Why they’re not higher: Because they finished 4-7 last year and the game is at home. Seriously, the Christians walking into the Coliseum to face Lions had more of a chance. On the bright side, this may be our first glimpse at the QB of the future Garret Gilbert.
11. At [tag]Wyoming[/tag] (Sept 12)
Why they’re not here: Okay, this team is also Glass Joe… but playing at home in what should be the biggest game in their history. Sorry that’s all I got.
Why they’re not higher: Because the got pounded by the “big boys” in the WAC last year (TCU, Utah, BYU) by a combined score of 129-14. Bite the curb, and tell us how it tastes. We’ll try and not make you look too bad in front of your parents.
10. [tag]UTEP[/tag] (Sept 26)
Why they’re here: Yes, they are a small conference school, but they have a coach who guided his previous team to two Rose Bowls. Don’t underestimate the importance of coaching in college football.
Why they’re not higher: Because when you move past the coach, this is still the same team we beat 42-13 in El Paso last year. And there won’t be any chicks giving their boyfriends hand favors on the mountain to distract our defense this year.
9. [tag]Central Florida[/tag] (Nov 7)
Why they’re here: They gave us a hell of a tussle in their place a couple of years ago. More than any “gimme” in the schedule, they probably believe they can beat us. Plus, given where they fall on the schedule (between Oklahoma State and Baylor) our boys could be due for a letdown.
Why they’re not higher: Because they lost to UTEP by 45 points last year. THE END.
8. Colorado (Oct 10)
Why they’re here: Because their coach is pretty damn good, and they play division one football there. Not intramurals brother…
Why they’re not higher: Because we smoked their ass last year, and this team traditionally is not great away from Boulder. Seriously, look it up: the school’s biggest three wins since joining the Big 12 have either come at home or on the a neutral site. Danger Dan Hawkins, danger!!!
7. At [tag]Missouri[/tag] (Oct 24)
Why they’re here: Because last year at this time, people were picking them as a National title contender. Sure they lost a bunch of talent, but I’m sure Pinkle has a bunch of talent ready to shine, right?
Why they’re not higher: Wrong. Sorry, but Chase Daniels was special (for Missouri at least) and Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman are NFL talents. So far, Missouri hasn’t shown the ability to reload and keep pace in the Big 12.
6. [tag]Texas Tech[/tag] (Sept 19)
Why they’re here: Because they beat us last year, and are always a tough out. Tech is the most hit-or-miss team in the country: when they’re off they can lose to SMU, when they’re on they can beat Oklahoma or Texas…
Why they’re not higher: at home. Sorry, I should have finished that thought. Look it up, Tech’s biggest wins in the last few years have come in Lubbock. Factor in that they will be working in a new starting quarterback, and the timing of this game is the final nail in the Red Raiders coffin. Don’t underestimate the “revenge” factor working in Texas’ favor.
5. At Texas A&M (Nov 26)
Why they’re here: It’s the Aggies; they have one good game in them a year and they always seem to save it for “t.u.”. They also will be playing at home and have the benefit of the 12th Man, plus they have a former NFL coach at the helm and a better-than-you-think reservoir of talent.
Why they’re not higher: Because the reservoir doesn’t run THAT deep. Look at the rankings, the Ags recruiting fell off mightily during the Fran tenure (or as they call it on Texags.com “the Dark Ages”). Plus the fact that the Horns seniors are 1-2 versus the Ags will provide a little extra motivation. A+M will really need the 12th Man… hell, they might even need to grab a 13th and 14th while they’re at it.
4. At [tag]Baylor[/tag] (Nov 11)
Why they’re here: Because the Bears have the fastest collection of skill players in the Big 12 (no really!), and now their Freshman All-American QB Robert Griffin has a full year starting under his belt. If you recall, the Bears battled back to tie the score at 14 in Austin last year before Texas pulled away. I just have the feeling that Art Briles has one major upset in him next year… and A&M doesn’t count.
Why they’re not higher: Because playing Baylor on the road is only slightly more difficult than playing them at home. Waco is basically a stone’s throw from Austin, relatively speaking, so the crowd will be 40% Horn fans at worst. Plus, Colt McCoy’s girlfriend will be in attendance, so he’ll be extra motivated. Wouldn’t you be?
3. [tag]Kansas[/tag] (Nov 21)
Why they’re here: Because Kansas is good, that’s why… potentially REALLY good. Todd Ressing is a top 10 quarterback nationally, and Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe form the conference’s best 1-2 punch on the outside. The Jayhawks’ falloff last year can directly be attributed to the defense, which should be much improved this fall.
Why they’re not higher: Because the game is in Austin and an improved Kansas squad is still a notch below what the Horns will line up with. The Texas D, playing without All-American Brian Orakpo, shut down the Jayhawks last season holding them to a season-low 7 points. Plus the timing of this game likely means the Horns will either be locked in on a BCS berth, or at the very worst trying to salvage the Cotton Bowl; regardless, it is unlikely they will have their guard down coming into this game.
2. [tag]Oklahoma[/tag] (Oct 17)
Why they’re here: This is always the game of the year in the Big 12 conference, but with all the late season debate and hoopla last year, this game’s intensity has been ratcheted up to another level. The Sooners are they only team quite in UT’s weight class on the schedule, and like it or not, they’re won the last three conference championships. The offense is manned by Heisman winner Sam Bradford and All-American Jermaine Gresham (who’s caught three touchdowns in his career versus the Horns), and their defense looks both deep and talented. Plus they have Ryan Reynolds back, who’s like the greatest football player ever!
Why they’re not higher: No, really he’s not. This is still the same defense that Colt hung 38 on last season, and Greg Davis seems to have Brent Venerables’ number. The Sooners’ also lost four starters on the offensive line along with their top two receivers, so Bradford won’t likely duplicate his numbers from last year. And to be honest, all the extra motivation is on Texas’ side: they beat OU, OU gets the BCS title shot and Bob Stoops crows and taunts by taking some less-so-subtle shots at Mack Brown. It’ll be a battle, but Texas looks to be a little stronger than 08, whereas OU looks to have taken a slight step back.
1. [tag]Oklahoma State[/tag] (Oct 31)
Why they’re here: 26. That’s the combined halftime deficits the Horns have faced their last two trips to Stillwater. I don’t know if it’s something in the water or what, but our boys always seem to stumble through the first half, only setting the stage for a thrilling comeback. This team is too good for us to spot double digits in the first half, plus the Horns will be coming off one huge game (Oklahoma) and one somewhat tough road game (Missouri) the two previous weeks; can they be at their best three weeks in a row?
A lot of things about this scenario bring back memories from Lubbock last year.
Well it wasn’t pretty but the Longhorns survived today against [tag]Central Florida[/tag] with a 35 – 32 victory. The Longhorns haven’t been much fun to watch this season but it sure as hell is better to be 3 – 0 than be Notre Dame or UCLA. Check out highlights from the game below…
We’ll have more thoughts on the game tomorrow.
The Longhorns finally played good football in the second half last week against TCU. The defense was tough all game long and held things together until Colt McCoy and the offense got rolling. This week against a solid [tag]Central Florida[/tag] team Texas will have to continue to improve and get ready for some tough games ahead. Texas fans won’t be satisfied with anything other than a blowout.
Here’s the keys to victory for today’s game:
1. Play four good quarters.
In two games this season the Longhorns have played two good quarters, today at UCF the Horns need to put together four solid quarters. The team will have to play more consistently on both sides of the football if they are going to beat the tougher teams on the schedule. The Black Golden Knights aren’t chumps, if the team takes half the game off they’re certainly capable of pulling off the upset at home.
2. Continue to run the ball out of multiple formations.
During the TCU game Texas (finally) came out and mixed a little I-formation and single back in with the shotgun offense we’ve relied on since Vince Young was destroying defenses. The change in philosophy paid off with a more effective and consistent running attack against a solid TCU defense. If the Horns can mix a straight ahead running attack and play action passing with the wide open shotgun offense, Colt McCoy and his teammates will be tough to stop.
3. Find a right tackle.
[tag]Chris Hall[/tag] performed well at right tackle against TCU but he’s better suited to play inside and does not look like the long term answer at the position. Hall will get the start today but if [tag]Adam Ulatoski[/tag] is going to be out for an extended time it might be worth giving one of the younger linemen a chance to earn the spot. We could see true freshmen tackles Kyle Hix and Tray Allen on the field against UCF today.
Related Links
Posted September 14th, 2007 by Brian
Filed under: Football, Quick Hits
Chris Simms on his injury status and Texas’ trip to Central Florida. He’s expecting a big showing of Longhorns at the game. (via)
Posted September 14th, 2007 by Brian
Filed under: Football, Quick Hits
Adam Ulatoski doubtful for Central Florida. Seems like good news to me, I thought for sure he’d be “out” for several weeks.
Posted September 13th, 2007 by Brian
Filed under: Football, Quick Hits
Take a photo tour of UCF’s new Bright House Networks Stadium. Very nice looking, it should be packed this Saturday. (via)
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