Posted April 30th, 2014 by Ross
Filed under: Football, Spring Football

Here are my thoughts after watching the Longhorns at the Spring Game under Coach Strong, Clint Eastwood style.

The Good

The defense as expected was the shining star after the first drive by the offense resulted in an early touchdown. The defense line led by Caleb Bluiett (8 tackles & 2 sacks) ran roughshod over the offense line. The real test is to see if this group can excel against better offenses.

The defense backs had its share of interceptions lead by Mykkele Thompson who returned one back for a score. The QB play did not give much of an indication if this group will be up to task, but they gained a measure of confidence in the way they played.

Malcolm Brown and Jalen Overstreet showed promise in their running styles (Thunder & Lightning) in the way they attacked the defense. It was good to see these two step up as the passing game will start with a big question mark.

I liked that Coach Strong put the offense and defense on opposite sides of the field. It gave the fans the experience that one group was going against the other in a game. Charlie Strong strode across both ends of the field during the game to watch the coaches and the players actions.

The Bad

We knew that the QB play would be the most scrutinized position on the field. It was evident that Tyrone Swoopes needs more time to develop as a passer. The athleticism is evident but the decision making and the timing of his release leaves room for doubt. If the incoming Max Wittek and Jerrod Heard can take the reins, it might be better to have Swoopes be the tight end that would remind us of Jermichael Finley. I will trust this coaching staff that they will put the kids in a position where they will succeed.

The offense line needs to come together quickly. There were some key absences on the line, but the boys in the trenches need to step up. The moving pocket allowed the line some success, but ultimately these road graders need to help this stable of running backs.
The audio coming from the Godzillatron was horrible. The timing and the placement of the music was bad. The big video board will be replaced because the company that created this monster is no longer around to feed the beast or get replacement parts. I hope the Athletic Department revamps the way they use this tool for the upcoming season.

The Ugly

The practice uniforms that the kids are wearing are hideous. I am going to the give the coaching staff a break because they have been preoccupied with establishing their culture and attitude with the team. I have been an advocate of providing the players an alternate game day jersey that will energize the players and help with new recruits.

As Clint said in the famous movie, “You see, in this world there’s two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig.” Will the Longhorns have the loaded gun on the field or will they be the team digging?

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Posted November 30th, 2013 by Ross
Filed under: Football

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 Texas’ matchup with Texas Tech.

Pregame WTH Turkey Day?! We all know that the Thanksgiving Day game will always be a home game for the Horns. Will the fans ever be electric after stuffing their faces all day? The revolving opponents will not install much more enthusiasm or the lame senior introductions before kick-off. Get the players away from the end zone and let them stand in front of the entire crowd with their parents at the 50 yard line. Come on Mack… send them off right!

1st Quarter (9:94) WTH Erxleben?! Not only did Ryan get dissed by his Dad’s alma mater and have to go to Lubbock to kick. But this fleet footed soul decided on his own to take off after no one decided to check on him. Fifty one yards later the Red Raiders were on the scoreboard with their only TD of the half.

1st Quarter (:00) WTH Human Tricks?! The biggest ovation of the 1st quarter was when they trot someone out to kick a field goal in front of the “announced” 100,668 in attendance. They need to break out an old fashioned punt, pass, and kick competition to get this tryptophan fan base entertained.

2nd Quarter (:05) WTH Action Jackson?! The defense had an outstanding outing with 9 sacks and great coverage all game long. A huge play was turned in by Jackson Jeffcoat as Tech was 8 yards away from pay dirt. Jackson recorded one of his three sacks on Baker Mayfield which forced a TT field goal.

3rd Quarter (13:57) WTH Replay Booth?! The officials had a terrible day because they ate way too much and they were asleep at the wheel. Even the replay booth official missed on reversing a fumble call on the Horns. Marcus Johnson was stretching for extra yards when the ground caused the fumble. The booth missed another call when a Tech punt returner did not touch the ball.

3rd Quarter (10:04) WTH Royal?! The scoreboard showed another one of Darrell Royal’s favorite saying that you need to dance with the one that brought you. Coach Applewhite took that saying to heart when sticking with the run all game long and producing two 100 yard rushers of Malcolm Brown & Joe Bergeron.

4th Quarter (14:56) WTH Pretty Boy?! Looks like Coach Tom Cruise needs to instill some discipline with his team. Tech was flagged for 11 penalties for 102 yards. Will Smith (not the actor) laid out Mike Davis after he had clearly caught a touchdown pass from Case McCoy. Tech had a frustrating day with their season starting 7-0 and it ended up going 7-5.

4th Quarter (8:14) WTH Officials?! The officials blew another judgment call when they moved the sticks and gave Jalen Overstreet a first down. The replay booth wanted to take a look at it so that Fox Sports could get another commercial timeout since no was really watching by this time.

Next up for the Longhorns are the Bears in Waco to say goodbye to Floyd Casey Stadium on Dec. 7th.

Thanks for following my WTH articles throughout the season. I appreciate the opportunity to rant about the greatest University sports program in the country. You can continue to follow comments on all of UT sports on twitter at @40AcresSports or follow me at @Horns1991. HOOK EM!!

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