It was immediately obvious after watching the first replay of Blaine Irby’s gruesome knee injury but it is now official that the sophomore tight end will miss the remainder of the 2008 season. According to a press release from the university Sunday evening Blaine suffered a dislocated right knee and will undergo season ending surgery. He’ll be able to seek a medical redshirt and should have a full three years of eligibility remaining when he (hopefully) returns to the field in 2009.
Read the full press release including quotes from Irby and Mack Brown below:
Longhorn sophomore starting tight end Blaine Irby sustained a dislocated right knee in Texas’ 52-10 victory over Rice on Saturday, will undergo surgery and is out for the rest of the season, UT Head Athletic Trainer for Football Kenny Boyd confirmed on Monday.
“It’s going to be a long journey, and I just have to take it one step at a time,” Irby said. “I know the tight end spot and the offense won’t lose a beat because Peter (Ullman) and Greg (Smith) are there to lead the way. I’m going to be there too, helping out Coach Chambers. I’ll be there as a coach and a teammate and ready to help anybody in any way that they need me. Coach Brown told me that I could use a medical redshirt since this happened so early in the season, which would give me three more years, but that’s down the road. Right now, I just need to focus on being patient, taking it one day at a time, getting healthy and coming back stronger than ever.”
The 6-3, 235-pound Irby started all three games and had 10 catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns on the year. He led the Horns with seven catches for 62 yards and a TD in their 52-10 season-opening victory over Florida Atlantic. Irby also posted nine knockdown blocks in that game. He had a 23-yard catch at UTEP and registered two catches for 10 yards before sustaining the knee injury against Rice. He played in 11 games and registered two catches for 29 yards as a true freshman in 2007.
“We have a great history of tight ends and Blaine was quickly developing into the type of player to follow in those footsteps,” said head coach Mack Brown. “He was getting better every week and making a big impact in our offense. Blaine was very productive for us at a key time since we lost Jermichael (Finley) early to the NFL. As much as we’ll miss him this season, thank goodness he’ll get a redshirt year and have three seasons left when he gets back.”
In addition to Finley leaving school early, Texas also lost sophomore Josh Marshall during preseason drills. He sustained a left scapula injury and remains out indefinitely. Senior Peter Ullman and sophomore Greg Smith both have played this season and will compete for the starting tight end job.
Redshirt freshman Ahmard Howard will move up the depth chart and compete for action after playing primarily on special teams this season. Fellow redshirt freshman Ian Harris, who sustained a neck sprain in August, is expected to be cleared to return to practice soon. Offensive tackle Britt Mitchell has been playing tight end in short-yardage and goal-line situations as well.
We wish Blaine good health and determination through his rehab and can’t wait to see him back catching passes again as soon as possible.
There’s no embeddable highlights from FSN (watch that here) but I did find two good clips on YouTube from yesterday evening’s game against Rice. I’m not sure what it would take to get TV networks to figure out this whole Internet thing and make high quality video available after the games are over but some bootleg highlights will have to do for now.
Watch Colt McCoy’s bulldozing first quarter touchdown run:
Watch the full five minute video of Texas’ 11 play goalline stand:
Colt McCoy bulldozes a Rice defender
See what the media said about the game below:
Local Media
- Texas rolls over Rice 52-10
- Texas defense gets job done
- Shipley has great game for Texas against Rice
- Rice’s rout: Tragedy, or comedy of errors?
- Notebook: Rice led, for a moment
- Texas vs. Rice photos
- Horns Go Up Top to Bury Rice
- McCoy Eclipses Applewhite’s Mark in Win
- McCoy’s record TDs help UT cruise
- Texas enjoys rite of passage, beats Rice 52-10
- Rice vs. Texas: Onward…
- Making a stand
- Greg Davis and Will Muschamp discuss Rice
- Rice game quotes
- Rice game notes
- Rice photo gallery
Texas media
- McCoy, Texas romp past Rice
- UT’s grand stand denies Rice
- McCoy sets Texas record in blowout against Rice
- McCoy sets UT passing TD record in win over Rice
National media
We’ve had several people emailing asking for video of the Blaine Irby injury and also had several people send us the link, but out of respect for Blaine we’ve decided not to post the video. It is a gruesome and scary injury and right now we’d rather send some good vibes Blaine’s way than rewatch his injury.
If you’re desperate to watch it just head over to YouTube and just search for Blaine Irby and you’ll find it.
Get better soon Blaine. Hook ‘em!
Update: Irby’s injury is in fact season ending. (9/21/2008 10:20 pm)
Update: The team has announced that the injury will keep Irby out for the entire 2009 season. (7/24/2009)
Follow along below with our live thoughts and analysis during tonight’s game versus Rice. 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!
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Texas Longhorns vs. Rice Owls
Unless you somehow missed the first two Texas games you know that the young Texas secondary still has a lot of growing up to do. Can they handle that prolific Rice passing game? Will Colt McCoy and the Texas offense continue to put up big numbers on the scoreboard? Read our editors’ predictions below to find out:
Brian - Texas should win easily this evening versus the Rice Owls but there may be more important things to take away from the game than just the final score. With Oklahoma and Missouri dominating opponents the Longhorns need to show that they can do the same. The Horns need to and will show marked improvement on both sides of the ball from when they last played two weeks ago. The defense will still play it close to the vest but I think even without complicated blitzes the return of Lamarr Houston will mean much better pressure on the quarterback. Texas will struggle to get big running plays but McCoy will continue his impressive early season play with at least four TD tosses.
Rice 10 - Texas 45
Mike - Even before Hurricane Ike this looked like a blowout, add the distractions and circumstances the Rice team has faced all week and it appears doubtful this game has any chance not to get ugly. I expect Texas to try and establish an identity in the running game, and I expect that identity to come in the form of Foswhitt Whittaker. After a week off, look for Will Muschamp’s defense to try and set the tone with big plays and pressure. Rice excels on third down, and needless to say UT does not. If Texas can limit those extra opportunities and avoid mistakes the Owls have no chance. This one is all Texas.
Rice 13 - Texas 52
Matt - Even though we have only allowed 23 points in our first two games, both opponents have been able to move the ball a little too easily against our young secondary. And the one thing Rice does well is throw the ball, so this should be a good test before getting into the meat of our schedule. Hopefully with the week off Muschamp has straightened some things out and we see that improvement on the field. I am definitely not worried about our offense, as we should put up at least 50 this Saturday. I am going with a high scoring game (so take the over).
Rice 23 - Texas 59
Everybody knows to look for Colt McCoy and Brian Orakpo each game, but UT’s success in this week’s game against Rice and in the upcoming conference match-ups will hinge on the production and success of a few players that are coming into their own. Let’s look at five.
Foswhitt Whittaker
The redshirt freshman tailback was the most productive back in Texas’ offense in his only game this year. His skill set fits in perfectly with the type of offense Texas likes to run. Foswhitt averaged 6.0 yards on 12 attempts against UTEP. He had missed the first game with a knee injury but all reports suggest his knee is fine so expect more touches against Rice. Running backs coach Major Applewhite has been emphasizing receptions out of the backfield, and with Whittaker possessing the best open field moves on the team he seems to be in line to become more and more a part of the offense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start, and if he doesn’t start against Rice, he will be by the time Big 12 play begins.
Earl Thomas
The Rice game will be Earl’s third start at safety in college. Rice’s tight end James Casey leads the nation in receptions per game (over 9), and is sure to be Thomas’ man of the night as the defense has seemed to play Blake Gideon in the deep middle. The redshirt freshman has played hot and cold as would be expected in his first two college games, but coach Will Muschamp seems to have confidence in him. If Thomas can hold his own and wrap up when he hits a ball carrier it will help ease the anxiety of a lot of Texas fans. If he can’t, Christian Scott or Ben Wells may get more looks.
Michael Huey
The young offensive lineman got a chance for major playing time when teammate Charlie Tanner went down with a leg injury. Huey struggled at times against UTEP and must begin to move people off the line in order to hold off Tanner when he comes back as well as true freshman David Snow. Texas wants more push in the run game on the inside. Huey has the raw talent and mean streak to remind many fans of ex-Longhorn, and big bellied cult leader, Kasey Studdard, but must translate it on the field to solidify Huey as a starter for the next few years.
Malcolm Williams
Colt McCoy has played great, beyond great really in the first two games, but eventually this team will need a deep threat and the most likely candidate appears to be the 6′4″ Williams. Through the first two games it appears Texas hasn’t even looked to go deep, settling for underneath patters. As the talent of the players, and the coaches, rises the need to stretch the defense takes on added importance. Watching Williams in practice and in pre game warm ups leaves little doubt to his physical skills, but like most young players Williams needs to build his on field confidence by making big plays in a real game. Think of Limas Sweed before and after the catch in the “Horseshoe” against Ohio State. Williams will need a play like that to jump start his season and his career.
Ryan Palmer
The best player on Rice’s team is wide receiver Jarrett Dillard and one would think senior cornerback Ryan Palmer will be the guy asked to shadow him throughout the night. The Owls offer little threat on the ground, so the play of the secondary (especially on third down) will be important in preventing any thought of an upset. Dillard and Rice quarterback Chase Clement will finish their careers as the leading touchdown scoring tandem in NCAA history will try to pick on the size of Palmer, but the senior has shown an ability to hold his own against bigger receivers. Holding this group of players in check will serve as a much needed confidence boost heading into games such as OU, Missouri, and Texas Tech.
Texas heads into this week’s game against Rice off an unexpected bye week thanks to Hurricane Ike. Going into this game, the emphasis will not necessarily be on winning (that should come from just showing up), the emphasis will be on setting a tone for the upcoming Big 12 season.
When Texas has the ball
Through the first two games, one thing has become unmistakably obvious: this is Colt McCoy’s football team. This year’s Longhorns will go as far as he takes them, and so far that seems to be a good thing. After a sophomore slump that saw McCoy’s interceptions jump up significantly from his freshman year, McCoy has started off his junior year in spectacular fashion, including only throwing one interception.
On top of his improved passing game, McCoy is also leading the Horns in rushing. He is the only Longhorn to have over 100 yards on the season. This needs to change, and luckily for UT the Rice Owls are just what the doctor ordered for the Texas running game in the past few years.
New running backs coach Major Applewhite has stressed ball security and pass blocking over explosive plays in the running game, but if Texas wants to get to their yearly goals of playing for the Big 12 championship and reaching a BCS game both need to happen. Texas ranks 23rd in the nation in pass offense, but sixth in the Big 12. The good teams in conference will be able to put up points, and with the youth in Texas’ secondary, UT’s offense must find a way to control the ball and shorten the game. This offense will not be able to score with the likes of Missouri and Oklahoma. In games like this weekend’s versus Rice, the running game needs to start asserting itself.
Texas’ offensive line should be able to physically dominate the smaller Rice defense. Expect the line to come out and quiet the naysayers after being out rushed by UTEP.
The receiving corps has been solid with Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley being the go to guys. Against Rice look for Texas to try and get Malcolm Williams and Dan Buckner deep, these two flankers need confidence heading into the upcoming schedule. So far, the biggest surprise has been the play of tight end Blaine Irby who has scored in the first two games.
When Rice has the ball
Another week, another spread offense for Texas’ young secondary to deal with. The preseason schedule has worked out perfectly in terms of giving this group practice seeing the types of offense they will in the Big 12. The talent will obviously be a step up once conference games begin, but don’t be surprised if the Owl offense presents a challenge for the defense. Quarterback Chase Clement and wide receiver Jarrett Dillard are no slouches, especially Dillard who could be the best player to come out of Rice in recent memory.
Texas ranks 98th in the nation against the pass so look for defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to start bringing more pressure as the season wears on. In a game like this one where the outcome isn’t in much question UT may play close to the vest on offense and defense, but if Rice has success early look for Sergio Kindle to be unleashed. Texas has worked on a “Buck” package with Kindle coming off the edge. This should become more and more a staple of this defense.
Rice offers no real threat to Texas on the ground. The linebacker corps has played as good as it ever has under Mack Brown. Texas’ emphasis moving forward in the season is to create more turnovers and to create more pressure. With offenses running the way they do now, sacks are not as easy to come by. Muschamp keeps track of pressures and hits on the quarterbacks each week. He would like the number to continue to go up.
LSU beating up on Auburn
Let’s see what is going on this Saturday. Remember, I did go 2-1 last weekend against the spread.
Miami (FL) at Texas A&M (+3) - 3:30 PM EST on ABC. The best news in this game might well be the fact that Stephen McGee is injured and might not play. Jerrod Johnson has shown some promise already this season and is probably a better option than McGee. Remember last year when Miami killed Aggy on the national stage? Well you can expect more of the same this year. Aggy will start the season 0-2 at home.
Rice at #7 Texas (-29) - 7:00 PM EST on FSN. After Hurricane Ike I am sure these two teams are ready to get back on the playing field and resume some normalcy. Rice doesn’t seem as bad this year as they normally do, but they still have no shot against Texas. Rice can actually score some points, so this will another good warm-up for the Texas defense before the real schedule starts. Rice might actually be a tough cover, but I see us winning by about 35.
#18 Wake Forest at #24 Florida State (-4) - 7:00 PM EST on ESPN2. Florida St is currently #1 in the nation in overall defense, allowing only 170 yards per game, but that is a little deceiving since they have played two Football Championship Subdivision teams. Wake Forest has owned Florida State in recent years and is the only team to shut-out FSU at home in coach Bobby Bowdens’ career. FSU is the favorite in this game for a reason. They are much more talented in the skill positions and are playing at home. I think this game might be close, but FSU will end up winning by 7 and cover the spread.
#6 LSU at #10 Auburn (+2.5) - 7:45 PM EST on ESPN. By far the premier match-up of the weekend. With two of the best defenses in the country squaring off Saturday night, this has all of the makings to be a 7-6 game. If you only score 3 points against Mississippi St, something is wrong with your offense. Even though they are playing at home, Auburn has the real potential to be shut-out. LSU’s offense is nothing to write home about either, but they should be able to put something together. I see LSU winning this game 17-6.
Posted June 1st, 2008 by Brian
Filed under: Baseball, World Series
It got scary with two outs in the bottom of the night but yesterday’s starter Chance Ruffin came in and got the final out for the 4-3 victory over St. John’s. Austin Wood threw a fantastic 8 2/3rds innings but gave up two runs and put two more runners on before being relieved. After an intentional walk Ruffin got the final out on a bases loaded fielder’s choice.
Texas now must win two in a row against Rice to move onto the Super Regional. Texas will start left-hander Riley Boening against the Owls tonight at 6pm. You can listen to the game online at 1300 the Zone or watch live streaming video at riceowls.cstv.com.
Posted March 2nd, 2008 by Brian
Filed under: Baseball, Quick Hits
Baseball drops ugly one to Rice in Houston College Classic. Two poorly played games in a row means two losses in a row for the Horns.
Posted December 9th, 2007 by Brian
Filed under: Basketball
The Longhorns easily handled Rice Saturday night at the Toyota Center in Houston to continue the unbeaten start to their 2007-08 season. The team is now 9-0 on the season (the team’s best start since 1981-82) and if they can get past two more tough games in December then they have a chance to make it into conference play undefeated.
Wooden Award candidate DJ Augustin and AJ Abrams each scored 18 points against the Owls. Damion James chipped in another 18 points and added an impressive 17 rebounds. James’ play is a very good sign for the Horns, a third scoring option and a monster on the glass could mean for a longer tourney run this March.
Next up for the team will be Texas State on Saturday (12/15) at 5pm. No TV so show up at the Erwin Center and support your Horns in person.
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