Posted November 24th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Feature, Football

Fire the cannon. Make some noise with Big Bertha. They should have let [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag] light the tower orange as well. Watch the postgame celebration and relish the special group of seniors that played their last game at DKR Saturday night:

Share

Posted October 24th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Feature, Football, Live

Follow along live with 40 Acres Sports on Twitter and below for our thoughts and analysis during tonight’s Texas game versus [tag]Missouri[/tag] on ABC. We’ll be live right around kickoff so join us to discuss the game right around 7:00pm tonight.

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!

(continue to read full live blog …)

Share

Posted October 20th, 2009 by Ross
Filed under: Feature, 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 the Texas’ game against the Sooners.

Pregame WTH Sooners?! What a sight to see when the Sooner band enters the playing field to a record crowd of 96,009 fans and an upside down Longhorn plastered right on the ass of a sequined OU baton twirler. Is it just me or did the OU band roll out the Oklahoma state flag a few years ago just to copy us? Nothing stirs up the emotions of the OU crowd like a powder blue flag with a twig and a peace pipe on it.

1st Quarter WTH Sooner Bench?! I know that we have Matthew McConaughey roaming our sidelines, but can you really be proud OU fans when you see Jim Ross on the bench. Yeah… that Jim Ross from the WWE with his signature black cowboy hat. You always want a fan on the sidelines that is remembered for wrestling match quotes like “that damn jezebel” or “this is a slobberknocker.”

1st Quarter (11:55) WTH McCoy?! I begin to see a trend developing with [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag]. Another first quarter turnover (fumble on the OU 31) by Colt that now has festered into three straight games. The great thing about Colt is his resilience to put mistakes behind him and press on. His toughness and running ability that many Longhorn fans would like to see more helped Texas throughout the game.

1st Quarter WTH Davis?! I need to give some credit to [tag]Greg Davis[/tag] on adding a key wrinkle to the play book. The misdirection plays to open the game with a rush draw by Fozzy Whitaker helped put the Sooners back on their heels. One complaint is that the addition of TE [tag]Greg Smith[/tag] to the game plan to thwart the oncoming OU rush was a reactionary measure when inserting the larger WR [tag]Dan Buckner[/tag] would be dictating the offense scheme to OU.

1st Quarter (11:55) WTH A. Williams?! I know everybody is aware of Aaron William’s first career sack on QB Sam Bradford that might have ended Bradford’s career at OU. The play that you may not have noticed was the touchdown saving tackle earlier of Demarco Murray which OU had to settle for a field goal. We all saw the whiff on WR Ryan Broyles which let the Sooners record their only touchdown of the day. The best way to make up for that was the fourth quarter “Stretch Armstrong” (1976 gel filled action figure by Kenner) interception of Landry Jones’ pass that he was trying to throw away.

2nd Quarter (4:52) WTH is a Muff?! Was there possession established by OU Dominique Franks or did UT [tag]Deon Beasley[/tag] dislodge the ball? Did Malcolm Williams fumble the ball at the one yard line or did he fumble it through the end zone for a touchback? I have never seen one play with so many interpretations. The rule needs to be changed next year so that a muff can be returned. I believe the refs got the call right.

2nd Half WTH Fozzy & Cody?! I saw great progress by running backs Fozzy Whittaker and [tag]Cody Johnson[/tag] with the workmanlike attitude of the Longhorn offense line in the second half to run for a total of 142 yards against the Sooners.

Whole Game WTH Horns Defense?! You cannot say enough good things about this unit. They continued to fight when the UT offense was sputtering most of the game. One of the main stats that Coach Blood looks for is creating turnovers (3 fumbles and 2 interceptions). Texas defense held Oklahoma to the lowest rushing yards total (minus 16 yards) ever in a Red River Rivalry game. Defensive MVP was [tag]Earl Thomas[/tag].

Next up for the Longhorn football team is a visit to Columbia to take on Missouri at 7pm on October 24th.

Share

Posted September 26th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Feature, Football

One more game to tune up for the Longhorns before Big 12 play gets fully underway. The Longhorns are big favorites, but how to the editors of 40 Acres Sports see the game going?

Brian Is this the [tag]Tre Newton[/tag] coming out party? In the last non-conference game for the Horns I expect the Texas coaches to try to feature Newton and jumpstart the running game for the rest of the season. [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag] will start slow again but this time Greg Davis will go to hurry up in first quarter so he’ll play three good quarters of football instead of two. Defense comes up big against a UTEP offense that has been struggling against even average early season opponents. Texas 60, UTEP 14

Michael The 2009 Longhorns have yet to live up to preseason expectations, and there’s little chance of that changing this afternoon against an uncommonly weak UTEP team. However, the offense has a golden opportunity to show that they really are the dominant, well-oiled machine that Texas fans expected them to be. Look for a healthier Colt McCoy to establish his passing dominance, hopefully with more deep shots to Malcolm Williams to take some pressure off of [tag]Jordan Shipley[/tag]. With Tre Newton as the starting back, I’d like to see more running plays inside the box as well to get our offensive line some practice in being aggressive. Defensively, there’s still room for improvement. Look for [tag]Deon Beasley[/tag] to make his return at some point this afternoon, and Muschamp will most likely be working to tighten down the zone defense to eliminate some of the bend in the “bend and not break” scheme. Texas 52, UTEP 10

Ross This game against UTEP needs to be the breather that all Texas fans have been hoping for. Colt McCoy had 4 TD passes last year against the Miners and we should expect the same this year. The emergence of Tre Newton as the starting running back should open up the middle of the field where opponents/linebackers have not respected the running game. This will be the momentum game that will help the UT players feel good going into the bye week. Texas 45 – UTEP 17

Predictions from Twitterverse

Share

Posted September 19th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Feature, Football, Live

Follow along live with 40 Acres Sports on Twitter and below for our thoughts and analysis during tonight’s game versus [tag]Texas Tech[/tag] on ABC. We’ll be live right around kickoff so join us to discuss the game right around 7pm tonight.

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!

6:45
Brian:  Welcome to the 40 Acres Sports live blog. Participate in the conversation here and with 40AcresSports on Twitter.
6:48
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Deon beasley is in uniform for game. #ut
6:48
Twitter 40acressports:  We’ll still be tweeting our analysis, add #40 to your tweets to have them embedded on the site. #UT
6:54
Twitter 40acressports:  @kbohls Don’t think we’ll see 3 DL, Kindle + Robinson + E Acho, and 5 DB’s a lot also? #UT #40
6:54
Twitter atrubow:  Also, Penn State’s schedule is a joke (just to be fair), so #ut shouldn’t have to worry about them. But you never know with voters. #horns
6:55
Twitter meetattexas:  RT @40acressports: Make sure you’re following @atrubow, @suzhalliburton, @InsideTexas and of course @40AcresSports for live updates. #UT #40
6:58
Brian:  Almost kickoff. Are you guys ready for some football???
7:01
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Reason why #ut didn’t send out injury report was because everyone listed on monday’s depth chart can play.
7:02
Brian:  Hoping for a big enough win tonight to not have to ever see that Tech/Crabtree gamewinning play again. Is that too much to ask?
7:03
Twitter 40acressports:  I sure hope so… RT @ChrisSanch: Last time theyll ever show the Tech highlights from last year #ut
7:05
Twitter 40acressports:  @suzhalliburton That’s what I was thinking. Beasley’s 3 years of experience against Leach’s offenses is invaluable. #UT #40
7:07
[Comment From Derek]
Whew. Is it game time yet? I’mready for this to be over.
7:09
Brian:  How much fun was it watching USC lose today? Let’s hope the Texas players come to play tonight and take care of business.
7:09
Twitter 40acressports:  ABC/ESPN loves Tebow so much they’re pretending #UF is replaying last week’s game and is showing 2nd quarter game update. #UT
7:09
Brian:  Cheerleaders and UT band taking the field now…
7:11
Twitter suzhalliburton:  David mcwilliams, former coach of both schools, is tossing coin #ut
7:11
Twitter atrubow:  Good crowd noise tonight already. #Ut #horns
7:11
Twitter stevehabel:  Tech won the toss and will receive as Leach wants to get his offense on the field first. #ut #horns #hookem
7:11
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Tech wins toss. Will receive. #ut
7:12
Twitter 40acressports:  RT @aTrubow: Good crowd noise tonight already. #Ut #horns
7:13
Brian:  Justin Tucker to kickoff
7:13
Twitter atrubow:  Welcome to Big 12 play. The season officially begins right now for #ut
7:14
Twitter 40acressports:  Texas and Texas Tech finally underway. Remember to add #40 to your tweets to add them to our live blog: http://bit.ly/deTs6 #UT
7:14
Twitter stevehabel:  Late flag twarts good Tech runback. #ut #horns #hookem
7:15
Brian:  1st pass completed by TT. Tech going with hurry up offense.
7:15
Twitter 40acressports:  Tx Tech cheating already on opening kickoff. Holding on return starts TT back at their 19 yd line. #UT
7:15
Brian:  post play penalty on somebody.
7:16
Twitter pnutbtrjelee:  are there any other Horns our there who think our Intrastate rivalry has officially shifted from A&M to Tech? #ut #40
7:17
Twitter 40acressports:  Tech already with 2 penalties after dead ball late hit. I can already hear Leach blaming the refs. #UT #40
7:17
[Comment From Derek]
Come on Muschamp. Slow them down at leAST!
7:18
Twitter atrubow:  #ut defense missing tackles left and right on this first drive. #horns
7:19
Twitter 40acressports:  Texas defense looks overmatched on first drive. Let’s hope Muschamp can make VERY fast adjustments. #UT #40
7:19
Brian:  Even big time hit can’t cause first incompletion of night. Tech receiver bobbles and catches the ball. Argh.
7:20
Twitter atrubow:  Earl Thomas and Franks played on the same high school team. Thank you @suzhalliburton for that note. #ut #horns
7:21
Twitter 40acressports:  Ball moved when his hands went near the ground but other angle shows he was underneath the ball. Right call. #UT #40
7:21
Twitter stevehabel:  Tech rolling through UT like a hot knife thru butter. #ut #horns #hookem
7:21
[Comment From JavaH]
This is sickening to watch right now. How Tech is moving down the field.
7:22
Brian:  Penalty and false start breaks up Tech rhythm and Horns force 4th and 7. Will Tech fake FG?
7:22
Twitter chipbrownob:  Sergio Kindle just got a hit in the QB on third down, helping to force a FG. Texas Tech leads it 3-0 with 11:06 left in the first
7:23
Twitter 40acressports:  Good pressure on QB on 3rd & long plus good coverage forces #Tech to kick field goal. I’ll consider that a minor victory. #UT #40
7:23
Twitter stevehabel:  First Potts incompletion ends drive but Tech field goal allows for 3-0 lead. #ut #horns #hookem
7:24
Twitter chipbrownob:  Matthew McConaughey got lots of pre-game love from Mack and Mike Leach with his girlfriend, love child and love child No. 2 on the way
7:24
Twitter insidetexas:  Tech’s first drive ends because a Kindle hit disrupts Potts’ 3rd down throw. Kindle doesn’t need a sack, just needs to stay in Potts’ face.
7:24
Twitter atrubow:  Was that a good drive for the #ut defense or not. I can’t tell. My first thought is not. #horns did put more pressure on TTU receivers late
7:25
Twitter stevehabel:  Potts 6-of-7 on opening drive. Three os the passes were thrown less than 5 yards. #ut #horns #hookem
7:25
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Happy to oblige w/orange trivia RT @aTrubow: Earl Thomas and Franks played on same hi school team. Thank you @suzhalliburton for that note.
7:25
Twitter chipbrownob:  Even with 102,000 fans in a game with all sorts of payback on the minds of fans, Godzillatron flashes a massive sign saying “MAKE NOISE!”
7:26
Twitter 40acressports:  @aTrubow As bad as it started, a FG isn’t too bad. Now time to see if Muschamp can adjust and settle his DBs down. #UT #40
7:26
Twitter marshallboone:  WOW I’m really impressed by Texas Tech…and by impressed I mean HATE. #40
7:26
Twitter chipbrownob:  OG David Snow starts in place of OG Michael Huey (ankle), who was cleared to return this week
7:27
Twitter 40acressports:  DJ Monroe REALLY wanted to run that kickoff back from 7 yards deep in the end zone. Mal Williams had to tackle him to get touchback. #UT #40
7:28
Brian:  Offensive line really got their butt whipped on that 1st down run. 2 or 3 Tech DL met McGee in   backfield.
7:28
Twitter chipbrownob:  Texas running right at end where Tech has lost Rajon Henley (injured) and is playing DT Richard Jones at DE
7:29
Twitter chipbrownob:  Dan Buckner just keeps making plays, held onto the ball after a big hit #ut #horns #collegefootball
7:29
Brian:  McCoy runs with the football. Couldnt tell if that was designed draw or if he just tucked it and ran when no one was open.
7:29
Twitter 40acressports:  Great concentration by Dan Buckner to hold onto the ball after being hit hard on crossing route. Nice catch and 15 yd gain. #UT #40
7:29
Twitter 40acressports:  Tre Newton already in the game for the Horns. good to see. #UT #40
7:29
Twitter chipbrownob:  Taylor Potts 6 of 7 passing for 57 yards on Tech’s first drive to a FG
7:30
Twitter chipbrownob:  Tech’s replacement end RIchard Jones just got around Adam Ulatoski to sack Colt McCoy with Tech just rushing 3 men #ut #horns
7:31
Twitter 40acressports:  3 man rush by Tech easily gets around Ulatoski for drive ending sack. Oline not looking good early. #UT #40
7:31
Twitter suzhalliburton:  jones runs around ulatoski to sack mccoy #ut
7:32
Twitter stevehabel:  Slip by Shipley and sack of McCoy ends UT drive. Did that punt hit the Tech player? Sure looked like it. #ut #horns #hookem
7:32
Twitter insidetexas:  Malcolm Williams may not have that many chances on offense, but he’s been huge on special teams this season. #ut
7:33
Twitter alcep:  Annoying Tech fan in front of me! Let’s see if she’s still feeling it in 4th? #UT #40
7:33
Twitter atrubow:  Good point out by @cedgolden as Ulatoski got burned on that sack. #ut #horns
7:34
Brian:  Punt hit Malcolm WIlliams at the 6. Tech starts there instead of the 1.
7:37
Twitter 40acressports:  Pressure by #UT defense definitely disrupting Potts. He threw that 3rd down ball right at E Thomas but he wasnt expecting it. Punt time. #UT
7:38
[Comment From JavaH]
Now we are talking : )
7:38
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Texas’ rush was really good on last series #ut
7:38
Twitter atrubow:  Shipley just scared the crap out of BEVO, who stood up after the touchdown return. #ut #horns
7:38
Twitter insidetexas:  This is why you save Jordan Shipley as a punt returner for the games that matter. 7-3 #ut
7:38
Twitter 40acressports:  LOOOK OUT BEVO!!! Here comes Jordan Shipley. Great defense follwed by Shipley punt return for the TOUCHDOWN! #UT 7, TT 3
7:39
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Shipley takes punt to the house then runs into bevo. Seriously. Bevo is now on his feet. #ut
7:40
Twitter stevehabel:  Watch out Bevo! Shipley almost runs over the legend after a 46-yd punt return for a TD. First the blitz, then the return. #ut #horns #hookem
7:40
Twitter 40acressports:  Punt return touchdown is going to put #UT defense right back on the field. No time for Leach to adjust. Keep the pressure one! #40
7:40
Twitter 40acressports:  @suzhalliburton Bevo having a busy day. First a dump on national TV this morning and now a touchdown celebration!! #UT #40
7:40
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Ask @cedgolden about how feisty bevo can get. He came out with horns swinging one game last year. Got away from his handlers.
7:41
Twitter 40acressports:  Tech punter looked like an even pudgier version of myself there. No way he was stopping Shipley down on that punt return. #UT #40
7:41
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Just for some background, roy williams used to be scared of bevo. #ut
7:41
Twitter atrubow:  Shipley almost discovered a new meaning to GET YOUR HORNS UP. #ut #horns
7:41
[Comment From m]
score?
7:42
Brian:  @M: Texas is leading 7-3 midway through 1st quarter.
7:43
Brian:  TExas corners giving wide receivers 15 yard cushions. Not sure how we expect that to work out.
7:43
Twitter atrubow:  Want to know why the SEC makes fun of the #big12. Look at the cushion the #ut secondary gives the Texas Tech receivers. #horns
7:46
Twitter 40acressports:  Pressure on Potts work. Can Muschamp get to him consistently? Aaron Williams dropped another pick there. #UT #40
7:47
Twitter 40acressports:  Wow. Thought we actually got a holding call against #TT linemen, but instead they called facemask. I’ll take it. #UT #40
7:47
Brian:  On the screen attempt, Earl Thomas came flying in to break up the pass. Fantastic diving effort.
7:48
Brian:  Lamarr Houston with a nice inside pass rush. Forces Potts to get rid of ball and gets big hit on hm.
7:48
Twitter 40acressports:  Herbie making it sound like #UT has some of the worst fans in college football. Apparently we think McCoy and Kindle both suck. #40
7:49
[Comment From JavaH]
I’m glad to see the D starting to step up!!
7:49
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Really impressed w/muschamp’s game plan. He’s playing nickel, getting big rush from line, with some LB blitzes #ut
7:50
Brian:  Tre Newton starts this drive at RB.
7:50
Twitter atrubow:  And just as I say that, the secondary steps up thanks to pressure from the defensive line. #ut #horns
7:51
Brian:  McCoy doesnt set his feet and throws ball well over John CHiles head. It would have been easy first down.
7:52
Twitter chipbrownob:  OG Michael Huey was in on that last series, repalacing starter OG David Snow
7:52
Brian:  Kindle hits QB and causes a duck but it still finds wide open Tech receiver.
7:55
Twitter 40acressports:  true freshman DE Alex Okafor with great pressure but tries to pick up fumble instead of falling on it. 4th and WAY long for Tech. #UT #40
7:55
Twitter insidetexas:  Okafor, thinking touchdown. Can’t blame him, nothing but green in front of him. #ut
7:55
Twitter atrubow:  Now the defense is starting to play. Lamarr Houston and Earl Thomas are #ut best defenders. #horns. Impressive.
7:56
Twitter 40acressports:  How awesome would it be if Leach didn’t punt on 4th and 41? NOW that would be pirate. #UT #40
7:56
Twitter marshallboone:  just fall on the ball…fall on the ball! FALL ON THE BALL!!!! (nevermind) #40
7:57
Twitter atrubow:  BYU getting rolled by Florida State. Another top 10 team going down? Is everything coming up #ut ?
7:57
Twitter 40acressports:  it doesn’t matter if his arm was moving forward, ball went backwards. THats a fumble either way. Don’t understand this challenge. #UT #40
7:58
Twitter atrubow:  We have a Fozzy Whittaker sighting. And IT’S ON THE FIELD!!! #ut #horns
7:58
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Fozzy whittaker on field for first time in 09. #ut
7:59
[Comment From JavaH]
LOL @ marshallboone
7:59
Twitter insidetexas:  Q package!
7:59
Twitter atrubow:  Not Fozzy. Sorry. It’s a DJ Monroe sighting. Boo on @atrubow. That guy’s an idiot. #ut #horns
7:59
Twitter suzhalliburton:  The Q lives. Who knew. #ut
8:00
Twitter 40acressports:  WOOHOOO! THe @TitosVodka package with CHiles in at QB. CHiles runs zone read up the middle easily for huge gain. #UT #40
8:00
Twitter chipbrownob:  The Q Package lives …
8:01
Twitter stevehabel:  UT uses the Q formation and it works. Chiles sprints up the middle for 37 yards. Puts UT in FG range as the 1st qtr ends. #ut #horns #hookem
8:02
Twitter suzhalliburton:  And for those wondering the tech punter is russell erxleben’s son. #ut
8:02
Twitter 40acressports:  @bevobeat If Horns get 7 here, I’m feeling good about defense so feeling good about game. Don’t want to settle for field goal! #UT #40
8:02
Twitter stevehabel:  No offensive TDs in the first qtr… what were the odds on that? #ut #horns #hookem
8:03
[Comment From Derek]
Chiles looks much quicker now than he did as QB. I think he must have lost at least a little weight.
8:03
Twitter 40acressports:  RT @stevehabel: No offensive TDs in the first qtr… what were the odds on that? #ut
8:03
Twitter stevehabel:  UT ran just 13 offensive plays in the first qtr. Tech had 22. #ut #horns #hookem
8:03
Brian:  First quarter: Texas 7, Texas Tech 3
8:05
Brian:  Colt had time to throw on 3rd and 11 but tries to dump ball off and doesn’t set his feet. Field goal attempt.
8:05
Brian:  Texas settles for field goal by Hunter Lawrence. Texas 10, Texas Tech 3.
8:06
Twitter insidetexas:  Horns held to a FG. 10-3 #ut. As long as the D keeps playing well the Horns will be fine.
8:06
Twitter stevehabel:  Lawrence FG from 43 yards gives UT 10-3 lead. McCoy is still not sharp…how long will he continue his senior slump? #ut #horns #hookem
8:07
Twitter 40acressports:  Jordan Shipley is no Mack Brown: http://bit.ly/1dcpXn #UT
8:09
Twitter TAning:  RT @LIVESTRONGTEXAS: Colt can’t blame the altitude for overthrown passes this week @HookEmFans #UT #hookem #40
8:10
Twitter stevehabel:  Potts makes great throw with Jones bearing down on him. Pressure is the key to this game. #ut #horns #hookem
8:13
Twitter 40acressports:  Good coverage by Aaron Williams on 4th down play but good Tech catch and they convert for the 1st down. Argh. #UT #40
8:14
Twitter atrubow:  Acho certainly knows how to strip the ball. #ut #Horns
8:14
Twitter insidetexas:  Texas forces a turnover after getting very close several times this half. #ut
8:14
Twitter 40acressports:  Great pressure by front 4 and E Acho sniffs out screen play and forces fumble! Texas football! #UT
8:15
Brian:  Colt McCoy sneaks for the 1st down. Texas offense moving a little better this drive.
8:15
Brian:  And just as I say that… McCoy throws high AGAIN and is intercepted. Argh.
8:15
[Comment From Dee Burleson]
where i can se the game free on internet???
8:16
Twitter atrubow:  Don’t let #ut coaches or fans fool you. Colt McCoy has not looked as accurate this year. He’s missing a lot more passes. #horns
8:17
[Comment From JavaH]
Colt is killing us by himself : (
8:17
Twitter stevehabel:  The other Acho makes a great play to strip ball on screen. Then high pass by McCoy leads to INT. Ouch…wake up Colt. #ut #horns #hookem
8:17
Twitter insidetexas:  McCoy’s passes are a bit high, just like in the first half against Wyoming. Will need to get it down like he did against Wyoming. #ut
8:17
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Think colt mccoy is still too jacked up. His throws are sailing #ut
8:18
Twitter ChrisSanch:  I dont like speculation but does McCoy have a shoulder issue? Hes missed high last week and now #ut #40
8:18
Twitter stars_gal:  You’re killing me, Colt. #UT #hookem #40
8:19
Twitter chipbrownob:  Third straight game in which Colt McCoy has thrown an interception in the first half #ut #horns #collegefootball
8:19
Twitter atrubow:  You know what’s awesome? After this game against Texas Tech, we get the excitement of watching #ut take on UTEP!!!! #horns
8:20
Twitter 40acressports:  Texas defense is carrying this team right now. Who would’ve thunk that 5 minutes into the game? #UT #40
8:21
Twitter TAning:  RT @40acressports: Texas defense is carrying this team right now. Who would’ve thunk that 5 minutes into the game? #UT #40
8:21
Twitter atrubow:  #ut should think about keeping this Will Muschamp somehow. His defense is playing great against Texas Tech.
8:21
Twitter chipbrownob:  Friend just text-messaged me: “Colt McCoy has one hour before the East Coast goes to bed.”
8:23
Twitter chipbrownob:  Colt McCoy is 5 of 9 passing for 41 yards and 1 INT, while Tech QB Taylor Potts is 19 of 28 for 120 yards. But UT D has held Tech to 3 pts
8:25
Twitter atrubow:  When will Colt learn to slide or get out of bounds. Answer: never. #ut #horns
8:26
Twitter 40acressports:  Tech offsides on 3rd and 1.5 but no call by refs. Cody Johnson gets the first anyways. #UT
8:26
Twitter insidetexas:  Last drive: “Q package!” This drive: “Q package?”
8:26
[Comment From Mandy]
What is the score
8:26
Brian:  @Mandy: Texas leads 10 – 3
8:27
Twitter 40acressports:  So much for the Q Package. Chiles doesn’t concentrate on shotgun snap and fumbles it. #UT recovers.
8:28
Twitter 40acressports:  With the way the defense has played, I pubt the ball on 4th down. No way I go for this. #UT
8:28
Brian:  Not a good punt by Justin Tucker. Only 20 yards or so. He could have backed Tech up deep but instead they’ll start near 30 yard line.
8:28
Twitter stevehabel:  That was one ugly rugby punt by Tucker…almost as bad as the showing by the UT offense on the last drive. #ut #horns #hookem
8:29
[Comment From ChrisB]
Argh. COME ON COLT!
8:29
Twitter chipbrownob:  I thought Mack Brown and Colt McCoy had a talk last Sunday about having fun and relaxing …
8:30
[Comment From JavaH]
@chipbrownob Apparently Colt wasn’t listening
8:33
Twitter 40acressports:  Tech punt team? #ut
8:34
Brian:  Whoa. Tech punt coverage team just whiffed on chance to have Texas pinned at their own 1 yard line. That would have been way too eerie reminder of adsad last year.
8:35
Twitter atrubow:  If Colt wants the Heisman he has to cut down on these INTs. One per game won’t cut it. Yes, even one per game will hurt. #ut #horns
8:37
Twitter atrubow:  Hey, a Tre Newton sighting. Amazing that #ut would try to play the running back the week after he had the best game.
8:37
Twitter 40acressports:  Good to see deep pass attemp by #UT, but I like that we took a shot to go to Williams. Little bit of contact mightve drawn flag too.
8:40
Brian:  QB draw by McCoy but V McGee whiffs on block and Colt only gets 5.
8:42
Twitter 40acressports:  #UT trying everything on offense. True freshman Marquise Goodwin in at WR in first half. #40
8:42
Twitter atrubow:  And the #ut defense is officially winning this game for the #horns. Who would have thought that? Defensive struggle. #horns
8:44
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Never thought we’d see a defensive game w/tech and #ut. Strange
8:44
Twitter stevehabel:  Smith hauls in first catch for a UT tight end at 1:03 point of second quarter in third game. Who needs a TE? #ut #horns #hookem
8:44
Twitter atrubow:  E. Acho is a playmaker. That’s his second strip. #ut #horns
8:45
Twitter 40acressports:  Some people questioned recruitment of Emmanuel Acho, just made ANOTHER great open field tackle. He’s got two forced fumbles tonight. #UT #40
8:47
Twitter 40acressports:  Whoops. Refs screwed that one up. #UT defense was awake though they didnt top until the whistle and would have lit Potts up. #40
8:47
Twitter atrubow:  Definitely a knee-jerk reaction by the officials. #ut #horns
8:47
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Leach is leaving field to smattering of boos. #ut
8:48
Twitter stevehabel:  Pirate thinking for Leach…call time out to kneel on the next snap. Defense battle is offensive to many of the fans. #ut #horns #hookem
8:49
Twitter stevehabel:  How good is UT defense…carrying the game for the Horns for the second straight week. D wins games, folks. #ut #horns #hookem
8:50
Twitter texascmj5:  I wonder what kind of BS make up call Leach will get in the 2nd half for that didn’t-take-the-knee call #40 #ut
8:52
Twitter stevehabel:  Tech ran 42 offensive plays in the 1st half to UT’s 32. Outgained TX 156-124. Tech was -7 yards rushing. #ut #horns #hookem
8:52
Twitter atrubow:  McCoy has 70 passing yards at halftime and an interception. #ut #horns
8:53
Twitter stevehabel:  McCoy completed nine passes in the half for 70 yards. Potts was 24 of 34 for 163. TT had 9 FDs, UT had 7. #ut #horns #hookem
8:54
Twitter stevehabel:  18 of Potts’ 34 throws were within five yards of the LOS. He completed 15 of those short tosses. #ut #horns #hookem
8:55
Twitter stevehabel:  Ten players caught passes for Tech in the 1st half and 12 offensive players — including Potts touched the ball for TT. #ut #horns #hookem
8:56
Twitter stevehabel:  I would think that we are in for a lot of fireworks in the second half, friends. The difference will be the UT defense. #ut #horns #hookem
8:58
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Tech people think last time tech scored so few points in a half was last year’s ou game #ut
8:58
Brian:  Who would’ve thought we’d have such a defensive struggle on our hands after one half of play? Let’s hope we see 2008 Colt McCoy in second half after seeing 2007 Colt McCoy in the first half.
9:00
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Check that. Last time tech scored 3 pts in a half was in 06, in a 12-3 loss to tcu. It was harrell’s first year as a starter. #ut
9:04
Twitter 40acressports:  RT @kbohls: A 10-3 game. Just like we expected. Yeah, after about two minutes after kickoff. Can these two defenses keep it up?#ut
9:04
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Tech hasn’t allowed a first-half offensive touchdown this season. Nice streak. #ut
9:09
Twitter 40acressports:  DJ Monroe almost bursts through there. Nice return to start second half for #UT at 35 yd line.
9:10
Twitter 40acressports:  #UT finally running some of their quick hurry up and screw it up. Either Colt or Newton went wrong way. #UT
9:10
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Official attendance is stadium record 101,297 #ut
9:10
Brian:  Nice 3rd down conversion. Colt passes to Chiles. He almost broke a tackle but he picked up about 10 yards, enough for first down.
9:12
Twitter insidetexas:  On Wednesday Mack Brown said we’d see some “new wrinkles” in the offense for the Tech game. …got to admit, didn’t think it’d be the Q.
9:12
[Comment From ChrisB]
Come on Horns!
9:13
Brian:  Buckner whiffs on needed block and gets Colt hammered. Almost fumbled. Another 3rd and 5 for Texas.
9:14
[Comment From Derek]
Like the hurry up. This worked well against Tech last year too.
9:14
Twitter 40acressports:  Colt might have had something there on that 2nd down run attempt but Dan Buckner didnt know whether to block or run route. #UT #40
9:14
Twitter suzhalliburton:  #UT was getting into its jet offense and tech called a timeout with 11:45 to go in third quarter.
9:15
Twitter atrubow:  Big opening drive here for #ut. And, yes, I’m captain obvious. OK, here’s an opinion: Newton needs to be the starting tailback. #horns
9:17
Twitter 40acressports:  Chiles is lining up 4 yards behind line of scrimmage, setting up possible double pass later? #UT
9:17
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Newton gets the first offensive TD. He scores on a 19-yd burst. #ut
9:17
Twitter atrubow:  Did I just say Newton needs to be the starting tailback? No, I couldn’t have. I’m never right. #ut #horns
9:18
Twitter insidetexas:  A running touchdown! …from further out than the one yard line! …and it wasn’t Colt McCoy! Weird. #ut
9:18
Twitter suzhalliburton:  On that call Leach was bothered by, you can’t simulate taking a knee. It’s against NCAA rules. #ut
9:18
Twitter 40acressports:  RT @whitneyredman: Officials say, knee down simulation is an illegal move. One the knee is headed down, the play is dead. #ut #tech
9:18
Twitter chipbrownob:  The auditions are over … the job is Tre’ Newton’s.
9:19
Brian:  Tre Newton looks great on back to back runs. Texas hurry up offense had Tech on their heels and Newton strikes with 19 yard touchdown run. Great start to the second half. Texas 17, Texas Tech 3
9:20
Twitter 40acressports:  Now lets get good kickoff coverage and see if #UT defense can keep up the great play. Come on Horns! #40
9:21
Brian:  Sheesh. How about a touchback? Our kickoff coverage has been mediocre at best.
9:21
Brian:  Tech starts at 40 yrd line
9:22
Brian:  Come on! Texas corners CAN’T miss tackles. Come on Chykie.
9:24
Twitter suzhalliburton:  and that makes five false starts on the o-line #ut
9:27
Twitter atrubow:  Just when you thought #ut would blow this game open …
9:27
Twitter atrubow:  Kindle didn’t just get there that time. He made the tackle. #ut #horns
9:27
Twitter 40acressports:  Back to back big tackles by Chykie Brown and Sergio Kindle brings up 4th and 1 for tech. #UT
9:28
Brian:  Potts takes snap and sneaks for first down. Didnt get much but got just enough for 1st.
9:29
Brian:  Chykie Brown beat easily on post route as Tech answers Texas’ touchdown. Back to a 7 point game again. Texas 17, Texas Tech 10
9:29
Twitter atrubow:  It’s not good when your safety blitz doesn’t get past the line of scrimmage by the time the quarterback throws the ball. #ut #Horns
9:29
Twitter insidetexas:  Tech puts the ball into the end zone for the first time this game. D has been winning this game for Texas, now is when the Horns need O. #ut
9:29
[Comment From JavaH]
What happen to the D from the 1st half????
9:30
Twitter chipbrownob:  Taylor Potts is putting on a show – 30 of 41 passing for 230 yards and 1 TD with no INTs. Texas leads 17-10 with 6:27 left in the third
9:31
Twitter suzhalliburton:  wondering why Muschamp has his safeties blitz from so deep, especially against an offense that by design, gets the ball off quickly #ut
9:32
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Leach calls an onside kick. Tech is offsides and Roberson recovers. #ut
9:32
Brian:  Crazy Dread Pirate Leach onside kicks but RB/LB Ryan Roberson recovers it. Add an offsides penalty against Tech and Texas is starting at the 50.
9:33
Twitter insidetexas:  How very…Tech. Too close for comfort on the onside. ..well penalty would have knock it out anyway.
9:34
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Some Q razzle dazzle. McCoy throws to Kirkendoll for 11 after lining up at receiver #ut
9:34
Twitter insidetexas:  Now THAT is inventive offense. #ut
9:34
Twitter 40acressports:  Mightve had an even bigger play. Colt throws high on reverse pass to Kirkendoll and he can’t keep his feet. Might had at least 10 more yds.
9:34
Brian:  As much as I complained in first half. Offensive line looking good here in the 2nd.
9:36
Twitter 40acressports:  Herbie just pointed out the Texas Tech safeties and McCoy finds wide open Dan Buckner down the seam. Down at the 1 yd line (maybe TD!?) #UT
9:36
Twitter 40acressports:  Cody Johnson time. Come on big boy! Punch it in. #UT
9:38
Twitter insidetexas:  Horns needed that score. Texas up a much more comfortable 24-10.
9:39
Brian:  Whew. Texas back up 14. Much needed score. Horns take advantage of short field after onside kick attempt. Texas 24,Texas Tech 10
9:39
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Johnson, the touchdown hog, gives #ut a 24-10 lead. (JMO, Leach, that’s why you don’t try an onside kick so early).
9:39
Twitter 40acressports:  Not much push by offensive line but CJohnson keeps legs churning and just barely crosses the plane for the TD. #UT back up 14.
9:39
Brian:  Let’s see that first half defense back this drive? Come on Horns.
9:40
Twitter 40acressports:  After recovering onside kick, Ryan Roberson now makes nice kickoff coverage tackle. Finally… Tech back on their 15 yd line. #UT
9:41
Brian:  Scratch that. Wide open Tech receiver and then bad tackling. Tech big pass play and out to midfield. Crap.
9:41
[Comment From JavaH]
@Brian Agree!!!!
9:43
Twitter 40acressports:  Man Potts’ throws just seem to float in air forever. Come on Horns! #UT defensive backs look lost and tired. #40
9:44
Twitter 40acressports:  3rd and 1. #UT defensive backs giving 15 yd cushion. Yikes.
9:44
Twitter chipbrownob:  Taylor Potts is 11 of 13 passing in the third quarter
9:45
Twitter insidetexas:  Tech responds with another TD (Thomas goes for the pick instead of the tackle). This is turning into a shootout. 24-17 #ut
9:45
Twitter chipbrownob:  Make that 12 of 14 passing in the third quarter. Potts just hit Lyle Leong for a TD, and Texas clings to a 24-17 lead
9:46
[Comment From JavaH]
1st half defense back went home : (
9:46
[Comment From Wally]
Go texas
9:46
[Comment From nate]
whos winning
9:46
Twitter atrubow:  Here’s the shootout we were waiting for. Why can’t #ut cornerbacks play physical defense from the line of scrimmage?
9:46
Twitter 40acressports:  Earl Thomas might have gotten both hands on that TD pass. Nice catch by Tech WR for the score. Time for #UT offense to answer. Again.
9:46
Twitter atrubow:  Would this be impossible? #ut #horns
9:46
Brian:  @Nate: Texas Tech just scored to make it 24-17.
9:47
[Comment From nate]
whos wining
9:47
Brian:  @Nate: Oh sorry. Texas is winning.
9:48
Brian:  Very nice catch by Dan Buckner. Big first down.
9:49
Twitter 40acressports:  Something it seems all college players struggle with. Just because it’s a trick play doesn’t mean you force it. Colt throws into 4 DBs. #UT
9:49
Twitter suzhalliburton:  #ut is in the jet offense. Chains can’t keep up
9:50
Brian:  End of 3rd quarter. Texas 24, Texas Tech 17.
9:51
Twitter insidetexas:  Nice to see Monroe and Goodwin on the wings to provide speed, but not sure if the deep passing gane is consistent enough to utilize it. #ut
9:52
[Comment From Derek]
Fourth quarter. Time for Texas to put their foot on Tech’s freaking throats and win this thing. Come on HORNS!
9:53
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Potts has thrown 48 passes. And it’s just the end of the third quarter. #ut
9:54
Brian:  Texas go for it on 4th?
9:54
Brian:  Nope. Punt team.
9:55
Twitter 40acressports:  Tucker pins Tech inside 5 yard line. Tiime for some magic. Let’s go Muschamp! #UT
9:56
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Kindle gets big push on Potts and Earl Thomas gets redemption for Crabtree play. #ut
9:57
Twitter 40acressports:  Did Earl Thomas keep his knee up?? INT by Thomas thanks to great pressure in end zone by Sergio Kindle. #UT touchdown or maybe at 20.
9:57
Twitter insidetexas:  He was down…but still, HUGE pick for Thomas coming off pressure from Kindle. #ut
9:58
Twitter 40acressports:  Thomas MIGHT have barely kept his knee up but it looked like he probably didn’t. No way replay can overrule call on field. #UT ball at 20.
9:58
Twitter 40acressports:  RT @ranriggs: A&M survives Utah State in a 38-30 slopfest. No updates yet on Fuller. See what Sherman says in the post-game presser. #gigem
9:59
Twitter 40acressports:  HUGE mistake by Kyle Hix. Holding turns 2nd down at 13 yard line into 1st and 20 at 30 yd line. Shoot. #UT
10:00
Twitter insidetexas:  Remember that Quan guy? Who caught everything? Yeeeeaahh…
10:00
Twitter 40acressports:  Ball right back to Texas Tech on interception of Malcolm Williams’ hands. SONOFA. #UT
10:00
[Comment From Chris]
Great punt
10:00
[Comment From Chris]
what outstanding pressure from the 4-man front… straight bull rush technique
10:01
[Comment From TexasFan1.11]
Hey Whats the score guys
10:01
Brian:  @TexasFan: Texas just threw another pick. The Horns are winning 24-17
10:03
Twitter 40acressports:  HUGE penalty call against the Horns. Turns 3rd and 19 into an auto first down. #UT
10:04
Twitter 40acressports:  Muckelroy with some NECESSARY roughness on that screen pass. Big hit. #UT
10:05
Twitter 40acressports:  How about that first sack of the YEAR!!>?? Kindle with the huge hit and fumble by Tech. TEXAS FOOTBALL! #UT
10:05
Twitter atrubow:  WOW! The Texas defense is laying the wood right now. #ut #horns
10:05
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Kindle gets his first sack of season and a forced fumble. Fumble hog Sam Acho gets his fourth of season. #ut
10:05
Twitter insidetexas:  Undetered by the refs attempting to turn this from a football game into a teaparty, Kindle gets his first sack with a HUGE hit.
10:05
Twitter atrubow:  I’m starting to get confused exactly what is helmet to helmet? Anybody? Bueller? Bueller? #ut #horns
10:05
[Comment From Chris]
Both teams are suffering from serious mental breakdowns
10:05
[Comment From JavaH]
Texas is starting to lose it, get your mind back please!!
10:06
[Comment From Chris]
What a hit by Muckelroy to blow up the screen.
10:06
[Comment From Chris]
The physicality of Texas has just aqsserted itself. Muckelroy and Kindle on consecutive plays
10:06
Brian:  Texas really really really needs 6 here.
10:06
Twitter 40acressports:  Kindle absolutely MURDERED Potts. Musberger wants them to play touch football. Bah. #UT #40
10:07
Twitter TheCBB:  @40acressports by rule that is an illegal hit #UT #40
10:07
Twitter missyleyva:  RT @40acressports: Kindle absolutely MURDERED Potts. Musberger wants them to play touch football. Bah. #UT #40
10:08
Twitter 40acressports:  Wow. How about some holding calls against Tech please?? Another holding call against Texas.
10:08
[Comment From Chris]
I don’t understand the argument for an illegal hit. He didn’t lead with the helmet, and it wasn’t helmet on helmet. He put his helmet on the ball
10:09
Brian:  Okay I get trying to use some clock here, but Texas has to score. 3rd and goal. Come on Colt.
10:09
Twitter 40acressports:  Whoops. Like being wrong in this case. Just assumed it was hold, instead hands to face by Tech player gives #UT a 1st down.
10:11
Twitter justinscarb:  Kindle absolutely MURDERED Potts. Musberger wants them to play touch football. Bah. #UT #40 (via @40acressports)
10:12
Brian:  Huge 3rd down ladies and gentlemen. Let’s go Horns.
10:13
[Comment From Chris]
Dangerous play call by Davis… TT didn’t need to respect teh run… But Colt converts with a laser to Buckner corssing at the end line.
10:14
Brian:  @Chris: I think if Tech had spread too far out Colt calls his own number there and runs draw up the middle.
10:14
Twitter 40acressports:  Dan Buckner has become a MAN. How about that kid? Great job getting open in back of end zone and then catching Colt’s pass for TD. #UT #40
10:14
Brian:  Texas 31, Texas Tech 17
10:15
Twitter insidetexas:  McCoy hits Buckner in the back of the end zone, TD Texas. 31-17
10:17
[Comment From Chris]
Curious call by Ruffin. Empty backfield, but he only sent four down linemen on the rush. COlt had time and picked apart the Tech zone
10:17
[Comment From Chris]
@Brian. Indeed. The Raiders dropping back in coverage seemed to all by spying Colt, waiting for the draw. This allowed Buckner to slip across behind them
10:18
Twitter 40acressports:  Sergio Kindle is now using his speed to run right around Tech tackles. #UT
10:19
Twitter 40acressports:  Texas defense better keep up pressure on Potts. #UT corners palying super soft again giving up easy catches.
10:21
[Comment From Chris]
I think it’s obvious that Muschamp has emphasized turnover creation. Players are really trying to strip the ball.
10:21
Twitter 40acressports:  Keep complaining about cushion #UT is giving Tech wideouts, but every def coordinator Texas has had has done it. Chizik, Akina, Muschamp.
10:22
Brian:  Tech drives quickly down the field in little over 2 minutes and makes this a one score game again. Sheesh. Texas 31, Texas Tech 24
10:22
[Comment From Derek]
This is killing me. Come on defense!!
10:23
Twitter suzhalliburton:  Texas defense doesn’t like to live with prosperity, giving up an 88-yard drive so that Tech could cut the lead to 31-24. #UT
10:25
[Comment From JavaH]
@Derek It is killing me too : (
10:26
[Comment From Chris]
Texas trades the long TD play for te long TD drive by playing conservatively.
10:26
Brian:  Tre Newton running well.
10:28
Twitter 40acressports:  Finally a running threat. Opening up the passing game too. First time all night Shipley has been so open. #UT
10:29
[Comment From Chris]
That delay was a tempo killer, but Chiles comes up with a good run after teh catsh
10:30
Brian:  Nothing doing on 3rd and 2. Texas will have to try field goal to stretch lead to 10.
10:30
[Comment From Chris]
Herbstreit’s comparison to Emmit Smith is looking more and more astute.
10:32
Twitter insidetexas:  Texas held on third down after a pair of blocking breakdowns. FG good. Texas still up two scores with 3:49 to go. 34-24 #ut
10:32
Twitter 40acressports:  Wish on 2nd & 1 and 3rd & 2 the Horns had just gone jumbo and stuffed Cody Johnson down Tech’s throats. #UT takes 10 pt lead.
10:33
Brian:  Nice rest for Texas defense, maybe front 4 can now go after the QB with some fire. Let’s go Kindle!
10:35
Twitter 40acressports:  Run that clock. COme on!!
10:36
Twitter programwitch:  Been watching, Kiba, via @TheAnimeNetwork DirecTV onDemand. Didn’t see #40 in list. So I watched 41 anyway. Kiba big thumbs up.
10:36
Twitter 40acressports:  Offensive pass interference is a HUGE penalty. Probably a 30 yd penalty. Ouch. Big break for #UT
10:38
Twitter 40acressports:  brent Musberger sneezing. #UT
10:39
Twitter insidetexas:  Texas corners make up for previous drive in a big way. Turnover on downs. That’s all she wrote, folks. #ut
10:39
Twitter 40acressports:  On most important pass of the night, Curtis Brown and Nolan Brewster with great coverage to break up 4th down Tech pass. #UT
10:39
[Comment From Chris]
What a disappointing end to that drive. Tech loaded the box in anticipation of the run and their #52 easily beat a bad double team by the left side of the Texas line and met Newton at teh line of scrimmage.
10:39
[Comment From Chris]
That was a bad breakdown by Ulatoski and the LG
10:40
Twitter 40acressports:  Colt McCoy and the Longhorns in victory formation. Texas Tech now out of time outs. Just a couple more kneel downs. #UT
10:41
Twitter suzhalliburton:  That’s the game.
10:41
Twitter insidetexas:  Final: Texas 34, Texas Tech 24
10:41
Twitter 40acressports:  Attention Brent Musberger, if you’re quoting Lou Holtz something is desperately wrong. #UT
10:42
[Comment From Mandy]
Score
10:42
[Comment From Chris]
Thre games in a row that Texas has failed to cover the spread. I think everyone must be wondering where the Texas offense has gone. Surely the loss of Quan Cosby can’t account for the entire difference. But this is an offense stil searching fr an identity and a rythm.
10:45
Brian:  @Chris: WHo gives a crap about the spread. See what happened to USC today? Just win baby! Texas offense looked much better in 2nd half and maybe, just maybe, found a running back in Tre Newton. Let’s hope they start off strong next time out instead of waiting till second half.
10:47
Brian:  Final Score: Texas 34, Texas Tech 24
10:48
Brian:  Thanks for participating. Big win for Texas. See you next week. Hook ’em!
10:48

 

 

Notes: Comments on the article itself will be turned off till after the game. The Writer can view all comments sent to them but only they can publish your comments for everyone to see. The “autoscroll” feature ensures you’re always shown the newest content without having to refresh or scroll your screen. Subtle sound effects alert you to new content as the writer publishes it. You can turn these features on or off by using the controls at the bottom of the Live Blog.

Share

Posted September 19th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Feature, Football

So much for Internet rumors. Reportedly (by several sources) considered the biggest longshot of the three Longhorns in academic limbo to regain his eligibility, senior cornerback [tag]Deon Beasley[/tag] has been cleared to play by the NCAA. He is eligible to play this weekend against [tag]Texas Tech[/tag].

From the official university press release:

The NCAA academic eligibility issues for University of Texas senior cornerback Deon Beasley have been resolved. Beasley will be eligible to play immediately, beginning with tomorrow’s Texas Tech game. There is no update on the two other players with unresolved NCAA academic eligibility issues.

Before his status came into question Beasley was working as the team’s fourth corner. No official information

Share

Posted September 12th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Football

It was already pretty much assured but the Statesman has confirmed that the three Texas players in academic trouble did not make the trip to [tag]Wyoming[/tag] for the game.

Cornerback Deon Beasley, receiver Brandon Collins and safety Christian Scott, who were ineligible for the Longhorns’ season-opening game against Louisiana-Monroe, also won’t play against Wyoming, a school spokesman said Friday.

Spokesman John Bianco said the three Longhorns did not travel to Laramie, Wyo., with the team.

Lots of rumors are swirling about all three players. A student-athlete’s academics are a sensitive subject so I don’t want to spread unconfirmed information (though it does come from good Orangebloods sources) but one of the three players is likely to be back, one is 50-50, and one has little chance of being eligible this season. No word on when official news will come from the NCAA.

Share

Posted September 5th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Feature, Football, Live

Follow along below or with @40AcresSports on Twitter for live updates on the Texas vs. Louisiana-Monroe game tonight at 6pm…

(continue to read full live blog …)

Share

Not the news you want to hear three hours before the opening kickoff, but three important Longhorn contributors will miss at least today’s game due to academic issues. Wide receiver [tag]Brandon Collins[/tag], safety [tag]Christian Scott[/tag], and cornerback [tag]Deon Beasley[/tag] are out against Louisiana-Monroe today because of “unresolved academic issues”. All three players would have seen significant playing time today, particularly Collins and Scott. Fortunately receiver and secondary are two of the Horns’ deepest spots.

The academic issues appear to be with the NCAA requirement of progress towards a degree, and the reason the news is coming so late is that the players are likely appealing grade decisions to the university. This could be a one game issue or these guys could miss the entire season.

There were rumors about Collins and Beasley, but Scott surprising. He was getting a lot of love from the UT coaches and I find it hard to believe [tag]Will Muschamp[/tag] gives him so many first team snaps at safety if they expect him out long.

We’ll keep you updated.

Share

Posted August 29th, 2009 by Mike
Filed under: Feature, Football

Brandon Collins is expected to step up and give Colt McCoy plenty of WR options.

Brandon Collins is expected to step up and give Colt McCoy plenty of WR options.

Maybe for the first time since 2005, the University of Texas has a legit shot at a national championship heading into the season. Sure last year was special, but at this time in 2008 the Longhorn fan base was not thinking championship rings.

It is all different one year later. In this two part series we look at the five things we know and the five things we don’t about this year’s team.

1. Colt McCoy is a bad ass.

There is no way around it. If McCoy leads this team to the national championship, and maybe picks up a Heisman trophy along the way, he will go down as the best, and most loved, quarterback in the history of the program.

McCoy has done everything a coach could want from a leader. And all reports have him playing at an elite level after a dedicated summer. Vince Young rallied Texas’ last national championship team with summer 7-on-7, McCoy did the same. Now it is time to prove it on the field. And there is little doubt that will happen as long as Colt stays healthy.

2. McCoy has targets to throw the ball to.

Sure, Quan Cosby is gone, but Malcolm Williams, James Kirkendoll and Brandon Collins may be better than the “Big 3” of Roy Williams, Sloan Thomas and BJ Johnson. And we haven’t even mentioned Jordan Shipley.

Kirkendoll is going off this year. He will replace Cosby as the safety valve on third down situations when Shipley is demanding double teams. Williams showed his big play ability against Missouri and Texas Tech last year. The knock on the sophomore is his consistency, but when the lights come on, he has done nothing but impress. He looks the part on the field, and defensive coordinators have to account for his speed on the outside. Cosby was great, but he didn’t demand a safety to play over the top. Williams can force defenses to keep a man deep to protect against the fly pattern. That will open more holes for the running game, and open up more room for Shipley,

3. Texas will pressure the quarterback.

Apparently, Will Muschamp has taken off the gloves. In year two under the feisty defensive coordinator all bets are off. Muschamp has his players flying around the ball and blitzing on every down. Gone is Brian Orakpo, but Sergio Kindle is now a defensive end/linebacker/freak of nature. Add an underrated Sam Acho, a seemingly healthy Eddie Jones and an emerging superstar in true freshman Alex Okafor and talent on the edge is not a problem.

Also, Texas has linebackers and secondary personnel to blitz. Emmanuel Acho, Keenan Robinson and Jared Norton have received rave reviews for the blitzing ability. And last year, we saw the ability of Earl Thomas and Aaron Williams coming off the edge.

4. The secondary has transformed from the biggest question mark in 2008 to the strength of the defense in 2009.

The combination of Thomas, Williams, Chykie Brown, Curtis Brown, Deon Beasley, Blake Gideon and Christian Scott is almost laughable. For the first time in the Mack Brown era, a defensive unit has a chance to be dominating. Sure, Texas has had dominate players, and even dominate units, but with Muschamp leading the way, the Longhorns may field their best defense sine the 1980’s.

Texas has all but abandoned the 4-3 as its base defense. Texas runs the nickel because of the offenses in the Big 12. Thomas’ ability in coverage allows Muschamp to bring in Scott to play safety when Thomas lines up against the slot. The depth at cornerback allows Muschamp to bring in Brown or Beasley to keep Thomas at safety if the defense needs more speed on the field.

Bottom line – this group is nasty, fast and experienced. Muschamp can do whatever he wants with the front seven, I mean six, because he knows he has a safety net in the back. Not good for the rest of the conference.

5. Texas will have the advantage on special teams in virtually every game.

I know, I know, it is just special teams and that isn’t as sexy of a topic as scoring touchdowns or creating snot bubbles. But the third aspect of football should not be overlooked. Where would the program have gone if Dusty Mangum misses the field goal against Michigan in the first Rose Bowl? Do we win a championship the next year? Who knows? Do we beat OU last year if Shipley doesn’t take a kick to the house?

Texas has two reliable field goal kickers, a two legged punter and return guys growing out of their ears. Add to that the most prolific punt block team in the last decade and opponents have no time to relax.

At least one game a year comes down to special teams play. In 2009, that is to Texas’ advantage.

Share
Texas FanGuide - Texas Longhorns fan app with roster, news, and team schedule

Latest Poll

Who will be the next Texas head coach?

Total Votes: 149

Loading ... Loading ...

Subscribe to the 40 Acres!

Don't miss breaking news or another story from your favorite Longhorns fan site, subscribe to our RSS(?) feed!

Become a fan of the 40 Acres on Facebook

Recent Comments