40 Acres Sports

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.

ESPN’s college football expert Todd McShay breaks down last year’s Texas 45 – 35 victory over [tag]Oklahoma[/tag] and the adjustments offensive coordinator Greg Davis made to win the game. Watch:

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 Buffs.

The Whole Game WTH Davis?! – I know that execution has a lot to do with our running game. I can see that it is difficult to sell to a UT offense lineman that firing out and hitting your man at the snap of the ball can be as successful as back pedaling and protecting the quarterback who is completing 73% of his passes. But Coach Greg Davis needs to stop falling in love with solving a non-existent running game (62 yards with an average 1.8 yards/carry) with throwing more. Texas was up against the 111th ranked run defense in the country with Colorado which does not bode well for our next meeting against OU. If we cannot stop the opponents’ interior run blitzes (thanks for trying with the shovel pass), we will not be going very far this season.

2nd Quarter (2:55) WTH McCoy?! – I know that you are not supposed to pull on Superman’s cape, but I do not like the trend that I am seeing. This scenario is occurring way too much with Colt McCoy giving up an early turnover for the opponent to jump on for a score. I now that he was rushed out of the pocket on this play but his handling of the football caused the fumble to end up in the Buffs hands. He cannot continue this type of results if the team wants to contend for the title.

3rd Qt & 4th Qt. (13:37 & 14:13) WTH Tucker?! – I know the coaching staff loves that fact that you’re ambidextrous with your feet, but Justin Tucker (28.8 yards/avg.) you have to be able to punt better than the 25 yard & 5 yard efforts respectfully that you gave on your rugby style kicks. I know that our lack of covering skills on kickoffs makes you feel that much better about your style.

3rd Quarter (12:32) WTH Muckelroy?! – Your tip of QB Cody Hawkins pass early in the 3rd quarter ended any type of momentum that the Buffs were trying to establish in the second half. Roddrick Muckelroy was clearly the defensive MVP with 11 total tackles and 1 crucial sack to start the fourth quarter.

The Whole Game WTH Shipley?! – Not only did you single handily put your stamp on the Horn’s offense ( 11 catches for 147 yds.) with incredible catches (1st Qt. 7:33 & 2nd Qt.:46) but you changed the momentum again with your ability to take it to the house (3rd Qt. 12:29) on a 74 yard punt return (thanks for blocking referee Cooper Castleberry) to end the Buffs hopes. You can start talking about Jordan Shipley in the same breath as Michigan’s Desmond Howard when he was starting his Heisman run back in 1991.

3rd Qt. & 4th Qt. WTH Punt return unit?! – Great job by the Longhorn punting unit to set up a back breaking return for at touchdown by Jordan Shipley and a crowd raising punt block by Marquis Goodwin that resulted in Ben Wells running it in for the score. We need more great special teams next week!

4th Quarter WTH Hawkins?! – Coach Dan Hawkins changed his Colorado family and his nuclear family at the same moment with the pulling of his son Dan Hawkins for redshirt freshman Tyler Hansen. The move came along with 5 false start penalties in the quarter which added to the Buffs accumulating 20 penalties for the game which resulted in 140 penalty yards. Thanks Coach Dan for pulling the plug on your season with your son who will definitely want to join you for Halloween festivities at your house later this month.

Next up for the Longhorn football team is Oklahoma at 11am at the Cotton Bowl on October 17th.

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 UTEP.

Pregame – WTH Mongo?! – Steve McMichael was on the field to accept the honor of being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Steve, aka Bam Bam, was a tremendous defensive tackle for UT in the late 70’s. One of his funnier moments after his playing career was over came when he was ejected from a Cubs game in 2001 after he sang take me out to the ballgame and announced to the crowd that he was going to be waiting for umpire Angel Hernandez because of a disputed call against the Cubs.

1st Quarter (13:36) – WTH Sergio?! – Sergio Kindle’s penchant for violent QB sacks continued when he hit and separated the ball from UTEP Trevor Vittatoe. The play happened at almost the same place he crushed TT Tyler Potts last week.

1st Quarter (11:00) – WTH Monroe?! – D.J. Monroe has established himself has the only player in UT history to have 2 kickoff returns for a touchdown so early in the season. Speed does kill.

1st Quarter (8:43) – WTH Malcolm?! – Malcolm Williams hit on UTEP punter Greg Hiett made Coach Blood (aka Muschamp) giddy and wondering why you are not on the defensive side of the ball.

2nd Quarter (15:00 & 7:44) – WTH Davis?! – The Q package or Wild Horn that Coach Greg Davis puts in does not work with WR John Chiles when you exclusively run for 1 yard & -7 yards in the second quarter. Let Chiles pass the ball or run the option to get defenses guessing on what Wild thing we are going to pull.

4th Quarter – Not WTH but WHO the Heck are all of these players?! – Jeremy Hills and Jamison Berryhill contributed to the rushing totals as well as Trevor Walker took a few snaps as quarterback in the late stages for Texas. It was great to see so many players getting playing time from this very dominant performance by the Longhorns.

Final Score: Texas 64 UTEP 7

Next up is a Bye Week. Colorado is on the horizon at DKR Memorial on October 10th.

Quarterback [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag] and the two Texas coordinators comment on the Big 12 opening win against [tag]Texas Tech[/tag]. Watch the video below:

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	suzhalliburton:  Deon beasley is in uniform for game. #ut

6:48	40acressports:  We’ll still be tweeting our analysis, add #40 to your tweets to have them embedded on the site. #UT

6:54	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	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	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	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	40acressports:  I sure hope so… RT @ChrisSanch: Last time theyll ever show the Tech highlights from last year #ut

7:05	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	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	suzhalliburton:  David mcwilliams, former coach of both schools, is tossing coin #ut

7:11	atrubow:  Good crowd noise tonight already. #Ut #horns

7:11	stevehabel:  Tech won the toss and will receive as Leach wants to get his offense on the field first. #ut #horns #hookem

7:11	suzhalliburton:  Tech wins toss. Will receive. #ut

7:12	40acressports:  RT @aTrubow: Good crowd noise tonight already. #Ut #horns

7:13	Brian:  Justin Tucker to kickoff

7:13	atrubow:  Welcome to Big 12 play. The season officially begins right now for #ut

7:14	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	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	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	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	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	atrubow:  #ut defense missing tackles left and right on this first drive. #horns

7:19	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	atrubow:  Earl Thomas and Franks played on the same high school team. Thank you @suzhalliburton for that note. #ut #horns

7:21	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	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	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	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	stevehabel:  First Potts incompletion ends drive but Tech field goal allows for 3-0 lead. #ut #horns #hookem

7:24	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	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	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	stevehabel:  Potts 6-of-7 on opening drive. Three os the passes were thrown less than 5 yards. #ut #horns #hookem

7:25	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	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	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	marshallboone:  WOW I’m really impressed by Texas Tech…and by impressed I mean HATE. #40

7:26	chipbrownob:  OG David Snow starts in place of OG Michael Huey (ankle), who was cleared to return this week

7:27	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	chipbrownob:  Texas running right at end where Tech has lost Rajon Henley (injured) and is playing DT Richard Jones at DE

7:29	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	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	40acressports:  Tre Newton already in the game for the Horns. good to see. #UT #40

7:29	chipbrownob:  Taylor Potts 6 of 7 passing for 57 yards on Tech’s first drive to a FG

7:30	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	40acressports:  3 man rush by Tech easily gets around Ulatoski for drive ending sack. Oline not looking good early. #UT #40

7:31	suzhalliburton:  jones runs around ulatoski to sack mccoy #ut

7:32	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	insidetexas:  Malcolm Williams may not have that many chances on offense, but he’s been huge on special teams this season. #ut

7:33	alcep:  Annoying Tech fan in front of me! Let’s see if she’s still feeling it in 4th? #UT #40

7:33	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	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	suzhalliburton:  Texas’ rush was really good on last series #ut

7:38	atrubow:  Shipley just scared the crap out of BEVO, who stood up after the touchdown return. #ut #horns

7:38	insidetexas:  This is why you save Jordan Shipley as a punt returner for the games that matter. 7-3 #ut

7:38	40acressports:  LOOOK OUT BEVO!!! Here comes Jordan Shipley. Great defense follwed by Shipley punt return for the TOUCHDOWN! #UT 7, TT 3

7:39	suzhalliburton:  Shipley takes punt to the house then runs into bevo. Seriously. Bevo is now on his feet. #ut

7:40	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	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	40acressports:  @suzhalliburton Bevo having a busy day. First a dump on national TV this morning and now a touchdown celebration!! #UT #40

7:40	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	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	suzhalliburton:  Just for some background, roy williams used to be scared of bevo. #ut

7:41	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	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	40acressports:  Pressure on Potts work. Can Muschamp get to him consistently? Aaron Williams dropped another pick there. #UT #40

7:47	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	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	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	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	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	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	insidetexas:  Okafor, thinking touchdown. Can’t blame him, nothing but green in front of him. #ut

7:55	atrubow:  Now the defense is starting to play. Lamarr Houston and Earl Thomas are #ut best defenders. #horns. Impressive.

7:56	40acressports:  How awesome would it be if Leach didn’t punt on 4th and 41? NOW that would be pirate. #UT #40

7:56	marshallboone:  just fall on the ball…fall on the ball! FALL ON THE BALL!!!! (nevermind) #40

7:57	atrubow:  BYU getting rolled by Florida State. Another top 10 team going down? Is everything coming up #ut ?

7:57	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	atrubow:  We have a Fozzy Whittaker sighting. And IT’S ON THE FIELD!!! #ut #horns

7:58	suzhalliburton:  Fozzy whittaker on field for first time in 09. #ut

7:59	[Comment From JavaH] LOL @ marshallboone

7:59	insidetexas:  Q package!

7:59	atrubow:  Not Fozzy. Sorry. It’s a DJ Monroe sighting. Boo on @atrubow. That guy’s an idiot. #ut #horns

7:59	suzhalliburton:  The Q lives. Who knew. #ut

8:00	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	chipbrownob:  The Q Package lives …

8:01	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	suzhalliburton:  And for those wondering the tech punter is russell erxleben’s son. #ut

8:02	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	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	40acressports:  RT @stevehabel: No offensive TDs in the first qtr… what were the odds on that? #ut

8:03	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	insidetexas:  Horns held to a FG. 10-3 #ut. As long as the D keeps playing well the Horns will be fine.

8:06	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	40acressports:  Jordan Shipley is no Mack Brown: http://bit.ly/1dcpXn #UT

8:09	TAning:  RT @LIVESTRONGTEXAS: Colt can’t blame the altitude for overthrown passes this week @HookEmFans #UT #hookem #40

8:10	stevehabel:  Potts makes great throw with Jones bearing down on him. Pressure is the key to this game. #ut #horns #hookem

8:13	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	atrubow:  Acho certainly knows how to strip the ball. #ut #Horns

8:14	insidetexas:  Texas forces a turnover after getting very close several times this half. #ut

8:14	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	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	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	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	suzhalliburton:  Think colt mccoy is still too jacked up. His throws are sailing #ut

8:18	ChrisSanch:  I dont like speculation but does McCoy have a shoulder issue? Hes missed high last week and now #ut #40

8:18	stars_gal:  You’re killing me, Colt. #UT #hookem #40

8:19	chipbrownob:  Third straight game in which Colt McCoy has thrown an interception in the first half #ut #horns #collegefootball

8:19	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	40acressports:  Texas defense is carrying this team right now. Who would’ve thunk that 5 minutes into the game? #UT #40

8:21	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	atrubow:  #ut should think about keeping this Will Muschamp somehow. His defense is playing great against Texas Tech.

8:21	chipbrownob:  Friend just text-messaged me: “Colt McCoy has one hour before the East Coast goes to bed.”

8:23	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	atrubow:  When will Colt learn to slide or get out of bounds. Answer: never. #ut #horns

8:26	40acressports:  Tech offsides on 3rd and 1.5 but no call by refs. Cody Johnson gets the first anyways. #UT

8:26	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	40acressports:  So much for the Q Package. Chiles doesn’t concentrate on shotgun snap and fumbles it. #UT recovers.

8:28	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	40acressports:  #UT trying everything on offense. True freshman Marquise Goodwin in at WR in first half. #40

8:42	atrubow:  And the #ut defense is officially winning this game for the #horns. Who would have thought that? Defensive struggle. #horns

8:44	suzhalliburton:  Never thought we’d see a defensive game w/tech and #ut. Strange

8:44	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	atrubow:  E. Acho is a playmaker. That’s his second strip. #ut #horns

8:45	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	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	atrubow:  Definitely a knee-jerk reaction by the officials. #ut #horns

8:47	suzhalliburton:  Leach is leaving field to smattering of boos. #ut

8:48	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	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	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	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	atrubow:  McCoy has 70 passing yards at halftime and an interception. #ut #horns

8:53	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	suzhalliburton:  Tech hasn’t allowed a first-half offensive touchdown this season. Nice streak. #ut

9:09	40acressports:  DJ Monroe almost bursts through there. Nice return to start second half for #UT at 35 yd line.

9:10	40acressports:  #UT finally running some of their quick hurry up and screw it up. Either Colt or Newton went wrong way. #UT

9:10	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	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	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	suzhalliburton:  #UT was getting into its jet offense and tech called a timeout with 11:45 to go in third quarter.

9:15	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	40acressports:  Chiles is lining up 4 yards behind line of scrimmage, setting up possible double pass later? #UT

9:17	suzhalliburton:  Newton gets the first offensive TD. He scores on a 19-yd burst. #ut

9:17	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	insidetexas:  A running touchdown! …from further out than the one yard line! …and it wasn’t Colt McCoy! Weird. #ut

9:18	suzhalliburton:  On that call Leach was bothered by, you can’t simulate taking a knee. It’s against NCAA rules. #ut

9:18	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	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	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	suzhalliburton:  and that makes five false starts on the o-line #ut

9:27	atrubow:  Just when you thought #ut would blow this game open …

9:27	atrubow:  Kindle didn’t just get there that time. He made the tackle. #ut #horns

9:27	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	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	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	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	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	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	insidetexas:  How very…Tech. Too close for comfort on the onside. ..well penalty would have knock it out anyway.

9:34	suzhalliburton:  Some Q razzle dazzle. McCoy throws to Kirkendoll for 11 after lining up at receiver #ut

9:34	insidetexas:  Now THAT is inventive offense. #ut

9:34	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	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	40acressports:  Cody Johnson time. Come on big boy! Punch it in. #UT

9:38	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	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	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	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	40acressports:  Man Potts’ throws just seem to float in air forever. Come on Horns! #UT defensive backs look lost and tired. #40

9:44	40acressports:  3rd and 1. #UT defensive backs giving 15 yd cushion. Yikes.

9:44	chipbrownob:  Taylor Potts is 11 of 13 passing in the third quarter

9:45	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	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	atrubow:  Here’s the shootout we were waiting for. Why can’t #ut cornerbacks play physical defense from the line of scrimmage?

9:46	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	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	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	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	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	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	40acressports:  Tucker pins Tech inside 5 yard line. Tiime for some magic. Let’s go Muschamp! #UT

9:56	suzhalliburton:  Kindle gets big push on Potts and Earl Thomas gets redemption for Crabtree play. #ut

9:57	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	insidetexas:  He was down…but still, HUGE pick for Thomas coming off pressure from Kindle. #ut

9:58	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	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	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

insidetexas:  Remember that Quan guy? Who caught everything? Yeeeeaahh…

10:00

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

40acressports:  HUGE penalty call against the Horns. Turns 3rd and 19 into an auto first down. #UT

10:04

40acressports:  Muckelroy with some NECESSARY roughness on that screen pass. Big hit. #UT

10:05

40acressports:  How about that first sack of the YEAR!!>?? Kindle with the huge hit and fumble by Tech. TEXAS FOOTBALL! #UT

10:05

atrubow:  WOW! The Texas defense is laying the wood right now. #ut #horns

10:05

suzhalliburton:  Kindle gets his first sack of season and a forced fumble. Fumble hog Sam Acho gets his fourth of season. #ut

10:05

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

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

40acressports:  Kindle absolutely MURDERED Potts. Musberger wants them to play touch football. Bah. #UT #40

10:07

TheCBB:  @40acressports by rule that is an illegal hit #UT #40

10:07

missyleyva:  RT @40acressports: Kindle absolutely MURDERED Potts. Musberger wants them to play touch football. Bah. #UT #40

10:08

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

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

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

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

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

40acressports:  Sergio Kindle is now using his speed to run right around Tech tackles. #UT

10:19

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

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

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

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

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

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

40acressports:  Run that clock. COme on!!

10:36

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

40acressports:  Offensive pass interference is a HUGE penalty. Probably a 30 yd penalty. Ouch. Big break for #UT

10:38

40acressports:  brent Musberger sneezing. #UT

10:39

insidetexas:  Texas corners make up for previous drive in a big way. Turnover on downs. That’s all she wrote, folks. #ut

10:39

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

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

suzhalliburton:  That’s the game.

10:41

insidetexas:  Final: Texas 34, Texas Tech 24

10:41

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

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Texas will need Colt McCoy's arm and his legs to outscore Texas Tech Saturday night.

The Texas Longhorns have already played two games, but the season really gets started tonight as they take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a primetime matchup on ABC. The Horns are looking for revenge and more importantly the number 2 team in the country is looking to get another win closer to a BCS title shot.

Check out our keys below to beating Mike Leach on International Talk Like a Pirate Day:

1. Pressure QB Taylor Potts with a 4-man rush.

There’s two things you can’t do against the Tech offense: let the quarterback have all day to throw or blitz too often. If you give Potts too much time to throw he’ll be able to take his time and pick apart the defense underneath. If you send extra blitzers at him he can quickly get the ball out and you better cross your fingers the defensive backs don’t miss a tackle. The ideal is that your front four are able to get consistent pressure without bringing extra help, but with [tag]Sergio Kindle[/tag] playing defensive end and [tag]Will Muschamp[/tag] drawing things up you’ll likely see Texas bring 3-5 rushers from all over the field. Through two games Kindle is still looking for his first sack of the season, will he blow up the Texas Tech offense tonight?

2. Call just enough designed Colt McCoy runs.

McCoy had -3 rushing yards in the first game and 44 yards in the second on very few designed QB runs. When the offense was sputtering against Wyoming in the 2nd and 3rd quarter, offensive coordinator Greg Davis called Colt’s number to kick start the offense. Tonight against the Red Raiders they’ll likely need that boost from the very beginning and we should see McCoy run some QB draws, the zone read, and the option. McCoy is the franchise and you have to protect him, but this offense isn’t as explosive without him running the football.

3. Commit fewer than 5 penalties.

Through two games the Longhorns have been flagged for 19 penalties, and that doesn’t count penalties that the opponents declined. Those kind of unforced mistakes will kill you in a close contest. Penalties wiped several big 3rd down conversions off the board against [tag]Wyoming[/tag], that can’t happen against higher quality Big 12 opponents. Defensively, the last thing you want to do against Texas Tech’s offense is give them extra chances.

Will Keenan Robison blow up at linebacker in 2009?

Football has become a 24/7, 365 days a year sport. We talk about football in the fall. We watch the spring games in April. And we even follow recruiting with the fervor of a Saturday night in Baton Rouge.

But the one aspect of college football that is overlooked is the work done in the summer with 7-on-7 workouts. Vince Young and the 2005 Championship team proved that chemistry and timing built in the summer can propel a team to the top. After a near perfect season in 2008 Colt McCoy and the Texas football team are looking to duplicate the blue print of the last team to make it to the Rose Bowl and win.

The similarities of this year’s team to the 2005 squad are alarming and are sure to be talked about like McCoy and Jordan Shipley’s fishing plans.

Not all aspects of the game can be worked on over the summer without pads, but plenty can be accomplished. Even with more answers than questions lingering to enter this season there is room for improvement. And here are five questions that could be answered over the summer?

1. What will be the base offensive formation?

The lack of a viable tight end may force Greg Davis’ hand when it comes to “go to” formations. In the biggest games of the year, and when Texas needed to move the ball, they abandoned the tight end set for a four wide receiver spread. With McCoy’s accuracy and the depth at the receiver position having a tight end on the field may be a detriment to the team.

From a skill stand point there is no question the fourth receiver will be more talented than any healthy tight end on the roster, unless we assume DJ Grant can emerge as a catcher and a blocker in his first year at the position. Frankly, it would be unfair to ask that of Grant so the question becomes – is it more important to disguise your play calls by being multiple on offense with a tight end or is the talent difference so great that putting a tight end on the field is holding the team back?

I don’t know the answer, maybe Davis and McCoy don’t either, but a huge summer by the receivers combined with no progress from the tight ends might equal a wide open spread attack for the majority of the snaps.

2. Can Garrett Gilbert handle being the backup quarterback right away?

Anyone who has seen or followed the career of the incoming freshman from Lake Travis knows that all signs point to a successful career at Texas and beyond. But all the skill, and smarts, in the world don’t necessarily spell success as a true freshman. In a perfect world Gilbert will only see the field in controlled situations. The plan is to bring him along slowly at the end of games that Texas has in the bag.

The problem is Texas cannot be comfortable with Sherrod Harris as the primary backup. The coaches and the players love Harris but he has never shown he could carry the team if needed. And with the junior recovering from surgery Gilbert has the chance to secure the backup spot if he can prove he has what it takes on the field, in his head, and in the huddle.

Like it or not Texas is one freak play away from starting a quarterback with no experience. With Chiles at receiver the only real hope is Gilbert. There is no doubt the pressure and expectations will not be fair or realistic for the prodigy, but he should have never expected them to be. This is Texas; he’ll learn that soon enough.

3. Who will be the running back?

Realistically this could be a question that isn’t answered at all this season. Mack Brown and Major Applewhite have proven they’ll mix backs in and out as much as they deem necessary. And while they’ll do it again this year, one has to think the staff wants a “go to” guy. A lot of the inconsistencies last year can be attributed to the lack of familiarity with the backs and the offensive line. The running game can be about timing as much as anything and UT had none last year.

It is true that the full running game cannot be featured without pads, but Applewhite has shown he values pass protection and ball security over big play ability. Vondrell McGee, maybe the most complete runner in the backfield, learned this lesson the hard way when he was benched for the entire Fiesta Bowl.

McGee may be the best runner, but it is Foswhitt Whittaker that can excel in 7-on-7 drills because of his ability to catch the ball and run in space. If he can stay healthy and prove he is willing to block Whittaker may finally break out this season.

The other option is freshman Chris Whaley. All reports have the physical freak as being impressive. The coaching staff has all but said he’ll get his shot to compete, so if he can pick up the small things this summer he’ll have a huge chance this fall.

4. Who will start as the third linebacker?

Roddrick Muckelroy and Jared Norton have starting jobs locked up in the 4-3 alignment, but with Sergio moving to defensive end one of the outside linebacker spots are open. The two candidates for the position are Keenan Robinson Emmanuel Acho. Both can rush the passer and both can make plays.

The skill that may separate them, and determine who plays more, will likely who can play in pass coverage the best. This is where 7-on-7 comes into play. With the Big 12 becoming football version of the Blue Angels air show finding linebackers that can stop the run and cover the pass is invaluable. In his short time on campus Robinson has shown the ability to play the pass and that’ what puts him at the top of the depth chart at strong side linebacker.

Texas will play with five defensive backs a lot this season, and that means only two linebackers on the field. Norton, who is a prototypical middle linebacker in the 4-3, has struggled in the nickel formation so if Robinson plays well enough he may be alongside Muckelroy when teams are spread out.

5. Is the work ethic there?

For the first time in a long time Texas overachieved last season. It had more to do with expectations, but the Longhorns had a workman like feel that wasn’t the norm in the last decade. Will Muschamp has gotten a lot of credit for the attitude change, but more credit needs to go to the players and especially the leaders on the team. More than talent, UT lost some big time leaders in Quan Cosby, Roy Miller, and Brian Orakpo.

Those guys kept the young guys in check in practice, off the field, and in the locker room. Texas still has established leaders in Colt McCoy and Sergio Kindle and new leaders are stepping up like Earl Thomas. But until the team faces some adversity no one will know if the team has the backbone they showed in games against Oklahoma and Ohio State last year.

The 2005 team established that ethic in the summer with many players pointing out that they had worked too hard in June and July to let anyone beat them. If this year’s team comes out of the summer with the same feeling another special year could be on the horizon.

The 2005 recruiting season was an up and down one for the Texas Longhorns full of hits and big misses. Nothing had a bigger impact on the future of Texas football than the roller coaster ride that was Ryan Perrilloux. Perrilloux eventually decommitted (after months of lies) leaving the Horns with only a unheralded 3-star QB named [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag]. Guess that turned out alright after all.

Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated takes an interesting look back at the 2005 quarterback class and finds a lot of busts and only a few stars, of course including our own McCoy. Bill Walsh and [tag]Greg Davis[/tag] have a hypothesis on why QB recruiting is full of so many misses, too much focus on arm strength:

Texas offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Greg Davis says most talent evaluators put too much emphasis on a quarterback’s arm strength. Several years ago, while coaching in the East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco, Davis got to sit with 49ers legend Bill Walsh at a dinner. He asked Walsh the most important qualities he had identified in the many successful QBs he drafted.

“He didn’t hesitate,” said Davis. “No. 1, he said: ‘Accuracy.’ Then he talked about athletic ability, intelligence. Way, way down on the list was arm strength.”

Davis knows well the importance of digging beyond the recruiting rankings. During his and head coach Mack Brown’s 11-year tenure in Austin, the Longhorns have signed two QBs who were No. 1 in their class — [tag]Chris Simms[/tag] (1999) and [tag]Vince Young[/tag] (2002) — and originally received a commitment from Perrilloux.

However, they found their current star quarterback — three-year starter and 2008 Heisman runner-up Colt McCoy — tucked away at a small school in rural Tuscola, Texas. In the ’05 class, McCoy — then listed at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds — was ranked just 15th among pro-style QBs, behind Pittsburgh’s Bill Stull, Notre Dame’s Evan Sharpley and Wisconsin’s Dustin Sherer, among others.

Source

Will Colt McCoy have room to operate against Tech?

Texas faces another top ten team in what has to be the game of the week (sorry [tag]Florida[/tag] and [tag]Georgia[/tag]). This will be the third nationally televised game in the last four weeks for these Horns. Texas Tech is building this game as the “biggest” game ever to take place in Lubbock. The Tech fans are going to “black out” the stadium and the Longhorns are trying to do to Tech what [tag]Alabama[/tag] did to Georgia when the Bulldogs held a “black out” on ABC primetime. Let’s look at what we’re in for.

When Texas has the ball:

In this year’s Big 12 conference I feel like I could write the same thing each week. The Longhorn offense faces a team that gives up and puts up points and yards in bunches. [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag] and his offense should have no problem putting up points; the question will be the strategy offensive coordinator Greg Davis uses to achieve those points.

UT went over a quarter and a half without scoring a point to end last week’s [tag]Oklahoma State[/tag] game. Texas had their chances though, as McCoy committed two turnovers deep in OK State territory that allowed the Cowboys to stay in the game. The running game was lacking for the first time since conference started and I think the coaching staff would like to get that part of the offense back on track. When this team can run the ball the middle of the field becomes wide open for McCoy and [tag]Jordan Shipley[/tag] to work their overhyped roommate magic (they’re not over hyped, but their story has been). Most have been looking for Fozzy Whittaker to get his chance, and it might be this week.

Tech has a new defensive coordinator but remains the same defense it always is. They give up points on big plays and can be overmatched physically if a team stays within striking distance. The Red Raider defense thrives when an opposing team gets so far behind that they become one dimensional out of necessity. The Longhorns keeping the game close in the first quarter will go a long way in determining the outcome. It will be up to the offensive to control the ball and come away with points on virtually every possession because Texas Tech will score points.

The Longhorns will use short passes to set up the run as the game goes on. At this point in the season teams know who they are. The Longhorns are a possession passing team with the ability to run at times. Colt McCoy is the leader of the offense and this unit goes as he goes. If McCoy can eliminate turnovers it is very doubtful Tech will be able to slow Texas down.

When Texas Tech has the ball:

This is where it gets tricky. Everybody knows what the offense does, but I’m not sure even the coaches or the players know much about this defense. On one hand the talent is not in question. When the outside guys get to rush the quarterback there is not another team in the nation that is more dangerous. The linebackers have been playing as well as a unit as any group under [tag]Mack Brown[/tag]. And the young secondary is getting better and better.

On the other hand, this same group just gave up over 200 yards of rushing offense in a game, Texas as a defense, including leading tackler [tag]Roddrick Muckelroy[/tag], struggled with open field tackling, the two safeties are still freshmen, and injuries are plaguing the best two cornerbacks on the team. All this the week the number one ranked Horns take on the most explosive offense, when clicking, in all of college football.

The good news is unlike the previous three weeks, the Tech offense won’t have a NFL caliber tight end. The bad news is Michael Crabtree still is in college. People talk about Jeremy Maclin and Dez Bryant, but neither of them compare to Crabtree. The guy is unbelievable and no one man is going to guard him. Defensive coordinator [tag]Will Muschamp[/tag] has shown he likes to leave a safety over the top against elite receivers, as he did with Maclin and Bryant. Tech’s offense makes it hard to do that to a particular receiver because every wide out can line up at all the receiver positions in the Mike Leach offense. This is the first year Muschamp has gone up against Leach, so it will be interesting to see what the first year coordinator does. Odds are [tag]Duane Akina[/tag] will be giving out advice this week because Texas has done relatively well against the Tech offense.

This is another game where it seems the running game will be an after thought. Tech uses short passes, much like Texas coincidentally, to supplement the run game. This will force UT’s linebackers and safeties to tackle well in space. Open field tackling by the Texas defense will be the difference in the game. If Texas can stop plays immediately after a reception they have a good chance of making some stops and getting off the field. But if Tech’s skill position players are able to make big plays after the catch the Longhorn offense will be forced into a shootout.