Texas-Oklahoma Football Preview: Special Teams

by Scipio Tex on Oct 7, 2011 2:38 PM CDT in Texas Longhorns and Other Football

I didn't want to write this portion of the preview at all, but the Iowa State game punt block and forced fumble on the kickoff provided some hope.

The history of this series is replete with game-changing plays on special teams (here are two recent ones: 2008 Shipley kick off return, 2009 Earl Thomas strip on punt returner) and given our underdog status, it's a reasonable assumption that we'll do some things to shake it up in this area to retain the ball, steal an extra possession, or turn 3 into 6.

Let's look at some adjusted statistics and see what it all means.

Oklahoma's special teams break down thusly:

Punt Game

Tress Way is an outstanding punter who has a particular knack for pinning opponents on their end of the field. 12 of his 17 punts this year have been downed inside the opponent's 20. That's a fairly amazing statistic. So ignore his 41.8 average - he has plenty of leg. The Sooners adjusted 39.5 net return defense average (top 1/3 of college football) is even better than the statistics show for that reason. Opponents have only returned 2 punts all season.

The Sooners haven't had success in their punt return game yet (Broyles is averaging less than 4 yards per return), but I think we all know what Broyles is capable of if we make a mistake. We've done a pretty good job of not allowing returns, even if Tucker's punts haven't suggested Ray Guy.

Kickoff Return

The Sooner kick return game has been completely forgettable with an adjusted return rate that places them at 67th in the country. Their longest return of the season is 29 yards. Unfortunately, our kick coverage is ranked in the 100s. So if they're going to suddenly have success, it should be this weekend. Hopefully, Steve Edmond will knock someone out Jeff Leiding-style.

Kick Coverage

Patrick O'Hara handles kickoffs and has had touchbacks on 6 of 29 attempts. They've done a good job of covering kicks this year though they've conceded NINE kickoff return touchdowns over the previous three. Even when you factor in that OU's high scoring offenses have forced considerably more kickoffs to opponents than your average team, that's not a statistic OU coaches have on their resumes. However, since we're also ranked in the 100s in kickoff return, I'm not anticipating a Jordan Shipley moment.

Field Goals/XP

Lil' Jimmy Stevens splits with Mike Hunnicutt at field goal kicker. Stevens is 4 of 4 and Hunnicutt is 4 of 5. Hunnicutt has the bigger leg.

Overall

After examining OU a little more closely, I feel much better about their return games, but we'll still lose the overall battle for hidden yards when you factor in Way's punting ability and our putrid kick return and coverage metrics. That's unfortunate. Even a couple of Oklahoma possessions started on their 40 yard line or a couple of extra Longhorn possessions started inside our 10 will have a significant game impact that won't fully be captured by the box score. On defense particularly, we need some cushion - a little damper that will allow us to concede some things while we play for 3rd and long or lock in on a tendency.

If Texas wants to win this game, they're going to have to make some special teams plays to affect the outcome. Expect anything.

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Comments

For something REALLY special, two back on PR… thinking Shipley Minor and Y2K.

Also looking for Y2K in the ’Kat… ’clips ready for Shipley Minor (throws) or The Foz (runs) in the ’Kat, but Y2K? Now what?

by Tex Long on Oct 7, 2011 2:53 PM CDT reply actions

You always did eat us last!

by Vegetables on Oct 7, 2011 2:57 PM CDT reply actions

(nods approvingly)

by nordberg on Oct 7, 2011 2:57 PM CDT reply actions

And then the sunshine ceased to be pumped…Nice way to temper expectations a bit the day before the game. Do you think the Koolaid stains at the edges of my mouth will disappear by kick off tomorrow?

by Ricky on Oct 7, 2011 3:00 PM CDT reply actions

Under the right set of circumstances, I could see a David Ash quick kick. If blocked, DKR will finally locate and murder Switzer. Call it a lose/win..

by jp on Oct 7, 2011 3:01 PM CDT reply actions

I’m shocked — and heartened — by Broyles’ punt return number. Having the Shipley scenario flipped back on us this year has kept me biting my fingernails all week. I really hope our coverage units have patched things up.

by Guvnah on Oct 7, 2011 3:01 PM CDT reply actions

I was perfectly happy ignoring the existence of special teams as a part of fooball, thank you very much.

by burntorangejuice on Oct 7, 2011 3:01 PM CDT reply actions

Clipper Cooper at TX/OU weekend or GTFO. Maybe include Matt Nordgren?

Just kidding. Solid analysis.

by ColoradoAg on Oct 7, 2011 3:12 PM CDT reply actions

I think Matt Nordgren IS Clipper Cooper.

by nordberg on Oct 7, 2011 3:14 PM CDT reply actions

Does anyone know why we suck on kickoffs? Are we losing individual battles or is it a coaching issue, ie are we in the wrong place?

by Texastough on Oct 7, 2011 3:15 PM CDT reply actions

Texastough –

The greatest single factor in kick coverage is the kicker. His accuracy, hang time, depth.

For example, Kris Stockton had a freakish ability to kick the ball to the same exact spot on the field over and over with some hang time and that’s a huge advantage for cover guys. We’re not getting great kicking. And the coverage isn’t so great either.

The inability to return kicks is also disheartening and there’s not much excuse for that.

by Scipio Tex on Oct 7, 2011 3:18 PM CDT reply actions

I’m not anticipating a Jordan Shipley moment.

Well alright then, Debbie Downer. I countermand your inner nabob of negativism by anticipating TWO Shipley moments this week. MAYBE THREE! But I’m an unreasonably happy and optimistic sort so factor that in as well.

by Dionysus on Oct 7, 2011 3:32 PM CDT reply actions

Who is Y2K?

by Newy25 on Oct 7, 2011 3:52 PM CDT reply actions

I think we’ve just kept all our good ST stuff hidden in anticipation of this game

by Texastough on Oct 7, 2011 3:54 PM CDT reply actions

How sad will it be if we manage to confuse Landry, keep Broyles in check, control time of possession with a powerful running game and lose due to a last minute return by Broyles?

That’s my fear with how unSpecial our unit has looked so far…

by mosshorned on Oct 7, 2011 3:55 PM CDT reply actions

mYKKele

by Texastough on Oct 7, 2011 3:55 PM CDT reply actions

And by the way, Bill Little begs to differ and thinks our kickoff return/coverage teams will pull it together this week:

“A kaleidoscope is an optical instrument, with varying symmetrical colorful patterns being displayed on rotation. It is ever changing in beauty and form, and yet somehow always the same . . . like a forest where the tall trees live, seedlings grow. And that brings us to the present.”

by Texastough on Oct 7, 2011 4:01 PM CDT reply actions

So Scip, what’s your prediction going to be?

by Mulholland on Oct 7, 2011 4:04 PM CDT reply actions

Perhaps the special teams report should have been more heavily redacted than the Asset’s report.

by tdwalsh on Oct 7, 2011 4:25 PM CDT reply actions

Something tells me the Horns will find a kickoff return man tomorrow.

by MONTY on Oct 7, 2011 4:29 PM CDT reply actions

We’re not getting great kicking.

I’ll be more blunt. Our kicking totally fucking sucks. As does our punting.

by Blueshorn on Oct 7, 2011 4:36 PM CDT reply actions

This is the part of the game that worries me most, poor coverage particularly.

by hopefulhorn on Oct 7, 2011 4:54 PM CDT reply actions

If I hear a Texas fan refer to him as “Y2K” I will consider punching that person in the face.

by Newy25 on Oct 7, 2011 5:14 PM CDT reply actions

Someone needs to explain to me why year after year, our kickoff all too frequently lands around the opposition’s 15 yard line.

It’s preposterous that the University of Texas can’t find a leg capable of putting it in the end zone. There are quarterbacks who could throw it that far.

by Louis L'am Jones on Oct 7, 2011 5:15 PM CDT reply actions

Maybe we’ll kick return them by 21!

Am I doing this right?

by Dionysus on Oct 7, 2011 5:15 PM CDT reply actions

Dionysus -

you’re cracking me up, man.

by Scipio Tex on Oct 7, 2011 5:19 PM CDT reply actions

It is perplexing. How can UT NOT have a good punter? It is what it is and we have what we have and it should be enough. Maybe we are holding back on a great punter?

by jerryw on Oct 7, 2011 5:34 PM CDT reply actions

Yes, that’s it. We’ve been holding back special teams for the OU game.

by sinless1 on Oct 7, 2011 6:07 PM CDT reply actions

I bet David Ash can kick it into the endzone. Maybe our secret plan is to put Ash in the Heisman race after having him throw for 400 yards, run for 150 yards, kick ten straight touchbacks, and go 7/7 on PAT’s all in one game.

by burntorangejuice on Oct 7, 2011 6:09 PM CDT reply actions

If I hear a Texas fan refer to him as "Y2K" I will consider punching that person in the face.

Newy – You may have to consider punching Nordbergeron because I believe he was the one who named him that a few days ago. I think he was hoping for royalties on it in fact.

by Nunna Yo Bizness on Oct 7, 2011 6:12 PM CDT reply actions

Don’t forget 4/4 on field goals including the game winner as time expires from 65 yards.

by Nunna Yo Bizness on Oct 7, 2011 6:13 PM CDT reply actions

“Don’t forget 4/4 on field goals including the game winner as time expires from 65 yards.”

But that means we’d have let OU score enough that we needed 82 points and a game winning FG to win it? Perish the thought.

by burntorangejuice on Oct 7, 2011 6:43 PM CDT reply actions

Bring home some balding Euro kicker and we’ll look the other way when he smokes on the sidelines.

by parlin on Oct 7, 2011 8:46 PM CDT reply actions

Dash punts on a sweep/pass play action.

by scagnetti on Oct 7, 2011 8:48 PM CDT reply actions

I just don’t get why we can’t return kicks better. We have Monroe and Goodwin – two guys who have a proven record.

by Fritz on Oct 7, 2011 8:52 PM CDT reply actions

Lets lace em up and hit somebody in the mouth!

Hook ’em!

by VA Horn on Oct 7, 2011 8:52 PM CDT reply actions

All the sports sites are pretty brutal on this game. I have yet to see an article predicting Texas will even cover the spread.

by Texas Renaissance on Oct 7, 2011 10:56 PM CDT reply actions

But that means we’d have let OU score enough that we needed 82 points and a game winning FG to win it?

OK, we’ll fix that. David Ash also plays all 11 defensive positions and shuts out the OU offense.

by Nunna Yo Bizness on Oct 7, 2011 11:18 PM CDT reply actions

“OK, we’ll fix that. David Ash also plays all 11 defensive positions and shuts out the OU offense.”

Well, now, that’s not even believeable.

by burntorangejuice on Oct 7, 2011 11:45 PM CDT reply actions

I herebye countermand your negativity by declaring our punt team will not be necessary this game.

The kick team will be in such high demand that even our 2 of 10 abject failure rate will not significantly affect the final outcome.

by roach on Oct 8, 2011 2:52 AM CDT reply actions

Yes, this game is an uphill battle, but we like our less-publicized team pretty well, even though no one else does.

by uthookem on Oct 8, 2011 8:03 AM CDT reply actions

25 mph wind gust today @ gametime and it feels like it. got off I 20 a few minutes ago, wind is kicking up. It could change some dynamics of the game. Im not sure how wind effects the remodeled Cotton Bowl.

by MONTY on Oct 8, 2011 10:10 AM CDT reply actions

I hate that y2k crap ,Thompson was 6 or 7 years old at the time. He doesn’t give a hoot about y2k. probably would have to be explained to him. Besides there was absolutely nothing special about y2k, it was all hype and then fizzle.

by MONTY on Oct 8, 2011 10:19 AM CDT reply actions