Texas-Kansas Post-Mortem: Defense/Special Teams

Since I didn’t get to actually see the game, Ima use this portion of the show to get some questions answered: Steve Edmonds sighting? And did the young safeties get meaningful snaps before Kansas completely quit?

Whether this was a function of the Jayhawk’s historically bad season or not, I think you have to not only feel good about this effort, but believe that this young team is actually developing. Let’s hope the fanbase will get this and not blow a gasket when A&M puts some points on the board.

Defense also benefited from the offense’s ability to chug and churn and grind and generally hold on to the ball as long as they felt like against that “pitiful” (said in Palpatine voice) KU defense.
Even with that this was a fine defensive outing.

Good stuff. I think it would have been better if got to FUCKING SEE IT!!!!

It wasn’t just the week off, it was the two games played before that. Competition against two of the top teams in the country shows young guys where they are at, and it raises their level of play if they meet the challenge the coaches instill following such games…….in other words……they didn’t just lose, they learned. Expect continued improvement. Offense is another matter.

Hard to know what to make of this going forward as you say. Some impressions from DKR:

I think Jeffcoat is getting healthy. This was his second consecutive strong outing.

Hogging the ball on offense was big as was playing with a lead. 36 snaps and 15 minutes TOP is unheard of.

Classic case of how to play against a big underdog. Come out strong, get them down early and give them no hope of staying in the game. You could see the air go out of KU pretty early, even with our leaving some points out there with Ash’s INT and their goal-line stop. Both were followed by emphatic defensive stops killing any momentum for KU.

On that note, the biggest lesson from playing two superior teams may have been killer instinct (e.g. bearing down and making plays at key times).

The big play for KU was a 20-yard pass play capped by a turnover. That yardage is kinda shadow yardage, no? Wouldn’t you like a regular diet of that?

Those defensive stats make one smile but probably have to be taken with a grain of salt. Kansas is simply counting the days ’till roundball season.
The Jeckel and Hyde Techsters will tell us more.

Steve Edmonds sighting? And did the young safeties get meaningful snaps before Kansas completely quit?

Edmonds was in on a few plays as was Cobbs before he went off. Cobbs looked like what we heard in the Summer. Fast, explosive, and fairly diagnostic. He showed great range, but he’s going to have to wrap up when it comes to tackling rather than Ronnie Lotting with his shoulder.

Mykkele Thompson played some and played fairly early, though he was Wille Mays; playing deep center. On more than a handful of occasions we ran some odd dime package with Thompson, Scott, Vaccaro, and Gideon all in, along with Diggs and Byndom on the edges.

Diggs played exceptionally well and I suspect that his struggles the previous weeks will be in his rear view. They were simply necessary growing pains all players experience on their way to becoming great.

I joked at the time that Whaley was the fastest 290 lb man in the world. I guess I was off by 10 lbs on his weight, but he’s definitely in the running to win the super heavyweight sprint championships.

Mykkele Thompson played some and played fairly early, though he was Wille Mays; playing deep center. On more than a handful of occasions we ran some odd dime package with Thompson, Scott, Vaccaro, and Gideon all in, along with Diggs and Byndom on the edges.

I meant to add that dime package is probably something we’ll see against Tech and Baylor and perhaps Aggie.

Carrington Byndom was afforded Top Corner status and the little action he saw was him winning.

Agreed.

You hear this guy’s name and think “Thurston Howell III.” You watch him play and you see he owns the island.

“You hear this guy’s name and think "Thurston Howell III." You watch him play and you see he owns the island.”

parlin ftw!

I was very encouraged to see that the defense didn’t play down to the level of the competition, but rather worried about meeting our coaches standard.

I loved the fact that some of the starters put themselves back in the game (without the coaches permission) near the end to help preserve the shutout.

How un-Mack like, and how nice to see.

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!!!!!!

Thanks for the write-up.

Scipio,

I think you are dead on with the balance of optimism spurred by the performance on Saturday and acknowledging the fact of just how bad a team Kansas and not knowing if they just have quit or Texas played that well on defense.

Texas has now played the polar extremes in the Big XII and I agree that the rest of the season gives a great measuring stick of how far this team has come this season. If anyone can come with an explanation of the consistent lack of inconsistency for Baylor, Mizzou, Tech, and A&M I would love to read it. The swings in some cases are literally half to half. Look no farther than Baylor nearly having 300 yards in the first half and no points. Heck, I am still not sure how you gain over 600 yards, have over 30 first downs, and run 42 more plays than your opponent and lose by 35 without trying to throw the damn game.

My take from the game:

We have the worst fans in the Big12. Perfect weather for a game where we get to see our team win and improve. BUT, the stadium is missing about 15,000 people and then when we get a good lead another 25,000 leave.

How do we sell make so much money from this kind of fan base?

Edmond played on the last series. He made a typical Edmond play. Filled the gap and dropped the RB like a stone for no gain.

Horns had 11 TFL on 36 plays.

“First up: Tech’s VD Tortilla pudding.”

Classic!

Excellent write-up as well. Thank you.

srr50 said: October 31st, 2011 at 6:45 am
I was very encouraged to see that the defense didn’t play down to the level of the competition, but rather worried about meeting our coaches standard.

I loved the fact that some of the starters put themselves back in the game (without the coaches permission) near the end to help preserve the shutout.

How un-Mack like, and how nice to see.
I doubt it happens often on any team when players put themselves into games like that. Coaches at first were probably thinking “WTF,” but later I’m sure they appreciated what that signals. There’s a hunger with this team now that hasn’t been there in a while.

Definitely one of the best defensive performances we’ve seen in a while, but the offense’s dominating run-oriented game was a significant part of the physical and mental domination of the entire game.

I feel a lot better now about the last 5 games.

Did we lose Demarco Cobbs again? Seemed like he was flying around the field. And was he wearing a cast? Might have effected his tackling.

I got to see this one in person, it was easily the most dominating Texas defensive performance since KU came to town in our Championship run.

The KU offense did not pee hardly a drop.

"I award this defense the Cleve Bryant Legacy Award For Creepy Audacious Bullying."

Or, as it’s more popularly known, “the Old Freak Nasty.”

Nice write-up. Thanks.

I saw bits and pieces of the game. What a massive beatdown. At one point UT had run 50+ plays to KU’s 13. I’d never seen anything like it. Turner Gill’s hope that the KU offense would save his job took a big hit. I know where KU’s portion of the Mizzou/A&M exit fee is going – $6M to Gill’s buyout.

KU may be terrible, but I just wanted to point out their first half stats against KSU and OU
KSU: 14 pts and 162 yards (KSU scored 31)
OU: 17 pts and 224 yards (OU scored 27)

Even against OSU they answered on their first drive going 80 yards for a score. This offense has moved the ball on other teams when the game was still theoretically up for grabs. Our D played amazing this past weekend.

First, thanks for the excellent as usual writeup, Scipio.

Second, how did it come to light that the defensive starters put themselves in independently of coaches instructions?

Second, how did it come to light that the defensive starters put themselves in independently of coaches instructions?

Mack mentioned it in his post-game comments. He said if one of them had gotten hurt while stopping Kansas he would have had a problem, but after the fact he was okay with it.

I am also curious about said self-putting-in of the defensive starters. Is this written up somewhere, or was it just apparent from watching what was happening on the sidelines?

Great write up, Scip!

srr50 said: October 31st, 2011 at 8:09 am
Second, how did it come to light that the defensive starters put themselves in independently of coaches instructions?

Mack mentioned it in his post-game comments. He said if one of them had gotten hurt while stopping Kansas he would have had a problem, but after the fact he was okay with it.

+++++++++++++++
The basketball equivalent is the Coach, “No! Don’t take that shot!!! Holy shit. It went in. Great shot!”

Thanks for the write up. It was unbelievable dominance.

slaw -

Please don’t take this as a general endorsement, since they piss me off way more than they do anything else, but 104.9 had Acho’s postgame comments this morning. You can listen in the first “Longhorn Insider Report” (haha) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCnZqg1RgGA. Sadly, Acho’s comments are towards the end of the sound file, so you have to listen to Chip and Hogan prattle.

Defense played so well this weekend, I was proud to cheer them on in person. Unfortunately, cheering in person is discouraged at DKR and the entire Section 30 was seated two minutes into the football game.

I was hoping for more information than this Scipio.

Probably 85% of Longhorn Nation didn’t get to watch the game, so I was counting on reading your Post Mortems to catch-up on what I missed.

Talk about a let down dude.

parlin said: October 31st, 2011 at 6:15 am
Carrington Byndom was afforded Top Corner status and the little action he saw was him winning.

Agreed.

You hear this guy’s name and think "Thurston Howell III." You watch him play and you see he owns the island.

you are awesome, parlin.

Scip:

This Texas team just fascinates me. On the one hand, this looked like an actual sign of life. On the other hand, it is distinctly possible that KU may have just given up. In their single best performance of the year, they lost to OU by 30 and only gained 6 net yards in the 2nd half.

Personally, I think this was a defense getting a remedy for what ailed it. The last two teams UT has played are easily among the top 10 in D1, if not the top 3. Both are incredibly well balanced, deep with talent, and experienced at all the right places. If you don’t believe you can kick ass, then you’re not going to kick ass. When you’ve got a pair of 1st round draft pick QB’s throwing to Biletnikoff finalists against a very green secondary, that’s not a fair fight. This was UT’s moment to actually start believing in themselves.

The best case scenario is that UT proceeds to either win out or lose a nailbiter to A&M and win the remainder of their games. The worst case scenario is that A&M skullfucks the UT defense to the tune of 450+ yards and 5 TDs or more in a huge win for Ag and UT drops games to K-State and someone else.

“The last two teams UT has played are easily among the top 10 in D1, if not the top 3”…OFFENSIVELY

That’s a rather big qualifier I left out there.

“I was hoping for more information than this Scipio.

Probably 85% of Longhorn Nation didn’t get to watch the game, so I was counting on reading your Post Mortems to catch-up on what I missed.

Talk about a let down dude."

Jesus, dude, read the game thread.

“Capt. Insano said: October 31st, 2011 at 9:11 am
I was hoping for more information than this Scipio. Probably 85% of Longhorn Nation didn’t get to watch the game, so I was counting on reading your Post Mortems to catch-up on what I missed. Talk about a let down dude.”
-
Come on, now. Please and thank you go a long way. Politely ask some specific questions, and somebody will likely get back to you on the thread. It’s absurd complaining that someone has shortchanged you when the product they’ve given you is free.

burntorangejuice,

I take that to mean we should not expect Longhorn Scott to provide a play-by-play breakdown of the game in the next couple of days.?

Just kidding.

“I take that to mean we should not expect Longhorn Scott to provide a play-by-play breakdown of the game in the next couple of days.?

Just kidding."

God, I hope not. We’ve been spoiled by Longhorn Scott in addition to Scip, Vash, and the other guys. If LHS missed a game breakdown, I’d probably lose the will to live.

I got the wife and I some pretty good tickets for her birthday (yeah, it worked). We’re both relatively recent grads, so we’re used to the energy of the student section. We were blown away by the complete and utter silence of the first dozen rows of section 15. What is this, the section for little kids and people that hate football? I’ve never seen so many people that needed to piss or eat during play. It felt like I was at the Disch, constantly having to let people squeeze by.

The only time the people around us made any noise at all was when we got that safety right in front of us. We actually got shitty looks for being loud when KU was on our end of the field. To top it off, the people behind us were typical idiot fans that wanted to talk about anything other than football — “yeah, like, um, okay, awesome, whatever!” — but when they started trying to talk football, my wife to asked me for something sharp to stab in her ears.

I’ve read about people experiencing this stuff on the west side before, but it was something else to experience it. I was truly embarrassed by our “fans”. Next time I’m taking the risk of getting my out-dated student ID scanned in order to sit in the student section.

After staying ‘til the bitter end of the OU game, I’m so sick of our stupid, entitled fans I’m not sure when I’ll go to another. Somebody let me know when our fan base isn’t comparing Harsin-White to Greg Davis every single time a play doesn’t work perfectly.

On that note, the wife had to get on me (rightfully since we were surrounded by kids) for cussing when Shipley got hurt. Anyone know his status? Sorry if I missed it, I ctrl+F’ed “jaxon” and “shipley”…

For those who didn’t get to watch the game, you should google bittorrent.

Davey is spot on. I’m not sure why, but the Big 12 is all over the map this year. One weak tech puts a beating on a very good OU team on the road only to turn around and have Iowa State bend them over at home. (That may have been a classic case of preparing for Texas instead of ISU). Aggie is crazy inconsistent from half to half. Kansas State laid down in the second half against OU but in the first half I thought they might just pull off a snyder special. WTF is up with Baylor?

I happen to think Texas is improving at a rapid clip, but to be honest, it’s really hard to tell and I’m not sure we’ll have a good idea where we are as a team until the ATM game is over, mostly because our competition is so up and down I have no idea how good anyone is that we are playing.

I actually think we match up very well with K-State for the first time in years. We will have a hard time scoring with aggie, but I suspect they will give us some points too. Since we play Tech at home I think we have a good shot at that one, and I have a feeling Baylor will have thrown in the towel by the time we face them in December.

I’m thinking we can win nine right now.

About the crowd…. I was at the game, and it was a blast rooting for KU to have less yardage than we did points (the only defeat of the day imo). That said, the student section (south end zone and northeast corner) were 50% full until the 2nd quarter, and tickets were being dumped for 25% of face in front of Scholz’s prior to the game. OSU wasn’t much different. It’s funny, because Rice and BYU were both early crowds that stayed late.

It’s frustrating, but such is life when your university is in Austin. Call it the “L.A.” effect. There is just a shit ton to do in the town (including Halloween weekend this past weekend), that when the weather is great, is tough to pass up. But if you were in Austin and wanted to go to the game, you could have for cheap if not free, so I don’t really sympathize with those that bitch about the people that actually do show up.

Anyway, I’m not justifying the poor crowd showings as much as offering an explanation. I go to every game and, barring conflict, stay until the end. But the attendance patterns have pretty much been like this since I’ve been in Austin with the exception of the home opener and the 1 or 2 big home games a year (think Ohio St., A&M, Tech, Mizzou the past 4 years). You can live in College Station or [insert SEC backwater here] where your life pretty much sucks in between games. Or you can live in Austin. I’ll take the latter.

texasengr – did you see them scanning the student IDs? It has been 2-3 years since I’ve been, but the last time i went to games I used my old student ID and got in with a student ticket.

A-Tex: So because it was easy to score tickets to the game, I shouldn’t expect our fans that are within spitting distance of the field to cheer or care? I don’t mind if the stadium is 70% full if those in attendance act like they want to be there.

ut-06: I’ve heard they scan some and barely glance at others.

I think A-Tex has it right on the crowds. For better or for worse, I think there’s still quite a bit of “you’re going to have to show me some more before we completely buy back in” with our “fanbase.” I’m def not saying it’s right, I’m just saying…

I’ve been to both the OSU and KU games this year and there was “heavy crowd malaise” at both games. some observations:

- I got to sit in UT club seats for OSU and even that section was empty. I know a lot of those folks like to stay inside the club and drink/eat — it was hot that day — but we literally had open rows all around us.

- to me, the most consistently “full” section of the stadium is the upper deck, west side. I don’t know if those are all season tix or not — I’ve only sat up there once, but I feel like you rarely see open seats over there.

- at the KU game, there were just a lot of empty seats on the west side lower deck (they were empty for OSU as well). there were also several vacant rows on the east side upper deck for the KU game.

I’ve sat all over since I’ve graduated and, quite frankly, I’m not sure there are any great sections from a crowd participation perspective, sans maybe the student section. our stadium can be a very difficult place to play — Mizzou 4 or 5 years ago immediately comes to mind. But it takes “buy in” on a global level from our crowd and, unfortunately, it seems all sorts of circumstances have to be present in order for all of the forces to coalesce.

Was at the game and it was good to get a win. I shall get the bad out of the way first. When the crowd began booing Harsin’s play calling of 3 screens in a row, some of us almost lost it. How in the hell does a fanbase who is known for not being “that” loud and leaving early (like saturday) get the notion that they can boo any player or coach? This is twice this year the crowd has booed something they have no fucking idea about. Until fans get paid big money to coach and design a gameplan to execute, STFU and support your team. Maybe I’m different from the typical fanbase because I grew up in west Texas where football and baseball are king and the fans are as big a part of the game as the team. Now I will get off my soap box.

The D looked excellent. Kansas didn’t seem to give up until mid-3rd quarter. The first half was all about complete domination. Seeing our D-Line creating living havoc in the backfield made me so happy I finished my flask way too early (damnit). Hopefully this is the DL waking up and really figuring out what Diaz/Bo/Oscar want them to do. Good to see Jeffcoat get after it again. I would hate to fight Whaley at any time because not only can he kick your ass but he can run you down and kick it again..Melton 2.0? LBs looked better but they didn’t really have to do a lot because of DL play but I still liked the effort I saw out of them to get in the middle of the play anyways. DBs can be explained in a few short words…complete 2012 domination. These guys are stepping up bigtime and I cannot wait to watch QBs cry because they can’t throw the ball…nasty good.

Offense was good as well despite crappy competition. Our OL looks like they have now began to really process the schemes. Cochran is now our new starter at OT from here on out…kid is good with only room to get better. RBs…no explanation necessary. Ash looked better. Saw him starting to make adjustments and audible some. Yes, he is still going to make a few freshman mistakes but he is getting better. Colt had a very offense around him when he was a frosh and he still made mistakes. WRs still not getting enough separation. They broke free a few times more than usual but against a better secondary it will be minimal. Still trying to figure out wtf is going on. Hope Ship 2.0 is ok but he looked fine because he was walking around on the sidelines.

BOJ and Steve, Manny also said postgame that the guys put themselves back in and he seemed really proud of and for them, mentioning that "shutouts are very special " or words to that effect. He was also effusive in his praise for our offense, stating that it’s hard for someone to score on us when we’re on the bench. How long since we’ve had praise from one coordinator to another? Whaley looked like he was sling-shotted to the QB on the sack. Incredibly quick!

Jeffcoat has now had two very good games in a row and was all over the field. Cobbs may have re-injured his arm and, for whoever asked above, Mack stated post game that he believes Shipley is “fine”.

Thanks, Scip. Looking forward to the offensive side.

Since the DEs were effectively pressuring the QB, were there fewer blitzes and stunts this week?

everyone keeps dissing the win because it was KU but still, great teams don’t just beat competition they dominant them regardless if they are a D-II school or the top BCS team.

so i’m glad the team did that. i heard tech has problems stopping the run too so i think they are in trouble because it looks like we have found our stride in our running game (power + jet sweeps)

LTD & ATD,

Sad, but fan front-runnerism was a sore subject in the 60s/70s too. Example: I’ll never forget watching Texas/UCLA in 1970 with a nation’s-best 22-game win streak on the line with ranked UCLA hanging 14 on us in the third quarter to go up 17-13. By the time Phillips threw Speyrer a 45-yard TD pass to win with 12 seconds left, the Memorial stands were a third empty and the student section more than half empty.

Great write up, Scip. I’m with you… anxious to see this new edge put to the cut test.

It is very clear to me that having a competent running game works wonders for our capabilities on the defensive side of the ball. We absolutely dominated time of possession, which kept our defense rested and off the field.

I think we saw some evidence Saturday that the D front 7 are finally buying into (or grasping) Diaz’ system. Remember this update from the Asset 10/20:

Apparently Davis is preaching run fits, assignment, and team defense instead of "Ima do what I do, Corch." Davis has been all up in their ass this week and the offense has been victimized as a result.

Sorry Ladies.

Didn’t mean to upset you.

Scipio has set the bar on post mortems. Once the bar is set, you expect nothing less. Example- Mack Brown and UT Football vs. Texas “Fans”.

So…Thank you for the great write ups and considering the LHN has prevented most of us from seeing the first shutout in 6 years…pretty please give us more information. I love reading your free write ups and am very much looking forward to your future write ups.

I hope that is better for some of you thinner skinned ladies that no doubt were the same people booing Gilbert at the beginning of the year. Where would ScipioTex be without you defending him against mean old Capt. Insano? Probably putting out quality articles to read while the rest of you just talk out loud.

Also, I was at the game and the only problem I saw with the crowd was a huge gap in the student section. It was a Halloween party night and we were playing KU so I don’t think we should bitch too much about that. As the game wore on, the upper decks really cleared out but again I don’t think that is something to cry about.

In fact. Still, a confidence-builder.

Re Byndom: 3/4 of the Earth is covered by water. Carrington has the rest.

Ladies? “while the rest of you just tak out loud”? The skin is apparently thin on both sides, no?

Overreaction all the way around by all concerned, IMO.

Quick comments:
 
We blitzed some, but we also had a quite a bit of 3-4 man pass rushes with blitzers peeling off late into coverage as the ball was snapped. The most interesting thing we did was a 3rd down bunch formation in which all of our DL stacked inside. The lead guys attempted to get a push while the guys behind them sprinted to gaps. That’s how Whaley got his sack.
 
There’s no doubt our offense possessed the ball for lengthy time periods, but KU had 11 possessions. They went three and out on 7 of 11, gave up a safety, and turned it over twice. Basically, our defense forced their lack of possession as much as our offense dictated it.
 
As for a more detailed blow by blow, there’s not much to say. Kansas threw a kitten in a fighting pit with a honey badger. Every single guy in our starting 11 on defense won their matchup against the guy in front of them. My recap is more interested in global analysis of what it may mean for us.
 
The stuff from the Asset proved very prophetic. It’s clear that Bo Davis got in some people’s asses with respect to responsibilities and motivational levels. Also lends some credence to the speculation we’d all had that Jeffcoat might have had some sort of lower back or hip injury. He was moving better and looked a lot stronger.

I understand that it was halloween weekend and it was KU but I am not just talking about this game. I’m actually talking about a general trend of the past few years…I think the entitlement problem had bled to more than just players and coaches.

This is the beginning of a NEW era here at UT. No excuse to not support it fully unless it fails. This season, IMO, is not a fail at all. We are showing signs of vast improvement and the system taking hold. Besides…this is THE sporting event in Austin so I don’t understand why people aren’t more intense about it.

“Sorry Ladies.

Didn’t mean to upset you."

Well, now, there’s no need to resort to name calling. My post was meant to be read slightly tongue in cheek, while also pointing you to a place where you can immediately get some play by play without having to wait for LHS’ piece. Just trying to help. Plus, Sasha would probably have her longhorn dog rip out your nuts for invoking the tired-ass “weaker sex” insult. (tongue in cheek)

The Horns need to identify the biggest RB in the state every year and recruit him and move him to DT……the last three Whaley, Houston and Melton turned out to be damn good.

I was at the Rice game to open the season and I thought the crowd was quite good and enthusiastic (relative to so many other games in years past). Everyone seemed excited at what the new coaches and young players were going to bring.

I think a big part of the problem the last couple of games was 55-17. Not just losing, but getting beat down like that. I think that really sapped a lot of fan enthusiasm the new coaches and young players had initially brought. I think losing like that left many fans feeling like the first four games were an illusion and we were going to see more of what we saw last year.

If this team continues to improve and win I think the enthusiasm will return fairly quickly. If they seem to regress and drop 2 or 3 more games you’ll continue to see a lot of empty seats and lethargic fans the rest of the year.

the last three Whaley, Houston and Melton turned out to be damn good.

A little early to make proclamations about Whaley, but it looks promising.

Nunna, he’s a better defensive player than Melton was at this stage. (TIC) I’ll go out on a limb and say he’s probably brighter too. :>)

Nunna, he’s a better defensive player than Melton was at this stage. (TIC) I’ll go out on a limb and say he’s probably brighter too. :>)

Agree, considering that Melton was still trying to tiptoe around defenders while running the ball as a Sophomore. I think Whaley is bigger than Melton was too at the same stage.

Makes you wonder how good Melton might of been for us if we’d moved him early enough in his career to give him time to get really comfortable in that position.

Thanks for the feeback ScipioTex.

“Makes you wonder how good Melton might of been for us if we’d moved him early enough in his career to give him time to get really comfortable in that position.”

My guess is Melton would have developed into a good enough DE to get drafted into the NFL and then become a major contributor to that team.

Oh, wait a minute…

Did Whaley get most of the snaps at DT next to Randall? Overall, how did the DT’s not named Randall look?

Horncasting -
 
It was the whole cast of characters next to Randall. Everyone did their job, but the DL standouts were Randall, Okafor, Jeffcoat.

Capt. Insano -

There were 36 tackles made by guys in Burnt Orange. I think I read that nearly 2/3 of them were made by our DL. Even Scipio isn’t talented enough to turn that storyline into the Grapes of Wrath.

I managed to watch most of it on the feed that jimbo put on here. You didn’t miss anything on defense.

jinx -
 
Well said.
 
It was just a complete and thorough beating. When Mike Tyson knocked out Michael Spinks, the postfight analysis was mostly people saying,“Uh, wow!”

“Agree, considering that Melton was still trying to tiptoe around defenders while running the ball as a Sophomore. I think Whaley is bigger than Melton was too at the same stage.”

The (TIC) is my newly minted abbreviation for “tongue in cheek”. To be fair, Big Henry was also adept, even as a Freshman, at swan diving for pylons with a wide open end zone in front of him. Don’t short change him.

And Whaley definitely looks bigger—-and quicker.

The crowd stuff doesn’t even bother me anymore. About once every five years we get a real sell-out crowd that stands up for most of the game and makes a lot of noise. The other 95% of the time we get what we got against Kansas.

I will say this though… hearing “OMG there were probably 10,000 empty seats!!!” pisses me off. Well yeah, that means there were 90,000 people there. Meanwhile, stadiums that hold 70,000 are applauded for selling out. Not a huge deal, but a pet peeve of mine that also happens during basketball season.

My guess is Melton would have developed into a good enough DE to get drafted into the NFL and then become a major contributor to that team.

I understand what he became ultimately. I mean how good he could have been “for us” (while he was at Texas). He was a solid contributor his last year but not a whole lot more. Good enought to get noticed by the NFL. If he’d been moved there a year or two earlier, he might have been tearing up offenses by his senior year.

Jake,

I like the (TIC). I hope it catches on and you are immortalized via cyberspace. I just hope you don’t have to wait for posthumous appreciation for your contribution to the interweb-based society.

From our spots in the North endzone, the front 4 looked healthy. I think Diaz’ schemes flustered KU a lot, and both Jeffcoat and Okafor really played their assignments well. Dive plays that burned us through the previous 6 games were completely shut down. Awesome job by all our DL. The bunch formations seemed to create a lot of confusion and I think Webb felt some imaginary pressure due to it. Also helped us that his receivers were doing their best Malcolm Williams impressions.

As far as the fans go, I’d say that the “show me first” attitude is a pretty fair observation. Heard a lot of consternation over the botched 4th and goal .. and then followed by the boneheaded INT. I think many will come around as the D continues to dominate and the Offense matures. Still … it’ll be a while before it’s like the 2008 Missouri game at DKR. Poor Chase Daniels … I don’t think he could hear himself in the huddle that night.

“it’ll be a while before it’s like the 2008 Missouri game at DKR. Poor Chase Daniels … I don’t think he could hear himself in the huddle that night.”

BimmerFan, you brought back some very fond memories with that. Thank you for that.

Regarding the fans….

As some of you may remember, I am a Gator fan in my spare time. I have been to numerous games in The Swamp and I can tell you that they have plenty of lull games too. When they get cranked, it is like few others, but when they lost at home to Ole Miss (prompting The Speech from his Tebowness) there were plenty in the stands calling for the head of anybody and everybody associated with the team. It was also plenty quiet and I even heard booing.

Funnier than that is the O Dome. I always thought the Rowdy Reptiles rocked that 12,000 seat stadium no matter what. Only a year or two after the back to back titles, there were empty seats everywhere and lethargic crowds. But, at least they do have students on the lower level sideline (always my biggest beef with basketball atmosphere).

Just saying….fans of winners expect winners. And even at places as feared as The Swamp (where only Gators get out alive) people leave in the 3rd quarter of a blowout to beat traffic.

Of course that never happens in Aggieland, but that is a different story.

I thought OSU that same year was pretty good as well.

One last thing for texasengr (from a fellow texas engineer BTW). You admit to being a recent grad, so I’m guessing you are younger.

It will never be as fun as the student section again, it just won’t. I encourage you to go back into the student section for games if you enjoy it. I went through the MBA program at UF and had student section tickets, although in the MBA (meaning older) block, and it was a blast.

BUT….

I am now mid 30s and have kids. If I’m taking my kids to a game, it is likely to be on the order of a KU game. Guaranteed win. Lots of touchdowns to celebrate. I can check out of the game early and teach my kids about the fun traditions that go with being a fan. They are girls and like to watch the cheerleaders (and so do I – BONUS!). It is about having fun.

We are likely leaving early when the game gets out of hand. That’s just the way it is. Doesn’t mean that I’m any less of a fan. I just have other obligations.

Not trying to preach, just trying to give some perspective.

At this point in the season, Diaz’s defense ranks in the Big 12-+/*:

1. in total defense
2. in yards per play allowed
3. in TDs allowed
4. in pass efficiency defense
5. in pass yards allowed
6. in yards allowed per completion
7. in yards allowed per attempt
8. in pass completion % allowed
9. in rush defense
10. in rushing TDs allowed
11. in pass TDs allowed

And what is remarkable is that they have achieved these rankings in spite of being only fair to mediocre on tackles for loss (including sacks) and turnovers gained.

Of course, those Damned Statistics will change since we still have 4 of the top 11 offenses IN THE NATION on the schedule (Tech, Missouri, A&M, Baylor).

The defense is doing a lot right.

I left out: #2 in scoring defense.

Jinx nailed it.

Cult Jr has watched his daddy leave for the game with friends all year and has patiently waited for the one he gets to go to. Alas, the excitement of the day and the tailgating (complete with root beers for him and his buddy) were nearly too much to handle. We made it through the first five minutes of the second half when I caught him nodding into his popcorn.

When someone ask Diaz at the presser after the game if they put the starters back in to preserve the shutout, he said i didnt put them back in, ask Robinson.

Thanks for posting the numbers Lurker. Good stuff. And though we have 4 of the top 11 offenses ahead of us – we are also through playing the 2 best teams in the conference. (though being ravaged by OU and “playing” seem contradictory)

I like where the D is going. And await the break down of the offense.

I was at the game, not much to add to the summaries: Byndom was bored most of the night with nothing his way; Cobbs looked good and I thought Hicks did as well; the DL whether straight up or bunching looked great, even if they didn’t get all the way to Webb.

Maybe the biggest thing of all: if they know they can play like that, will they put in the effort at practice and at study to do it every week? I think we will enjoy this side of the ball for the rest of the season.

Love the threat of blitzes and concealed defense but then mostly just playing normal assignment football to cut down on mistakes that lead to the big play.

On the offensive side, it turns out Whaley was not big enough to play TE and they went with 295 pound Luke Poehlmann instead. Good choice, imo.

jinx, the reason it doesnt happen in aggieland, there is no place to leave to.

In other news, West Virginia’s “complaint” against the Big East has me questioning letting them into the conference. My god, did a lawyer even look at that thing? Probably should have gone out of state to get something that like that prepared when you know it’s going to be plastered all over the internet.

http://wvmetronews.com/content/File/wvu_vs_be.pdf

A-Tex, it appears to be written in perfectly good English and a valid argument. Its clear they were singled out on the 27 month notice. I think they will be here for the 2012 season. I don’t the the Big east has a leg to stand on.

I agree they’ll be here, and I’m not doubting the substance of their stronger complaints (although they certainly “kitchen sinked” it and some of what’s in there has no chance of sticking to the proverbial wall).

But the lawyer geek in me thought it was pretty awfully written with a couple inexcusable mistakes (if I’m a judge/client/senior partner) that go beyond mere typos.

Tech’s OL handled the Oklahoma DL pretty well, even with a low snapping backup center. It Will be fun to see how our D line has developed. My guess is Tech is over the Oklahoma hangover after the beating they took at home this week. I think they will come to play. Jekyll and Hide pirates.

We will be able to pound the ball all day againt Tech, especially with the emergence of Mean Joe as a inside running reliever of Brown. Clock control along with scoring early will put a W in the books.

Far be it for me to denigrate that complaint.

I realize this is D/ST, but while waiting for the O pm… how did Poehlmann look at TE?

burntorangejuice said: October 31st, 2011 at 1:35 pm

“Jake,

I like the (TIC). I hope it catches on and you are immortalized via cyberspace. I just hope you don’t have to wait for posthumous appreciation for your contribution to the interweb-based society."

I’ve already faked my obituary in The Onion where most of my contemporaries skulk. Of course, it’s only available in the printed from over at Ruta Maya. You know, right down the street from Expose’. I thought about the AAS, but who the hell would read it?

“how did Poehlmann look at TE?”

The KU coach said that 82 (Luke) wrecked shit as a blocker. He said that once Luke came in as TE, KU could not stop the power running. KU coach said that it was obvious that even though 82 is a TE number, the player was an OL guy. BTW, Luke now has two jersies, one with an OL number on the back and one with a TE number, 82, on the back.

Texasengr…
I think the “bumper crop” crowds will be back once we’re contending for championships…. it took a bit outta our sails to go 1- 2 in our first three conference games…..
Once Harsin gets the offensive troup in high gear like his family’s nitro funny car and the the crowds will be back along with some of us more serious gear heads that love football too.

“the last three Whaley, Houston and Melton turned out to be damn good.”

Well I believe Houston & Melton turned out to be good enough to start their senior year… but I think calling them “damn good” might be bit of a reach!

Great read Scipio… much thanks!

jinx —
You’ve forced me to realize that a chapter of my life (the student section) is ending and never coming back. I think this feeling is anger, but thank you for sharing your perspective.

jet -
I suppose it was my constant reading of BC/cosm, but I feel like anyone with a pulse should have expected us to lose to OU and OSU. Unfortunately, I guess most think we were just as physically dominated in Dallas as the score would indicate. Surely everyone realizes we competed with OSU - We’re our dominate D-lines of the recent past away from winning that game. Either way, they should remember how terrible we were last year and how we let the running game deteriorate to nothing under McCoy. If OU’s not careful, they’re a below average QB away from the same rebuild process — It’s like spinning a main bearing.

Lamarr Houston was a dominant DT and one the best defensive players of the Mack Brown era, HotRod. He started a lot more games than his senior year.
 
So, yes, damn good.

Scipio,

Good write-up. The defensive unit played brilliantly. I mentioned to someone earlier in the season that Texas could try a bunched alignment, although at the time I was envisioning Desmond Jackson reaping the benefit. To see Diaz actually put that into use was very satisfying, but the telepathic link must be two-way as I keep thinking about Cuban food and zone blitzes.

parlin,

Nice. Isle of Byndom: Home to a five-star private resort, 41 of the Fortune 500 (for tax purposes), and balls thrown by ill-informed quarterbacks. I’ve always wondered if his parents were fans of Dynasty.

Willow01,

I believe Houston was from Denver, but it’s still a solid recipe for athletic defenders.

Speaking of Pöhlmann and his two jerseys with diff numbers on back…

Does NC2A require numbers on front? What’s the minimum size, or is it a subjective rule? Yeah, I could look it up, and if no one answers by the time I’m finished with the task I’m ignoring right this minute, I will… but if you know… thanks.

I like the Storm Troopers – I’d love to see them turned (back) into real “work clothes” as DKR described. That is, lose any and all stripes, lose the name on the back, make the numbers as small as allowed, and move “TEXAS” from the front to the back, where the names are now. It wouldn’t break my heart to see us where them at home, too, (Cowboys, LSU) and wear the Orange for special occasions or when we visit someone who wants to “force” us into the Orange.

Ain’t nothin’ better than a gude spilling checked – ewe no watt eye mean?

“I’ve already faked my obituary in The Onion where most of my contemporaries skulk. Of course, it’s only available in the printed from over at Ruta Maya. You know, right down the street from Expose’. I thought about the AAS, but who the hell would read it?”

For some reason, I’m imagining you hanging with Biggie and Tupac sitting in a jacuzzi eating a T-bone steak and eggs with Welch’s grape juice. Tupac and Biggie are talking about all the cash they made when they “died.”

Can’t wait to see our D against Tech. They don’t have any receivers that really frighten me as a matchup against our secondary. I think we can find ways to pressure Doege and get him to make some ill-advised desperation throws leading to picks. That’s after we shut down their running game, of course.

The comment on Houston not being “damn good” is just damn dumb – no offense intended. Melton was good enough to go in the middle of the draft after one year as a DE. It was only a year, but he was pretty close to “damn good” in his own right. I am excited about Whaley’s prospects as a DT. If he’s got a nasty streak to go with his physical advantages, he could very well end up in the NFL as well – after helping the Longhorns win games for another two years.

“Well I believe Houston & Melton turned out to be good enough to start their senior year… but I think calling them "damn good" might be bit of a reach!”

Lamarr Houston was a dominant force his junior and senior years (2008-09). Ask Alabama’s OL what they thought of him. He smoked their inside OL. Hell, I remember his freshman year when he was playing behind 2 NFL guys watching him just destroy people on kickoff coverage.

His sophomore year, at DE, was largely a waste as he had a high ankle sprain.

Lamarr Houston as a senior. 68 tackles. 22 TFLs. 8 sacks. That is not damn good. That is about as good as it gets.

Randy -
 
Yep. You have to go back to Rogers/Hampton for those kinds of numbers. Easily one of the best players of the Mack Brown era.