Off-Season Gossipy Things: Injuries, Muschamp Two Years Later
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 4:56 PM CST
in Texas Longhorns and Other Football
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PrintI had a couple of conversations with some people with good insight and access into the program and though none of it is particularly earth-shattering stuff, I thought it was worth passing along. No acronyms or names for them - sorry. Mostly about how injuries are handled and some of Muschamp's impressions post-Texas. I rarely pass this kind of stuff on, but thought it was of interest.
Injuries
The Longhorn training/medical staff is quite conservative (in a good way) and they're completely empowered to hold guys out of games if they feel the athlete has an injury that doesn't respond to basic tests (range of motion, manipulation etc), imperils the athlete's ability to protect themselves, or can be meaningfully exacerbated under game stress. Some of the stuff is empirical and requires no player input - you can tell the severity of injury with simple manipulation or tests, but for a lot of injuries, the player self-assessment is key.
That's where it gets interesting. Can they handle pain? What are they willing to do to manage the hurt? Will they shade the truth to get on the field? The coaching staff doesn't interact with injured players about the nature and scope of their injury because Brown doesn't want a pressure environment and Texas administration feels it creates legal/ethical jeopardy. It's between our medical and the athlete. Brown and our position coaches don't question the trainers when they say "X is out, time indeterminate." Possibly to a fault.
The flip side of the coin to OU, obviously.
Consequently, younger Texas players have to be clued in by older players about how to get on the field. Young guys are less able to discern the difference between hurt and injury and if it's hurt, sometimes they need to be able to shade the truth of what they're experiencing to the trainers to get on the field. The perception is that if you tell the trainers the absolute truth about all of your injuries proactively, you're going to be held out, even if you might be able to actually play.
"Once Quan Cosby or Sam Acho talked to certain guys and pointed out their own play on injuries (apparently these guys were both majorly banged up in their senior seasons), the young guys figure it out. By mid-season, every starter is hurt. But you may not be injured."
Also, Colt was pretty much a wreck from the OU game on in 2009. Dislocated fingers, bruised ribs, hip pointer, possible concussion (this is debated), bad ankle, toe. Team rallied around his example.
Maybe one possible explanation for why so many players were game day decisions late last season when mid-week practice reports were encouraging.
Muschamp
A lot more candid now that some time had passed. Will liked his time at Texas, but mostly relieved that he was able to elevate his career despite the sinking ship of 2010. A lot of the tension in 2010 was a result of Brown's sense of betrayal by his staff as the season unfolded, the staff's sense that they'd done exactly what he'd asked and that he'd established the culture to begin with, and the insecurity of coaches at an elite program watching it crumble wondering if they'd have to coach at Arizona, Purdue, or Louisiana Tech and start living out of suitcases again with older kids in tow.
Was surprised by the recruiting philosophy on offense, the lack of staff review of each other's takes, and our over-reliance on McCoy-Shipley. Felt not seeing a real running game hurt the Texas defense in some games because they'd destroy ours in practice and get a false sense of their run fits and it would take time to adjust in-game against real running teams. "By 2010, all of our practice reps were against bad RBs, bad OL, bad schemes. That doesn't get you ready. We had no idea what a simple lead play felt like."
Several of his defensive players were Googling their own weight workouts, getting stuff from Longhorn NFL guys, or conferring with strength coaches on other Longhorn athletic teams on the sly.
Thought the passing game execution level in the Big 12 was very high but physicality and quickness near the LOS was less compared to SEC. Biggest adjustment as DC was learning that "Big 12 QBs could complete passes to covered receivers" and that sometimes you had to play more bend but don't break.
Thought Texas had a "OU is important, but just another game" message to players while OU clearly conveyed to their guys that it was special. Then our guys get on the field, realize it's not just another game, and have to adjust to OU's intensity. Once they did, they were fine, but "OU got the first lick."
Overall roster talent level at Texas was lesser compared to high level SEC teams but the Texas athletes were brighter and there was less drama off of the field.
Florida was loaded with bad guys when he got there. Not necessarily gangsters, but punks and malcontents. Muschamp cleaned house on the ring leaders and is still working on converting the middle guys who were influenced by charismatic rogues. Felt discipline had been applied unevenly, highly recruited guys were protected, and they'd reached a critical mass of knuckleheads.
Relationship with Davis was cordial and respectful and Muschamp is a keep-it-in-the-coaching-offices type, but by mid-season 2010, the team and coaching staff were split and showing strain. Defensive coaches were paranoid about Mack being reflexively pro-offensive staff since he spends 90% of his time with them, offensive coaches scared for their jobs when they realized Gilbert wasn't McCoy or Young and our receiver, RB, OL talent were horribly depleted. Some staff tensions around recruiting effort - it was clear who was out seeing games and working and who wasn't but it was a taboo subject to broach.
GD was offered a lucrative lifetime job at the Longhorn Foundation and turned it down out of pride.
Things got testy briefly before Will went to Florida, but he and Mack now have a good relationship.
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Excellent read thanks.
This only conveys to me how important it was that Mack did what he did after the end of 2010 season. It must be hard to clean house after having spent the better part of a career with some of these coaches, and it’s a decision often underappreciated amongst us fans. I really liked that Mack leveraged the Texas brand to find the best talent at each coaching position he could, conventional wisdom be damned (loved loved loved the Diaz hire at the time, and even more so now).
2010 could have really derailed things for us as a program, but we barely lost a recruit (Westerman was always gone, I think) and arguably are better off for having suffered through 2010 in order to get the staff we have now. Complacency can wreck organizations, and rarely do they respond to negative results so drastically and thoroughly. Kudos, Mack.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 9, 2026 5:07 PM CST reply actions
I’d also like to point out that Mack is probably as good a recruiter of coaches as he is of players, and keeping him around for that reason alone might be worth it.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 9, 2026 5:07 PM CST up reply actions
Diaz was a ballsy hire.
He checks almost none of the boxes of a traditional football man. Now that it looks like he’ll work out, it’s assumed that he always would, but can you imagine if he hadn’t? A guy that went from working at ESPN, a stat nerd, didn’t play college football, too young, crazy, unsound pre-snap schemes with DL lined up in a stack etc. Would have been disastrous PR.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 5:17 PM CST up reply actions
Diaz failing would've really helped reinforce those stereotypes about college coaches among the Texas fanbase/bigwigs.
But the guy has a pretty clear track record of success — I suppose it’s hard to argue when coaches in the SEC are begging you to get him out of there. Texas has really (besides the brief tenure of Akina) picked DC’s really well the last few years. That is to say, I suppose, that Mack Brown has done well.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 9, 2026 5:50 PM CST up reply actions
What's really scary
if Aggy had choked and lost to us in Austin, its reasonably possible to probable, IMO, that changes wouldn’t have been made other than for Muschamp leaving or that they’d have been much fewer in number and scope.
by boorad on Mar 9, 2026 5:13 PM CST reply actions
Hard to know.
I honestly felt KSU was the tipping point.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 5:18 PM CST up reply actions
I'd like to think so as well
but, as you say, hard to know.
by boorad on Mar 9, 2026 6:18 PM CST up reply actions
Of course
Given the opportunity to be bowl eligible, and have 4 weeks of practice…to build to a squeaker in the bowl game for a winning season…who knows…
/ralph
27-25. 76-37-5. (25-22-1 at Kyle Field) BYYYEEEEEEEEEE
by Hobbes881 on Mar 10, 2026 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
Interesting about Colt, too...
shows what a gamer that kid was. Makes me even more mad we didn’t win that NC for him.
I echo the comments on giving props to Mack for making the necessary changes. And sounds like he’s committed to changing and letting the young coaches do what needs to be done while also providing a steady influence for the program. Bound to cause some conflict here and there, but just enough to keep everyone progressing. Iron sharpening iron, I hope. Maybe I’m overly optimistic.
by Sasha is a Longhorn Dog on Mar 9, 2026 5:22 PM CST reply actions
Colt was very special here
My Longhorn QB pantheon: Layne, Young, McCoy.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 5:29 PM CST up reply actions
I love teh major
but he knows he isn’t in the pantheon. teh major is a demi-god or hero, but he can bleed.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 6:07 PM CST up reply actions
I would put James Street in the middle of that Temple
by 55f100tx on Mar 9, 2026 9:45 PM CST up reply actions
I would not.
But I’m in the minority on that one.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 10:11 PM CST up reply actions
thanks for the article
After re-watching my DVD of the Ohio State game I was even more impressed with Colt. I’m pretty embarrassed about my expectations for what Gilbert could offer the program as opposed to Colt.
His timing and mastery of the Davis’ passing game was stunning.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 7:51 AM CST up reply actions
VY's Championship season
And Colts Jr / Sr years were the only years in my memory when i did not fret about 3rd and long. My memory goes back a ways.
by 55f100tx on Mar 10, 2026 9:46 AM CST up reply actions
which
SB Nation website noted that Texas’ success rate on 2nd and 3rd and Long in 2008 was historically ridiculous?
We were actually better in obvious passing situations than in running downs. Ridiculous. In 2007, in fact, we outscored Tech through a strategy of running Vondrell McGee into the line twice for 3-5 yards and then picking up 3rd down through Colt making it happen. Controlled TOP and put points on the field.
It was masterful. We may never see anything like it again.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 10:43 AM CST up reply actions
Really?
in fact, we outscored Tech through a strategy of running Vondrell McGee into the line twice for 3-5 yards and then picking up 3rd down through Colt making it happen. Controlled TOP and put points on the field.
It was masterful. We may never see anything like it again.
Who would ever conceive of an offense running the ball on 1st and 2nd down, and having your best playmaker and offensive leader pick up 3rd downs.
I think we solved football here today folks.
"The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences." - St. Augustine
by Funkytown on Mar 10, 2026 11:02 AM CST up reply actions
You
must not have seen the game because you seriously misunderstood.
McGee would pick up 3-5 yards AT MOST between his 2 carries COMBINED.
If I had to guess I would say that Colt completed 10 passes to convert on 3rd and 5 or worse, in order to control the ball and get into the endzone.
The gameplan (this was after Charles went down with injury btw) put extreme pressure on Colt to convert consistently in stastically terrible 3rd and long situations. It was amazing.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 11:38 AM CST up reply actions
I did see the game
I must be confusing it with every SEC game and every single NFL game every week. My bad.
"The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences." - St. Augustine
by Funkytown on Mar 10, 2026 1:10 PM CST up reply actions
Football Study Hall
I think it was last year preseason sometime.
by CZW on Mar 11, 2026 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I loved Street
He and Bucky Richardson were out of the same mold, but Street was basically a system QB (wishbone).
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 9:04 AM CST up reply actions
Street was a much better passer than Richardson
by ole tnhorn on Mar 10, 2026 11:37 AM CST up reply actions
Much worse, actually.
But Street hit some big balls when most of us would have our balls recede. 40 of 81 for 10 ints and only 3 tds as a senior. When your QB throws a pick every 8 attempts, that’s not Johnny U. He was a system guy at the dawn of a system.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 12:14 PM CST up reply actions
He was a sytem guy who broke the system for his biggest success
starting in 1968 OU game. Texas trailed 20-19 with 2 minutes to go with the ball on its own 15. Street completed four straight passes (utilizing the tight end Deryl Comer for the first time as a key reciever in the Bone) and then Worster took it in from the 7.
He couldn’t throw — until he had to. In 1969 OU game, he hit Cotton Speyer with a pass only he could catch to break it open. Then of course there are the obvious examples we all know.
I guess I value Scips opening statement about Streets ability to make the big plays at the point of no return to put him high on my list.
I also place value on his helping to create the system that he was a system QB in.
by srr50 on Mar 10, 2026 1:00 PM CST up reply actions
He didn't create anything.
But he was able to execute a strange system better than the great athlete we moved to DB later. Eddie Phillips was a better overall QB the following year and our offensive output was identical. He had the best defense in college football supporting him as well. He was a really important cog in the machine, but putting him on a platform with McCoy, Young, Layne is way off IMO. I understand his mythology and charisma, but there’s a lot of selective memory at work.
He was Robert Horry, not Michael Jordan.
Look at how quickly the Wishbone evolved too. It only took OU three years to give us a taste of Wishbone 2.0 using much better athletes. We were early adopters and it paid big dividends, but I tend to view it in that light rather than assigning all of those players mythical qualities.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 1:22 PM CST up reply actions
LOL - you had to bring up Robert Horry
He was Robert Horry, not Michael Jordan
NowI I know you are from Houston.
But I think Street was a helluva lot closer to your three QB’s than Horry was to Jordon - my God!
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
No, I'm not from that concrete drained swamp
But a marginal player who didn’t do much for much of the season and would fearlessly hit some very big shots for you in the clutch when the other team was focused on your primary weapons is a perfect comparison to James Street. It’s not an insult. He’s called Big Shot Rob for a reason.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 1:38 PM CST up reply actions
LOL - not all of the swamp has been drained
I prefer to call Houston the central hub of an open sewage system called bayous.
Although I agree that Street should not have been included in your QB temple, he was considerably better than a player as marginal as Horry. In fact, it can be said the ’bone was an running offense predicated on the inate ability of the QB - not the FB. In this, Street excelled.
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 5:44 PM CST up reply actions
That could said broadly. Not the Texas bone.
Re-watch it some time with fresh eyes and no mythology. 80% of the running plays are FB dives and HB leads. Triple read option was an exciting rarety. It wasn’t Charles Thompson or Jamelle Holloway running around making plays. We ran it as a power offense.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 7:45 PM CST up reply actions
True that, on the dives and leads
But, then again, the bone was an OPTION offense with the QB making decisions based strictly on instant reads.
If the dive was there, the FB got it. I think you may be wrong on the quantity of the halfback leads, however. Street ran the ball quite a bit andthis option is really what made the bone effective. Essentially the QB is nothing more than a halfback that can pass.
The only thing that made the wishbone different from the Split T and the Veer was the addition of the FB option.
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 8:55 PM CST up reply actions
A&M; ran the triple option in 1967 with a fullback
out of the I formation. That actually was one of the main triggers of Royal’s thinking, aside from having an abundance of quality running backs.
Royal also thought that having twin backs behind the fullback would make attacking to either side (tight end or split end) easier to accomplish. He didn’t want to waste Cotton Speyrer.
Emory Bellard said later that Speyrer was a great example of the “Law of Unintended Consequences.” Not only was the rushing attack effective to either side of the formation, the split end side supplied more of the “explosive” plays from both the pass and the run.
They discovered that while defense were trying to figure out the triple option they had to respect Speyrer. That meant he usually had a safety over the top of the formation leaning towards him to help on man coverage, which meant there was 1 less run support defender.
Bellard decided that in order to take full advantage of that, Texas would almost never throw short or over the middle to Speyrer — just deep patterns. Speyrer averaged over 16 yards a catch during his two “Bone” years.
by srr50 on Mar 10, 2026 9:24 PM CST up reply actions
Actually
Emory Bellard invented the bone using the proponents of Bill Yeoman’s Veer T and Gene Stallings Slot I option formations. The wishbone utilized 4 running backs and had the advantage of eliminating two defenders without blocking them.
Lost in time, however, is the fact that, even though Bellard actually created the bone, it was at the insistance of DKR telling him to design an offense that would use 3 running backs.
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 11:08 PM CST up reply actions
I lumped Street in with Richardson
because they were both tough SOB’s. Also, they were both clutch players and winners - however nebulous that may sound.
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 1:22 PM CST up reply actions
I don't know if I ever saw those statistics
I certainly can’t remember the context of most of those passes but my guess is a lot of them were on 3rd & long with one wideout & perhaps the tight end in very unsophisticated patterns. Street probably almost never threw on first down. The passing scheme was rudimemtary.
by ole tnhorn on Mar 10, 2026 2:08 PM CST up reply actions
I would put Street there because
he maximized his talent while test driving a brand new offense, he handled a touchy situation (changing QB’s mid-season) as well as can be expected AND he was at his best when the pressure at its most intense.
by srr50 on Mar 10, 2026 10:29 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Interesting, Without Street 2 MNC's would not have been.
He didnt throw much, but when he did he made it count.
by 55f100tx on Mar 10, 2026 9:36 AM CST up reply actions
Correction
Street played in 1968 & 1969. Eddie Phillips was the QB on the 1970 team.
by ole tnhorn on Mar 10, 2026 11:39 AM CST up reply actions
And Eddie Phillips was better at running the option
But that doesn’t fit the narrative.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 12:10 PM CST up reply actions
Phillips
threw the TD pass to Speyer against UCLA in 1970. Otherwise, there would have been no 30-0.
Hook ’em!
by j_java on Mar 11, 2026 12:34 AM CST up reply actions
Thanks, Scip!
Very nice insight into the behind-the-scenes that (obviously) bubbled to the top. It shows, I think, that the “CEO” label Mack is often tagged with is not such a bad thing. You need the “skipper” (to add yet another metaphor) to change the course while the crew is busy working their part of the ship.
And for my $.02, you don’t need the catchy monetized moniker or double-entendre acronym for your sources. Just keep the good analysis coming.
by LongHornedFrog on Mar 9, 2026 5:22 PM CST reply actions
Nice Insight
I’ve always wondered if Florida had not swooped in, whether Muschamp would have taken a less prestigious HC job to get out of Austin.
by ShootyHoops on Mar 9, 2026 5:44 PM CST reply actions
interesting
Clemson is somewhere in the 15-20 range as a HC job imo. Probably worse than the Tennessee job he previously turned down, no?
by bigdukesix on Mar 9, 2026 6:25 PM CST up reply actions
Different timing
Tennessee interview he held a position of strength. And he knows that it’s the #5 or #6 job in the SEC behind Alabama, LSU, Florida, Georgia, possibly Auburn with no natural recruiting base and a significant rebuild. 2010, he didn’t hold the cards. I think Clemson is around #20-#25 as a job but once you’re out of the Top 10, the differences are subtle.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 6:29 PM CST up reply actions
My broader point is:
Coaches have wildly variable stock. Ask Kirk Ferentz or Rich Rod. Or Nick Saban when he was at Michigan State.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 6:31 PM CST up reply actions
Several of his defensive players were Googling their own weight workouts
This is the scary thing, as everyone knows that Wikipedia is where you go.
That, and Shakeweight™ infomercials.
by Parlin on Mar 9, 2026 5:50 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Hope the new coaching infusions have overcome Mack's view of the OU game...
“Thought Texas had a “OU is important, but just another game” message to players while OU clearly conveyed to their guys that it was special. Then our guys get on the field, realize it’s not just another game, and have to adjust to OU’s intensity. Once they did, they were fine, but “OU got the first lick.”"
Just like it puts the team at a disadvantage in the game when OU gets the first lick, it puts our season in a hole when we lose this game early in the season. Our eventual target usually becomes the 10-win season coupled with a bowl win. We can’t hang the entire season on any one game, but we need to recognize the OU game for what it is — an early season playoff-type game.
by Zzzizzzy on Mar 9, 2026 5:50 PM CST reply actions
I'd like to say that the road to the national championship goes through Dallas but then 2008 happened.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 9, 2026 5:52 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
We beat OU in 2008 45-35...
but your point that we can win it all after losing to OU is a joke. We can point to all sorts of outlier scenarios that buck the trend. Bama won the NC from 2nd place in their division, but that does not make the scenario common. Stop apologizing for a usual loss to OU. That mentality only accentuates the problem.
by Zzzizzzy on Mar 9, 2026 5:58 PM CST up reply actions
My point was not that we should aim to lose to OU to replicate 2008.
My point was that we were unjustly passed-up for a shot at the MNC in 2008.
As a Longhorn fan I thought that much would be clear.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 9, 2026 6:01 PM CST up reply actions
What's your point?
It’s OK that we lose to OU, because we’re going to get screwed later in the season anyway? That sounds like Aggie logic.
by Zzzizzzy on Mar 9, 2026 6:03 PM CST up reply actions
I think the point is that...
… the only way to get to the NC is to beat OU, but beating OU is not in itself a guarantee of getting to the NC. Its not that hard to work out…
by dumeril7 on Mar 9, 2026 6:06 PM CST up reply actions
cmon.....
who doesn’t agree with that? of course it doesn’t justify a late season meltdown.
by Zzzizzzy on Mar 9, 2026 6:08 PM CST up reply actions
LOL - angry much?
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 9:08 AM CST up reply actions
Also sorry if that initial comment was snarky.
I actually don’t disagree with you at all, I was just trying to be funny.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 9, 2026 6:04 PM CST up reply actions
And it was a 4th quarter beatdown of a wornout Sooner Team.
Anyone, including my Sooner relatives who actually watched the game saw 4th quarter a butt whipping. Those who just looked at the score saw a shootout.
by 55f100tx on Mar 10, 2026 9:54 AM CST up reply actions
Blake Brockermeyer made it pretty clear to me
That no matter how the staff couches it, the players realize very quickly on the field that this is the most intense game they’ll play in and that they really aren’t able to even think clearly until the mid-2nd quarter or so.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 6:05 PM CST up reply actions
This makes sense
From the moment they set foot on campus, anyone and everyone that plays football at UT knows the big game is OU. Coaches can coachspeak to the press about this, but you can’t fool the players.
Speaking of coachspeak, this is the era of electronic communication and I, for one, am sick to death of the bullshit put out by coaches to the general public. Get a hint, Mack and the rest, we are on to you. You and the politicians don’t get a pass on this!
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 9:13 AM CST up reply actions
John Mackovic tried the "It's just another game"
tactic but after a while even he began to get it.
by srr50 on Mar 10, 2026 10:33 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Great insight...
But, I’ll bet — due to preparation — it probably doesn’t take the OU kids until the 2nd quarter to think clearly. They seem usually to clearly know what they are doing early and often in this game.
by Zzzizzzy on Mar 10, 2026 3:41 PM CST up reply actions
Wow
It’s really eye-opening to hear from Muschamp what others have implied regarding our approach to the OU game. I’ve felt for years like Mack tries to keep the pressure surrounding that game from the players while OU has embraced it. It was never more obvious than last year that they’re out for blood while we’re just looking to hang in there until we can get our wits about us.
Hope the newer staff members are looking to change that. Can’t believe Diaz and Applewhite are fans of that approach.
by 53 Veer Pass on Mar 9, 2026 6:44 PM CST up reply actions
I think we've known that was Mack's approach for some time
Just a confirmatory point for me, if anything. I think the bigger point Muschamp and some of the players would make is that they know it’s a bigger game the minute they walk in the stadium. So don’t pretend otherwise.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 8:03 PM CST up reply actions
A ship takes on the character of its captain
2010 was a reflection of Brown’s weaknesses, just as so many other seasons have been reflections of his strengths. The strength I’m most encouraged by is his willingness for critical self-evaluation.
by dumeril7 on Mar 9, 2026 6:04 PM CST reply actions
I dont think
he’s totally there yet. But I’m beginning to believe these young upstarts aren’t going to let up until he does a 180 everywhere they collectively think he needs to.
by boorad on Mar 9, 2026 6:24 PM CST up reply actions
Agree
I’m encouraged, but not convinced. 2012 is probably going to decide it for me, one way or the other.
by dumeril7 on Mar 10, 2026 7:43 AM CST up reply actions
fascinating stuff
You should do one of these every day.
by bigdukesix on Mar 9, 2026 6:30 PM CST reply actions
Agree
It really helps us appreciate the nuances of college football. Especially fans like me; I haven’t been watching the program very long and crave the deeper understanding. Most content out there is high in “mainstream accessibility” but seriously lacking in actual substance and quality.
"Most of my clichés aren't original." -Chuck Knox
by Dustin Brockelman on Mar 9, 2026 6:36 PM CST up reply actions
Seconded
I enjoyed this more than a CDO-Asset type of post. The looking back portion is great.
by ShootyHoops on Mar 9, 2026 8:13 PM CST up reply actions
I would love to have
Beers with Muschamp someday and get him to really talk openly. I did that a few years ago with Phil Simms. That was entertaining.
You can charge that to the game!
by T1climb1 on Mar 9, 2026 7:05 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Yes, we are - I'm all ears
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 9:15 AM CST up reply actions
Sorry I disappeared
Went out to dinner last night after that post. My time with Phil was about 5 or 6 years ago. I was on a flight back to San Francisco from Newark. I went to my seat which was a window and looked down at the guy in the aisle seat next to mine and lo and behold it was Phil Simms. He looked up at me and then saw my Longhorn hat and though he didn’t say the words “mother fucker”, his face sure did. I asked him “How’s Chris doing?” as this was the season after he had his spleen ruptured and I think Phil thought I was being a smart ass. It took a few minutes to get him to realize I wasn’t trying to be a dick and that I was genuinely interested in his recovery and he opened up for the next 5 hours of this flight.
Needless to say, he doesn’t have a lot of good feelings toward Texas and Mack Brown. What I heard as he talked about Chris’ time in Austin was a father who had to endure 4 years of his son being embroiled in a QB controversy that wasn’t always handled well (said Mack Brown was a “coward”), and an enormous fan base that at times was cruel to his son. I got it. Once he realized I wasn’t one of the guys that was posting his son’s phone number online and calling him “Chrissy” he was very open and he was a good guy. He did however mention that he thought Two and a Half Men was funny so…there’s that.
You can charge that to the game!
by T1climb1 on Mar 10, 2026 9:54 AM CST up reply actions
That's a shame
There haven’t been many QBs at Texas better than Chris Simms. Everything was just handled so poorly by so many different people.
I’d like to inject Mack with some truth syrum and tell him to start talking about teh Major and Simms. That would be fascinating.
by nordberg on Mar 10, 2026 10:36 AM CST up reply actions
Fantastic post
Thanks for the insights. I’m glad Mack has made this apparent turnaround without riding into the sunset with a crappy, devolved legacy.
This is what I might have said had I read the post. Unfortunately this site sucks now. I come here for the ads.
by Sleepy on Mar 9, 2026 8:33 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Just another game?
Ask Darrell Royal. In his first year, 1957, we went from 1-9 the year before to 6-4-1, 2nd in the SWC and ranked #11 in both polls. One of those 4 losses was to OU.
After the season, a prominent booster asked Darrell “That’s fine, but when are we going to have a winning season?” Darrell said he knew exactly what he meant. A winning season here means we beat OU. Period.
.
by Longhorn in Canada on Mar 9, 2026 8:41 PM CST reply actions
Not to say that 1-10
Would be considered a winning record just because the 1 win was against OU. However, if you asked some old-timers like me whether we would rather go 1-10 and beat OU or go 11-1 and lose to them, we would probably have to think about it for awhile!
.
by Longhorn in Canada on Mar 9, 2026 8:45 PM CST up reply actions
And after that year
Darrell rolled up 8 straight against the Land Thieves. Don’t kid yourself, that streak had as much to do with his elevation to sainthood as the National Championships.
The joke around Austin at the time was that God thought he was Darrell Royal.
.
by Longhorn in Canada on Mar 9, 2026 8:51 PM CST up reply actions
Young'un here,
but I will say the sweetest feeling in the world is beating Oklahoma when you’re not supposed to. Thanks for the anecdotes, keep ’em coming.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 9, 2026 8:53 PM CST up reply actions
Don't get me started
Or I’ll spend hours talking to you about watching Earl. I was at the game where the classic picture of him stiff-arming the SMU safety was taken. Still one of the best moments of my sports watching life.
And yes, I agree. Beating OU when we aren’t supposed to is the sweetest feeling.
.
by Longhorn in Canada on Mar 9, 2026 8:58 PM CST up reply actions
I was far, far too young (i.e. nonexistent) to enjoy Earl, but that highlight is un-freaking-believable.
I’m very jealous you were there. I have few “I was there” moments, but I did see Jamal Charles rush for 200 yards to bring us back against Nebraska in 2007 (he actually ran back one of those touchdowns right by my section) and was also there to see VY bring us back against OK ST. Both wins were pretty sweet, but I recall there was a distinct feeling of calm being down 35-7 against OK ST, just knowing that we had Black Jesus at QB. I don’t really remember worrying too much… but these were my naive, pre 5-7 days. I feel like as any faith ought to be, my fanhood wasn’t tested until 2010; I suppose I should be thankful for that.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 9, 2026 9:04 PM CST up reply actions
The "I was there" moments
Are what make being a fan special. That run of Earl’s stands out partly because I was sitting with a good friend in the Cotton Bowl that day. (SMU’s home field back then)
Don’t be too jealous. You will get to see many of those moments after I am long gone. At least as a Texas fan, you are pretty much guaranteed there will be some good ones.
Hook ’em
.
by Longhorn in Canada on Mar 9, 2026 9:27 PM CST up reply actions
I'm trying to figure out WHY you left Texas for Canada! :-)
You and I are from the same era - I never missed a game Earl played in. I was at Kyle field when Earl nearly kinocked Bevo off his feet - the whole stadium heard the distinctive “moooo”, when Earl inadvertantly ran into him. By this time of the game, most of the aggys had already left the stadium as we were in the process of stomping them into a mud hole! :-)
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 9:22 AM CST up reply actions
My "I was there" moment
Two for Earl—
(1) The 1977 Cotton Bowl game was one for the ages. That win helped avenge a string of painful losses to ou. The game was more than Earl, with Johnny Johnson, a few of the Jones’, McBath/Aune/McEachern, Erxsleben’s booming punts and a ton of crunching hits. Earl ran like a man possessed that day. He refused to lose. Best game by a college player that I’ve seen in person.
(2) That same year in Houston (concrete swamp to the haters) against UH at Rice Stadium , Earl ran out of bounds and into Bevo. The stadium went silent as Bevo actually wobbled and was forced to take a side-step. They both stared into each others eyes, then went back to what they were doing. It was one of those little “moments in time” that seemed much longer than the couple of seconds that it took. The crowd buzz after that almost floated that stadium.
by Juan Grande on Mar 11, 2026 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
2008 Texas-OU was as sweet a win as I can remember
As well as all of the flukish upsets over OU in the 90s.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 9, 2026 10:13 PM CST up reply actions
One of the best days of my life.
In the 90s I lived in Alabama, and because my third grade wife was an Auburn fan, I was an Auburn fan.
The things we do for women…
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 9, 2026 10:44 PM CST up reply actions
The things we do for women
That’s how I ended up in Canada, so I know what you mean.
If it's winter, it should read "Longhorn in Mexico". Hey, I graduated from UT, do you think I'm stupid?
by Longhorn in Canada on Mar 9, 2026 10:56 PM CST up reply actions
I wondered about that too...
but I felt too polite to ask…. guessed it was just an Alabama thing everybody knew, but nobody talked about.
by Pflash on Mar 10, 2026 6:58 AM CST up reply actions
Y'all didn't get married under the swing set as kids?
Actually it might be weird. I moved from India to Alabama. What I first learned of America I learned a lot of in Alabama. I kind of assumed Alabama was normal for America. Occasionally I was wrong.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 10, 2026 7:29 AM CST up reply actions
Shipley/Ogbonnaya runs
The Shipley kick off return was for me the white ghost running off the ghosts of early 00’s massacres that I was afraid I was about to witness a repeat of.
The Ogbonnaya run was confirmation: we are actually running over a good Oklahoma team…this is actually happening.
So sweet as a live experience.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 8:38 AM CST up reply actions
The sweetest win for me was the 1958 Cotton Bowl game
Bobby Lackey and Byrant delivered Royals first win over OU - 15-14.
A little trivia - did you know it was Earl’s senior season before he beat OU? Also, He and Ricky only had a 3-3 record against the hated ones?
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 9:29 AM CST up reply actions
2008 Texas-OU
I agree. I had amazing seats that day. My buddy and I were literally the first 2 guys in Burnt Orange right on the split. That was such an amazing game and I’ll never forget the palpable feeling of the momentum shifting when Jordan returned that kickoff early in the game. You could actually feel the change in the stadium that day and suddenly we all believed we had a chance.
You can charge that to the game!
by T1climb1 on Mar 10, 2026 9:58 AM CST up reply actions
The University vs. OU
Before I was old enough to have a checking account and saved birthday money in a piggy bank, I would place a ‘bet’ with Daddy on Texas/OU. He was a Longhorn through and through, and he Knew football, but he would always take my bet. It didn’t matter where the teams ranked, and he would take my money if Texas lost! It took a few years before I realized that my piggy bank wasn’t depleted after a loss. :-). 7 and 8 year olds don’t really take time out of their to do the books, you know.
After I left for UT, the tradition continued, but now I had the ultimate weapon - a checking account. When we lost, he still didn’t cash the checks, but placed them in a frame (the score written with Sharpie, with my picture. The masterpiece was displayed for a year - where any guest could see it
by j_java on Mar 10, 2026 10:08 AM CST up reply actions
Texas athletes were brighter
And I’m sure the SEC fans are just eaten up about it with their streak of (bought) MNC trophies.
NOW we have Texas smarts AND SEC-level talent.
(God. I sound like an Aggie.)
by lurkerinthedark on Mar 10, 2026 12:36 AM CST reply actions
Wow
“bad schemes”
Even more evidence that Greg Davis is incompetent and just plain oblivious.
Also,
"Texas had a “OU is important, but just another game” message to players while OU clearly conveyed to their guys that it was special. Then our guys get on the field, realize it’s not just another game, and have to adjust to OU’s intensity. Once they did, they were fine, but “OU got the first lick.”"
I think I turned red and smoke began coming out of my ears as I read this. I understand that placing too much importance on a single game can probably be detrimental, but OU should have been the only game every single season when any such concerns should have been totally thrown out the window. Is this what was going on when we were losing 5 in a row and does it explain why we’ve looked woefully unprepared for an unacceptable percentage of the time against them during Mack’s tenure?
by sc33 on Mar 10, 2026 2:27 AM CST reply actions
Point being that
of course, some seasons, we obviously had larger issues (i.e. early-season bedshittings against the likes of NC State and late-season breakdowns against the likes of Tech, K State, aggy, etc.) but aside from those, going into the season, OU has always been the game we always knew we absolutely had to win to have any shot at the conference title, national title, etc.
by sc33 on Mar 10, 2026 2:34 AM CST up reply actions
part of this:
OU spends a little time every week preparing for Texas and OSU. There’s a reason that they always know our plays/formations and have often pounded us worse than they did anyone else.
It’s not just that they talk about it and want it more, that’s reflected in their actions on a daily basis.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 8:40 AM CST up reply actions
This is interesting - where did you hear this?
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 9:35 AM CST up reply actions
I've read
the 2002 Oklahoma Defensive playbook and read interviews by Stoops. Popular Oklahoma media perception is that Stoops elevated Bedlam to RRS “prepare every day” level after the 2002 defeat.
Not sure if they’re accurate. Anyways, you’ll notice that in big games, OU often has entirely new defensive packages and an amazing understanding of their opponent’s tendencies and playbook.
This is why they’ll have a season where they lose to a big 12 North foe on the road and drop Texas by 40 points. You could see it in our freshman/sophomores this last year’s game. Totally overwhelmed by the precision and ferocity of the OU attack.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 10:49 AM CST up reply actions
Scouting
you’ll notice that in big games, OU often has entirely new defensive packages and an amazing understanding of their opponent’s tendencies and playbook.
Isn’t that the goal of scouting? Maybe I’m missing your profound point.
"The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences." - St. Augustine
by Funkytown on Mar 10, 2026 10:56 AM CST up reply actions
Is pt
Is that while most put in a specific game plan the week of the big game, Stoops spends a little time every week on Texas and OSU. This extra time helps in the RRS, but leaves them vulnerable to let downs as so much is put into 2 opponents
by codaxx on Mar 10, 2026 11:17 AM CST up reply actions
yeah thanks
Also. Losing a crippling number of letdown games is obviously not a terribly likely occurence for OU and their Big 12 trophy Case and national championship appearances suggests that their approach is the right one.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 11:49 AM CST up reply actions
The sense I'm trying to get across
Texas doesn’t do this? and further… Why not?
"The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences." - St. Augustine
by Funkytown on Mar 10, 2026 1:06 PM CST up reply actions
Mack
started doing this after getting demolished a few times. Obviously we still lack the same intensity about the game that they have, I don’t know why. It’s just not Mack’s nature I suppose, and he’s not really the schematic gameplanner that Stoops is.
One thing Mack does do well though is tying a Defensive and Offensive gameplan together for a big game. Our special teams-led assault on Alabama could have buried them early if not for Colt’s injury and the offense wetting the bed.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 2:28 PM CST up reply actions
Bingo!
Absolutely, positively, spot-on. Why MB can’t get this after all these years is a mystery to me.
by Zzzizzzy on Mar 10, 2026 3:14 PM CST up reply actions
defensive packages
not everyone installs a 50 odd front defense for a rivalry game.
But my point is that they’re really good at it in general and they put in extra time to insure that they are extra prepared for Texas and OSU.
So to answer your question: Yes, that’s the point of scouting. Stoops’ is one of the greatest scouters and gameplanners in the history of the game. He learned from the dark mage himself. I’m not making a profound point I’m pointing to the priorities at OU and their success in carrying it out.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 11:48 AM CST up reply actions
Like I posted below
If your biggest conference game is your 5th or 6th game every year. It doesn’t seem too far fetched that you spend an hour a week during the previous weeks leading up to it.
"The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences." - St. Augustine
by Funkytown on Mar 10, 2026 1:03 PM CST up reply actions
His profound point
Is that teams generally don’t work a Texas game plan on Wednesday four weeks before the game when they’re playing Miami on Saturday.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 12:20 PM CST up reply actions
Texas is generally their 5th or 6th game
Doesn’t seem that earth shattering that they spend some time each week prior to get ready for the game.
"The words printed here are concepts. You must go through the experiences." - St. Augustine
by Funkytown on Mar 10, 2026 1:01 PM CST up reply actions
yeah
practice time is scarce in college athletics. Most people don’t do this, which is part of my point. The other part was that, besides the fact that they spend extra time to prepare for big games, they do so extremely effectively.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 1:36 PM CST up reply actions
In the early 70's Baylor opened their season at Michigan.
They tied the Wolverines 14-14. The next Monday Grant Teaff was in a staff meeting when he was told that Woody Hayes was on the line and insisted that he talked to Teaff.
Woody then peppered Teaff with detailed questions about MIchigan’s game plan and what they did in certain down and distance situations.
Finally Teaff said to Woody, “look I will be more than happy to go over all of this with you at a later time, I mean you don’t play Michigan until November.”
Hayes replied, “Grant, we play Michigan every Monday.”
by srr50 on Mar 10, 2026 1:38 PM CST up reply actions
True story.
To say Woody was obsessed with Michigan is a mild understatement.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 1:47 PM CST up reply actions
Of course
I realize that we had to win the other games as well, that nobody should ever be overlooked, etc., but when we lost to OU we were stuck chasing them in addition to having to try to win out. Even if we did win out, it was pretty unlikely they’d lose twice in conference after beating Texas.
Hopefully, the issues Muschamp (supposedly) disclosed and anything else of the sort have been corrected. If the way things are going right now is any indication, I, for one, am feeling pretty confident going forward.
I kept thinking of another thing to add to my original post, but I’m finally done. I didn’t read all of the prior comments so forgive me if I’m redundant.
by sc33 on Mar 10, 2026 3:19 AM CST reply actions
Tremendous insight
It continues to amaze me that apparently no one except our defensive coaches recognized that our entire 2008 & 2009 offense was McCoy to Shipley. They were more effective on 3rd down than most offenses are on 1st or 2nd down. They continually produced in demanding situations. OU, Nebraska, A&m, etc. In the NC game against Alabama it was Shipley who got wide open against Alabama’s “NFL” secondary not Gilbert making great throws. Hell,Gilbert had 5 turnovers. Before the 2010 season started I knew we had graduated our offense & we would have trouble producing points & I’m an idiot. Our 2010 offensive coaches, led by Mack, were incredibly lazy & self absorbed.
by ole tnhorn on Mar 10, 2026 8:34 AM CST reply actions
After Colt was hurt - the report was:
Colt told Gilbert - “throw it to Shipley, he’s always open!”
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 9:38 AM CST up reply actions
don't forget
teh Quan. 14 balls, 176 yards, and 2 TD’s against a tOSU secondary that was loaded with NFL guys and definitely paying attention to him.
Quan is probably one of the more underrated Longhorn heros.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 8:42 AM CST reply actions
One Can't Assume
that new commits coming to UT are lifelong Longhorn fans with “real” orangedblood in their veins. Especially OOS recruits who haven’t lived and died in games with OU over many years — they know nothing of the pulse pounding adrenaline that sweeps over true orange blooded players who walk out that tunnel at the Cotton Bowl. Sure, other players or fans may have told them, but knowing OU and why they are a rival takes years of nurturing to fester a healthy and well-seasoned hatred for the land thieves..
by Rio Lobo on Mar 10, 2026 9:22 AM CST reply actions
Tx./OU
It is just another game like the Alamo was just another battle.
by b&g80; on Mar 10, 2026 9:50 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Under the Hood
Scipio, thanks for that look "under the hood". I knew of several locker room issues from the 2010 season, but your resource fills in the gaps very well and squares with other sources . These history lessons are essential to "off-season development" and hardening of the Longhorn Nation against that complacency and entitlement disease.
Looking forward to your next posting.
by Rio Lobo on Mar 10, 2026 10:31 AM CST reply actions
Texas/OU
I’m not trying to diffuse anyone’s righteous indignation, BUT if anyone doesn’t believe that the guys that have ‘been there, done that’ haven’t done their best to get the point across to the younger ones, really? really? Some things simply must be experienced to be believed, and I believe this atmosphere to be one of them. The key would be in coaching the team to channel the excitement and anxiety in a way that would help the Longhorns.
At the same time, I’m certain that we could do a better job of preparation-spending a bit of extra time on OU. Of course, some years it just won’t matter. Would it have made a difference Vince’s senior year, or last year? If you think it would have changed the winner/loser last year, please, spare me the details.
by j_java on Mar 10, 2026 10:36 AM CST reply actions
Brown is 5-8 against Stoops
And he’s given Brown the two worst losses in series history. It’s not really about any one year. It’s pretty clear to me that there’s something in our mental preparation for this game that’s not right. And I’m not exactly Mr Intangible Football.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 12:26 PM CST up reply actions
Exactly
If Saban or Peterson had been the UT head coach - what would have been the record against Stoops?
Sometimes you just have to coach football!
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
Part of the problem is.......
Let me preface my comments by saying that Mack Brown serves a useful purpose as a football program CEO, administrator, "Presser," fund raiser, hug mom and pop recruiter, closer, et al.
However, and briefly stated, to the point of over simplification: During the OU game, on one side of the field there is Stoops, the hardened, demanding, relentless, in-your-face, no excuses field general who never takes his foot off the gas on any play, practice or game, year round. On the other side of the field, there is Mack, poppa bear, pampering, player-coddling, hand-clapping cheerleader – "it’s ok kids, stay positive, no pressure, and have fun" kinda’ guy.
Which team do you think is more prepared to perform under pressure? Those conditioned to it, or those unaccustomed to it?
Though I’m not suggesting that Mack change, because Mack has to be Mack; I think a coach’s leadership and approach serves to drive and "toughen" his players against high pressure situations. On the other hand, the Stoops methodology can backfire in low pressure games.
by Rio Lobo on Mar 10, 2026 1:39 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah
Except that logic would extend to other big games as well. After Stoops’ initial Big Game Bob run, OU’s record in big games ain’t so great. And Mack has done OK. I think there’s something very specific to this game that Mack can’t get his approach right on. Now, clearly we’ve been flat out out-coached in at least half of these games and we’ve probably out-coached OU once, but I can’t help but think there’s something very specific to this game that makes our staff - cued by Brown - tighten up pretty badly.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 1:43 PM CST up reply actions
if OU were the final game of the season
instead of the fifth or sixth, I think Mack’s approach would be more sound. At that point in the season all your players have what YOU do down pat. Thus adding specific wrinkles for that game would not detract from executing your bread and butter, so you can spend the bulk of the week focusing on those wrinkles.
When you play this game mid-season you might still be struggling to achieve proficiency in those base concepts. Mack apparently chooses to focus on perfecting the base concepts during Rice week, rather than sacrificing some of that time to put in some OU-specific wrinkles.
Clearly this approach does not work as well as we’d all like. I’m all for every Monday being OU-day, but I’m also in favor of moving the entire state fair back so the game can be the last game of the year.
by llogg on Mar 10, 2026 1:56 PM CST up reply actions
Especially when...
we go “thump” speed in pre-season. It takes us longer to hit our stride, and the OU game is inconveniently early for a slow ramp-up.
by Zzzizzzy on Mar 10, 2026 3:21 PM CST up reply actions
Resulys May Vary.....
The logic applies to playing well under pressure in the Texas vs OU game, and a few other big games during the regular season; and then occasionally blowing it in easy games, such as OU vs TxTech last season.
The reason that pressure can’t be extended to all big games for Stoops is because these are 18 – 22 year old kids. Unlike hardened steel, they are not invulnerable to a pressure cooker game after game – performance deteriorates, mistakes surface under the stress. Like the thin aluminum skin of a jet airliner’s fuselage, it can become stressed under too much pressure applied too often.
And to your other counterpoint, Mack has generally fared better in big games when our player talent overwhelmed the other team — and was able to overcome even the largest of obstacles — Greg Davis and Mac McWhorter.
These are young players, not a test tube in a lab — results may vary.
by Rio Lobo on Mar 10, 2026 2:24 PM CST up reply actions
relaxed
I think Mack’s teams play with calmness in big games and road environments more consistently than many teams.
Part of Stoops’ MO is shock and awe. They are intimidators and frontrunners, if you can take their early shots and counterpunch their methods decrease dramatically in effectiveness. I wonder if Mack is still a bit over-awed with OU after 63-14 and some of the other early beatings.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 2:35 PM CST up reply actions
We coached scared in that game.
Particularly during the 5 in a row streak. That’s not even debatable, really. The team picks up on it when their coaches are terrified. Our game plans were so laughable on both sides of the ball. Tie in the emotions and you can see how it gets out of hand quickly. History shows we can’t win that game without players taking the lead and setting the tenor. VY, 2005. Texas DBs, 2007. McCoy-Shipley, 2008. Entire defense, 2009. You need guys to step up and say We Got This. Fozzy tried to last year, but we never had a chance given our experience level.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 2:42 PM CST up reply actions
It would help if...
The players didn’t have in the back of their minds that “Coach says this is just another game.”
The reasons we were able to overcome OU in those 5 wins, as you stated, we’re player-leader related.
I was one of those guys more afraid of what my dad would do to me when he found out I’d gotten busted at school than I was afraid of the principal. A little of this mentality would go a long way when things got tough early.
by Zzzizzzy on Mar 10, 2026 3:29 PM CST up reply actions
I think you may have hit on it
Frank Broyles was a helluva coach - but Royal had his number and Broyles knew it.
I wonder if this is not the case with Mack. I wonder if, in the back of Macks mind, there isn’t a little defeatism going on. Mack has always been the type to call off the dogs when the game was out of hand, Stoops, on the other hand, plays for blood. Particularly against Texas and if he could beat us 77-0 (like the aggys), hye would.
I wonder if Mack actually goes into the game with an unexpressed expectation of losing? You can rest assured that Stoops expects to win every game! Don;t you know Stoops hated to see GD go?
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 5:32 PM CST up reply actions
Actually
Stoops has called the dogs off on us at least three different times. Good point on Broyles - that was a crazy one-sided match in Royal’s favor. Same with Bud Wilkinson. Mack is tightly wound in general. His affability and general kindness hide it. The more he talks before a game about how he’s being loose and not tightly wound, the more worried I get.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 7:51 PM CST up reply actions
Frank Broyles record against DKR says a lot about his fans
and their expectations. If it is possible their hate for everything Texas outgunned OU — if only because the Sooners at least had Nebraska and the rest of the Big 8 to kick around after playing Texas.
Arkansas had nothing — zip, except for their unbridled hatred of Texas.
Broyles goes 5-14 against DKR and Arkansas fans name stadiums and children after him. No Oklahoma coach would ever get to 5-8, much less 5-14 against the Longhorns.
by srr50 on Mar 10, 2026 8:33 PM CST up reply actions
Over-rated
Mack playing the RRS down is not a big deal. It may leave some young guys surprised, but anyone who has been on the field in that game knows what it is about. That is where you need vets to set the tone. If a player needs fire and brimstone to get up for OU, he isn’t much of a player. Coach’s biggest motivation job is with ISU and Mizzu type teams. Where you are a 7 pt fav and kids think they can show up and just win. that is where you may need to kick them in the ass, not OU
by codaxx on Mar 10, 2026 11:23 AM CST reply actions
the problem
is not just in how intense your kids play, although I think it’s a disadvantage to playing to your opponent rather than setting the tone yourself.
The problem is that you are at a major disadvantage if the other team has been spending extra practice and gameplanning time to defeating you. We eventually adjusted and started practicing more for OU and saving some of our offensive/defensive playbook for them (that’s how scared we became of their ability to disseminate our playbooks) but that strategy just doesn’t come as naturally to Mack as it does to the chinless one.
See Greg Davis failing to implement BASE offensive concepts until the RRS game. In 2007 we saved JerMichael Finley for the RRS. All of a sudden we were utilizing the TE in the passing game in a season in which we already had 2 losses…sigh.
by Nickel Rover on Mar 10, 2026 11:53 AM CST up reply actions
I think the bitter pill we have had to swallow is...
…Stoopsie and his coaches have basically owned Mack Brown as far a coaching goes.
Stoops, for the most part, has simply outcoached him.
Mack is the consumate salesman - he has won over the hearts of his recruits, parents, admin.‘s, HS coaches and us. His corn pone, down home, prop your feet up and sit a spell demeanor is hard to resist and he has been spectacularly successful with it.
But, in my opinion, when it comes to X’s & O’s, war strategy and game plans, he is merely average. Stoops is not!
Nickel Rover is right - Stoops scouts and prepares brilliantly. This is his strength, and is Mack’s weakness. The times that Mack has beaten him is when our talent simply overwhelms even Stoops best laid plans.
I am praying Mack lets his young war horses devise and manage game plans this year, and he stays out of it.
"Statistics are for losers, I like winning games!" Will Muschamp
by Snide Aside on Mar 10, 2026 12:14 PM CST up reply actions
Your last sentence
is where my hope rests…not just with the game plan, but in the lead up during OU week. Will Mack allow his staff to dispose of the pervasive “just another game” approach? Actually, I don’t think he’ll be able to keep them from it now that they’ve had their asses kicked good and proper and seen what it’s about. Unlike their predecessors, they aren’t afraid to speak their mind and stay after it. OU is the most important game we play every year…period for re4asons that don’t need to be explained. As Scipio pointed out, we’ve had players take on the leadership mantle for us and they’ll still need to. But the head coach and the staff should clearly set the tone and coach to win from whistle to whistle.
by boorad on Mar 10, 2026 4:04 PM CST up reply actions
When Texas squads are faced with their first.....
quality opponent when playing OU, the results are extremely poor. As stated before, OU’s teams come out and hit us right in the mouth! If we are properly prepared vs. a previous ranked opponent, then the results are good. The 2 are almost the inverse of the other. Just look at the actual results going all the way back to 1977!
When playing a RANKED opponent prior to RRS - Record of ( 13-5-2 )
When playing NO ranked opponents prior to RRS - Record of ( 4-11 )
Could it be any more obvious?
Yet Mack Brown continues to ill-prepare his team by refusing to schedule a quality team in our OOC schedule. In 14 seasons, Mack’s squads have faced all of 4 ranked opponents.
Take a peak at the recent winners of Nat’l Championships. Examine the number of years coaching Div.1 football before they won a Nat’l Championship! It tell a story.
Coker - - - 1
Tressel - - 2
Stoops - - 2
Carroll - - - 3
Chizik - - - 4
Meyer - - - 6
Miles - - - - 7
Saban - - - 10
Brown - - - 21
Is there a sore thumb sticking out somewhere? One that sticks out more than the others? There are hard chargers with a stong sense of urgency…… and then there is a plodder.
Coaches winning more than 1 Nat’l Championship and then number of years to repeat:
Carroll - - - 1 (I know…)
Saban - - - 4
Meyer - - - - 2
Saban’s 3rd - - - 2
Number of years since Mack’s Nat’l Championship - 6………..and counting
--- All roads to the Big-XII Championship lead through OU/RRS. It's not just another game! We're all about championships here. ---
by HornChamps on Mar 11, 2026 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
That is off base
Mack’s first head coaching job was at Appalachian State, Tulane, and then UNC. UNC was far behind teams like FSU at that time. You can not compare taking over at OSU, OU, and USC to getting your first shot at UNC.
by codaxx on Mar 11, 2026 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Not to mention
You list the cheater-vest and Carroll on your list. Both nearly burned their schools to the ground
by codaxx on Mar 11, 2026 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Pure rationalization.
You’ll recall I said number of years of coaching a Div.1 program, so I didn’t include his year at Appl.State.
N.Carolina was winning 10+ games long before Mack Brown arrived at Chapel Hill. In numerous seasons. Attempting to marginalize their program for his benefit is simply intellectually dishonest.
More true of Ohio State than the others, yet they were 6-6 just two years prior to Tressel taking over.
Not at all true of the others. Here are the cumulative 5-year records of the programs before the above HCs took over. You most certainly can compare!
UNC: - ( 30-25-2 )
OU - - ( 23 -33-1)
USC - (32 -28 )
If you include ALL years of coaching prior to winning the Nat’l Championship, then here are the results:
Stoops - 12
P.Carroll became a NFL HC after 16 years
Meyer - - 21
Chizik - - 21
Coker - - 23
Saban - - 25
Tressel - 25 (he did win 4 Div I-AA titles at Youngstown)
Miles - - - 26
Brown - - 31
However, I think you missed the point. This about grabbing the brass ring when it is presented. It is about those with a burning desire, a strong sense of urgency.
--- All roads to the Big-XII Championship lead through OU/RRS. It's not just another game! We're all about championships here. ---
by HornChamps on Mar 11, 2026 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
This is an absurd way to analyze coaching success.
Mack is one of the winningest coaches over the time he’s been a head coach. If you want to pick “national championship or nothing” as your metric, then fine, but this is not a rational way to evaluate quality.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 11, 2026 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Re: years coaching before national championship
I can’t be sure without looking at it myself, but I think Mack took the much harder road of becoming a head coach early and jumping to better and better programs, as opposed to becoming an assistant at better and better programs then jumping to HC at a quality school. IMO that’s why it took him so long, and probably also why he’s a good CEO.
WVU slept dey couch.
@pleaseplaykindl
by pleaseplaykindle on Mar 11, 2026 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Mostly agree with your premise, but
1. Meyer — Bowling Green>Utah>Florida is not that far off from a Tulane>UNC>Texas trajectory.
2. Saban — Toledo>Mich St>LSU is also similar to Tulane>UNC>Texas.
3. Tressel simply skipped the middle stepping stone. He stayed at Youngstown State 15 years before jumping up to tOSU. While he won four Div I-AA titles at Youngstown, he didn’t win his BCS title until 17 years into his head coaching career. He’s actually the one guy on the list that makes Mack less of an outlier.
4. Miles simply skipped the first step of head coach at a lesser school, starting his career at middling Okie St before moving to national power LSU.
5. Carroll doesn’t fit the narrative because he came up mostly through the pro ranks.
6. That leaves only Coker, Stoops and Chizik as guys who truly took the path of climbing programs as assistants before taking high-level HC gigs. I’m not sure Chizik even counts considering his Iowa State stint. The only reason I’ve included him is because he got the Auburn gig on his credentials as a coordinator and a willingness to cheat far more than any evidence from his ISU days.
7. Compare the group of Mack, Saban, Meyer to that of Coker, Stoops, and Chizik. In the first group you have Mack who has had sustained success, if not the ultimate success of championships, for nearly his entire tenure. Then you have Saban who has really not stuck around long enough to see if he can maintain success, but Bama certainly looks like a rolling ball of butcher knives right now. Meyer had success for a much shorter period than Mack but it was a higher level of success, so call it a push.
Stoops has had greater success than Mack, but the other two have crashed and burned after early success. I’ll roll my dice on the first group far more often than the second group. Which gives me pause when we start talking about Major or Manny succeeding Mack.
by llogg on Mar 11, 2026 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Compare
Bear Bryant and Paterno who both took 15-20 yrs. DKR took 10. The argument that winning at UNC is on par with USC and OU is absurd. History clearly mocks your theory there.
by codaxx on Mar 11, 2026 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
true
I was commenting on motivation, not preparation. I understand where you are coming from in preparation. Though this year it will not matter, as WV and OSU are before OU if memory serves me right. Those games will require a full week of focus.
by codaxx on Mar 10, 2026 3:16 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Scipio, Keep it up
this is the best thread in recent memory
by 55f100tx on Mar 10, 2026 3:13 PM CST reply actions
This post should be required reading...
for the coaching staff. We can only hope that this light bulb has gone off with “New Mack;” but, things like “thump” tempo practices make me still doubt.
Our only hope is that the coordinators can overrule, and that could create its own set of issues.
by Zzzizzzy on Mar 10, 2026 3:35 PM CST reply actions
When Darrell Royal was head coach
The OU game was a holy war. It shouldn’t be anything less under Brown. The OU game is NOT just an ordinary game. It’s never been, and it’s disingenuous to the players to pretend otherwise.
Mack needs, for his sake and his coaching legacy, to convey a sense of urgency to the assistant coaches before playing OU, then let them coach.
I want to see the Horns set the tempo from the start this October. I want them to knock OU back on their heels, punch them in the nose.
I agree that Mack’s a better CEO than X’s & O’s coach. There’s absolutely no sense in having young, talented coordinators and coaches if you don’t turn ‘em loose and let ’em do what they were hired to do. I just hope this “new” Mack I keep reading about really is an old dog that’s learned some new tricks.
"I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead." (Jimmy Buffett)
by coolhorn on Mar 10, 2026 4:13 PM CST reply actions
I think he has and will turn these guys loose
He did it with Muschamp. Last year, we had no chance of winning given our inexperience at key positions. Additionally, a couple of our OL completely lost their goddamn minds. Which was why you saw true freshmen starting there soon after.
by Scipio Tex on Mar 10, 2026 7:54 PM CST up reply actions
We joke a lot about tehmajor
But he understands very clearly what the game is all about.
I seem to recall him going in at halftime talking smack to the Sooners section after tossing a touchdown.
by Sailor Ripley on Mar 11, 2026 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Great post. I don't have much to say on the topic that hasn't already been said, so I'll just say
Earl is one of my all-time favorite Longhorns, because in my book a pick 6 is one of the most exciting things that can happen in football when you’re team is the one doing the picking. So, I guess 2010 was some sort of Karmic retribution for all the fun I had when Earl was around.
by BurntOrangeJuice on Mar 11, 2026 11:55 AM CDT reply actions
Is it a SIGN?
Our only hope is that the coordinators can overrule, and that could create its own set of issues.
There was talk - or write - that Mack told HarsinWhite to start McCoy for the second half against Cal, and that they refused. This was compared with Harsin’s call to send in Ash against Baylor, which was stopped by Mack - I seem to recall seeing Applewhite talking earnestly on the sideline with a locked-and-loaded, strapped-down Ash, and being gruntled in the extreme, thinking that I was about to see a change-a-losing-game strategy… and wondering wha’ hoppen when McCoy Minor trotted onto the field yet again. I’m pretty much believing that Mack did shut that change down, because it seemed clearly about to take place. I’m less sure of the bowl game thing, although we know that indeed Ash did get the whole game, and he did come through for us.
Do we have any “real” word on whether HarsinWhite did overrule Mack? And if so, doesn’t that bode well for those of us who devoutly wish for Mack to confine himself to running HQ and facilitating operations, and letting the football coaches worry about the strategy and tactics?
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You Ain't Never Whipped... Until YOU Quit -- Tex Long, Seven Words of Wisdom
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by longtex on Mar 11, 2026 4:09 PM CDT reply actions
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