A Post for the "Herman Finished Strong / Should Stay" Contingent

Jim DeLoach

Well-Known Member
Gold Member
Nov 14, 2005
10,424
6,948
113
I keep seeing posts with varying themes, such as “Herman finished with two blowout wins”, “how can you fire a guy who finishes strong”, “Herman is 4-0 in bowls”, yadda yadda. To all of these posters, I would like to comment. To those of you who are as confused as I am with these posts, move along, no reason to read further.

Texas does well against single-dimensional teams with barely average to mediocre QB play, enabling the D to focus on shutting down the running game. This is no surprise. The games are easier to control. Defensive lapses are not as painful. For example, Colorado was no match for Texas' team speed. The turnovers and the focus on stopping the run enabled the defense to control the game and get off the field. Eventually, our offense wore out their defense. Whether it’s a close game or a blowout ultimately depends on our offensive production. And Casey let loose in the 2nd half. Likewise, Kansas State was neutered when it lost its starting QB. So Texas dominated them. These are the two games Herman closed out 2020 with. Looks great on the scoreboard and on paper, but we need to look elsewhere under the covers.

1-3 against Patterson. 1-4 against OU. Last two games against Iowa State = losses. Many close wins in what we’ve come to describe on OB as “coin-flip games,” meaning they could have gone either way and Texas is simply not leveraging whatever talent advantage it has or should have. Now why is that? In the Big 12, it's about scheming, coaching, in-game decisions, match-ups, getting receivers open, accurate downfield passing and avoiding tells because most QBs in the conference are competent and able to put up serious numbers and – most importantly – drive for a score when they need to. Against good QBs, Texas struggles to gain separation, hence, the so-called coin flip games. Herman consistently fails to maximize his talent, leaves points on the field, makes strange in-game decisions (including ridiculous 4th down gambles), has his QB (Sam) throw low-percentage passes to receivers who don’t get separated, and runs his offense through spells in which it appears to be predictable or features play calling that is almost certain to result in a 3 and out. Combine that with defensive lapses and you’ve got a sustainable one-score game.

As for TCU, Patterson is simply a better coach than Herman and when Tom’s usual in-game mismanagement occurs, Gary finds a way to win. Yes, Keaontay fumbled but my point is that the game should have never come down to that one play. But Herman Ball ensures that it does. As long as Herman coaches the way he does, Patterson will have an “I’ll beat you with mine or we’ll trade squads and I’ll still beat you with yours” relationship with him. As for Reilly, Lincoln Is on a different level than Tom and Tom will never close the gap. No need to elaborate on that, other than to say that 1-4 equates to 2-10, meaning, yeah, we’ll beat two times out of every 10 games we play them. And I don't see that changing. Regarding Iowa State, the problem once again is Herman Ball. Close games + a QB who can get a score when he needs to = flip a coin.

Finally there is recruiting. If you’ve kept up on OB, you’ll see that this is the crux of the problem with Herman. It is taking a dive. Tom may be on the cusp of cashing in with HIS recruits but next year will we see more points left on the field? Bijan sitting out the second quarter? Play calling that abandons what’s working for a strange mixture of plays that leaves heads shaking? Poor clock management? Reckless gambles? These and other components of Herman Ball keep games close in the Big-12 when opposing QBs can score at will. One important feature of Herman Ball is that the play calling and clock mis-management often results in a tired defense on the field at the end of the game with the expectation of making the game-winning stop. That formula doesn’t work in the Big-12. In summary, Herman Ball leads to two or three losses a year in games Texas should win.

So when you start talking about Herman coming back, ask yourself a question: Are you expecting a different result?

Here is my take: Even if Casey ends up being an upgrade at QB (and the 2nd half against Colorado indicates that is possible), Herman Ball sets a ceiling on what’s possible. As it does, recruiting will continue to spiral down.

If Herman stays, I will just say that Urban Meyer made three statements that Tom should study incessantly during the off-season and, if necessary, give Urban a call to ask for an explanation:
  • “Play your best players all the time, every time when the game is on the line.”
  • "Your offense must protect your defense."
  • “You can’t be average and make the CFP.”
 
Thank you for saying what I’ve been too lazy to type today. Spot on. I’m not sure we have a better upgrade in mind, and if not so be it. But Herman lost me at OU loss #4 and there is no excuse in the world that will ever validate being 1-4 against the Sooners as head coach at Texas.
 
Last edited:
TL;DR

15th best winning percentage in the country among P5 over last 3 years (/65)

2nd best winning percentage in the conference over the last 3 years (/10)

You’re absolutely insane if you think that any program would fire their coach after that

Hook Em
 
I keep seeing posts with varying themes, such as “Herman finished with two blowout wins”, “how can you fire a guy who finishes strong”, “Herman is 4-0 in bowls”, yadda yadda. To all of these posters, I would like to comment. To those of you who are as confused as I am with these posts, move along, no reason to read further.

Texas does well against single-dimensional teams with barely average to mediocre QB play, enabling the D to focus on shutting down the running game. This is no surprise. The games are easier to control. Defensive lapses are not as painful. For example, Colorado was no match for Texas' team speed. The turnovers and the focus on stopping the run enabled the defense to control the game and get off the field. Eventually, our offense wore out their defense. Whether it’s a close game or a blowout ultimately depends on our offensive production. And Casey let loose in the 2nd half. Likewise, Kansas State was neutered when it lost its starting QB. So Texas dominated them. These are the two games Herman closed out 2020 with. Looks great on the scoreboard and on paper, but we need to look elsewhere under the covers.

1-3 against Patterson. 1-4 against OU. Last two games against Iowa State = losses. Many close wins in what we’ve come to describe on OB as “coin-flip games,” meaning they could have gone either way and Texas is simply not leveraging whatever talent advantage it has or should have. Now why is that? In the Big 12, it's about scheming, coaching, in-game decisions, match-ups, getting receivers open, accurate downfield passing and avoiding tells because most QBs in the conference are competent and able to put up serious numbers and – most importantly – drive for a score when they need to. Against good QBs, Texas struggles to gain separation, hence, the so-called coin flip games. Herman consistently fails to maximize his talent, leaves points on the field, makes strange in-game decisions (including ridiculous 4th down gambles), has his QB (Sam) throw low-percentage passes to receivers who don’t get separated, and runs his offense through spells in which it appears to be predictable or features play calling that is almost certain to result in a 3 and out. Combine that with defensive lapses and you’ve got a sustainable one-score game.

As for TCU, Patterson is simply a better coach than Herman and when Tom’s usual in-game mismanagement occurs, Gary finds a way to win. Yes, Keaontay fumbled but my point is that the game should have never come down to that one play. But Herman Ball ensures that it does. As long as Herman coaches the way he does, Patterson will have an “I’ll beat you with mine or we’ll trade squads and I’ll still beat you with yours” relationship with him. As for Reilly, Lincoln Is on a different level than Tom and Tom will never close the gap. No need to elaborate on that, other than to say that 1-4 equates to 2-10, meaning, yeah, we’ll beat two times out of every 10 games we play them. And I don't see that changing. Regarding Iowa State, the problem once again is Herman Ball. Close games + a QB who can get a score when he needs to = flip a coin.

Finally there is recruiting. If you’ve kept up on OB, you’ll see that this is the crux of the problem with Herman. It is taking a dive. Tom may be on the cusp of cashing in with HIS recruits but next year will we see more points left on the field? Bijan sitting out the second quarter? Play calling that abandons what’s working for a strange mixture of plays that leaves heads shaking? Poor clock management? Reckless gambles? These and other components of Herman Ball keep games close in the Big-12 when opposing QBs can score at will. One important feature of Herman Ball is that the play calling and clock mis-management often results in a tired defense on the field at the end of the game with the expectation of making the game-winning stop. That formula doesn’t work in the Big-12. In summary, Herman Ball leads to two or three losses a year in games Texas should win.

So when you start talking about Herman coming back, ask yourself a question: Are you expecting a different result?

Here is my take: Even if Casey ends up being an upgrade at QB (and the 2nd half against Colorado indicates that is possible), Herman Ball sets a ceiling on what’s possible. As it does, recruiting will continue to spiral down.

If Herman stays, I will just say that Urban Meyer made three statements that Tom should study incessantly during the off-season and, if necessary, give Urban a call to ask for an explanation:
  • “Play your best players all the time, every time when the game is on the line.”
  • "Your offense must protect your defense."
  • “You can’t be average and make the CFP.”
You know it all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jim DeLoach
TL;DR

15th best winning percentage in the country among P5 over last 3 years (/65)

2nd best winning percentage in the conference over the last 3 years (/10)

You’re absolutely insane if you think that any program would fire their coach after that

Hook Em


That might be good for a team that gets hot for a couple years like ISU, but not for Texas and with the way recruiting is going, this might be our ceiling if Herman stays
 
That might be good for a team that gets hot for a couple years like ISU, but not for Texas and with the way recruiting is going, this might be our ceiling if Herman stays

Then sorry, you wait and see what happens in 2021. You don’t guess. With the current results it doesn’t justify firing him. Those are the facts that everyone around here is going to have to start dealing with Hook Em
 
Then sorry, you wait and see what happens in 2021. You don’t guess. With the current results it doesn’t justify firing him. Those are the facts that everyone around here is going to have to start dealing with Hook Em


No you don't just throw your hands up and say hey it could be worse. We have seen the results of a Herman led team for 4 years and we are a 3 loss team who loses to our chief rival and other teams we have no business losing to, but we will always play well in a bowl game that means jack shit.
 
Thank you for saying what I’ve been too lazy to type today. Spot on. I’m not sure we have a better upgrade in mind, and if not so be it. But Herman lost me at OU loss #4 and there is no excuse in the world that will ever validate being 1-4 against the Sooners at head coach at Texas.
Right there with you, @dragworm. FWIW, he lost me a year earlier in loss #3. OU dominated us the entire game and the score was not indicative of the whipping we got. Texas was never in the game. I have never left the Cotton Bowl more depressed, even counting the blowouts. That was because my expectations were very high. And, of course, when we lost to TCU, we learned that opposing defenses had discovered our tells. They knew when we were going to pass and when we were going to run. Great job by Herman and Beck.
 
Last edited:
Thank you for saying what I’ve been too lazy to type today. Spot on. I’m not sure we have a better upgrade in mind, and if not so be it. But Herman lost me at OU loss #4 and there is no excuse in the world that will ever validate being 1-4 against the Sooners at head coach at Texas.

Did Mack lose you when he lost his fifth game in a row to OU to fall to 2-5? All of them double digit losses and one shut-out and only scored 3 points in another?
 
I keep seeing posts with varying themes, such as “Herman finished with two blowout wins”, “how can you fire a guy who finishes strong”, “Herman is 4-0 in bowls”, yadda yadda. To all of these posters, I would like to comment. To those of you who are as confused as I am with these posts, move along, no reason to read further.

Texas does well against single-dimensional teams with barely average to mediocre QB play, enabling the D to focus on shutting down the running game. This is no surprise. The games are easier to control. Defensive lapses are not as painful. For example, Colorado was no match for Texas' team speed. The turnovers and the focus on stopping the run enabled the defense to control the game and get off the field. Eventually, our offense wore out their defense. Whether it’s a close game or a blowout ultimately depends on our offensive production. And Casey let loose in the 2nd half. Likewise, Kansas State was neutered when it lost its starting QB. So Texas dominated them. These are the two games Herman closed out 2020 with. Looks great on the scoreboard and on paper, but we need to look elsewhere under the covers.

1-3 against Patterson. 1-4 against OU. Last two games against Iowa State = losses. Many close wins in what we’ve come to describe on OB as “coin-flip games,” meaning they could have gone either way and Texas is simply not leveraging whatever talent advantage it has or should have. Now why is that? In the Big 12, it's about scheming, coaching, in-game decisions, match-ups, getting receivers open, accurate downfield passing and avoiding tells because most QBs in the conference are competent and able to put up serious numbers and – most importantly – drive for a score when they need to. Against good QBs, Texas struggles to gain separation, hence, the so-called coin flip games. Herman consistently fails to maximize his talent, leaves points on the field, makes strange in-game decisions (including ridiculous 4th down gambles), has his QB (Sam) throw low-percentage passes to receivers who don’t get separated, and runs his offense through spells in which it appears to be predictable or features play calling that is almost certain to result in a 3 and out. Combine that with defensive lapses and you’ve got a sustainable one-score game.

As for TCU, Patterson is simply a better coach than Herman and when Tom’s usual in-game mismanagement occurs, Gary finds a way to win. Yes, Keaontay fumbled but my point is that the game should have never come down to that one play. But Herman Ball ensures that it does. As long as Herman coaches the way he does, Patterson will have an “I’ll beat you with mine or we’ll trade squads and I’ll still beat you with yours” relationship with him. As for Reilly, Lincoln Is on a different level than Tom and Tom will never close the gap. No need to elaborate on that, other than to say that 1-4 equates to 2-10, meaning, yeah, we’ll beat two times out of every 10 games we play them. And I don't see that changing. Regarding Iowa State, the problem once again is Herman Ball. Close games + a QB who can get a score when he needs to = flip a coin.

Finally there is recruiting. If you’ve kept up on OB, you’ll see that this is the crux of the problem with Herman. It is taking a dive. Tom may be on the cusp of cashing in with HIS recruits but next year will we see more points left on the field? Bijan sitting out the second quarter? Play calling that abandons what’s working for a strange mixture of plays that leaves heads shaking? Poor clock management? Reckless gambles? These and other components of Herman Ball keep games close in the Big-12 when opposing QBs can score at will. One important feature of Herman Ball is that the play calling and clock mis-management often results in a tired defense on the field at the end of the game with the expectation of making the game-winning stop. That formula doesn’t work in the Big-12. In summary, Herman Ball leads to two or three losses a year in games Texas should win.

So when you start talking about Herman coming back, ask yourself a question: Are you expecting a different result?

Here is my take: Even if Casey ends up being an upgrade at QB (and the 2nd half against Colorado indicates that is possible), Herman Ball sets a ceiling on what’s possible. As it does, recruiting will continue to spiral down.

If Herman stays, I will just say that Urban Meyer made three statements that Tom should study incessantly during the off-season and, if necessary, give Urban a call to ask for an explanation:
  • “Play your best players all the time, every time when the game is on the line.”
  • "Your offense must protect your defense."
  • “You can’t be average and make the CFP.”
The fallacy with these opinion pieces is that they ignore the fact that people generally get better with experience. Bad experience is a great teacher.

Herman is the best option for a successful 2021, which is at this point is the quickest way to save recruiting.
 
I keep seeing posts with varying themes, such as “Herman finished with two blowout wins”, “how can you fire a guy who finishes strong”, “Herman is 4-0 in bowls”, yadda yadda. To all of these posters, I would like to comment. To those of you who are as confused as I am with these posts, move along, no reason to read further.

Texas does well against single-dimensional teams with barely average to mediocre QB play, enabling the D to focus on shutting down the running game. This is no surprise. The games are easier to control. Defensive lapses are not as painful. For example, Colorado was no match for Texas' team speed. The turnovers and the focus on stopping the run enabled the defense to control the game and get off the field. Eventually, our offense wore out their defense. Whether it’s a close game or a blowout ultimately depends on our offensive production. And Casey let loose in the 2nd half. Likewise, Kansas State was neutered when it lost its starting QB. So Texas dominated them. These are the two games Herman closed out 2020 with. Looks great on the scoreboard and on paper, but we need to look elsewhere under the covers.

1-3 against Patterson. 1-4 against OU. Last two games against Iowa State = losses. Many close wins in what we’ve come to describe on OB as “coin-flip games,” meaning they could have gone either way and Texas is simply not leveraging whatever talent advantage it has or should have. Now why is that? In the Big 12, it's about scheming, coaching, in-game decisions, match-ups, getting receivers open, accurate downfield passing and avoiding tells because most QBs in the conference are competent and able to put up serious numbers and – most importantly – drive for a score when they need to. Against good QBs, Texas struggles to gain separation, hence, the so-called coin flip games. Herman consistently fails to maximize his talent, leaves points on the field, makes strange in-game decisions (including ridiculous 4th down gambles), has his QB (Sam) throw low-percentage passes to receivers who don’t get separated, and runs his offense through spells in which it appears to be predictable or features play calling that is almost certain to result in a 3 and out. Combine that with defensive lapses and you’ve got a sustainable one-score game.

As for TCU, Patterson is simply a better coach than Herman and when Tom’s usual in-game mismanagement occurs, Gary finds a way to win. Yes, Keaontay fumbled but my point is that the game should have never come down to that one play. But Herman Ball ensures that it does. As long as Herman coaches the way he does, Patterson will have an “I’ll beat you with mine or we’ll trade squads and I’ll still beat you with yours” relationship with him. As for Reilly, Lincoln Is on a different level than Tom and Tom will never close the gap. No need to elaborate on that, other than to say that 1-4 equates to 2-10, meaning, yeah, we’ll beat two times out of every 10 games we play them. And I don't see that changing. Regarding Iowa State, the problem once again is Herman Ball. Close games + a QB who can get a score when he needs to = flip a coin.

Finally there is recruiting. If you’ve kept up on OB, you’ll see that this is the crux of the problem with Herman. It is taking a dive. Tom may be on the cusp of cashing in with HIS recruits but next year will we see more points left on the field? Bijan sitting out the second quarter? Play calling that abandons what’s working for a strange mixture of plays that leaves heads shaking? Poor clock management? Reckless gambles? These and other components of Herman Ball keep games close in the Big-12 when opposing QBs can score at will. One important feature of Herman Ball is that the play calling and clock mis-management often results in a tired defense on the field at the end of the game with the expectation of making the game-winning stop. That formula doesn’t work in the Big-12. In summary, Herman Ball leads to two or three losses a year in games Texas should win.

So when you start talking about Herman coming back, ask yourself a question: Are you expecting a different result?

Here is my take: Even if Casey ends up being an upgrade at QB (and the 2nd half against Colorado indicates that is possible), Herman Ball sets a ceiling on what’s possible. As it does, recruiting will continue to spiral down.

If Herman stays, I will just say that Urban Meyer made three statements that Tom should study incessantly during the off-season and, if necessary, give Urban a call to ask for an explanation:
  • “Play your best players all the time, every time when the game is on the line.”
  • "Your offense must protect your defense."
  • “You can’t be average and make the CFP.”
Good write up, and spot on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jim DeLoach
It's amazing how many posters take the decision in a vacuum. With no financial consequences, changing out CTH could be an easy move but there are $22+ million reasons why the next move needs to be a slam dunk. If the potential outcome is no better than Herman, the BMDs and the Athletic Department are not in a position to set fire to $22 million during the COVID epidemic.

Are there reasons to be concerned?... absolutely!...... and for the right coach the buyout makes sense but it makes little to no sense to replace Herman with someone with basically the same resume.
 
The fallacy with these opinion pieces is that they ignore the fact that people generally get better with experience. Bad experience is a great teacher.

Herman is the best option for a successful 2021, which is at this point is the quickest way to save recruiting.

Yes because no one, especially a mensa has ever learned from their mistakes.

Thank you
 
I keep seeing posts with varying themes, such as “Herman finished with two blowout wins”, “how can you fire a guy who finishes strong”, “Herman is 4-0 in bowls”, yadda yadda. To all of these posters, I would like to comment. To those of you who are as confused as I am with these posts, move along, no reason to read further.

Texas does well against single-dimensional teams with barely average to mediocre QB play, enabling the D to focus on shutting down the running game. This is no surprise. The games are easier to control. Defensive lapses are not as painful. For example, Colorado was no match for Texas' team speed. The turnovers and the focus on stopping the run enabled the defense to control the game and get off the field. Eventually, our offense wore out their defense. Whether it’s a close game or a blowout ultimately depends on our offensive production. And Casey let loose in the 2nd half. Likewise, Kansas State was neutered when it lost its starting QB. So Texas dominated them. These are the two games Herman closed out 2020 with. Looks great on the scoreboard and on paper, but we need to look elsewhere under the covers.

1-3 against Patterson. 1-4 against OU. Last two games against Iowa State = losses. Many close wins in what we’ve come to describe on OB as “coin-flip games,” meaning they could have gone either way and Texas is simply not leveraging whatever talent advantage it has or should have. Now why is that? In the Big 12, it's about scheming, coaching, in-game decisions, match-ups, getting receivers open, accurate downfield passing and avoiding tells because most QBs in the conference are competent and able to put up serious numbers and – most importantly – drive for a score when they need to. Against good QBs, Texas struggles to gain separation, hence, the so-called coin flip games. Herman consistently fails to maximize his talent, leaves points on the field, makes strange in-game decisions (including ridiculous 4th down gambles), has his QB (Sam) throw low-percentage passes to receivers who don’t get separated, and runs his offense through spells in which it appears to be predictable or features play calling that is almost certain to result in a 3 and out. Combine that with defensive lapses and you’ve got a sustainable one-score game.

As for TCU, Patterson is simply a better coach than Herman and when Tom’s usual in-game mismanagement occurs, Gary finds a way to win. Yes, Keaontay fumbled but my point is that the game should have never come down to that one play. But Herman Ball ensures that it does. As long as Herman coaches the way he does, Patterson will have an “I’ll beat you with mine or we’ll trade squads and I’ll still beat you with yours” relationship with him. As for Reilly, Lincoln Is on a different level than Tom and Tom will never close the gap. No need to elaborate on that, other than to say that 1-4 equates to 2-10, meaning, yeah, we’ll beat two times out of every 10 games we play them. And I don't see that changing. Regarding Iowa State, the problem once again is Herman Ball. Close games + a QB who can get a score when he needs to = flip a coin.

Finally there is recruiting. If you’ve kept up on OB, you’ll see that this is the crux of the problem with Herman. It is taking a dive. Tom may be on the cusp of cashing in with HIS recruits but next year will we see more points left on the field? Bijan sitting out the second quarter? Play calling that abandons what’s working for a strange mixture of plays that leaves heads shaking? Poor clock management? Reckless gambles? These and other components of Herman Ball keep games close in the Big-12 when opposing QBs can score at will. One important feature of Herman Ball is that the play calling and clock mis-management often results in a tired defense on the field at the end of the game with the expectation of making the game-winning stop. That formula doesn’t work in the Big-12. In summary, Herman Ball leads to two or three losses a year in games Texas should win.

So when you start talking about Herman coming back, ask yourself a question: Are you expecting a different result?

Here is my take: Even if Casey ends up being an upgrade at QB (and the 2nd half against Colorado indicates that is possible), Herman Ball sets a ceiling on what’s possible. As it does, recruiting will continue to spiral down.

If Herman stays, I will just say that Urban Meyer made three statements that Tom should study incessantly during the off-season and, if necessary, give Urban a call to ask for an explanation:
  • “Play your best players all the time, every time when the game is on the line.”
  • "Your offense must protect your defense."
  • “You can’t be average and make the CFP.”
Herman lost at home late to ISU. I don't call that finishing strong. Anyone saying that is an idiot.

Hook'em
 
Did Mack lose you when he lost his fifth game in a row to OU to fall to 2-5? All of them double digit losses and one shut-out and only scored 3 points in another?
The difference is that Mack was an elite recruiter in those years so UT put up with it. That said, I remember walking out of the cotton bowl in 2004 and people were saying both coordinators needed to go or Mack needed to go. From there on Vince took over....
 
TL;DR

15th best winning percentage in the country among P5 over last 3 years (/65)

2nd best winning percentage in the conference over the last 3 years (/10)

You’re absolutely insane if you think that any program would fire their coach after that

Hook Em
Why are you trying so hard to defend Herman at every turn? It’s quite unbalanced and irrational at this point. Herman is who he is and it’s below Texas standards. You can spit all the stats you want but the bottom line is that we have yet to achieve the priority goals set forth in front of him.
 
It's amazing how many posters take the decision in a vacuum. With no financial consequences, changing out CTH could be an easy move but there are $22+ million reasons why the next move needs to be a slam dunk. If the potential outcome is no better than Herman, the BMDs and the Athletic Department are not in a position to set fire to $22 million during the COVID epidemic.

Are there reasons to be concerned?... absolutely!...... and for the right coach the buyout makes sense but it makes little to no sense to replace Herman with someone with basically the same resume.
Good point. As Ketch has documented in various War Rooms, there are potentially serious financial consequences to retaining the status quo. Admittedly, his analysis was before the illusion created by the last two games. And that's just my opinion -- these two games present an illusion that obscures the issues and weaknesses around Herman Ball. The false expectations they spawn are unrealistic given Herman's approach. So in evaluating the decision to hire/retain, you can't put $22M on one side of the ledger and $0 on the other side. There are costs to a decision to retain Herman and the present value of those costs can far exceed $22M. That said, I agree with you that you need to have an elite replacement. It's easy to talk about other people's money. And, hell, maybe people will snatch up the season tickets, flood the LHF's coffers and complete their pledges on the stadium buildout based on the excitement of these past two games. If so, LOL, because I don't think anything has changed!
 
Last edited:
Have hard time understanding the get rid of Herman crowd when mention things like records against particular teams, one year of recruiting etc etc. There are multiple arguments on the other side for him to stay.

But bigger picture, It continues to be hard for me understand that anyone who paid attention to this program over last 15 years, and in particular CS years, can’t think we are in a much better position today than we were during the lost decade. And no, not saying we are happy not playing for Big 12 championship now, or whatever, but this team, program and entire athletic program was absolute garbage before Herman got here. It’s a fact.

If think otherwise, just look at the scores of the games UT loss during CS era. It was normal to be blown out by 30 pts!

Herman was hired as a young coach that was short on championship experience but could be here multi-years to build a real sustainable program.

Herman has real QBs in campus for first time since Colt McCoy, he brought the five star RB here, he put a real D line in place that was something we have not had in years, etc etc.

How about the fact we had very strong recruiting classes up to this year when there were shenanigans behind scenes, mainly by our own people, that helped lead to the result.

What we saw last night was high level performance from many of the players from those top recruiting classes. We again have a chance to be real good next year You could not say that for any of the years before Herman got here.

Or, as you suggest we could just fire Herman after two blow out wins and go straight to what?? UM, or any “championship” coach will not be available.

You usually fire a coach when you finish in a bad streak or see a dim outlook.

We would fire Herman at a time where he has shown what we have been looking for by putting away two pretty decent teams by very comfortable margins and with schedule and talent 10-2 sure appears very attainable next year with possible upside to that.
 
I keep seeing posts with varying themes, such as “Herman finished with two blowout wins”, “how can you fire a guy who finishes strong”, “Herman is 4-0 in bowls”, yadda yadda. To all of these posters, I would like to comment. To those of you who are as confused as I am with these posts, move along, no reason to read further.

Texas does well against single-dimensional teams with barely average to mediocre QB play, enabling the D to focus on shutting down the running game. This is no surprise. The games are easier to control. Defensive lapses are not as painful. For example, Colorado was no match for Texas' team speed. The turnovers and the focus on stopping the run enabled the defense to control the game and get off the field. Eventually, our offense wore out their defense. Whether it’s a close game or a blowout ultimately depends on our offensive production. And Casey let loose in the 2nd half. Likewise, Kansas State was neutered when it lost its starting QB. So Texas dominated them. These are the two games Herman closed out 2020 with. Looks great on the scoreboard and on paper, but we need to look elsewhere under the covers.

1-3 against Patterson. 1-4 against OU. Last two games against Iowa State = losses. Many close wins in what we’ve come to describe on OB as “coin-flip games,” meaning they could have gone either way and Texas is simply not leveraging whatever talent advantage it has or should have. Now why is that? In the Big 12, it's about scheming, coaching, in-game decisions, match-ups, getting receivers open, accurate downfield passing and avoiding tells because most QBs in the conference are competent and able to put up serious numbers and – most importantly – drive for a score when they need to. Against good QBs, Texas struggles to gain separation, hence, the so-called coin flip games. Herman consistently fails to maximize his talent, leaves points on the field, makes strange in-game decisions (including ridiculous 4th down gambles), has his QB (Sam) throw low-percentage passes to receivers who don’t get separated, and runs his offense through spells in which it appears to be predictable or features play calling that is almost certain to result in a 3 and out. Combine that with defensive lapses and you’ve got a sustainable one-score game.

As for TCU, Patterson is simply a better coach than Herman and when Tom’s usual in-game mismanagement occurs, Gary finds a way to win. Yes, Keaontay fumbled but my point is that the game should have never come down to that one play. But Herman Ball ensures that it does. As long as Herman coaches the way he does, Patterson will have an “I’ll beat you with mine or we’ll trade squads and I’ll still beat you with yours” relationship with him. As for Reilly, Lincoln Is on a different level than Tom and Tom will never close the gap. No need to elaborate on that, other than to say that 1-4 equates to 2-10, meaning, yeah, we’ll beat two times out of every 10 games we play them. And I don't see that changing. Regarding Iowa State, the problem once again is Herman Ball. Close games + a QB who can get a score when he needs to = flip a coin.

Finally there is recruiting. If you’ve kept up on OB, you’ll see that this is the crux of the problem with Herman. It is taking a dive. Tom may be on the cusp of cashing in with HIS recruits but next year will we see more points left on the field? Bijan sitting out the second quarter? Play calling that abandons what’s working for a strange mixture of plays that leaves heads shaking? Poor clock management? Reckless gambles? These and other components of Herman Ball keep games close in the Big-12 when opposing QBs can score at will. One important feature of Herman Ball is that the play calling and clock mis-management often results in a tired defense on the field at the end of the game with the expectation of making the game-winning stop. That formula doesn’t work in the Big-12. In summary, Herman Ball leads to two or three losses a year in games Texas should win.

So when you start talking about Herman coming back, ask yourself a question: Are you expecting a different result?

Here is my take: Even if Casey ends up being an upgrade at QB (and the 2nd half against Colorado indicates that is possible), Herman Ball sets a ceiling on what’s possible. As it does, recruiting will continue to spiral down.

If Herman stays, I will just say that Urban Meyer made three statements that Tom should study incessantly during the off-season and, if necessary, give Urban a call to ask for an explanation:
  • “Play your best players all the time, every time when the game is on the line.”
  • "Your offense must protect your defense."
  • “You can’t be average and make the CFP.”
I don’t disagree with Herman’s weaknesses. Problem is who are we going to get that will come that is guaranteed better?
 
It's amazing how many posters take the decision in a vacuum. With no financial consequences, changing out CTH could be an easy move but there are $22+ million reasons why the next move needs to be a slam dunk. If the potential outcome is no better than Herman, the BMDs and the Athletic Department are not in a position to set fire to $22 million during the COVID epidemic.

Are there reasons to be concerned?... absolutely!...... and for the right coach the buyout makes sense but it makes little to no sense to replace Herman with someone with basically the same resume.
Is that going to break you? Or the BMD’s? Or UT?
 
Did Mack lose you when he lost his fifth game in a row to OU to fall to 2-5? All of them double digit losses and one shut-out and only scored 3 points in another?
Yes, anybody could wins a NC with Vince. Mack didn’t even want to recruit Vince. Brewster had to talk him into.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Jim DeLoach

Latest posts