As I sit in the Oakland airport waiting to board this Delta plane back to Austin, a few thoughts are running through my mind right now. There are a lot of thoughts going through my head with only three hours of sleep, but here are some thoughts I did not have in my Sunday column after witnessing Texas’ bad loss against Cal on Saturday
- Texas coach Charlie Strong has to take over this defense. There needs to be a shakeup, and it needs to occur on Sunday. This defense has been poor the past two seasons, and that cannot continue.
- Defensive coordinator Vance Bedford and Strong might be friends, but he was also close with Shawn Watson. Friendship cannot factor into his decision to take over this defense. If Strong does not step in, he and his friend will be able to share stories at a directional school next year, assuming anyone even them after this season. I am not saying Strong’s job is currently in jeopardy, but we cannot act like the defensive performances against Notre Dame and Cal are acceptable.
- Strong’s strength as a coach is supposed to be on defense. He built his reputation at Florida on defense. That is why he has to make the move.
- Sterlin Gilbert deserves better than this. It's unfair to ask him to score more than 50 points a game to win at Texas. Gilbert is doing his job. This defense has to step up or risk wasting this season.
- There is no reason why Breckyn Hager and Malcolm Roach were not attacking the ball prior to the third quarter. Those guys need to be out on the field, especially since Texas does not have a consistent pass rush.
- DeShon Elliott and Brandon Jones need to be on the field. Period. These are simple facts. They are playmakers and need to be given a shot.
- The more I hear players and coaches say they need to “execute," the more I wonder what techniques are not being taught in practice. Sometimes a coach, boss, or co-worker, can explain how to do something in a way that makes sense to them, but not to the intended recipient. It might be time for a new voice on defense.
- Paul Boyette said guys need to know their assignments during his postgame interview. If guys do not know their assignments by now - we’re talking after spring, summer and fall workouts, plus two games into this season - that comes down to coaching.
- Strong needs to take over and then look for the best replacement after this season. The Texas fan base might be lukewarm to Clint Hurtt joining Strong’s staff. However, I definitely wonder if the coach will consider hiring a good recruiter, a person he trusts, heading into year four. This is probably a conversation for a different day. However, it is a thought rolling around my head.
- This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Strong. Is he really going to ride in the passenger seat on this defense? If Strong does, he will look back to this week and regret not taking full control of his destiny.
Okay, time to grab some crappy airport food and board this plane in 15 minutes.
What are some of your thoughts on Sunday?
- Texas coach Charlie Strong has to take over this defense. There needs to be a shakeup, and it needs to occur on Sunday. This defense has been poor the past two seasons, and that cannot continue.
- Defensive coordinator Vance Bedford and Strong might be friends, but he was also close with Shawn Watson. Friendship cannot factor into his decision to take over this defense. If Strong does not step in, he and his friend will be able to share stories at a directional school next year, assuming anyone even them after this season. I am not saying Strong’s job is currently in jeopardy, but we cannot act like the defensive performances against Notre Dame and Cal are acceptable.
- Strong’s strength as a coach is supposed to be on defense. He built his reputation at Florida on defense. That is why he has to make the move.
- Sterlin Gilbert deserves better than this. It's unfair to ask him to score more than 50 points a game to win at Texas. Gilbert is doing his job. This defense has to step up or risk wasting this season.
- There is no reason why Breckyn Hager and Malcolm Roach were not attacking the ball prior to the third quarter. Those guys need to be out on the field, especially since Texas does not have a consistent pass rush.
- DeShon Elliott and Brandon Jones need to be on the field. Period. These are simple facts. They are playmakers and need to be given a shot.
- The more I hear players and coaches say they need to “execute," the more I wonder what techniques are not being taught in practice. Sometimes a coach, boss, or co-worker, can explain how to do something in a way that makes sense to them, but not to the intended recipient. It might be time for a new voice on defense.
- Paul Boyette said guys need to know their assignments during his postgame interview. If guys do not know their assignments by now - we’re talking after spring, summer and fall workouts, plus two games into this season - that comes down to coaching.
- Strong needs to take over and then look for the best replacement after this season. The Texas fan base might be lukewarm to Clint Hurtt joining Strong’s staff. However, I definitely wonder if the coach will consider hiring a good recruiter, a person he trusts, heading into year four. This is probably a conversation for a different day. However, it is a thought rolling around my head.
- This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Strong. Is he really going to ride in the passenger seat on this defense? If Strong does, he will look back to this week and regret not taking full control of his destiny.
Okay, time to grab some crappy airport food and board this plane in 15 minutes.
What are some of your thoughts on Sunday?
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