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Ketch's 10 Thoughts From The Weekend (A few more things about the quarterbacks...)

On cards throw Washington runs a terrible route.. he slants behind his defender, that's in man coverage. Still a great throw but something that cant happen against better DBs.
 
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The interception by Jamison, the near interception later by Jamison and the same throw and near interception in the Colorado game indicate to me that he has difficulty throwing accurately all the way across the field. He puts too much air under the ball for a reason. I wouldn't mind being wrong if it means we win.
I'm just saying we've seen the kid make big arm throws as recent as the Alamo Bowl game.
 
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The interception by Jamison, the near interception later by Jamison and the same throw and near interception in the Colorado game indicate to me that he has difficulty throwing accurately all the way across the field. He puts too much air under the ball for a reason. I wouldn't mind being wrong if it means we win.
It's going to be quite a decision when it's made.
 
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This, Vincent Hanna is his best character and they gave him some great lines that he absolutely nails in the movie. Heat is the greatest crime (cops and robbers) movie of all time. Hell Christopher Nolan and others have continued to talk about how Heat influenced how they make their movies today.
The Godfather II is the GOAT of all genres.
 
Great content tonight @Ketchum !

Austin FC made my weekend (plus baseball taking 2-3 from OSU). Am I a bad person for switching my avatar from Liverpool to Austin? Liverpool will always have a place in my heart, but I am all in with the hometown team. So happy to finally have a pro franchise of our own to cheer for in Austin. Not regretting that season ticket purchase.
I will not judge you. YNWA.
 
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Perhaps, but his best performance is Godfather II.

not a big Pacino fan but that's on the money. he was as ruthless as Brando as Godfather. and savvy too. he was what Tony Montana would be like if he wasn't as hot tempered as Santino was.
 
Coach K's hire wasnt as talked about as it should have been. Getting him is like getting venables. What hurt Sark at USC(on the field) was his defensive hires, he knocked it out the park this go around! As long as coach K is here we will be a top 3 defense in the big 12 every year book it.
His profile has a chance to reach new levels.
 
@Ketchum

A few things...

Texas was recruiting Worthy 48 hours after Sark was hired.

If we had Garrett Wilson and Jaylon Waddle currently at WR, we would take Xavier in a heartbeat. He was top 50 National Player.

Yeah, it’s nice that he brings speed that we lack, but don’t make it sound like Sark pulled some kind of trigger because he’s disappointed in the current core of WR’s.

I didn't. He's the type of talent that you take. Period.

The need for him was simply more clear by the end of the spring.
 
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This, Vincent Hanna is his best character and they gave him some great lines that he absolutely nails in the movie. Heat is the greatest crime (cops and robbers) movie of all time. Hell Christopher Nolan and others have continued to talk about how Heat influenced how they make their movies today.
Not just the lines, but my god the shootout scene in downtown LA is still the best I’ve seen.
 
You do what you have to do when you're playing with the b-team.
What's your thought process of Sark sticking card with the 2s and not giving him a chance with the 1s.... imo I think sark was giving casey a shot to prove himself because hes leaning card.
 
Great post Ketch.... Even though you sold my B/S that I sooo wanted you to buy. I get it though ... however I am very bullish on coach K
 
What's your thought process of Sark sticking card with the 2s and not giving him a chance with the 1s.... imo I think sark was giving casey a shot to prove himself because hes leaning card.
Oh, I can come up with 100 different scenarios if nI try to solve that puzzle.
 
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ee0e3a40b744e2eebc3b4d949eaa9055x.jpg

“The biggest thing we're looking for is a level of consistency. I think naturally, especially when people come to the spring game, they're looking for the wow plays. The wow plays are dangerous plays if you don't play consistently because they can distract you from maybe some mishaps along the way. We look for consistency. We look for doing what you're asked to do, consistently doing your job down after down, after down. And then those plays, those wow-type plays, naturally occur. We didn't try to force those things today. We just wanted to see and manage the offense that they were charged to manage and see how consistently we could play. I think we definitely have some room to grow in that area as we go into the summer and into fall camp.”

Steve Sarkisian on Saturday talking about the quarterback position.

*****

If I were either Casey Thompson or Hudson Card, I paid very close attention to the words that came out of Sarkisian's mouth yesterday because it seemed like a very obvious message for both.

The peaks don't matter nearly as much as the valleys.

When it comes to Thompson, his sublime performance in the Alamo Bowl four months ago isn't going to cut it. Neither will the spectacular plays that he's capable of when he's at his best outside of the pocket on the move. Those things will take a back seat to not being able to consistently hit the third-and-six throw within the flow of the offense.

When it comes to Card, the truth is the same. Yes, his touchdown throw to Marcus Washington was a thing of beauty, giving everyone a glimpse of what a five-star quarterback talent looks like. Yet, that talent will take a back seat to inexperience if he can't continue to mature and grow his play at the position ahead of most young quarterbacks’ timetables.

Perhaps the best part of Saturday is that everyone got to see a fairly accurate portrayal of the position as it actually stands.

There really hasn't been separation. While Casey Thompson oozes more confidence and maturity, he lacks Card's natural consistency inside of the pocket when it comes to the standard throws a quarterback is expected to make inside of Sarkisian's offense. Yet, when it comes to Card, he lacks Thompson's readiness as a player. If you could add the two together so that the weaknesses of both could be offset by each's strengths, you'd have one hell of a player RIGHT NOW.

If the issues surrounding both players remain unchanged in the coming months, Sarkisian will have to decide which flaw he can live with the most - making accurate throws or maturity.

Will it simply come down to which inconsistency can improve quicker during the month of September?

If I'm Thompson or Card, I'm determined that this question isn't one the head coach has to consider heavily in the middle of August.

(A few more thoughts on the quarterback position with 24 hours to marinate on what we watched...)

1. Thompson's 54.8-percent completion percentage on 42 throws simply isn't good enough. Yes, he had a couple of drops, but there were also times when he struggled to stick throws from the pocket on downs and distances that required him to stick throws. Throughout camp, his consistency when throwing the football has been his biggest obstacle and you could see it in the spring game. That he completed less than 50-percent of his passes in the final three quarters of the game flashed a light on the area where he most needs to improve.

2. I really would have liked to have seen what Card could have done with the best offensive personnel surrounding him. Without sounding too much like the President of the Card Fan Club (which I am), I found it kind of impressive that he found a way to complete 60 percent of his throws on Saturday when you consider he had at least four drops from his receivers that I can remember, had an offensive line that was allowing constant pressure and didn't have much in the way of a running game with Roschon Johnson (a modest 7 carries for 28 yards).

3. While everyone will remember this throw by Card until the players arrive in August...


It was actually this throw from earlier in the drive that I believe Sark will like even more. Nice and easy pitch and catch from one hash mark to the other side of the field in a place where the defense cannot defend it.


No. 2 - Most underrated aspect of the Spring Game...

On a day when the Texas defenses recorded nine sacks, changed the game with a pick-six at the end of the first half and limited the Texas offense to two offensive touchdowns in four quarters of action, the thing that stood out to me about Pete Kwiatkowski's unit the most was probably something far more subtle than any of the headlines from Saturday.

Kwiatkowski's unit was very technically sound, which is no easy accomplishment when you consider that this group of defensive players are going through its third defensive coordinator in the last 16 months. For all of the talk of the offensive coordinator turnover in this program since 2011, the defensive side of the ball is going through a transformation from Todd Orlando in 2019, Chris Ash in 2020 and now Kwiatkowski in 2021.

It would have been perfectly understandable if the unit looked like a major work in progress, but the truth of the matter is that you walked in off the street and knew nothing about the ins and outs of the program, you'd likely never guess that Kwiatkowski has only had 15 practices with this bunch.

The defense tackled well as a whole. The back end of the defense covered well and almost always seemed to keep everything in front of it outside of the first drive of the game. At every layer of the defense, things just felt incredibly sound.

While it remains to be seen whether this team has enough playmakers on the defensive side of the ball to be a difference-making unit, the foundation for a very solid defense appears to be in place.

I'd imagine Kwiatkowski will come out of the spring feeling very good about where his side of the ball is headed.

No. 3 - The wide receiver room...

Honestly, it's pretty damn obvious why Steve Sarkisian used one of his last remaining slots for the 25-man 2021 recruiting/transfer class to bring in a player (Xavier Worthy) at a position where the team is practically bleeding from the overflow of numbers at the position.

Here's a snapshot audit of the scholarship receivers on the roster this spring, separated into several different tiers.

Definitely in Sark's 2021 plans...

1. Jordan Whittington (Sophomore): The single highest-rated recruit on the roster (High four star, No.33 in the nation in the 2019 Rivals rankings) at this position is also the team's best player among the group. Although he still has to prove that he can survive a 12-game college schedule, there's hope that he could emerge as an All-Big 12 level player in 2021.

2. Troy Omeire (Freshman): It said a lot to me that Sarkisian was eager to push Omeire into Saturday's scrimmage when it would have been easy to simply sit him down until the fall, but it also said a lot about the position that he felt he needed to.

3. Joshua Moore (Junior): I'm a member of the Moore Fan Club, but it is mystifying that he hasn't somewhat emerged from the pack a little more when you consider that he has 10 career touchdown receptions in 16 career games. The kid is both capable of the spectacular and a disappearing act. I'm not sure that Sarkisian is expecting the former as much as he wants to rid him of the latter.

4. Kai Money (Junior): If it is third and 7, Money will get you 7 yards. If it's third and 17, Money is likely going to get you 7 yards. There's no shame in being a bankable and trusted situational receiver and while Money might not have starting upside, he'll play this season because he's probably the second-most dependable receiver on Sarkisian's roster at the moment.

Potentially in Sark's 2021 plans...

5. Jaden Alexis (Freshman): The player that has the most to be worried about with the arrival of Worthy in the fall is Alexis, who has as much burst and explosiveness as anyone on the current roster, but as a young player hasn't quite been able to carve out a true role in the offense as Worthy is about to hit campus. It's really important to note that he was on the Orange roster, which means he's mostly thought of as a first-team player at this point... by default. It feels like Worthy (10.55 in the 100 meters) will be directly competing for playing time with Alexis (10.75 in the 100 meters) when he arrives and it'll be up to Alexis to perform at a level that keeps him ahead of a true freshman Sarkisian is going to want to play right away.

6. Jake Smith (Junior): I have to be honest when I say that my expectations for Smith in Austin this season are at the found money stage of the proceedings. If he can stay healthy and make a solid contribution... fantastic. If he can't stay healthy or carve out a role or transfers... it'll kind of be expected. There's a very good player inside of Smith just dying to break out, but it hasn't come together for him yet and the worst thing that can happen to a player with a new coach is to become unavailable.

7. Kelvontay Dixon (Freshman): Dixon has the athleticism and explosiveness to emerge as a threat in this offense, as we're talking about a kid with 10.7-10.8 100-meter speed and in the very last game we've seen him play, he went 73 yards for a touchdown. Yet, Dixon didn't have a camp where he was constantly creating buzz and he was one of the only players at the position that played on Saturday, but didn't catch a pass. Maybe the kid is simply a season or two away, but there's no reason to give up on him.However, his reality is that he's going to need to be better than Worthy and Alexis to get on the field.

I just don't know...

8. Al'Vonte Woodard (Junior): Personally, I thought Woodard flashed in a positive way in the spring game. He's a big-bodied receiver at 6-2, 206 pounds, who doesn't quite have the physical gifts of a Brennan Eagles, but can be a productive short- and intermediate target over the middle. On paper, it feels like he's competing for snaps with Money for playing time in three- or four- situational receiver sets.

9. Marcus Washington (Junior): Like Woodard, Washington is a 6-2 receiver without true game-changing athletic tools. He feels like a potentially serviceable player, but he didn't play at all against Oklahoma or Oklahoma State in 2020 and when he did play, he wasn't able to prove he warranted keeping on the field. I'm not sure how much his role is going to change between now and when the season starts unless there are multiple injuries.

10. Dajon Harrison (Freshman): See Kelvontay Dixon.

11. Montrell Estelle (Senior): It pains me to say this because I loved Estelle when he came out of Hooks a half-decade ago, but it just hasn't happened for him and it still doesn't look like it's happening for him.

No. 4 - About that OU Spring game ...

In case you were wondering about the enemy, here are some notes from the OU Spring Game/Practices (full SoonerScoop.com report)

... Spencer Rattler is absolutely locked in as the starting quarterback going into his second season as a starter. His modest spring game numbers (six of 14 for 116 yards) don't reflect the general attitude about him inside of the program, which suggests that everyone believes he's on the cusp of emerging into one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He's the best quarterback in the Big 12 going into the season.

... Tennessee transfer Eric Gray already looks like a guy that will be a pain in the butt for OU opponents.
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... The offensive line is a major work in progress. The OU coaches probably like their overall depth of players to choose from a little more than the Texas coaches would probably view their own group, but they dealt with a lot of the same issues as the Texas OL did this spring, as they consistently took some Ls against a good OU defensive line.

... While one former five-star receiver in Trejan Bridges was unavailable because of suspension, another former five-star receiver was returning to the field from an injury last season. Remember Jaden Haselwood's name.


... OU folks really, really like this defense. The vibe is that the defensive line might be the best they've had in a while and there are potential playmakers on every level of the defense. Maybe it's fool's gold or maybe that side of the ball is turning a corner for them... but folks are excited about that side of the ball.

... Former Texas commitment Billy Bowman played a lot in the spring game and the general vibe is that he's going to play a lot as a true freshman.

No. 5 - Close, but no cigar...

It's a hell of a thing to be truly great, but second-best next to someone else that is standing right next to you.

In watching the Texas volleyball team lose to Kentucky on Saturday night in the NCAA Championship Final, it was an unmistakable truth that you couldn't run from.

Despite losing in four sets, the Longhorns didn't play poorly. Not even close. Logan Eggleston and Skyler Fields did the damn thing. It's just that Kentucky's Alli Stumler was better on this night. The entire Kentucky team... just a little bit better.

Truth be told - Texas just blinked a few times on Saturday night and it was enough to be the difference in two very close sets to end the match. The next time they get into this position, the team can't blink. Against a team playing as well as Kentucky, the baby blinks can be all the margin between winning and losing.

It goes that way at the highest levels of competition. Gonzaga learned that harsh lesson as well just a few weeks ago in the men’s basketball final. Getting to the top of the mountaintop is no easy feat and considering the Longhorns have lost the NCAA Final five times in the last 12 years, it's not a reality that needs to be explained to Jerritt Elliott.

The good news is that almost everyone on this team returns.

"We're winning next year," Eggleston said after the game. "That's how we're all feeling. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth when you end the season with a loss. We're coming back stronger next year. There's a lot of blood boiling, and we're ready to go."

No. 6 - The streak ends at 16 games...

While Sunday's loss in Stillwater was disappointing because there were wide-spread hopes that Texas baseball would just never lose again, taking two out of three on the road in conference play is almost always a job well done in the world of college baseball and this weekend wasn't any different.

In face, the loss in Stillwater looks pretty good in comparison to the 2-1 loss that TCU suffered at home against Kansas on Sunday.

Two weeks away from the three-game showdown in Ft. Worth that will likely decide the Big 12 regular-season championship, the Longhorns and Horned Frogs are both 12-3 through 15 games.

On to next week...

No. 7 – BUY or SELL …


(Buy) I think we're both kind of where we've been, although Anwar might have taken a couple of steps towards me on Saturday.


(Buy) If we're talking about an Alabama-level offense when we say "Sark" offense, yeah, the Jimmys and the Joes matter a lot.


(Sell) I'm still not quite sure that the defense is full of the kind of playmakers needed to make that kind of claim.


(Buy) Tie almost always goes to the younger, more talented player.


(Sell) Plan for the worst, hope for the best.


(Sell) I feel exactly the same about it.


(Buy) Yup.


(Sell) I'm not there yet. You better put some respect on Michael Dickson's name.


(Sell) I don't believe there will be nearly that kind of attrition.

No. 8 - Scattershooting on the weekend...


... Maalik Murphy is a man of the people.


... Hang in there, Steve McMichael. Maybe we should put together a thread full of well-wishes from Orangebloods and try to get them to him? Sounds like too good of an idea to not even try.

... Kyle Shanahan has to draft Justin fields at No.3, right? Right?

... As we get closer to the Draft, I'm thinking Jaycee Horn over Patrick Surtain II at No.10, but I can't exactly tell you why. I'd love to see Joseph Ossai as a day two pick.

... Everything about this was good.


... We're not going to get it this year, but sometime soon we need a Luka/Lakers playoff series.

..,. It's probably time to start talking about Kamaru Usman's historical place in the UFC after Saturday night. He hit Jorge Masvidal so hard that he made him spit like he was The Great Kabuki. Four TKOs in his last 5 fights have made him must-see TV.


... Things just never worked out for Chris Weidman the way that I thought they would in the UFC. It just felt like he went from champion to a guy that would go on to lose six of his last eight fights in the blink of an eye. The game changes so fast in the UFC.

... I'm so ready for this Premier League season to be over with.

... On the other hand, I'm enjoying Austin FC through two games. Yes, I most certainly did watch the game on ESPN+ on Saturday night.

No. 9 - The List: Al Pacino Top 10



One of the greatest living actors in the world turned 81 on Sunday, which seemed like an awesome time to both remind everyone that this scene from Adam Sandler's Jack and Jill actually happened, while also doing a list of his top 10 performances.

No, his donut rap game from 2011 didn't quite make the list.

Let's get to it.

10. Lucifer (The Devil's Advocate)
9. Tony D'Amato (Any Given Sunday)
8. Frank Serpico (Serpico)
7. Carlito Brigante (Carlito's Way)
6. Lt. Col. Frank Slade (Scent of a Woman)
5. Vincent Hanna (Heat)
4. Tony Montana (Scarface)
3. Sonny Wortzik (Dog Day Afternoon)
2. Michael Corleone (The Godfather I)
1. Michael Corleone (The Godfather II)

No. 10 - And Finally ...

The power of Orangebloods was showcased again this past week in our quest to generate $25,000 for the newly minted JimsTexas scholarship fund at The University of Texas.

After five days of auctions, we've surpassed $27,000 overall, which means that with the help of the board he loved so much, we hit our first-year goal. At the same time, we also helped our dear friend Robert Hurst considerably with regards to the funds he's raising in his current battle with cancer.

I say it all the time, and we might put the dysfunction in dysfunctional, but no place rallies for a good cause like Orangebloods. This place comes through every time.
We need to keep them both into the season and the way to do this is to play both EVEN into first game play until one separates,a quarter at a time until one gets hot.We can't afford to not have one as reserve because an injury would kill the football year as the other q=backs are not remotely close to being competitive
 
We need to keep them both into the season and the way to do this is to play both EVEN into first game play until one separates,a quarter at a time until one gets hot.We can't afford to not have one as reserve because an injury would kill the football year as the other q=backs are not remotely close to being competitive
Try as one might, each of these kids can play up to four games before deciding to leave or not.

AS much as Texas might want to manipulate the scenario in a way to try and keep both, it can be problematic for the team at some point if keeping both trumps trying to ready/develop your No.1 guy.
 
Good stuff this week.

As I watched our defense, I kept thinking of the injured members that will be there when the season starts. The unit could be really good.
 
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Ketch (and any other Mods)...Y'all surprise me how many posts you comment upon. Please try to weigh in on this one including my assortment of assumptions and conclusions...thanks.

I think Thompson is the better QB now and will be in 2021....BUT....I think next year Card might be the better in 2022. Now why are those two conclusions important?

Sark needs to win, but he does not need to be in the Big 12 championship game in 2021. We would like him to be, but it is not imperative. It is imperative he get there by at least 2023 and anything earlier than that is even better.

If we assume the QB who does not start likely will transfer, then the real question becomes, in 2022 and 2023 will Card or Thompson be the QB who will more likely win the Big 12 Championship? I think it is Card.

So if I was Sark, I would go with Card as my starter in 2021 and (a) hope he develops like I expect and (b) pray that Card does not get injured like David Ash because, like in those years, if Thompson transfers, my QB room will be very bare.

I think Thompson delivers more wins for UT in 2021; I think Card gives us a better shot at a Big 12 Championship in the next 3 years and a trip to the CFP in four. Both are good QBs; both might be better than Sam. Whoever Sark goes with is a calculated risk that might make him a hero or get him fired.

My above points were somewhat addressed in your response to ArielC's comment above.

The question then might be, how long do you think the reserve QB hangs around before they transfer?
 
Good stuff this week.

As I watched our defense, I kept thinking of the injured members that will be there when the season starts. The unit could be really good.
No doubt. There is an injection of talent/playmaking still on the way.
 
Ketch (and any other Mods)...Y'all surprise me how many posts you comment upon. Please try to weigh in on this one including my assortment of assumptions and conclusions...thanks.

I think Thompson is the better QB now and will be in 2021....BUT....I think next year Card might be the better in 2022. Now why are those two conclusions important?

Sark needs to win, but he does not need to be in the Big 12 championship game in 2021. We would like him to be, but it is not imperative. It is imperative he get there by at least 2023 and anything earlier than that is even better.

If we assume the QB who does not start likely will transfer, then the real question becomes, in 2022 and 2023 will Card or Thompson be the QB who will more likely win the Big 12 Championship? I think it is Card.

So if I was Sark, I would go with Card as my starter in 2021 and (a) hope he develops like I expect and (b) pray that Card does not get injured like David Ash because, like in those years, if Thompson transfers, my QB room will be very bare.

I think Thompson delivers more wins for UT in 2021; I think Card gives us a better shot at a Big 12 Championship in the next 3 years and a trip to the CFP in four. Both are good QBs; both might be better than Sam. Whoever Sark goes with is a calculated risk that might make him a hero or get him fired.

My above points were somewhat addressed in your response to ArielC's comment above.

The question then might be, how long do you think the reserve QB hangs around before they transfer?
1. I disagree with the notion that Thompson is better in 2021. He might be, but I can't so-sign on that as some sort of certified fact. The truth is that he hasn't been better for most of camp.

2. I wouldn't say Thompson delivers wins in more games than Card. Which games do you think he makes a difference in that will literally determine the outcome?

3. I'm not counting on Thompson sticking around for 5 minutes if he's not the starter.
 
ee0e3a40b744e2eebc3b4d949eaa9055x.jpg

“The biggest thing we're looking for is a level of consistency. I think naturally, especially when people come to the spring game, they're looking for the wow plays. The wow plays are dangerous plays if you don't play consistently because they can distract you from maybe some mishaps along the way. We look for consistency. We look for doing what you're asked to do, consistently doing your job down after down, after down. And then those plays, those wow-type plays, naturally occur. We didn't try to force those things today. We just wanted to see and manage the offense that they were charged to manage and see how consistently we could play. I think we definitely have some room to grow in that area as we go into the summer and into fall camp.”

Steve Sarkisian on Saturday talking about the quarterback position.

*****

If I were either Casey Thompson or Hudson Card, I paid very close attention to the words that came out of Sarkisian's mouth yesterday because it seemed like a very obvious message for both.

The peaks don't matter nearly as much as the valleys.

When it comes to Thompson, his sublime performance in the Alamo Bowl four months ago isn't going to cut it. Neither will the spectacular plays that he's capable of when he's at his best outside of the pocket on the move. Those things will take a back seat to not being able to consistently hit the third-and-six throw within the flow of the offense.

When it comes to Card, the truth is the same. Yes, his touchdown throw to Marcus Washington was a thing of beauty, giving everyone a glimpse of what a five-star quarterback talent looks like. Yet, that talent will take a back seat to inexperience if he can't continue to mature and grow his play at the position ahead of most young quarterbacks’ timetables.

Perhaps the best part of Saturday is that everyone got to see a fairly accurate portrayal of the position as it actually stands.

There really hasn't been separation. While Casey Thompson oozes more confidence and maturity, he lacks Card's natural consistency inside of the pocket when it comes to the standard throws a quarterback is expected to make inside of Sarkisian's offense. Yet, when it comes to Card, he lacks Thompson's readiness as a player. If you could add the two together so that the weaknesses of both could be offset by each's strengths, you'd have one hell of a player RIGHT NOW.

If the issues surrounding both players remain unchanged in the coming months, Sarkisian will have to decide which flaw he can live with the most - making accurate throws or maturity.

Will it simply come down to which inconsistency can improve quicker during the month of September?

If I'm Thompson or Card, I'm determined that this question isn't one the head coach has to consider heavily in the middle of August.

(A few more thoughts on the quarterback position with 24 hours to marinate on what we watched...)

1. Thompson's 54.8-percent completion percentage on 42 throws simply isn't good enough. Yes, he had a couple of drops, but there were also times when he struggled to stick throws from the pocket on downs and distances that required him to stick throws. Throughout camp, his consistency when throwing the football has been his biggest obstacle and you could see it in the spring game. That he completed less than 50-percent of his passes in the final three quarters of the game flashed a light on the area where he most needs to improve.

2. I really would have liked to have seen what Card could have done with the best offensive personnel surrounding him. Without sounding too much like the President of the Card Fan Club (which I am), I found it kind of impressive that he found a way to complete 60 percent of his throws on Saturday when you consider he had at least four drops from his receivers that I can remember, had an offensive line that was allowing constant pressure and didn't have much in the way of a running game with Roschon Johnson (a modest 7 carries for 28 yards).

3. While everyone will remember this throw by Card until the players arrive in August...


It was actually this throw from earlier in the drive that I believe Sark will like even more. Nice and easy pitch and catch from one hash mark to the other side of the field in a place where the defense cannot defend it.


No. 2 - Most underrated aspect of the Spring Game...

On a day when the Texas defenses recorded nine sacks, changed the game with a pick-six at the end of the first half and limited the Texas offense to two offensive touchdowns in four quarters of action, the thing that stood out to me about Pete Kwiatkowski's unit the most was probably something far more subtle than any of the headlines from Saturday.

Kwiatkowski's unit was very technically sound, which is no easy accomplishment when you consider that this group of defensive players are going through its third defensive coordinator in the last 16 months. For all of the talk of the offensive coordinator turnover in this program since 2011, the defensive side of the ball is going through a transformation from Todd Orlando in 2019, Chris Ash in 2020 and now Kwiatkowski in 2021.

It would have been perfectly understandable if the unit looked like a major work in progress, but the truth of the matter is that you walked in off the street and knew nothing about the ins and outs of the program, you'd likely never guess that Kwiatkowski has only had 15 practices with this bunch.

The defense tackled well as a whole. The back end of the defense covered well and almost always seemed to keep everything in front of it outside of the first drive of the game. At every layer of the defense, things just felt incredibly sound.

While it remains to be seen whether this team has enough playmakers on the defensive side of the ball to be a difference-making unit, the foundation for a very solid defense appears to be in place.

I'd imagine Kwiatkowski will come out of the spring feeling very good about where his side of the ball is headed.

No. 3 - The wide receiver room...

Honestly, it's pretty damn obvious why Steve Sarkisian used one of his last remaining slots for the 25-man 2021 recruiting/transfer class to bring in a player (Xavier Worthy) at a position where the team is practically bleeding from the overflow of numbers at the position.

Here's a snapshot audit of the scholarship receivers on the roster this spring, separated into several different tiers.

Definitely in Sark's 2021 plans...

1. Jordan Whittington (Sophomore): The single highest-rated recruit on the roster (High four star, No.33 in the nation in the 2019 Rivals rankings) at this position is also the team's best player among the group. Although he still has to prove that he can survive a 12-game college schedule, there's hope that he could emerge as an All-Big 12 level player in 2021.

2. Troy Omeire (Freshman): It said a lot to me that Sarkisian was eager to push Omeire into Saturday's scrimmage when it would have been easy to simply sit him down until the fall, but it also said a lot about the position that he felt he needed to.

3. Joshua Moore (Junior): I'm a member of the Moore Fan Club, but it is mystifying that he hasn't somewhat emerged from the pack a little more when you consider that he has 10 career touchdown receptions in 16 career games. The kid is both capable of the spectacular and a disappearing act. I'm not sure that Sarkisian is expecting the former as much as he wants to rid him of the latter.

4. Kai Money (Junior): If it is third and 7, Money will get you 7 yards. If it's third and 17, Money is likely going to get you 7 yards. There's no shame in being a bankable and trusted situational receiver and while Money might not have starting upside, he'll play this season because he's probably the second-most dependable receiver on Sarkisian's roster at the moment.

Potentially in Sark's 2021 plans...

5. Jaden Alexis (Freshman): The player that has the most to be worried about with the arrival of Worthy in the fall is Alexis, who has as much burst and explosiveness as anyone on the current roster, but as a young player hasn't quite been able to carve out a true role in the offense as Worthy is about to hit campus. It's really important to note that he was on the Orange roster, which means he's mostly thought of as a first-team player at this point... by default. It feels like Worthy (10.55 in the 100 meters) will be directly competing for playing time with Alexis (10.75 in the 100 meters) when he arrives and it'll be up to Alexis to perform at a level that keeps him ahead of a true freshman Sarkisian is going to want to play right away.

6. Jake Smith (Junior): I have to be honest when I say that my expectations for Smith in Austin this season are at the found money stage of the proceedings. If he can stay healthy and make a solid contribution... fantastic. If he can't stay healthy or carve out a role or transfers... it'll kind of be expected. There's a very good player inside of Smith just dying to break out, but it hasn't come together for him yet and the worst thing that can happen to a player with a new coach is to become unavailable.

7. Kelvontay Dixon (Freshman): Dixon has the athleticism and explosiveness to emerge as a threat in this offense, as we're talking about a kid with 10.7-10.8 100-meter speed and in the very last game we've seen him play, he went 73 yards for a touchdown. Yet, Dixon didn't have a camp where he was constantly creating buzz and he was one of the only players at the position that played on Saturday, but didn't catch a pass. Maybe the kid is simply a season or two away, but there's no reason to give up on him.However, his reality is that he's going to need to be better than Worthy and Alexis to get on the field.

I just don't know...

8. Al'Vonte Woodard (Junior): Personally, I thought Woodard flashed in a positive way in the spring game. He's a big-bodied receiver at 6-2, 206 pounds, who doesn't quite have the physical gifts of a Brennan Eagles, but can be a productive short- and intermediate target over the middle. On paper, it feels like he's competing for snaps with Money for playing time in three- or four- situational receiver sets.

9. Marcus Washington (Junior): Like Woodard, Washington is a 6-2 receiver without true game-changing athletic tools. He feels like a potentially serviceable player, but he didn't play at all against Oklahoma or Oklahoma State in 2020 and when he did play, he wasn't able to prove he warranted keeping on the field. I'm not sure how much his role is going to change between now and when the season starts unless there are multiple injuries.

10. Dajon Harrison (Freshman): See Kelvontay Dixon.

11. Montrell Estelle (Senior): It pains me to say this because I loved Estelle when he came out of Hooks a half-decade ago, but it just hasn't happened for him and it still doesn't look like it's happening for him.

No. 4 - About that OU Spring game ...

In case you were wondering about the enemy, here are some notes from the OU Spring Game/Practices (full SoonerScoop.com report)

... Spencer Rattler is absolutely locked in as the starting quarterback going into his second season as a starter. His modest spring game numbers (six of 14 for 116 yards) don't reflect the general attitude about him inside of the program, which suggests that everyone believes he's on the cusp of emerging into one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He's the best quarterback in the Big 12 going into the season.

... Tennessee transfer Eric Gray already looks like a guy that will be a pain in the butt for OU opponents.
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... The offensive line is a major work in progress. The OU coaches probably like their overall depth of players to choose from a little more than the Texas coaches would probably view their own group, but they dealt with a lot of the same issues as the Texas OL did this spring, as they consistently took some Ls against a good OU defensive line.

... While one former five-star receiver in Trejan Bridges was unavailable because of suspension, another former five-star receiver was returning to the field from an injury last season. Remember Jaden Haselwood's name.


... OU folks really, really like this defense. The vibe is that the defensive line might be the best they've had in a while and there are potential playmakers on every level of the defense. Maybe it's fool's gold or maybe that side of the ball is turning a corner for them... but folks are excited about that side of the ball.

... Former Texas commitment Billy Bowman played a lot in the spring game and the general vibe is that he's going to play a lot as a true freshman.

No. 5 - Close, but no cigar...

It's a hell of a thing to be truly great, but second-best next to someone else that is standing right next to you.

In watching the Texas volleyball team lose to Kentucky on Saturday night in the NCAA Championship Final, it was an unmistakable truth that you couldn't run from.

Despite losing in four sets, the Longhorns didn't play poorly. Not even close. Logan Eggleston and Skyler Fields did the damn thing. It's just that Kentucky's Alli Stumler was better on this night. The entire Kentucky team... just a little bit better.

Truth be told - Texas just blinked a few times on Saturday night and it was enough to be the difference in two very close sets to end the match. The next time they get into this position, the team can't blink. Against a team playing as well as Kentucky, the baby blinks can be all the margin between winning and losing.

It goes that way at the highest levels of competition. Gonzaga learned that harsh lesson as well just a few weeks ago in the men’s basketball final. Getting to the top of the mountaintop is no easy feat and considering the Longhorns have lost the NCAA Final five times in the last 12 years, it's not a reality that needs to be explained to Jerritt Elliott.

The good news is that almost everyone on this team returns.

"We're winning next year," Eggleston said after the game. "That's how we're all feeling. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth when you end the season with a loss. We're coming back stronger next year. There's a lot of blood boiling, and we're ready to go."

No. 6 - The streak ends at 16 games...

While Sunday's loss in Stillwater was disappointing because there were wide-spread hopes that Texas baseball would just never lose again, taking two out of three on the road in conference play is almost always a job well done in the world of college baseball and this weekend wasn't any different.

In face, the loss in Stillwater looks pretty good in comparison to the 2-1 loss that TCU suffered at home against Kansas on Sunday.

Two weeks away from the three-game showdown in Ft. Worth that will likely decide the Big 12 regular-season championship, the Longhorns and Horned Frogs are both 12-3 through 15 games.

On to next week...

No. 7 – BUY or SELL …


(Buy) I think we're both kind of where we've been, although Anwar might have taken a couple of steps towards me on Saturday.


(Buy) If we're talking about an Alabama-level offense when we say "Sark" offense, yeah, the Jimmys and the Joes matter a lot.


(Sell) I'm still not quite sure that the defense is full of the kind of playmakers needed to make that kind of claim.


(Buy) Tie almost always goes to the younger, more talented player.


(Sell) Plan for the worst, hope for the best.


(Sell) I feel exactly the same about it.


(Buy) Yup.


(Sell) I'm not there yet. You better put some respect on Michael Dickson's name.


(Sell) I don't believe there will be nearly that kind of attrition.

No. 8 - Scattershooting on the weekend...


... Maalik Murphy is a man of the people.


... Hang in there, Steve McMichael. Maybe we should put together a thread full of well-wishes from Orangebloods and try to get them to him? Sounds like too good of an idea to not even try.

... Kyle Shanahan has to draft Justin fields at No.3, right? Right?

... As we get closer to the Draft, I'm thinking Jaycee Horn over Patrick Surtain II at No.10, but I can't exactly tell you why. I'd love to see Joseph Ossai as a day two pick.

... Everything about this was good.


... We're not going to get it this year, but sometime soon we need a Luka/Lakers playoff series.

..,. It's probably time to start talking about Kamaru Usman's historical place in the UFC after Saturday night. He hit Jorge Masvidal so hard that he made him spit like he was The Great Kabuki. Four TKOs in his last 5 fights have made him must-see TV.


... Things just never worked out for Chris Weidman the way that I thought they would in the UFC. It just felt like he went from champion to a guy that would go on to lose six of his last eight fights in the blink of an eye. The game changes so fast in the UFC.

... I'm so ready for this Premier League season to be over with.

... On the other hand, I'm enjoying Austin FC through two games. Yes, I most certainly did watch the game on ESPN+ on Saturday night.

No. 9 - The List: Al Pacino Top 10



One of the greatest living actors in the world turned 81 on Sunday, which seemed like an awesome time to both remind everyone that this scene from Adam Sandler's Jack and Jill actually happened, while also doing a list of his top 10 performances.

No, his donut rap game from 2011 didn't quite make the list.

Let's get to it.

10. Lucifer (The Devil's Advocate)
9. Tony D'Amato (Any Given Sunday)
8. Frank Serpico (Serpico)
7. Carlito Brigante (Carlito's Way)
6. Lt. Col. Frank Slade (Scent of a Woman)
5. Vincent Hanna (Heat)
4. Tony Montana (Scarface)
3. Sonny Wortzik (Dog Day Afternoon)
2. Michael Corleone (The Godfather I)
1. Michael Corleone (The Godfather II)

No. 10 - And Finally ...

The power of Orangebloods was showcased again this past week in our quest to generate $25,000 for the newly minted JimsTexas scholarship fund at The University of Texas.

After five days of auctions, we've surpassed $27,000 overall, which means that with the help of the board he loved so much, we hit our first-year goal. At the same time, we also helped our dear friend Robert Hurst considerably with regards to the funds he's raising in his current battle with cancer.

I say it all the time, and we might put the dysfunction in dysfunctional, but no place rallies for a good cause like Orangebloods. This place comes through every time.
Al Pacino’s Dunkacino commercial was awesome, even if it was in Sandler’s worst movie.
 

3. While everyone will remember this throw by Card until the players arrive in August...


It was actually this throw from earlier in the drive that I believe Sark will like even more. Nice and easy pitch and catch from one hash mark to the other side of the field in a place where the defense cannot defend it.

One of the greatest living actors in the world turned 81 on Sunday, which seemed like an awesome time to both remind everyone that this scene from Adam Sandler's Jack and Jill actually happened, while also doing a list of his top 10 performances.

No, his donut rap game from 2011 didn't quite make the list.

Let's get to it.

10. Lucifer (The Devil's Advocate)
9. Tony D'Amato (Any Given Sunday)
8. Frank Serpico (Serpico)
7. Carlito Brigante (Carlito's Way)
6. Lt. Col. Frank Slade (Scent of a Woman)
5. Vincent Hanna (Heat)
4. Tony Montana (Scarface)
3. Sonny Wortzik (Dog Day Afternoon)
2. Michael Corleone (The Godfather I)
1. Michael Corleone (The Godfather II)
That's a fine analysis in pointing out that throw by Card. That 10-12-yard out from the opposite hash is a throw, along with the deep ball down the seam, that Sam Ehlinger was highly inaccurate at making, and Card just stuck it in there. It will be an asset to the offense to have a quarterback who can stick that throw.

And on to Pacino . . .

I think you missed one of his great performances.

There is deliberation in the acting world as to how Shylock the Jew in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice should be played. Some actors have played him as traditonally, characteristically Jewish of that era, while others have played him as a straight-ahead character (Sir Patrick Stewart did the role in this vein).

In the 2005 film, Pacino did a brilliant turn as Shylock, playing him as traditionally Jewish but understated and unthreatening, even though he demanded his pound of flesh from Antonio. Pacino made Shylock a layered human. This was surely one of his top 10 all-time performances, much better than Tony D'Amato in Any Given Sunday, a cliche sports movie. I'd probably slot it at No. 5 or 6.

By the way, Lynn Collins, playing Portia, did a masteful job with the famous "The qualifty of mercy is not strained" speech in rebuking Shylock at the trial in that film.

You should check out Pacino in The Merchant of Venice sometime when the kids are occupied elsewhere.
 
1. I disagree with the notion that Thompson is better in 2021. He might be, but I can't so-sign on that as some sort of certified fact. The truth is that he hasn't been better for most of camp.

2. I wouldn't say Thompson delivers wins in more games than Card. Which games do you think he makes a difference in that will literally determine the outcome?

3. I'm not counting on Thompson sticking around for 5 minutes if he's not the starter.
thanks Ketch...

Thompson appeared to make some good throws, but not as many as Card. The pass Moore dropped in the end zone was a very good throw. He made others as well. Card made more.

Thompson appeared to be more comfortable in the pocket, but one could argue he had a better OL to protect him.

I am not an analyst (in fact far from it) but my feel is if the season started today Thompson is more prepared to lead the team. Granted, the season is 4 months away and things might change. Based on that general conclusion which is founded on immeasurable beliefs, unless Card 'grows' enough to surpass Thompson in the next 4 months or Sark thinks Card will outgrow Thompson by OU, I think Thompson would be the one to better lead the team which should translate into more wins. I do not have specific games Thompson would win and Card would lose, but the maturity of Thompson would win more games in 2021 for Sark.

Is 2021 is not as important to Sark as 2022 and 2023?

Do you think Card is more likely to win Sark a Big 12 championship?

If Thompson is slightly ahead of Card at the beginning of the season, do you think Card gets the start because Card is more likely to win Sark a Big 12 championship one day?

If Thompson starts, does Card leave; and if he does, when?
 
The amount of upperclassmen WRs who are struggling to stay ahead of a walk-on who exclusively catches 7-yard balls is the only thing about the football team that has me antsy.
 
That's a fine analysis in pointing out that throw by Card. That 10-12-yard out from the opposite hash is a throw, along with the deep ball down the seam, that Sam Ehlinger was highly inaccurate at making, and Card just stuck it in there. It will be an asset to the offense to have a quarterback who can stick that throw.

And on to Pacino . . .

I think you missed one of his great performances.

There is deliberation in the acting world as to how Shylock the Jew in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice should be played. Some actors have played him as traditonally, characteristically Jewish of that era, while others have played him as a straight-ahead character (Sir Patrick Stewart did the role in this vein).

In the 2005 film, Pacino did a brilliant turn as Shylock, playing him as traditionally Jewish but understated and unthreatening, even though he demanded his pound of flesh from Antonio. Pacino made Shylock a layered human. This was surely one of his top 10 all-time performances, much better than Tony D'Amato in Any Given Sunday, a cliche sports movie. I'd probably slot it at No. 5 or 6.

By the way, Lynn Collins, playing Portia, did a masteful job with the famous "The qualifty of mercy is not strained" speech in rebuking Shylock at the trial in that film.

You should check out Pacino in The Merchant of Venice sometime when the kids are occupied elsewhere.
Never seen it. Will definitely check it out.
 
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