Did you read Ketch's article? Both QB's are young guys just trying to figure it out, and nearly all of our running backs are hurt right now.
Ketch's 10 Thoughts From the Weekend (Imagine how great the world would be if you loved swimming)
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Did you read Ketch's article? Both QB's are young guys just trying to figure it out, and nearly all of our running backs are hurt right now.
That's how I read it too. Sounds like trouble to me but what do I know? Never underestimate the potency of Kool Aid for many OB's.
It's been interesting to see how much your opinion of Buechelle's season has changed. This is what you wrote about it 10 games in:
"Amazingly lost in the midst of a roller coaster of a 5-5 season, Buechele has arguably produced the single-best freshman quarterback campaign in the history of the Longhorn program. It’s either him or Colt McCoy in 2006. Personally, I’d give the nod to McCoy, but this is exclusive territory we’re talking about.
While he currently ranks 36th in the nation in passing efficiency with a 144.6 rating through 10 games, that number doesn’t tell the full story of Buechele's season. In the last 10 seasons (2007-2016), only two quarterbacks in a Texas uniform has produced a better quarterback rating than Buechele’s this season … the 2008 version of McCoy and the 2012 version of David Ash.
Yes, that includes both the 2009 version of McCoy and the 2010 version of Garrett Gilbert.
It’s part of the reason this season doesn’t make any damn sense. If I had told you before the season that Buechele would post better passer numbers than McCoy did in his senior season, every single one of you would have assumed that this team would be playing for reasonably big things in the final two weeks of the season.
Godsends are supposed to take you to the promised land, not the Texas Bowl, which begs a simple question.
Where would this team be without him? What if he had 10 fewer efficiency points and ranked 59th in the nation? Where would it be? Given the alternatives, it’s not crazy to think that Notre Dame, Baylor and Texas Tech all flip the other direction.
Would this be a 2-8 or 3-7 team without him?
It’s easy to forget that McCoy had only one season in his final three years at Texas that was as successful statistically as his first, but unless Buechele’s playing over his head and above his natural mean, it’s not unreasonable to say that we’re watching his floor as a player right now during his freshman season.
All of this is to say that the Longhorns might have 99 problems, but the quarterback position ain’t one."
Buechelle's Season Better than McCoy's?
Now granted, that was before the KU loss, which was by far his worst game. As I said, it's just been interesting to watch your opinion change so drastically.
Damn - Forgot how great a singer Teddy was.
My goodness, if only Texas football fans loved swimming as much as they loved football.
Can you imagine such a world?
It’s a place where even the likes of Nick Saban and Urban Meyer blush over the amount of success enjoyed by Eddie Reese.
Can you imagine the happiness that would exist in your life?
It’s a place where the amount of second-guessing on a message board is pretty much muted at all times because there’s virtually nothing to second-guess.
Can you just imagine?
Honestly, I’m not sure that I can, especially after the last seven seasons at DKR.
As the Texas Longhorns polished off their 13th national championship under Reese in his 39 seasons (1/3 of a near four-decade career ends in a national title!!!!!!), it’s almost impossible to comprehend what has occurred under his watch in the pool.
Consider that the Longhorns won the national title this weekend with 542 points and tied their own NCAA record with victories in 11 of the meet’s 21 events. Or that Reese’s Chlorine Squad broke seven NCAA records and three American records. Or that runner-up California only finished 193 points behind the Longhorns.
Basically, the Longhorns turned a four-day swim event into a replay of the 2005 Big 12 Championship game.
Again.
I don’t have a single new thought about Reese to say. It’s all been said before.
Instead, I’m just going to sit here in awe … and wonder out loud what running Orangebloods would look and feel like if swimming was the sport that mattered around here instead of football.
No. 2 – Crack in the armor ...
Once upon a time, the best wide receiver in the history of the Texas program was considered more urban myth and ghost than great player.
For two seasons, Texas faithful heard about the legend of Jordan Shipley and by the time he stepped on the field in 2006, you kept waiting for him to step on a crack and break his own back.
By the time he departed the program following the 2009 season, he had emerged into the receiver that everyone had once hoped Roy Williams would turn into. In the biggest game of his life, Shipley caught 10 passes against Alabama for 122 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With all due respect to the Alabama team that won a national title that night, it was Shipley who was the best player on the field.
Just ask anyone in that Alabama secondary.
When I heard the news of Chris Warren's latest injury issue (a dreaded hammy problem), I thought of Shipley and the roll of the eyes that his name used to create around these parts because that's where we are right now with Warren.
His being banged up is the least surprising thing you could tell a Texas fan at the moment, which is horribly unfortunate because Warren is such a key component, in theory, to Tom Herman's first season in Austin. A season ago, a Warren-less offense meant more carries for D'Onta Foreman, which allowed for one of the greatest individual seasons any running back at this school has ever enjoyed.
That's not the case this season, a truth that threatens to leave a sting on the season if other answers can't be found.
As Herman looks to find his solution at the most important position on the field, having a strong running game that can relieve the pressure on his future starting quarterback is critical. If this is going to be a successful season, the running game must be a strength of the offense, but it's tough to pinpoint what that strength is going to look like in terms of specific parts.
If Warren is plan A, then the Texas coaches better have a plan B (and possibly a plan C ready to go) from the very first whistle of the season because until Warren proves that he can stay on the field, I don't know how you can plan to build around him over 12 games.
No. 3 – Interesting thing a little birdie tells me ...
A little birdie of mine, someone that has seen multiple practices this season, conveyed an interesting opinion to me following Saturday’s practice.
“I don’t think anyone is ahead at quarterback,” the little birdie tweeted at me. “Based on performance, both players look exactly like young players trying to figure out a new offense. I’ve yet to think to myself that Shane Buechele is ahead of Sam Ehlinger, or vice versa.”
The little birdie continued …
“Both quarterbacks will make plays that inspire, but it happens too infrequently apart. Honestly, I find myself watching other parts of the team more often than the quarterbacks.”
Finally, I asked the little birdie if he would bring in LSU transfer Brandon Harris based on what he has seen in practice.
“I would bring in an older guy because I think that group could use an older player arounds them. Neither player has another player to turn to in practice to talk to and there was a point in Saturday’s practice when I thought one of them looked frustrated. After the coaches talked to him a little bit, he seemed to turn to look for someone to talk to, but there wasn’t anyone there.”
No. 4 – About Brandon Harris to UNC …
Seems pretty simple on the surface … Harris chose the school that desperately needs him over the school that only thinks it might need him.
Is it a big loss?
Man, I have no idea how good Harris’ ceiling is at this point in his career, but I’ll buy that he’s a decent player that desperately needs an offensive scheme that better fits his skill set. Beyond that, it’s hard to say he’s a game-changer.
Is it a loss, though?
Yeah, there’s a reason why Tom Herman was in pursuit. This quarterback room at Texas could use some upperclassmen touch and there’s a part of me that wonders whether Shane Buechele and Sam Ehlinger are both players that would be better off still developing for another season behind the scenes in a perfect world.
The unknown of the Texas quarterback situation made Harris look attractive, even if he’s never proven to be a plus-player at this level, a feeling probably created by anxiety.
Would Harris have eliminated the anxiety with his arrival?
No.
Would Harris have relieved the anxiety with his arrival.
Maybe, but just a small bit.
No. 5 – Scattershooting on the Longhorns …
… It’s really disappointing that Kirk Johnson just hasn’t been able to get completely right yet in his quest to make an impact at running back. With injuries to Tristian Houston and Warren, sophomore Kyle Porter couldn’t have a better platform to make a case that he warrants heavy involvement in 2017 planning. It’s pretty much his show right now.
… From left to right, the second-team offensive line on Saturday included: Patrick Hudson, Elijah Rodriguez, Terrell Cuney, JP Urquidez, Denzel Okafor. In other words … redshirt freshman, junior, junior, redshirt freshman and sophomore. Of that group, only Rodriguez (two) and Okafor (one) have lettered. Bottom line – a couple of these young kids need to grow up fast … real fast.
… Charlie Strong had a fair share of complaints for his out-of-state recruiting in the early stages of his tenure, but where on earth would this Texas defensive line be without Poona Ford and Chris Nelson? While I was the first and loudest person to warn everyone that contributions from last year’s defensive tackle class shouldn’t be assumed in year one, I am surprised that no one from that 2016 recruiting group has really established himself as the clear-cut leader for playing time.
… Yes, if I was going into a dark alley and I had to choose any Longhorns player to be by my side, I’m taking DeShon Elliott with me. Let’s see … unafraid to date his coach’s daughter? Check. Ready to fight the entire Baylor team? Check. Wins convincingly in the bull in the ring drill? That kid has some Jammer in him.
… On that note, I’m very disappointed that no video exists on the Internet of Quentin Jammer’s martial arts tournament exploits.
… Ok, with this declaration from Herman, it’s official.
No. 6 – Buy or sell …
BUY or SELL: There is a greater than 50% chance Shane Buechele is not the starter by the OU game?
(Sell) I don’t know what the percentage is, but I’ll go with Buechele being the start for that game at slightly greater than 50-percent
BUY or SELL: Someone from the 2017 football team will win a national award?
(Sell) I think what you’re probably asking me is whether Connor Williams wins the Outland Trophy or if Michael Dickson wins the Ray Guy Award and I’d probably bet against it happening, although both will likely be in serious contention. If Texas can get to 10 wins this season, I think Williams’ chances would dramatically improve.
BUY or SELL: The student appreciation day was a complete failure due to lack of student participation, with contributing factors including more things to do in Austin and the UT student demographic?
(Sell) I think the students that were there would describe it as something different than a complete failure. Could it have been better? Sure. However, there were quite a few big-time prospects that painted the scene as a very good time and I’d argue Saturday was a good day for the program.
BUY or SELL: Assuming Herman and Stoops are still around, Texas wins more Big 12 championships in the next 10 years than Oklahoma?
(Sell) To be the man, you have to beat the man, and I’m not going to bet against Stoops until someone takes the belt from him. Herman hasn’t taken the belt.
BUY or SELL: Josh Covey will play at least at one point in his career at Texas?
(Buy) Before his career is over, Texas will beat someone so bad that the walk-on quarterback will get a few kneel-downs or handoffs to walk-on running backs before his career concludes. Absolutely.
BUY or SELL: Insider information, leaks, and off the record team updates are harder to come by since Tom Herman’s hire?
(Buy) I think to a degree, but a lot of that might have to do with the fact that everyone had three years to create some new sourcing and in some respects had to hit a reset button of sorts. I also would contend that Herman’s desire to be out in front of this issue by being much more available than his predecessors has to be included in the discussion because it’s not an apple to apple topic.
BUY or SELL: Due to continuing inconsistent play at QB and inability to replace Foreman's production at RB, Texas' offensive numbers from 2016 season aren't significantly improved upon, but the defensive, kicking game, and coaching improvements are substantial enough to allow the 2017 Longhorns to finish 8-4 in regular season play?
(Buy) That’s kind of where I am right now. Great question.
BUY or SELL: This is the best DB class the state of Texas has ever seen?
(Sell) It was just a few years ago that the 2014 class produced Jamal Adams (top five pick in 2017 NFL Draft), Tony Brown (current starter at Alabama and future high pick in the 2018 NFL Draft), Edward Paris (senior part-time starter at LSU), Nick Harvey (two-year starter at Texas A&M) and Dylan Sumner-Gardner (Boise State flame-out) all as top-10 prospects in the state of Texas. That class also produced A&M’s Armani Watts, Oregon’s Arrion Springs, Oklahoma’s Jordan Thomas, TCU’s Nick Orr and UT’s John Bonney.
BUY OR SELL: Glenn Close is the greatest actress to have never won an Academy Award although she has been nominated six times (The World According To Garp, The Big Chill, The Natural, Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liasons, and Albert Nobbs). Amy Adams is in second place with five (Junebug, Doubt, The Fighter, The Master and American Hustle).
(Sell) I’ll go with Greta Garbo, who was nominated for four Oscars before the age of 35, before retiring and pretty much becoming the female Howard Hughes recluse of her time.
BUY or SELL: SHE gets 10+ years?
No. 7 – The last steps are always the hardest …
The Texas women’s basketball team hit the wall on Friday night in its regional semifinal against Stanford for a variety of reasons, but there were two glaring issues in the final moments of a double-digit loss.
Texas needs a shooter. Actually, the Longhorns needs shooters (plural).
Karen Aston’s team just wasn’t quite ready for prime-time. Stanford was just flat out better and made all the big plays in the second half.
As a byproduct, Aston’s Longhorns ended the 2017 season without taking the kinds of baby steps forward that they have taken in each of the last three seasons. After reaching the Elite 8 a season ago, only to run into the UConn monster, the Longhorns appeared to be a team that was on the verge of joining the nation’s elite of the elite four weeks ago when they were 10 minutes away from clinching a Big 12 title.
Yet, that loss to Baylor at home, which followed a loss to Oklahoma, kick-started a 4-5 finish to the season that witnessed Texas not win the conference title, flame out of the Big 12 Tournament and fail to even return to the round in the NCAA Tournament that it reached a season ago.
That’s called a disappointing season.
It also speaks to the rebuild that Aston has done in Austin in her five seasons that we’re discussing a 25-8 season as a disappointment, but that’s where we are at the moment. Heart and determination aren’t an issue as much as the reality that Aston’s team merely lacked important skill that was always going to be its undoing.
This off-season needs to be about shoring up the blind spots that sidetracked the season because at some point when you're six years into a job at a place like Texas, you’re either achieving national success or you’re failing at your job.
No. 8 – The sweet, sweet sounds of sweeping …
Nothing will take the sting out of winning the first two games of a conference series quite like losing the third game in sloppiness.
After a Texas Tech sweep last weekend, a loss on Sunday might have represented the ultimate “two steps forward, one step back” weekend for Texas.
Yet by hook or by crook, the Longhorns got out of Sunday with a 6-5 win over Kansas State and suddenly things don’t look nearly as dire as they might have looked seven days ago.
There’s no reason to go crazy just yet, but that’s a step in the right direction for a team that has occasionally taken a few steps backwards.
No. 9 – Eternal Randomness of the Spotty Sports Mind …
… I can’t believe I allowed myself to almost go all-in on Kansas with three games to go in the NCAA Tournament. Good grief, what was I thinking? I’ve been to the circus a million times and I still acted like I had never seen the strings.
… I’ll never doubt Gonzaga again. That team has almost replaced Kansas as the team I’m about to go all-in with. Sorry in advance, Zags.
… Man, say what you want about Frank Martin and where he once came from, but he took Kansas State to an Elite 8 and has South Carolina in the Final Four. That’s some coaching right there, I’ll tell you what.
… South Carolina plays like the team at the neighborhood park that never loses in an entire afternoon’s worth of play.
… Please, shut up until the Tournament is over, Lavar Ball. For the love of God, please.
… You know who could really use Colin Kaepernick in 2017? America’s Team.
… Tony Romo should take that job with CBS and never look back. Are you kidding me, he’d be in a position to replace Phil Simms by the end of the decade on the network’s No. 1 team.
… Christian Pulisic isn’t just the future of US Soccer, he’s the present as well. It’s pretty crazy to see the U.S. team with one of the world’s best young players pulling the strings in central midfield. Barring injuries, he’s the face of the squad for at least the next four world cups.
… ESPNFC is calling Clint Dempsey the best American soccer player of all-time. Nacogdoches, holla!
… James Rodriguez to Liverpool? Come on, Reds, finish strong in these final nine games.
No. 10 – And finally…
In honor of the late Teddy P, I give you my top five all-time songs from the Philadelphia great.
5. When Somebody Loves You Back
4. Close The Door
3. Love TKO
2. Turn Off The Lights
If You Don’t Know Me By Now
Thanks for sharing that out.
When Jammer and Roy Williams came out in 2001, I wanted Williams over Jammer for Dallas' 6th pick. I wish Dallas had been able to draft Jammer instead.
Take a guess.
Will one of the two of Sam or Shane ever be considered a great Texas QB. Talking about the level at or above James Brown.
Hornius Emeritus
Traces of Texas
Barbara Stanwyck was the greatest/best actress to never win an Oscar. Nominated four times, played opposite Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Glenn Ford, Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, William Holden, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Henry Fonda, Erroll Flynn, Robert Taylor etc...
I have to disagree with #7 Ketch. Shes done a hell of a job restoring the program and is recruiting lights out. They beat Baylor. They made the Sweet 16. They won 25 games. They are a team no one wants to play. Id say Aston has done the best job of any coach in the last decade in a major sport.
Chris Warren cannot stay healthy, maybe not his fault, but something happens within his body and physical makeup that puts him at risk to injuries that linger on and he never seems to get cured and then something else happens. Really worry about him just stepping off the bus sometimes or pulling a muscle in the weight room, let alone in a scrimmage or a game. your concerns are a big issue if this team is to be a success and glad you are discussing it.
If you're a Teddy fan, see the documentary SuperMensch. Great part about him in that. Terrific watch anyway about Shep Gordon, a guy most people don't know and have never heard of, but has had a great impact in entertainment.
Is it the spring or regular season? Every single injured player should be healthy once summer camp starts. And the QBS have one week's practice in a new offense as do the the guys they're throwing to. They'll figure it out
This kind of QB report while a bit unfortunate in terms of the overall talent level at the position, does not really create any drama at all on who is going to start. There's no way Herman wants to rely on a true freshman. He might do so, but until we start getting a lot of consistent reports that Sam looks significantly better than Shane, I think we all k ow it will be Shane starting. As long as neither is standing out above the other, then it is Shane's job.
Except I am on the side that thinks Buechele is the starter for the OU game. I do think Harris would have signaled a change.
He's talking about those positions not being above average at this stage of developments.
a. I've contended that I absolutely was among the masses that was just looking at the overall numbers for too long and didn't look deep enough when I made those comments.
b. Texas would have possibly been 2-10 or 3-9 without him.
c. I mentioned that he was playing over his head and above his mean, along with the fact that 2016 represented his floor.
I'm sticking with Garbo.Again, four nominations before she was 35 and then she just bounced.
Garbo was a generational actress that defined her craft.
They took a step back this season from last and finished the season 4-5 in the last nine games.
She's done a great job, but this season was incomplete.
Also, who wouldn't want to play Texas as a 3-seed. Texas can't shoot or score. That's a three-seed you dream about playing if you are a 2-seed.
Please no, they are finally headed in the right direction, no need to take another step back
we did, the guy who owns wanted a million bucks for it.
I think the event of a tie, Herman goes with the guy he believes is the better leader/alpha male.
Too late. Have you seen this off-season? Resigning Terrence Williams is the the highlight.
