Texas offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert addressed the media during his weekly press conference on Tuesday night. Here are the highlights from his press conference:
- As expected, Gilbert was asked about not using running back D’Onta Foreman late in the fourth quarter against Texas Tech. Here was his initial response: “Just went back to the success we had earlier in the game with it. We have a lot of belief and confidence in that package, and utilize it for what it is. That’s what we felt confidence in.”
- During the follow-up question, a reporter mentioned FOX Sports announcer Tim Brando's comment about the decision to use Swoopes instead of Foreman could get a coach fired and asked Gilbert if he should have kept feeding the hot running back. Gilbert stood firm and said, “I didn’t even know he made the comment, so shows you how much I care about that. What my job is to do is to put us in situations to have success, and set our kids up for success, and score the amount of points that we did on Saturday, produce the amount of yards we did on Saturday, and continue to grow and develop our offense and our kids. My number one concern is all of our kids at the University of Texas.”
- Gilbert described quarterback Shane Buechele as a player who embraces the grind and hard work. In addition, Gilbert said Buechele continues to get better, and is able to quickly recognize his mistakes.
- When asked about the game plan he has developed for Buechele, and if that includes not throwing over the middle to reduce turnovers, Gilbert said, “It’s about development all the way through the season. Like I said, you have to go back all the way through spring, where he’s at and the competition. You get through two-a-days and the games come on, and week by week you’re getting to know him better, to gauge him better, and understand how far we can push him.”
- In addition, Gilbert said Buechele is involved in the offensive game plan each week: “Obviously, things we feel and we like that he does well, those are the things we try to put in our scheme each week. From his understanding, that’s a big part of it with him, too. When me and him sit down, I ask him what do you like best because that’s the most important thing. It’s one thing as a coach to know, but our kids have to know. That’s something we emphasize with all of our kids is they have to know schematically exactly what we’re trying to do, and how we’re trying to get it accomplished. Those are the conversations I have with him. We sit down and I say, ‘Hey, do you like this? Are you good with this? Are you comfortable with this?’ He’ll say, ‘No, coach, I like this better.’ Well, if he likes that better, then that’s probably going to go in the game plan because he’s the guy out there on the field. He has to execute and be 100 percent confident in it and comfortable with it.”
- Gilbert said the reason why freshman receiver Collin Johnson is seeing more playing time is because he has been growing. He does not believe Johnson is emerging late in the season. Instead, Gilbert says for a young player, Johnson is right on time.
- Charlie Strong praised receiver Devin Duvernay for running down an opposing player after D’Onta Foreman’s fumble, and Gilbert agreed with the assessment. Gilbert said his effort was huge for the team.
- Gilbert praised his offensive line for Foreman’s performance this season. He is pleased with how the offensive line has been able to overcome injuries and play well.
- Texas tight end Caleb Bluiett graded out at 90 percent for his performance against Texas Tech. Gilbert praised Bluiett’s physical play, how he sets the edge, plus helps in the run and pass game.
- Lastly, Gilbert said West Virginia’s defense is stingy, solid and good. In addition, Gilbert said that defensively WVU is sound, physical and all over the place. He calls West Virginia a really good football team.
- As expected, Gilbert was asked about not using running back D’Onta Foreman late in the fourth quarter against Texas Tech. Here was his initial response: “Just went back to the success we had earlier in the game with it. We have a lot of belief and confidence in that package, and utilize it for what it is. That’s what we felt confidence in.”
- During the follow-up question, a reporter mentioned FOX Sports announcer Tim Brando's comment about the decision to use Swoopes instead of Foreman could get a coach fired and asked Gilbert if he should have kept feeding the hot running back. Gilbert stood firm and said, “I didn’t even know he made the comment, so shows you how much I care about that. What my job is to do is to put us in situations to have success, and set our kids up for success, and score the amount of points that we did on Saturday, produce the amount of yards we did on Saturday, and continue to grow and develop our offense and our kids. My number one concern is all of our kids at the University of Texas.”
- Gilbert described quarterback Shane Buechele as a player who embraces the grind and hard work. In addition, Gilbert said Buechele continues to get better, and is able to quickly recognize his mistakes.
- When asked about the game plan he has developed for Buechele, and if that includes not throwing over the middle to reduce turnovers, Gilbert said, “It’s about development all the way through the season. Like I said, you have to go back all the way through spring, where he’s at and the competition. You get through two-a-days and the games come on, and week by week you’re getting to know him better, to gauge him better, and understand how far we can push him.”
- In addition, Gilbert said Buechele is involved in the offensive game plan each week: “Obviously, things we feel and we like that he does well, those are the things we try to put in our scheme each week. From his understanding, that’s a big part of it with him, too. When me and him sit down, I ask him what do you like best because that’s the most important thing. It’s one thing as a coach to know, but our kids have to know. That’s something we emphasize with all of our kids is they have to know schematically exactly what we’re trying to do, and how we’re trying to get it accomplished. Those are the conversations I have with him. We sit down and I say, ‘Hey, do you like this? Are you good with this? Are you comfortable with this?’ He’ll say, ‘No, coach, I like this better.’ Well, if he likes that better, then that’s probably going to go in the game plan because he’s the guy out there on the field. He has to execute and be 100 percent confident in it and comfortable with it.”
- Gilbert said the reason why freshman receiver Collin Johnson is seeing more playing time is because he has been growing. He does not believe Johnson is emerging late in the season. Instead, Gilbert says for a young player, Johnson is right on time.
- Charlie Strong praised receiver Devin Duvernay for running down an opposing player after D’Onta Foreman’s fumble, and Gilbert agreed with the assessment. Gilbert said his effort was huge for the team.
- Gilbert praised his offensive line for Foreman’s performance this season. He is pleased with how the offensive line has been able to overcome injuries and play well.
- Texas tight end Caleb Bluiett graded out at 90 percent for his performance against Texas Tech. Gilbert praised Bluiett’s physical play, how he sets the edge, plus helps in the run and pass game.
- Lastly, Gilbert said West Virginia’s defense is stingy, solid and good. In addition, Gilbert said that defensively WVU is sound, physical and all over the place. He calls West Virginia a really good football team.
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