Texas offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert resumed his weekly press conference on Tuesday after his team’s bye week. Gilbert discussed the previous game against Cal, and talked about Texas’ upcoming road contest against Oklahoma State.
Here are the highlights of Gilbert’s media availability:
- Gilbert was asked about Oklahoma State’s defense, especially after seeing the upcoming opponent against Baylor on Saturday, and said the team was good. He described OSU as a team with its back against the wall. In addition, Gilbert said the Cowboys are very talented up front, in the back end, and they have a lot of experience.
- Here are the offensive areas Gilbert said need improvement: “Just fine tuning it, and again, being better with our offense about execution, about what they’re asked to do, where they’re asked to be, how they’re asked to do those things, from up front, to the quarterbacks, the running backs and receivers. Just trying to be better as a whole. Like I’ve said all along, it’s about progression with us continually from week to week. Through that open week, you’re looking for growth, progression, just looking for guys to be focused on some things that maybe we’ve addressed with them to get better.”
- Gilbert on not being able to overcome penalties in the second half against Cal: “That is obviously something we have to not only lessen, but attempt to eliminate. Those were drive killers, and those are things that affect us down the stretch, and us not being able to overcome those things. Those are things that we have to really be focused in on. Got to understand, got to know, and just be better with those.” He viewed that as the biggest third quarter problem against Cal.
- Through three games, Gilbert said his offense can be better on third downs. The biggest goal is avoiding third-and-long,
- Here is Gilbert’s take on the goals of Texas’ running game: “It’s definitely a start for us. We've got to continue to get better with that as well. Game in and game out, week in and week out, again, our sole focus every week is to win. Whatever it takes to win. If it’s being productive in the run game, then it’s being productive in the run game. If we feel like we need to throw the football to win it, then that’s what we've got to do. But I think we have a start. Both of those backs have done a good job. Kyle has been able to get in there some and get some reps as well. Just continue to be better at understanding our scheme, knowing where those guys need to hit holes, and how to do it, and play without what we’re asking them to do.”
- When asked how the simplicity of the offense has helped Shane Buechele’s performance, Gilbert said, “What we do is not simple. There are some things that are tough, and you’re doing it against quality people.” Gilbert also said, “By no means do we have a veteran quarterback. You have a true freshman guy that is three games in. He’s going to continue to grow. He’s a guy that’s motivated about that. He’s determined about being better. It’s just little things, about throws, understanding situations, down and distance, and being able to manage the game at a high level.”
- Gilbert did not appear worried about playing without suspended guard Kent Perkins. He said Jake McMillion and Alex Anderson will rotate at the position.
- Even though Texas’ offense is averaging over 40 points a game, Gilbert said there is nothing for his unit to be complacent about. He said the team understands there is a lot of room for improvement, and a lot of room for growth. The guys have to continue to press and be motivated.
- Gilbert said OSU is able to generate turnovers by being physical. He believes OSU’s talent and coaching are other reasons why the Cowboys’ defense plays so well.
Here are the highlights of Gilbert’s media availability:
- Gilbert was asked about Oklahoma State’s defense, especially after seeing the upcoming opponent against Baylor on Saturday, and said the team was good. He described OSU as a team with its back against the wall. In addition, Gilbert said the Cowboys are very talented up front, in the back end, and they have a lot of experience.
- Here are the offensive areas Gilbert said need improvement: “Just fine tuning it, and again, being better with our offense about execution, about what they’re asked to do, where they’re asked to be, how they’re asked to do those things, from up front, to the quarterbacks, the running backs and receivers. Just trying to be better as a whole. Like I’ve said all along, it’s about progression with us continually from week to week. Through that open week, you’re looking for growth, progression, just looking for guys to be focused on some things that maybe we’ve addressed with them to get better.”
- Gilbert on not being able to overcome penalties in the second half against Cal: “That is obviously something we have to not only lessen, but attempt to eliminate. Those were drive killers, and those are things that affect us down the stretch, and us not being able to overcome those things. Those are things that we have to really be focused in on. Got to understand, got to know, and just be better with those.” He viewed that as the biggest third quarter problem against Cal.
- Through three games, Gilbert said his offense can be better on third downs. The biggest goal is avoiding third-and-long,
- Here is Gilbert’s take on the goals of Texas’ running game: “It’s definitely a start for us. We've got to continue to get better with that as well. Game in and game out, week in and week out, again, our sole focus every week is to win. Whatever it takes to win. If it’s being productive in the run game, then it’s being productive in the run game. If we feel like we need to throw the football to win it, then that’s what we've got to do. But I think we have a start. Both of those backs have done a good job. Kyle has been able to get in there some and get some reps as well. Just continue to be better at understanding our scheme, knowing where those guys need to hit holes, and how to do it, and play without what we’re asking them to do.”
- When asked how the simplicity of the offense has helped Shane Buechele’s performance, Gilbert said, “What we do is not simple. There are some things that are tough, and you’re doing it against quality people.” Gilbert also said, “By no means do we have a veteran quarterback. You have a true freshman guy that is three games in. He’s going to continue to grow. He’s a guy that’s motivated about that. He’s determined about being better. It’s just little things, about throws, understanding situations, down and distance, and being able to manage the game at a high level.”
- Gilbert did not appear worried about playing without suspended guard Kent Perkins. He said Jake McMillion and Alex Anderson will rotate at the position.
- Even though Texas’ offense is averaging over 40 points a game, Gilbert said there is nothing for his unit to be complacent about. He said the team understands there is a lot of room for improvement, and a lot of room for growth. The guys have to continue to press and be motivated.
- Gilbert said OSU is able to generate turnovers by being physical. He believes OSU’s talent and coaching are other reasons why the Cowboys’ defense plays so well.
