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It was hard to find an unhappy Texas football fan on November 26, 2016.
That was the date Tom Herman replaced Charlie Strong as the coach at Texas. After suffering through a 6-7 season, followed by two straight 5-7 records, the losing at Texas was expected to end. Herman was going to bring that same success he had as an offensive coordinator at Ohio State and head coach at Houston. He was hired to be the difference maker. Everyone believed Herman could turn this team into a winner in year one. Sure, some dreamed big and thought this team could compete in a Big 12 championship game. Most Longhorn observers believed this was an eight-, nine- or even 10-win team. The days of losing at Texas were going to end, and going to work on Mondays during football season was finally going to be enjoyable again.
Herman met with the players and let them know on day one he was in command, and even though he rubbed them the wrong way, Longhorn observers believed this team need a kick in the ass. He eventually met with the parents of players, and even though they were offended, everyone had faith in Herman. Players who did not excel in practice were punished with crappy food, while winners were rewarded with good food. He called players “fat” and everyone praised him for his honesty. Longhorn observers believed Herman tore down his players only to build them back up with praises in training camp. It seemed like there was a clear plan in place to succeed this year in Texas, especially with the talent he inherited. There was hope.
On November 26, 2017, one year later, Herman must find a way to restore hope that has been lost among Texas fans following a disappointing 6-6 season.
Herman has to to fix this offense, by any means necessary.
The biggest disappointment for fans has been watching Texas struggle on offense this year. Offense is Herman’s area of expertise, yet it was the team’s biggest weakness. Sure, there were injuries on the offensive line. Connor Williams, Zach Shackelford, Patrick Vahe, Elijah Rodriguez and Patrick Hudson missed games this year due to injury. Maybe things are different if those guys are healthy all year long. Nobody knows for sure how good a guy like Rodriguez or Hudson could have been as starters for 12 games, but it's possible that their presence could have made a difference.
However, that is only part of the problem.
Herman has done a great job of protecting his coaches in public. He never criticizes his coaches in the media. Any questions about how his staff can do better is usually met with great resistance. Herman has never stood in front of the media after a loss and said “This one is on us as coaches.” That is not his style. He has not fallen on any grenades this year. Maybe Herman believes the problems his Texas team have faced are all on the players and not on his staff. He also could protect his guys in public, but have a lot to say behind closed doors.
Nevertheless, no matter how many times Herman rushed to the defense of offensive coordinator Tim Beck, he is fighting a losing battle until this offense is fixed.
Texas opened the season with a loss at home against Maryland. It ended the regular season with a loss at home against Texas Tech. Between those games, it is hard to find an offensive player who improved from start to finish. It is also hard to find an offensive player who looks better this year than last season. However, some offensive players, like Chris Warren III, regressed in 2017.
Sam Ehlinger has talent, but is a freshman. He is going to make mistakes because that is what freshmen do. You cannot be surprised when a freshman turns the ball over against USC and contributes to a loss. When he throws a bad interception to lose the game against Oklahoma State, you blame that on youth, and of course, that brain injury he sustained during that loss.
In addition, when Texas is facing third-and-2 on Texas Tech’s 37-yard line with nearly two minutes remaining, you take pressure off the freshman quarterback who struggled in previous clutch situations and run Daniel Young, Kyle Porter, or Warren. Instead, a pass play was called, and you guys know the rest.
Of course, former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott once questioned Beck for not running the ball enough against Michigan State in 2015. Beck’s lack of commitment to the run has been questioned throughout this season.
By the way, we will just leave the Armanti Foreman discussion for another day.
In order to restore hope, Herman must communicate some of his offensive staff’s issues this season and how they can improve. The play-calling was not perfect. The personnel decisions were questionable at times. The lack of player development was evident. The mental mistakes were rampant. Some of that has to be on the coaches.
If it is all the players, it is hard to imagine this team being much better next year.
Texas junior linebacker Malik Jefferson will skip his senior year and go pro. Williams continues to go back-and-forth about staying or leaving. NFL insiders have told me DeShon Elliott should leave because him repeating this year’s stats will be pretty difficult. Holton Hill is heavily considering giving the NFL a shot. Poona Ford is graduating. Jake McMillon and Terrell Cuney’s departures hurt the depth at offensive line.
If the staff cannot coach up what is left, as @RLong68 noted, this team could be in the same situation next year.
This was not supposed to be a rebuilding year. Nobody expected Texas to have only one more win than last year’s team. Do not get me wrong, when Strong lost to Kansas in year three, Texas had to make a change. I am not suggesting Strong could have done a better job if given another year.
However, this is not Strong vs. Herman.
It is about Herman living up to expectations.
Does Herman need to take over calling plays?
It cannot hurt.
Does Herman to hire a co-offensive coordinator?
He should consider it.
Should Herman dictate personnel decisions?
Absolutely.
Will Herman take the blame if this offense does not improve?
Absolutely.
When I spoke with an official at the Camping World Bowl in Orlando on Wednesday. I was told they were highly interested in Texas, but might be on the fence about extending an offer if Texas Tech won on Friday. The officials are supposed to sit down this week and discuss all their options. If Texas does not receive an offer, there is a good chance the Longhorns will play in the Texas Bowl (Houston). Regardless of where Texas plays, this team cannot afford another loss, and this offense cannot look like the bad product we have watched this season.
Texas fans had a lot of optimism when Herman was hired. Fans want to believe in him, but he has to give them a reason to. There is doubt among some Longhorn fans right now. Heck, there is doubt among college observers. More importantly, there is doubt among his players.
If Herman is in the same situation on November 26, 2018, all hope will be gone.
Herman must find a way to fix this offense.
Funniest Things You Will See This Week
(They are usually funnier after wins)
If you are his parent and see this video, do you chalk it up as a failure?
There are so many hilarious layers to this
When a football coach gives a reporter wedding advice
Just For Fun
Does your Longhorn Christmas tree top this?
Sports On A Dime
1. If Malik Jefferson and Connor Williams decide to skip this year’s bowl game, nobody should have a problem with that decision. Getting a free jumpsuit and backpack is not worth risking millions due to an injury in a bowl game. I recently learned through one of my NFL contacts that Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith is one of Jefferson’s close friends and a mentor. The knee injury Smith sustained at Notre Dame during a bowl game, which caused him to drop out the first round, has become a cautionary tale for NFL prospects – just ask Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey. Smith never regretted playing in that bowl game, but I cannot knock a young person looking out for their own interest after a 6-6 season.
2. I heard Texas safety Brandon Jones injured his shoulder prior to Texas Tech, which is why he did not play on Friday. It does not appear Jones has a significant injury because he was in uniform and on the sidelines against Texas Tech.
3. Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury saved his job with a win against Texas. Last year, Kansas gave coach David Beaty an extension after a win against Texas. At some point, opposing coaches have to stop prospering by defeating Texas.
4. If Texas A&M believes Jimbo Fisher will win consistently against Alabama, Auburn and LSU, good luck with that. Oh, and make sure to pay Mr. Sumlin in large bills.
5. Sure, Duke defeated Texas in men’s basketball on Friday, this team looks much better than last year’s squad. I think last year’s group gets blown out by Duke. Sure, Texas blew a good lead, but Shaka Smart’s team should be better once March rolls around.
6. USF lost on special teams? Man, special teams has been a constant weakness on Charlie Strong’s teams.
7. Chip Kelly is a good fit at UCLA. The Florida offer was cool, but Kelly can return to the west coast and reestablish his recruiting ties. In addition, he does not have to face those SEC teams every year.
8. The faux outrage about Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield’s crotch grab was at an all-time high this past week. Mayfield is a trash-talker who felt disrespected by Kansas. The only dumb part was Mayfield wasted his time talking trash to Kansas.
9. I love Keith Thurman, but definitely not a fan of him putting off Errol Spence until 2019. I am more interested in that fight than seeing Thurman fight Shawn Porter again. However, it is boxing, which means fans occasionally get to watch fights they want to see, but often must settle on watching bouts we do not care about.
10. How would you rank them?
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It was hard to find an unhappy Texas football fan on November 26, 2016.
That was the date Tom Herman replaced Charlie Strong as the coach at Texas. After suffering through a 6-7 season, followed by two straight 5-7 records, the losing at Texas was expected to end. Herman was going to bring that same success he had as an offensive coordinator at Ohio State and head coach at Houston. He was hired to be the difference maker. Everyone believed Herman could turn this team into a winner in year one. Sure, some dreamed big and thought this team could compete in a Big 12 championship game. Most Longhorn observers believed this was an eight-, nine- or even 10-win team. The days of losing at Texas were going to end, and going to work on Mondays during football season was finally going to be enjoyable again.
Herman met with the players and let them know on day one he was in command, and even though he rubbed them the wrong way, Longhorn observers believed this team need a kick in the ass. He eventually met with the parents of players, and even though they were offended, everyone had faith in Herman. Players who did not excel in practice were punished with crappy food, while winners were rewarded with good food. He called players “fat” and everyone praised him for his honesty. Longhorn observers believed Herman tore down his players only to build them back up with praises in training camp. It seemed like there was a clear plan in place to succeed this year in Texas, especially with the talent he inherited. There was hope.
On November 26, 2017, one year later, Herman must find a way to restore hope that has been lost among Texas fans following a disappointing 6-6 season.
Herman has to to fix this offense, by any means necessary.
The biggest disappointment for fans has been watching Texas struggle on offense this year. Offense is Herman’s area of expertise, yet it was the team’s biggest weakness. Sure, there were injuries on the offensive line. Connor Williams, Zach Shackelford, Patrick Vahe, Elijah Rodriguez and Patrick Hudson missed games this year due to injury. Maybe things are different if those guys are healthy all year long. Nobody knows for sure how good a guy like Rodriguez or Hudson could have been as starters for 12 games, but it's possible that their presence could have made a difference.
However, that is only part of the problem.
Herman has done a great job of protecting his coaches in public. He never criticizes his coaches in the media. Any questions about how his staff can do better is usually met with great resistance. Herman has never stood in front of the media after a loss and said “This one is on us as coaches.” That is not his style. He has not fallen on any grenades this year. Maybe Herman believes the problems his Texas team have faced are all on the players and not on his staff. He also could protect his guys in public, but have a lot to say behind closed doors.
Nevertheless, no matter how many times Herman rushed to the defense of offensive coordinator Tim Beck, he is fighting a losing battle until this offense is fixed.
Texas opened the season with a loss at home against Maryland. It ended the regular season with a loss at home against Texas Tech. Between those games, it is hard to find an offensive player who improved from start to finish. It is also hard to find an offensive player who looks better this year than last season. However, some offensive players, like Chris Warren III, regressed in 2017.
Sam Ehlinger has talent, but is a freshman. He is going to make mistakes because that is what freshmen do. You cannot be surprised when a freshman turns the ball over against USC and contributes to a loss. When he throws a bad interception to lose the game against Oklahoma State, you blame that on youth, and of course, that brain injury he sustained during that loss.
In addition, when Texas is facing third-and-2 on Texas Tech’s 37-yard line with nearly two minutes remaining, you take pressure off the freshman quarterback who struggled in previous clutch situations and run Daniel Young, Kyle Porter, or Warren. Instead, a pass play was called, and you guys know the rest.
Of course, former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott once questioned Beck for not running the ball enough against Michigan State in 2015. Beck’s lack of commitment to the run has been questioned throughout this season.
By the way, we will just leave the Armanti Foreman discussion for another day.
In order to restore hope, Herman must communicate some of his offensive staff’s issues this season and how they can improve. The play-calling was not perfect. The personnel decisions were questionable at times. The lack of player development was evident. The mental mistakes were rampant. Some of that has to be on the coaches.
If it is all the players, it is hard to imagine this team being much better next year.
Texas junior linebacker Malik Jefferson will skip his senior year and go pro. Williams continues to go back-and-forth about staying or leaving. NFL insiders have told me DeShon Elliott should leave because him repeating this year’s stats will be pretty difficult. Holton Hill is heavily considering giving the NFL a shot. Poona Ford is graduating. Jake McMillon and Terrell Cuney’s departures hurt the depth at offensive line.
If the staff cannot coach up what is left, as @RLong68 noted, this team could be in the same situation next year.
This was not supposed to be a rebuilding year. Nobody expected Texas to have only one more win than last year’s team. Do not get me wrong, when Strong lost to Kansas in year three, Texas had to make a change. I am not suggesting Strong could have done a better job if given another year.
However, this is not Strong vs. Herman.
It is about Herman living up to expectations.
Does Herman need to take over calling plays?
It cannot hurt.
Does Herman to hire a co-offensive coordinator?
He should consider it.
Should Herman dictate personnel decisions?
Absolutely.
Will Herman take the blame if this offense does not improve?
Absolutely.
When I spoke with an official at the Camping World Bowl in Orlando on Wednesday. I was told they were highly interested in Texas, but might be on the fence about extending an offer if Texas Tech won on Friday. The officials are supposed to sit down this week and discuss all their options. If Texas does not receive an offer, there is a good chance the Longhorns will play in the Texas Bowl (Houston). Regardless of where Texas plays, this team cannot afford another loss, and this offense cannot look like the bad product we have watched this season.
Texas fans had a lot of optimism when Herman was hired. Fans want to believe in him, but he has to give them a reason to. There is doubt among some Longhorn fans right now. Heck, there is doubt among college observers. More importantly, there is doubt among his players.
If Herman is in the same situation on November 26, 2018, all hope will be gone.
Herman must find a way to fix this offense.
Funniest Things You Will See This Week
(They are usually funnier after wins)
If you are his parent and see this video, do you chalk it up as a failure?
There are so many hilarious layers to this
When a football coach gives a reporter wedding advice
Just For Fun
Does your Longhorn Christmas tree top this?
Sports On A Dime
1. If Malik Jefferson and Connor Williams decide to skip this year’s bowl game, nobody should have a problem with that decision. Getting a free jumpsuit and backpack is not worth risking millions due to an injury in a bowl game. I recently learned through one of my NFL contacts that Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith is one of Jefferson’s close friends and a mentor. The knee injury Smith sustained at Notre Dame during a bowl game, which caused him to drop out the first round, has become a cautionary tale for NFL prospects – just ask Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey. Smith never regretted playing in that bowl game, but I cannot knock a young person looking out for their own interest after a 6-6 season.
2. I heard Texas safety Brandon Jones injured his shoulder prior to Texas Tech, which is why he did not play on Friday. It does not appear Jones has a significant injury because he was in uniform and on the sidelines against Texas Tech.
3. Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury saved his job with a win against Texas. Last year, Kansas gave coach David Beaty an extension after a win against Texas. At some point, opposing coaches have to stop prospering by defeating Texas.
4. If Texas A&M believes Jimbo Fisher will win consistently against Alabama, Auburn and LSU, good luck with that. Oh, and make sure to pay Mr. Sumlin in large bills.
5. Sure, Duke defeated Texas in men’s basketball on Friday, this team looks much better than last year’s squad. I think last year’s group gets blown out by Duke. Sure, Texas blew a good lead, but Shaka Smart’s team should be better once March rolls around.
6. USF lost on special teams? Man, special teams has been a constant weakness on Charlie Strong’s teams.
7. Chip Kelly is a good fit at UCLA. The Florida offer was cool, but Kelly can return to the west coast and reestablish his recruiting ties. In addition, he does not have to face those SEC teams every year.
8. The faux outrage about Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield’s crotch grab was at an all-time high this past week. Mayfield is a trash-talker who felt disrespected by Kansas. The only dumb part was Mayfield wasted his time talking trash to Kansas.
9. I love Keith Thurman, but definitely not a fan of him putting off Errol Spence until 2019. I am more interested in that fight than seeing Thurman fight Shawn Porter again. However, it is boxing, which means fans occasionally get to watch fights they want to see, but often must settle on watching bouts we do not care about.
10. How would you rank them?
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