Since my ideal outcome of the power going out at Cowboys Stadium, leaving the Big 12 Championship without a winner, did not happen, I am fine with Nebraska losing the final Big 12 Championship. Even to OU. It seems fitting that the Huskers should lose the last Big 12 Championship to bookend losing the first Big 12 Championship game. It was a fitting reminder that he strength of this conference has been in the South throughout its existence.
Bob Stoops captured his 7th Big trophy last night, which brings me personal pain as a Horn fan. But, at least Pelini didn't win a championship, something his antics this year did not deserve. Have fun in the Insight.com or Holiday bowl. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
From what I can gather online, it looks like Texas may have some big staff changes to announce in the next few days. Thanks to all the coaches who have led Texas to some impressive seasons in recent years, but I'm looking forward to some new blood in a few positions. Rumors have been flying about potential departures or reassignments for Greg Davis OC, Bobby Kennedy WRs, Mac MacWhorter OL, Mike Tolleson DTs/STs, and possibly Jeff Madden S&C. Could be interesting.
Showing posts with label Longhorns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Longhorns. Show all posts
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Texas Football: Thanksgiving style
The focus this week is on the Thursday night game between the Texas Longhorns (5-6) and the #17 Texas A&M Aggies (8-3). Both teams have something to play for with the Aggies still in contention for the Big 12 South (not likely) and the Longhorns fighting to become bowl-eligible. That is painful to type.
Thoughts on the Aggies:
A&M has had a tremendous second half of the season this year since the loss to Missouri at home. Mike Sherman lit a fire at practice after that game that consisted of the game film and anything else that had proven useless and the team has been carrying that fire in every game since. They've now won 5 in a row including wins over then #8 OU and then #8 Nebraska. They bring an offense that has soared under QB Ryan Tannehill who took over for pre-season All-Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year Jerrod Johnson. Tannehill has been successful through the air and hasn't had to use his feet yet, but against Texas, I expect that to change given how Texas has struggled against mobile QBs this season. A&M will also look to exploit the Texas safeties who have not been playing nearly as well without Earl Thomas this year. The Aggie offense will pose a formidable challenge for the Texas defense with a balanced attack that hits Texas where it hurts.
About those Longhorns:
Its Senior-Day this Thursday in Austin and Texas will need its seniors to step up in this game if they are going to beat the Aggies and become bowl-eligible. Sam Acho is coming off a very productive game against FAU last week bringing pressure on the QB (3 sacks) and forcing a fumble. He will need to bring it again. The rest of the defense will need to really step up this week. If Jackson Jeffcoat who saw some time in the FAU game is able to play more of a roll this week coming back from his high-ankle sprain, that could be a big boost to the Texas pass-rush.
The offense finally discovered what its identity should be- a strong running game from Cody Johnson mixed with deep passes to James Kirkendoll and Malcolm Williams. Sprinkle in some running from Gilbert and a few quick runs with DJ Monroe and you're in business. If Texas comes out and tries to establish this sort of game plan against the Aggies it may find success again. Texas has the ability to score points, particularly if the defense and special teams can help it out with decent field position.
A&M has been on an impressive run, and Texas comes in with a much improved psyche after its win last week, albeit against a very out manned FAU team. This Texas team did also beat Nebraska in Lincoln you know. If Texas can get ahead early in this game and work to take away A&M's running game, including Tannehill, they can beat the Aggies. The smart money may be on A&M since they have more to play for and come in with more momentum, but I think the Horns will pull this one out 24-20 in Austin.
Thoughts on the Aggies:
A&M has had a tremendous second half of the season this year since the loss to Missouri at home. Mike Sherman lit a fire at practice after that game that consisted of the game film and anything else that had proven useless and the team has been carrying that fire in every game since. They've now won 5 in a row including wins over then #8 OU and then #8 Nebraska. They bring an offense that has soared under QB Ryan Tannehill who took over for pre-season All-Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year Jerrod Johnson. Tannehill has been successful through the air and hasn't had to use his feet yet, but against Texas, I expect that to change given how Texas has struggled against mobile QBs this season. A&M will also look to exploit the Texas safeties who have not been playing nearly as well without Earl Thomas this year. The Aggie offense will pose a formidable challenge for the Texas defense with a balanced attack that hits Texas where it hurts.
About those Longhorns:
Its Senior-Day this Thursday in Austin and Texas will need its seniors to step up in this game if they are going to beat the Aggies and become bowl-eligible. Sam Acho is coming off a very productive game against FAU last week bringing pressure on the QB (3 sacks) and forcing a fumble. He will need to bring it again. The rest of the defense will need to really step up this week. If Jackson Jeffcoat who saw some time in the FAU game is able to play more of a roll this week coming back from his high-ankle sprain, that could be a big boost to the Texas pass-rush.
The offense finally discovered what its identity should be- a strong running game from Cody Johnson mixed with deep passes to James Kirkendoll and Malcolm Williams. Sprinkle in some running from Gilbert and a few quick runs with DJ Monroe and you're in business. If Texas comes out and tries to establish this sort of game plan against the Aggies it may find success again. Texas has the ability to score points, particularly if the defense and special teams can help it out with decent field position.
A&M has been on an impressive run, and Texas comes in with a much improved psyche after its win last week, albeit against a very out manned FAU team. This Texas team did also beat Nebraska in Lincoln you know. If Texas can get ahead early in this game and work to take away A&M's running game, including Tannehill, they can beat the Aggies. The smart money may be on A&M since they have more to play for and come in with more momentum, but I think the Horns will pull this one out 24-20 in Austin.
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