Youtube Friday: Inspiration Edition

It is clear whatever coach Augie Garrido is trying with this year's baseball team is not working. Texas baseball is truely struggling for the first time in nearly a decade, and just cannot seem to find any consistant answers to thier fielding, hitting or pitching problems. Texas turned what was supposed to be a season turning win against Baylor into another head scratcher as they proceeded to drop their next game against UT-SA 7-1. We are going to further explore the baseball team's short comings in a a later post, but today, I thought I would send them off to their weekend series at Kansas State with a little reminder of the good times. Enjoy.

Keys to the Game: Texas v. Texas Tech

KEEP ON KEEPPING ON... Texas has won 8 in a row, and have been playing their best basketball since the early season wins against UCLA and Tennessee. It seems like a different player has stepped up each game and Texas has won in ever possible fashion. DJ has found his stroke again as he is averaging 23 points and shooting 53% from the field the last two games. Texas dominated Tech in their first matchup in Austin, as the Horns won 73-47. Texas has been playing even better than they were in the earlier matchup, so the Longhorns need to just keep pouring it on the falling Raiders.

KICK'EM WHILE THEIR DOWN... Texas Tech is coming in off a humiliating loss to Texas A&M on Wednesday. The Red Raiders were down by almost 40 most of the game and ended up losing 98-45. That's gotta hurt. Teams respond to games like this in one of two ways: Either they come out on fire and pull off an upset, or continue to be demoralized and let the season spiral downward. If Texas can come out and pound the Raiders early, they may not be able to muster up the will to put up a fight.

REST D.J.... This needs to be one of those games that Texas pulls out to a lead and lets Rick Barnes rest some of his starters. We all know that DJ has played almost every minute of the season, but even Justin Mason did not get to rest against Kansas State. I wouls love to see a heavy does of bench play in the 2nd half and give the Horns some much needed rest as the Big 12 tournament is fast approaching. For this to happen its all about the first half and getting out to a commanding lead. If Texas can go into the break up 15, DJ and Co maybe be resting the last 10 mins of the game.

NO TRAP GAME... I know, even in this article, I seem to be chalking up the Tech win as a foregone conclusion; but let's hope the team doesn't do the same. No game in the Big 12 is a gimme (just ask the last few teams that played Nebraska). While there is no reason Texas should come close to losing to Texas Tech, a #1 tourament seed is still on the line as is the out right Big 12 Championship. There is a lot to play for, and Texas Tech is never going to lay down for the Longhorns. Fight hard, hustle and play some defense and Texas should be walking out of Lubbock with a win.

PREDICTION: Texas 84, Texas Tech 70

Hopefully this is what the arena will look like by halftime...

Post Game Points: Texas v. Kansas State

ANOTHER UGLY WIN... No matter how Texas plays, they keep on winning. 13 turnovers, 10-22 from the foul line, AJ & Connor out the 1st half with fouls, broken noses and a poor shooting night for Damion James didn't keep the Horns from pulling off the huge win in Manhattan. This team has won inside, outside, pretty and ugly. One night it's DJ, then AJ then Connor and Damion. It seems like nothing can slow this team down the past 8 games. Three more winnable games for the Texas and they will bring home their first outright Big 12 Championship since 1999.

BLOWING BUBBLES... It looks like The Wildcats are about to play themselves right onto the NCAA Tournament bubble. They have now lost 3 straight to Texas, Baylor and Nebraska and face an impending 4th loss as they head into Lawrence to face Kansas on Saturday. Thats not to great considering the selection committee tends to look at your last 10-12 games to separate the last few in from the ones left out. If K State loses to Kansas, they are for sure going to have to beat Colorado and Iowa State to finish the year and then maybe have to win a game or 2 in the Big 12 tournament. One thing they have going for them is the "Beasley Factor" in that it is going to be hard for the committee to keep the most talented player in the country out of the NCAAs and into the NIT.

PHOENIX SUNS IN ATTENDANCE... ESPN made it a point to show Kevin McHale of T-Wolves and Steve Kerr of the Suns in attendance at tonight's game. Despite DJ's comments this week that he isn't going to the NBA, you can't tell me Phoenix was not there to look at DJ. I think Texas fans have learned enough from TJ, Kevin Durant and Vince Young to know that the "I will be back next year" is essentially a guarantee they will not. I think everyone is incredibly greatful we have had DJ for 2 years. I love DJ's game and he would be a perfect fit as the heir apparent yo Steve Nash and the Suns offense. I just wish players wouldn't get everyone's hopes up by saying the thing they think fans want to hear.

TEXAS' "X" FACTOR... Is Connor Atchley. He can be such a matchup problem for teams as his offensive game has really developed this year. He works the pick & roll so well with DJ. Connor can bring his man away from the basket, leaving a clear path to the rim for DJ. And Connor is becoming deadly from behind the arc as DJ is finding his open when teams trap him on the high pick & roll. Tonight Connor even hit what can only be described as the "least expected drive to the basket and running jump hook floater of the year." Add in his shot blocking ability and, as long as he stays out of foul trouble, Connor becomes a key man in a Longhorn run into March.

REMAINING SCHEDULE... @ Texas Tech: This game is winnable. Barned owns Tech and the Red Raiders just don't have the size or offensive fire power to stay with Texas. The game in Austin was a blow out, and I only expect the game to be about 5 points closer be cause the game is in Lubbock.
Nebraska: While the Cornhuskers are playing well as of late (wins over K State & A&M), I just don't see them coming into Austin and beating this Texas team. Texas may have some trouble with the 7'0'' Aleks Karic, but Nebraska simply does not have the overall team talent to pull off an upset road win.
Oklahoma State: I am glad Texas gets this game at home. The Cowboys are off wins over A&M and Kansas and PG Byron Eaton has been on fire the past few games. OK State alwasy plays Texas tough, but the Horns seem to pull off the wins in Austin. This is going to be a tough game, but the Cowboys don't have enough scorers around Eaton to win this Big 12 finally.

Keys to the Game: Texas v. Kansas State (a.k.a The "Weasley Wildcats")

When I was thinking about today's write up, I was thinking about doing my usual "Keys to the Game," which typically includes several key points that may make a difference in the upcoming game. But when thinking about today's matchup against Kansas State, i could only think of 2 things: Walker & Beasley. That pretty much sums up the Wildcat's team and season. In an unbelievable feat, Walker (31) and Beasley (44) combined to score 75 of K State's 86 points in a nine point loss to Baylor.

So, when thinking about what Texas is up against tonight, thats about all I could come up with. So instead of concentrating on actual game keys, I have decided to make up a useless name for the 2008 Kansas State Wildcats. From hence forth, they will be known in my blog posts as the "Weasley Wildcats." This, of course, combines Walker and Beasley into one super human "omni-player" which will unilaterally take on any opponent in the Big 12 and beyond. This extra-human force will obviously be represented by:


For those of you unfamiliar, that's a Harry potter reference. Yeah, I went there...

PREDICTION: Texas 76, Kansas State 69 (Weasley Wildcats 60)

Thank You Baylor, Oklahoma State....

Sincerly,

Texas Basketball

With Baylor beating Kansas State and Oklahoma State upsetting Kansas, Texas sits very firmly atop the Big 12 Standings.

Big 12 Standings:
Texas 10-2 (23-4)
Kansas 9-3 (24-3)
Kansas State 8-4 (18-8)
Texas A&M 6-6 (20-7)

Texas is now 2 games ahead of the Kansas State Wildcats, who the Longhorns play on ESPN this Monday. Obviously Rick Barnes is not thinking this way, but Texas can still remain on top of the Big 12, even if they don't get out of Manhattan, KS with a victory. And it is now even more clear that Kansas State is not so much of a team as a two man, super duo, as Michael Beasley (44) and Bill Walker (31) scored 75 of K State's 86 points against the Bears.

Kansas also took a tumble, courtesy of Byron Eaton and OK State, as the Cowboys pulled off the biggest upset thus far in the Big 12 season. Kansas was, again, done in by their lack of outside shooting (2-11 from three) and a missing go to scorer and leader. While Kansas may be the most talented team in the country, they seem to be suffering from a lack of offensive leadership, as they do not have a "go to" scorer that they can consistently count on. Much like the Texas loss, Kansas was forced into a last second shot, to win the game. And much as before, it seemed that no one wanted to take the final shot.

Taking a look at Texas' upcoming schedule, they are all winnable.

Mon. @ Kansas State
Mar 1 @ Texas Tech
Mar 4 Nebraska
Mar 9 Oklahoma State


The Wildcats are still a tough matchup in Manhattan and Nebraska and OK State have played better of late. But there is no reason that Texas cannot win all of these games and take the Big 12 title out right. At the very least Texas can still go 3-1 and at worst share the title if Kansas can go undefeated the remainder of the season.

Post Game Points: Texas v. Texas A&M

TEAM DEFENSE... By Texas was amazing. Texas put together their best team defensive game of the year by holding the Aggies to 19% shooting in the first half and just 30% for the game. The Longhorn defense swarmed all night on the Aggie guards, disrupting the post entry passes and preventing open shots. Justin Mason seemed to be everywhere on the defensive end as he hounded dribblers and crashed the boards for rebounds. AJ seemed to play his best defense, since he matched up with Brandon Rush of Kansas, as he was in the face of Josh Carter all night causing Carter to go 3-11 from the field (1-5 3pts) and score just 11 points. Connor Atchley, Damion James and Dexter Pittman played some solid post defense as no Aggie big man scored in double figures and Texas recorded 12 blocks. The key to Texas' defense was effort and intensity; exactly the kind of defense that keeps teams playing in March.

JOSEPH JONES... Is broken. I don't know what exactly was the turning point, but it just feels like Jones has given up on basketball. There was a time when I feared him more than any other player on the floor. He always seemed to bring it against the Horns, hitting mid-range jumpers, pounding it inside and patrolling the lane on defense. Now, I sometimes forget he is out there. Last night, Jones went 1-7 from the floor and left the Erwin Center with 3 points. But the problems with Jones are not limited to one game against Texas. Jones is having the worst season of his four year career at A&M as he is averaging career lows in points, rebounds and FG%. As a sophomore, Jones seemed a lock to be a high pick in the NBA and some even speculated on his early exit to the pros. After this year, it will be a shock if Jones even gets a sniff from the NBA. Its sad to see. Even though he is an Aggie, I always like and feared him as an opponent.

JUSTIN MASON... Is the glue of this Texas team. I am convinced, more than ever, that Texas is going to go as far as Mason takes them. He may not put in a bunch of points, but he is a high energy guy that does the things that don't show up in the box score. Whether it be shutting down the opponents best perimeter player or hitting the boards, Mason is the most consistent defensive force the Texas has. Mason has also seemed to have overcome his offensive mini-slump and can be counted on to occasionally take the ball to the rim and hit a few open threes. If Texas can get Mason's usual defensive and rebounding efforts, along with 6-8 points a game, they will be a formidable matchup for any squad in the NCAAs.

DJ's EXHAUSTION... May have been over stated. Many have been saying that DJ's recent struggles have been due to his excessive playing time, and that his legs are just wearing down as the season progresses. Augustin seemed to put that talk to rest as he exploded for 27 points on 9-14 shooting, with 9 assists. DJ was hitting all the shots he seemed to be missing in the last 5 games and he looked much more confident taking the ball to the basket. I think we can safely say that DJ went through a mini-slump and is now turning the corner to regain his top point guard status. I think part of the problem was that DJ was putting to much pressure on himself and caused his struggles. Last night he looked more relaxed and confident as he knew when to drive, pull up for the shot or dish it to a teammate. If there was any doubt that DJ had the energy to finish the season was put to rest as DJ took a late game pass and blew by his defender to make a lay up and get fouled on the play. Of course, it also helped that Texas had a commanding lead the entire game and allowed DJ to get a little rest on the bench.

Keys to the Game: Texas v. A&M

DJ CONTRIBUTING.... It's no secret that Augustin has struggled shooting the past 5 games. Most likely, it has to do with the fact that he has played nearly every single minute this season. DJ's legs may be getting tired, and that is understandable. However, despite his poor shooting performance against Baylor, DJ may have been the offensive MVP with his game management and ball distribution. DJ still took the ball strong to the basket, but was able to dish the ball to an open Damion James or Gary Johnson. There is no way Texas could have won in Waco if it weren't for Augustin (late free-throws aside).

FREE-THROWS... Texas is not only going to have to get to the free-throw line often, but they are going to have to actually hit them. Texas has been better as a team from the foul line recently, but had a hiccup in Waco as DJ and AJ Abrams missed 3 FT in the last minute. In College Station, Texas only hit 11-21 from the foul line. Texas needs to take more than 20 FT tonight, and they are going to have to make more than 50%. Last A&M game, DJ had ZERO FTs. He is going to have to get to the hoop and draw fouls. A&M can be prone to fouls, so Texas needs to take advantage of this. Get the A&M big men in foul trouble and make your free-throws, and Texas has a lot better chance at winning this game.

BIG MEN PLAY... Damion, Gary, Dex, Connor and Alexis are going to be big parts of this game. At least 3 of these 5 are going to have to step up and have great games. Whether it be Damion & Gary crashing the boards and getting to the line, Connor from the outside, or Pittman pounding inside, there needs to be a presence felt from the Texas big men. Gary Johnson only played 4 minutes in the first A&M game, but he is obviously going to see many more minutes this time around. And Barnes was so disappointed in the way Damion played in College Station, that he kept him out of the starting line up for a few games. Something tells me James is going to be on fire tonight and be huge force for Texas.

CONTAIN JOSH CARTER... For the most part, Texas knows they might struggle containing the Aggie big men. De'Andre Jordan, Joe Jones and Brian Davis are going to be strong inside and outplay the Texas big men. So the area Texas needs to control is the shooting of Josh Carter. Carter has killed Texas teams in the past and dropped 19 on them earlier his year. You may see Texas in a lot of zone defense and they are going to have to close out and get a hand in Carter's face on the kick out pass from the post. They simply cannot allow him to stand and fire uncontested 3's all night. If Texas can contain Carter and the Aggie outside shooting, then Texas will have a much better chance at pulling off this critical home game.

JUST WIN... That's what Texas has been doing lately. It hasn't always been pretty. There have been bad starts, poor shooting, come backs, late game rallies and almost blown opportunities. But somehow Texas keeps on winning and have pulled off 5 straight wins and 8 of their last 9. Not lost in all of these wins, is the fact that Texas now controls its own destiny in competing for the Big 12 regular season title. They are tied in the loss column (8-2) with Kansas (9-2) and still have to face Kansas State (8-2). Texas has the tie-break over Kansas, and can knock out the Wildcats with a win in Manhattan. Texas' tough road to the Big 12 Championship starts tonight against the Aggies. If they can win tonight, the only real threat to derailing their title plans are the Kansas State Wildcats, on February 25th.


MY PREDICTION: TEXAS 72, A&M 71

Keys to the Game: Texas v. Kansas

1. FAST START... I know I have harped on this for the past few weeks, but its importance cannot be understated. The past four games, Texas has spotted their opponent a 10 point lead. They came back in three of those, but there is no way this team can come back against Kansas. AJ is going to have to start the game hot, and DJ is going to have to get back into his early season form. If Damion can establish his outside game early, that may clear the paint for a Gary, Dex or Conner to operate down low and give DJ a better path to the basket. Watch it. The first 5-7 minutes will decide this game.

2. INSIDE DEFENSE... Ok, we already know Texas has a problem with teams that have 2 decent big men. Well, Kansas has about 5 of them. Sacha Kahn and Darrell Arthur are going to give the horns all they can handle. Look to see Texas try to run out a bigger line up most of the game. I think the key comes down to stopping Arthur. He showed what he can do against teams with poor post defense as he lit up Baylor for 33 points. Dex, Wangmene, Connor and Clint are all going to be rotating on the KU big men, and if they can hold their own or just minimize the damage, Texas may have a shot.

3. PACE OF PLAY... Texas will not be able to run with Kansas. Period. KU is one of the fastest teams in the country and love to push the tempo. They put up 100 points against Baylor and are among the tops in the country in scoring offense. The key to Kansas' fast play is that their big men can get down the floor quickly. The slower Texas big men are going to have to chase Darrell Arthur all over the floor. Look for Texas to rotate big men frequently to keep them fresh and out of foul trouble. Also, the pace of play is going to be on the shoulders of DJ. Texas must get a quality shot every time down the floor. Bad missed and quick KU rebounds equal a blow out of the Horns. DJ is going to have to play with in himself. Make smart passes and take quality shots. Look for Texas to use the shot clock on most possessions. This is going to have to he a low scoring game in the 60s or 70s if Texas has a chance. If DJ plays like he did in Ames, its lights out for Texas.

4. AJ STAYING HOT... Abrams has been Texas' best player over the last 5 games. Kansas is going to score and Texas is going to have to come up with an answer. I can see Texas keeping it within 6-10 points most of the game, and a few clutch 3s from AJ might be enough to give Texas a chance to win the game in the final 2 minutes. AJ is going to have a much larger defender on him and is going to have to be very creative and use his screens well to get quality shots off all night.

5. JOHNSON & JAMES... Gary and Damion are Texas' two most gifted athletes and they are going to have to play out of their minds tonight. Damion has to have a good shooting night and look for his outside shot. He is going to have to be a monster on the defensive boards and use his athleticism to keep the KU big men off the offensive glass. Gary is going to have to establish a post presence on offense and convert shots around the basket. If Gary can step out and hit the 10 footer, Texas is going to be sitting pretty on offense. Mostly, Gary is going to have to be in position on defense and active on the glass. Again, I cannot stress enough how good Darrell Arthur and Kansas are. Keep them off the offensive glass, pull them away from the paint on defense and keep them from getting good post position on offense. Those are the keys to Texas coming away with a huge conference win.


PREDICTION: KU 88 Texas 74

Post Game Points: Texas v. Iowa State

1. A CONFERENCE ROAD WIN... Is nothing to be upset about. When you're in conference play, your first goal is to win all your home games and be able to win a little more than half of your road games. And historically Texas has had a tough time winning at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The fact is Texas played poorly and DJ Augustin had the worst game as a Horn and Texas was still able to win. AJ Abrams and Gary Johnson were able to step up and carry the horns to another 2nd half comeback. While the game was frustrating and unbearable to watch at times, lets just enjoy not losing for a minute before Kansas comes to town.

2. DJ AUGUSTIN... Continues to struggle getting good looks and hitting shots. There are several things that have concerned me recently with DJ. First, I am afraid teams have figured out how to neutralize him enough to disrupt the Texas offense. Iowa State had a great game plan which was to not let DJ have a path to the basket and then meet him at the rim with big man help to force a bad shot. DJ just didn't finish at the rim the way he was early in the year. That leads to the next concern, which is that DJ is not drawing the contact that he used to on his drives. One of DJ's biggest strengths was his ability to get to the rim and initiate the contact. Recently, his finishes around the rim have been fade aways and step backs. I am not sure if he is getting beat up, worried about injuries or if Barnes is worried about injuries. But I feel like DJ is losing one of his biggest assets in not forcing fouls and getting to the line.

3. GARY JOHNSON... Might be getting it. What a game for Gary. Great hustle, great post position and great defense. Johnson played 34 minutes and had his best game this season. Gary was able to establish a much needed inside presence as he got great post position and was able to finish around the basket (though a few more kind rolls on the rim and he could have scored 20). His defense, and especially his perimeter defense was exceptional. Gary switched on screens and was able to take his man back away from the basket and just seemed to be more comfortable, overall, on the defensive end. I think he is showing the player he can develop into as Big 12 play progresses. By tournament time Gary could be a 15 point 12 rebound guy in the starting lineup.

4. TEXAS STILL LOOKS... Infinitely beatable. Another slow start, another poor shooting game and another questionable performance by DJ. When I look at this team, I look at it in terms of how they would stack up in the NCAA Tournament at this moment. Right now.... Not good. if you go into March with shaky PG play, low % shooting and little inside presence, your chances look pretty grim. Somehow Texas is going to have to figure out how to start games actually hitting shots. Unless they do, they are susceptible to being run out of the gym by a hot shooting tourney team. We already know that Texas is going to struggle with teams with 2 bug guys inside (A&M). But the Horns are starting to have trouble with ANY big man, not just multiple big men. Lastly, DJ is going to have to figure a way to get his shooting % to at least 40-45 and that starts with better shot selection. Fewer fade aways and shots off one leg would be a nice start to that. If you're taking to the hoop, take it and finish it strong.

5. HERE COMES KANSAS..... Yikes...

Post Game Points: Texas v. Oklahoma

1. WHEN AJ IS ON... No one in the country can shut him down. Last night, Abrams showed how important he is to the Texas offense, as he almost single-handedly brought Texas back from a 10 point halftime deficit. He hit off the catch, off the dribble and (for the first time I've seen) off the jab step. AJ has to be one of the smartest screen users in the country as well. He has the ability to know exactly how to use the screen. His go-to is usually the curl around the screen, but when OU was over playing that last night, he was able to fake the curl and fade off the screen for an open three. He made the correct decision all last night and was able to hit huge threes for Texas.

2. THE MOST EFFECTIVE OFFENSE... Has been when Justin Mason runs point while AJ and DJ Augustin run off base line screens. I love the offense for two reasons: First, AJ's previously discussed productivity off the screen. Secondly, I like when DJ catches the ball in the triple-threat, before he has used his dribble. I feel the DJ is much more affective this way. He has the ability to shoot off the catch. But his added ability to drive or pass from the triple threat makes him more effective with the ball. It utilizes his quick first step, all the while leaving the pass and shoot options open.

3. INTERIOR DEFENSE... Is still a problem. The Sooners, and especially the Griffin brothers, were able to get good post position and easy inside shots all game. While Connor Atchley is a decent defender, he lets his man get position way to close to the basket. Several times OU was able to feed their post, who was essentially standing under the rim. When Blake Griffin caught the ball at the free throw line, he was always able to take it strong to the rim. Alexis Wangmene and Clint Chapman play hard, but they are just not experienced enough on the defensive end to always be in position. The same can be said for Gary Johnson, but with slightly less effort given. Dexter Pittman saw limited action against OU, but played decently and made a nice hustle play, diving out of bounds for a loose ball. He just doesn't have the stamina yet to be effective for long streched of game. Gary, Dex and the young posts must develope fast for Texas to be able to compete for a run in the NCAA's.

4. JEFF CAPEL HAS DEVELOPED... The same angry face as former OU coach, Kelvin Sampson. I thought it was impossible for a coach to be as whiney as Sampson, but Capel looks to be his spitting image, minus the customary blue denim shirt and red tie. I get that referee calls can be frustrating, but a coach that is on the refs too much will lose his credibility and will just come off as a cry baby. The OU fans also seem to follow the lead of their coach, as they booed nearly every call against the Sooners as if it had cost them the game. Its not like many expected much more from the Oklahoma bunch, but that really got old after a while.

5. TEXAS STARTS THE GAME: Worse than any team I've seen in recent memory. Once again the Horns dug themselves a 10 point hole to start the game. OU came out like most Texas opponents, and hit every shot they threw up for the first 8 minutes of the game, while Texas could not find the bucket on any shot. This start essentially cost the horns the game in College Station, as the Aggies were able to play hard and extend their lead. Fortunately, Baylor and OU were not able to do the same with their large, early leads. This is the exact kind of thing that costs teams in the NCAA Tourney. High seeds come out to an energetic lower seed, get down early and never recover. Texas needs to focus, for the rest of the season on good starts. This is also how favored seed win in March. They come out and dominante the underdog from the tip and never let them emotionally in the game. This will be key for Texas down the stretch.

Game Points: Texas v. Texas A&M

DJ Augustin v. Dominique Kirk- The guard match up might decide the outcome to this game. DJ is obviously the best point guard in the Big 12 and Texas' offense is predicated on his effectiveness. DJ has come through almost every time this year, but has on occasion taken some poor shots that hamstrung the Horns. Kirk has had the impossible task of following Acie Law as Aggie PG. Kirk has been wildly inconstant and the Aggie offense has struggled. They have been waiting for a leader to step up and make the big plays Law did. Reed Arena will be rocking and the PG that performs the best under pressure will lead his team to victory.

A&M and the Free Throw Line- To say the Aggies struggle at the foul line is an understatement. They shoot the most FTs per game, but hit at the lowest percent in the Big 12, at 60%. Aggie free throws already cost them the Baylor game and they show no signs of improving from the charity stripe. This is going to be a close game that could easily come down to late free throw shooting. Texas will have the advantage here.

AJ Must Continue Hitting- Half way into Texas' game against Texas Tech, AJ Abrams had missed his last 9 three point attempts. However, he exploded from his mid season slump to score 15 in the Tech second half. AJ hit threes and was able to create his own shot several times. If Texas has any shot in stealing a victory in College Station, AJ will have to on his game and hitting from the outside. With their smaller line up, Texas may struggle to get points in the paint and have to rely on AJ to open things up in the middle.

Texas Quickness v. Aggie Strength- DJ Augustin, AJ Abrams, Justin Mason & Damion James against De'Andre Jordan, Joe Jones and Bryan Davis. Texas has strong guard play and A&M has a dominant interior. Jones is a constant for A&M, as you can expect 10 & 10 most nights. So far, it is safe to say that Jordan has not lived up to his hype. He has shown signs of his potential, but is now out of the starting lineup. If Jordan can assert himself, then Texas will have a hard time containing the Aggie front court. Similarly, Texas has the back court and speed advantage. Texas must penetrate with the ball and attack to basket against the slower Aggie defense. If they can get the foul prone Aggie big men into foul trouble, A&M will lose its one advantage.

Whichever team can dominate in these points of the game is going to come out of College Station with a huge victory. The Reed Rowdies will be out in full force, but this Texas team is used to dealing with hostile environments, having already played at Oklahoma State, UCLA and Michigan State. Texas' guards will have to out play the Aggie front court and hold the damage in the paint to a minimum. Connor Atchley and Big Dex maybe called on for some big time interior defense. Look for Texas to do just enough and hit be able to hit a few key free throws to finish off the Aggies.

Prediction: Texas 78, Texas A&M 75

Applewhite to Interview in Austin

In an effort to piss off the entire state of Alabama, the Crimson Tide has confirmed that Major Applewhite will be interviewing in Austin for the Longhorn's open runningback coach position. Applewhite has had a meteoric rise through the coaching ranks, going from Texas to Syracuse, to Rice to the offensive coordinator at Alabama, under Nick Saban.

Applewhite in Austin

Major will interview on the 15th. It seems likely that if Major is going to take a step down from OC, he has to be expecting that he will eventually take over as Texas offensive coordinator after the eventual departure of Greg Davis.

Texas to Play on Thursday in 2008...Or Are They?

ESPN's Thursday night football game has grown to be a favorite among college football fans. Usually these games match up some up and coming teams or teams looking for more national exposure. But this year both Texas and USC have agreed to move one of their games to the early week slot.

While USC will be playing Oregon State on Thursday, it is not clear which game the Horns will move. If it is a home game, it will interesting to see how that affect attendance, traffic, parking, tailgating and everything else that accompanies a typical Texas game at DKR.

ESPN Thursday Night Football



**UPDATE**

Deloss Dodds denies the ESPN report that Texas will play on Thursday....

Jermichael Finley Headed to NFL

In the 10 previous years Mack Brown has been at Texas, has had 1 player, Vince Young, leave school early to enter the NFL. Now there has been 2 more within 2 weeks. Earlier this year, it was RB Jamaal Charles. Now it is TE Jermichael Finley.

Finley to NFL

For the immediate future, this is a huge blow to the 2008 Longhorn offense. Finley was becoming Colt's go to pass catcher and was poised to have a break out year. But he liked his NFL grade and now he is off to the big show. Finley seems to be a better NFL prospect than Charles, and should be drafted ahead of the former Texas runningback. This leaves Blaine Irby as the #1 pass catching TE for the Horns in 2008. Irby showed signs of ability in 2007, but has been a very small part of the passing game in his one year as a Longhorn.

It's Official: Will Muschamp, New Texas Defensive Coordinator

In what has become quite the tradition, the Texas football team has once again hired away the Auburn defensive Coordinator. Last time it was Gene Chizick, this time Will Muschamp. The fiery, defensive specialist has won a National Championship at LSU an is one of the most coveted young assistants.

Will Muschamp Hired

This incredible hire means that the "Duane Akina Experiment" lasted only a year, as he is back to being the secondary coach. Muschamp is known as a fiery coach, and will hopefully give the Texas defense the aggression it seemed to lack after the departure of Chizik.

Did we mention that he was fiery? Get used to things like this.... Hook'em!

Around the 40 Acres Update

Jamaal Charles and Larry MacDuff.... Gone. Texas running back Jamaal Charles has officially declared for the 2008 NFL Draft. This seems like a pretty poor decision for Charles, who looked to have a break out senior season and set himself up for a decent draft spot in 2009. Assistant Defensive Coordinator, Larry MacDuff, is leaving after just one season of disappointing defense. No one was too impressed with the Texas defense and likely no one will miss MacDuff's absence.

Gary Johnson In, Justin Mason Out. Texas will finally have their top recruit, Gary Johnson, on the floor. He has been cleared to play after sitting the first half of the season with a heart abnormality. As soon as Gary was cleared, Justin Mason saw the bench. Mason has preformed very poorly thus far this year. He added to that, going 0-7 from the field against Wisconsin.

Texas Women Open Season 11-2. The Texas Women's team won the Maggie Dixon Surf 'N Turf Classic after beating San Diego in the finals. Texas needed a last second bucket to top Torreros. Texas moved up to #16 in the AP poll.

Texas Wins Holiday. After a season of disappointment, the Longhorns showed they had the potential to be a force on offense and defense, beating the Sun Devils 52-34. It will remain to be seen if Duane Akina was able to save his job as the Offensive Coordinator. But Colt McCoy and the offense ran and threw all over the out matched Arizona State defense.

Longhorns Top Mean Green

Texas used a vicious full court press to pull away from North Texas early in the first half, pushing their record to 8-0. The pressure kept the Mean Green off balance and the Longhorns jumped out to a 17-3 lead and never looked back. North Texas pulled within 10 points in the 2nd half, but never really threatened to make it a game.

BOX SCORE

DJ Augustin scored a career high 29 points, while dishing out 10 assists. AJ Abrams got back on track as he hit three 3s and notched 23 points. Damion James put up another double-double as he dropped 12 points and pulled down 10 boards. Texas looked to be in Final Four form as their full court press baffled the Mean Green and forced them into 8 turnovers in the first 10 minutes of the game. While N. Texas freshman, Josh White, tried to steal the show by scoring 28 points, the Green were just over matched by a Texas team clicking on all cylinders.

Up next for the Horns are the Rice Owls, this Saturday, in Houston.

Andy Katz Shows Texas Some Love

ESPN's Andy Katz, named Texas his "Team of the Week." And how could you not? Texas is undefeated and just knocked off the #2 UCLA Bruins, in Los Angeles. Though it is a long season, Katz even speculated that Texas seems to have all the pieces in place for a Final Four run. It's time to forget about football, folks...

Andy Katz

Longhorns #4 in AP, # 5 in Coaches Poll

After the big upset of #2 UCLA, Texas has been rewarded with a jump in the rankings. Texas is now in the top 5 in both of the college basketball polls. Texas even received 2 first place votes in the AP poll. After their loss to Arizona, Texas A&M dropped to #16 and 14 in the respective polls. The Kansas Jayhawks are now #3 in both polls.

AP Top 10
1. North Carolina (45) 7-0 1,769
2. Memphis (22) 6-0 1,717
3. Kansas (2) 7-0 1,630
4. Texas (2) 7-0 1,549
5. Georgetown (1) 5-0 1,527
6. Duke 8-0 1,429
7. UCLA 7-1 1,373
8. Washington State 7-0 1,348
9. Michigan State 6-1 1,094
10. Tennessee 7-1 1,012

Coaches Top 10
1. North Carolina (23) 7-0 753
2. Memphis (6) 6-0 746
3. Kansas (1) 7-0 717
4. Georgetown (1) 5-0 670
5. Texas 7-0 620
6. Washington State 7-0 599
7. Duke 8-0 594
8. UCLA 7-1 587
9. Pittsburgh 7-0 477
10. Michigan State 6-1 437

Horns Headed to Holiday

The Texas Longhorns are headed back to the Holiday Bowl for the 4th time in Mack Brown's 10 year tenure. One things the Holiday Bowl has symbolized for the Horns is a season of unfulfilled expectations.

In 2003, Texas went into the season ranked in the top 5, but after losses to Arkansas and Oklahoma, Texas faced a far inferior Washington State team, and proceeded to lose in an uninspired 28-20 game. While Texas won an exciting game in 2001 against Washington, this is the season of the "What could have been?", as Texas was upset in the Big 12 Championship game by Colorado. Win would have secured a spot in the National Championship game. Again, in 2000, Texas came into the season ranked #3 and was promptly upset by Stanford and then suffered a blowout loss to OU. The nationally snubbed Oregon Ducks finished off the Horns in a hard fought Holiday Bowl.


This year, Texas faces a solid #11 Arizona State Sun Devil (10-2) squad, whose only losses are to USC and a Dennis Dixon led Oregon Duck team. As the game gets closer, Drinking the Forty will be doing some more in depth analysis.