Looks like Texas may have a chance at a National Championship after all!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Women's Soccer, #1
For the first time in the history of the program, the Longhorn's soccer team is ranked #1 in the nation. The team is 9-1-2 on the year and 2-0-1 in the Big 12.
Looks like Texas may have a chance at a National Championship after all!
Looks like Texas may have a chance at a National Championship after all!
Limas Sweed's Career at Texas....Over.
This is one of the more sad news stories to hit the Texas program in a while. Texas' go to receiver for the last 3 years, Limas Sweed, is out for the year with season ending wrist surgery. Limas' development, as a receiver, has been one of the more pleasurable things to watch the past few years. Sweed has gone from a Roy Williams look-a-like in stature only, to making maybe the biggest reception in Texas history against Ohio State in 2005.
After suffering a preseason wrist injury, you could tell Limas was hurting. He wasn't pulling in the jump balls like he used to and even making the routine catches became difficult for him. I even suggested in the previous story that Limas should thing about sitting out some, but in this instance I really did not want to be right.
Texas will lose their biggest deep play threat, but hopefully this means Billy Pittman will see his role expand to it's former importance. Texas can recover because they are deep at receiver, but it is going to be weird not seeing big #4 streaking down the field at DKR anymore. Good luck to Limas and hopefully we can se
e him making his big catches on Sundays really soon.
After suffering a preseason wrist injury, you could tell Limas was hurting. He wasn't pulling in the jump balls like he used to and even making the routine catches became difficult for him. I even suggested in the previous story that Limas should thing about sitting out some, but in this instance I really did not want to be right.
Texas will lose their biggest deep play threat, but hopefully this means Billy Pittman will see his role expand to it's former importance. Texas can recover because they are deep at receiver, but it is going to be weird not seeing big #4 streaking down the field at DKR anymore. Good luck to Limas and hopefully we can se
e him making his big catches on Sundays really soon.
Monday, October 8, 2007
10 Points on Oklahoma
1. Texas played much better than anyone expected, but a loss is a loss. While most were prepping themselves for a blowout, Texas made it close and actually should have won the game. Other than a few big mistakes, Texas was better than OU all day.
2. Jamaal Charles should not get too many more touches in the red zone. This was really the turning point. Texas took the opening 2nd half drive down to the 5 and then, on a play he should have scored on, Charles fumbled at the 2 yard line. It wasn't even a great defensive play. He just didn't protect the ball. Texas could have been up 21-14 with the "Big Mo." Instead OU was able to stay in the game and eventually win.
3. Get the ball to Jermichael Finley. Now! This was J Mike's big coming out. Everyone knew he had great ability, but honestly, Finley could easy end up being the best TE to come through Texas.
4. Why haven't we gotten the ball to Jermichael more? It seems the only thing keeping Finley from dominance is the lack of balls thrown his way. He only gets 3-4 thrown his way most games, and that needs to change fast. Texas just seems to forget he is there. 4 catches for 149 yards.... All in the 1st half....
5. Colt played a huge game and answered the questions about his decision making and toughness. He played a great game, with only one mistake all day. It was a big one, in that Texas was on its way to another score, but that ball maybe should have been caught by Charles.
6. If it hasn't already been clear thus far, Robert Killebrew and Scott Derry do not belong on the football field. Kill logged 1 tackle and is never in on any plays. The part that bugs me the most is that I think he coaches are fooled by Killebrew because he is alwasy pile jumping and then celebrating the most, as if he actually made the play. That really bugs be. Derry just looked out of place in a game full of good players. Missed tackles and a lack of ability to cover a TE means Derry should be out.
7. On the same note, Jared Norton is the real deal. That is a man (though he is not yet 40...). He is all over the field making plays. Even when he is not logging tackles he is in the backfield or disturbing the play somehow. He saw a lot more playing time, but still not enough.
8. The defense actually looked good with Kindle and Orakpo back in the mix. Orakpo had a sack and 2 TFL and, along with Frank Okam was blowing up the OU line. The only problem was that the linebackers weren't able to step up and make those tackles after the line did such a good job. The D gave up a few big plays to Malcolm Kelly and one huge play to DeMarco Murray, and other than a few times that Bradford wasn't pressured, they played admirably.
9. Limas needs to start catching ball. I know his wrist is injured, but if that is preventing him from making plays, maybe he needs to sit. He dropped a pass on the opening drive (more like a fumble) and he couldn't come down with a few jump balls that he routinely caught last year. He just doesn't seem to have that big play ability this year. He just doesn't go and get the past like he used to.
10. While Texas lost, they are backed into a corner and had any BCS hopes dashed, the Longhorns played well enough to win against a legitimate top 10 team. The only problem is Texas is used to being a top 10 team, not being happy they played hard against them. However, the season isn't lost. With a lot of help they still have a distant shot at the Big 12 South. And with the way this year has played out, anything is possible. Up next are Iowa State and Baylor, which should put Texas at 6-2 and 2-2 in the Big 12. Hopefully Texas can build on the things they did right and the coaches can make the correct personnel decisions to keep this team in contention.
2. Jamaal Charles should not get too many more touches in the red zone. This was really the turning point. Texas took the opening 2nd half drive down to the 5 and then, on a play he should have scored on, Charles fumbled at the 2 yard line. It wasn't even a great defensive play. He just didn't protect the ball. Texas could have been up 21-14 with the "Big Mo." Instead OU was able to stay in the game and eventually win.
3. Get the ball to Jermichael Finley. Now! This was J Mike's big coming out. Everyone knew he had great ability, but honestly, Finley could easy end up being the best TE to come through Texas.
4. Why haven't we gotten the ball to Jermichael more? It seems the only thing keeping Finley from dominance is the lack of balls thrown his way. He only gets 3-4 thrown his way most games, and that needs to change fast. Texas just seems to forget he is there. 4 catches for 149 yards.... All in the 1st half....
5. Colt played a huge game and answered the questions about his decision making and toughness. He played a great game, with only one mistake all day. It was a big one, in that Texas was on its way to another score, but that ball maybe should have been caught by Charles.
6. If it hasn't already been clear thus far, Robert Killebrew and Scott Derry do not belong on the football field. Kill logged 1 tackle and is never in on any plays. The part that bugs me the most is that I think he coaches are fooled by Killebrew because he is alwasy pile jumping and then celebrating the most, as if he actually made the play. That really bugs be. Derry just looked out of place in a game full of good players. Missed tackles and a lack of ability to cover a TE means Derry should be out.
7. On the same note, Jared Norton is the real deal. That is a man (though he is not yet 40...). He is all over the field making plays. Even when he is not logging tackles he is in the backfield or disturbing the play somehow. He saw a lot more playing time, but still not enough.
8. The defense actually looked good with Kindle and Orakpo back in the mix. Orakpo had a sack and 2 TFL and, along with Frank Okam was blowing up the OU line. The only problem was that the linebackers weren't able to step up and make those tackles after the line did such a good job. The D gave up a few big plays to Malcolm Kelly and one huge play to DeMarco Murray, and other than a few times that Bradford wasn't pressured, they played admirably.
9. Limas needs to start catching ball. I know his wrist is injured, but if that is preventing him from making plays, maybe he needs to sit. He dropped a pass on the opening drive (more like a fumble) and he couldn't come down with a few jump balls that he routinely caught last year. He just doesn't seem to have that big play ability this year. He just doesn't go and get the past like he used to.
10. While Texas lost, they are backed into a corner and had any BCS hopes dashed, the Longhorns played well enough to win against a legitimate top 10 team. The only problem is Texas is used to being a top 10 team, not being happy they played hard against them. However, the season isn't lost. With a lot of help they still have a distant shot at the Big 12 South. And with the way this year has played out, anything is possible. Up next are Iowa State and Baylor, which should put Texas at 6-2 and 2-2 in the Big 12. Hopefully Texas can build on the things they did right and the coaches can make the correct personnel decisions to keep this team in contention.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Unit Comparison: Texas v. Oklahoma
Both Texas and Oklahoma come into the Red River Rivalry after disappointing losses to underdog, Big 12 North teams. OU endured a terrible 4th quarter and allowed Colorado to comeback and win on a last second field goal. Texas was simply blown out by Kansas Stat in Austin. The Horns were dominated in every facet of the game and lost 41-21. One of these teams is going home 0-2 in the Big 12, which would have been in comprehensible at the beginning of the year.
Quarterback: Usually an advantage for Texas, Colt McCoy has never really had it click this year. Whether it be scheme, offensive line troubles, plain poor performance or all of the above, McCoy has limped to 8 TDs and 9 INTs on the year and has made huge mistakes in crunch time, while last year he was making big plays. Sam Bradford, on the other hand, has burst onto the scene in Norman. OU was predicting some slow play at QB, but Bradford has been amazing with 14 TDs to 5 INTs. ADVANTAGE: Oklahoma
Running Back: Texas has the talent, but OU has the production to go along with that talent. Jamaal Charles, Chris Ogbonnaya, and Vondrell McGee are great runners who have been suffering from a stagnant offense with an under-performing line. DeMarco Murray and Allen Patrick have put up better numbers than the Texas 3, but have also been playing in an offense that is overall out performing Texas. So, I feel that the talent level is actually equal in this situation. ADVANTAGE: PUSH
Wide Receiver: Again, Texas and OU come in with equally talented receivers, but with vastly different production levels. To see exactly what I mean, look no further than Limas Sweed against Malcolm Kelly. They are very similar in talent but Sweed has 281 yards and 3 TDs while Kelly has 349 yards and 7 TDs. Texas has more depth with Cosby, Jones, Finley and Pittman. OU's Kelly and Juaquin Iglesias are formidable, but don't equal the options Texas has. ADVANTAGE: PUSH
Offensive Line: Is it even close? OU's line has protected Bradford and opened holes for the running game. Texas' line has failed to open holes and Colt has started to see more and more pressure during drop backs. Texas' line may be the biggest question mark going into this game but they are also the key to this game for Texas. Wow. That's a bad sign. ADVANTAGE: Oklahoma
Defensive Line: The Texas D Line has actually been a strong point for the team. They have only given up 88 rushing yards a game, while OU is giving up a mere 67. The problem with the Texas D Line has been its lack of pressure it has put on QBs this year. They were picked apart by K State, in part, because they had all day to pass. The D lines are strengths for both teams and the game may turn on which one can control the line of scrimmage. ADVANTAGE: PUSH
Linebackers: Once again, not even close. Lewis Baker, Ryan Reynolds and Curtis Lofton are a great linbacking corp. Bobino, Killebrew and Derry.... Not so much. If you enjoy reading plays, being in position, and making tackles, these Texas backers are not for you. However, Norton, Muckleroy and Kindle could bring a huge pick-me-up from the bench, if Mack and Co feel like competing with OU. If not, look out... ADVANTAGE. Oklahoma
Defensive Backs: DJ Wolfe, Reggie Smith and Marcus Walker are damn good and may just clamp up the Texas receivers all day. Texas is still trying to find their defensive identity. Brandon Foster has been better than expected, but Ryan Palmer has been iffy. Deon Beasley has shown signs of life, but has also been picked on. Texas will have all it can handle with the OU receivers. ADVANTAGE: Oklahoma
In short, Texas is going to need to do something drastic and hope for some Sooner mistakes to pull this out. Prediction: Oklahoma 38- Texas 20.
Quarterback: Usually an advantage for Texas, Colt McCoy has never really had it click this year. Whether it be scheme, offensive line troubles, plain poor performance or all of the above, McCoy has limped to 8 TDs and 9 INTs on the year and has made huge mistakes in crunch time, while last year he was making big plays. Sam Bradford, on the other hand, has burst onto the scene in Norman. OU was predicting some slow play at QB, but Bradford has been amazing with 14 TDs to 5 INTs. ADVANTAGE: Oklahoma
Running Back: Texas has the talent, but OU has the production to go along with that talent. Jamaal Charles, Chris Ogbonnaya, and Vondrell McGee are great runners who have been suffering from a stagnant offense with an under-performing line. DeMarco Murray and Allen Patrick have put up better numbers than the Texas 3, but have also been playing in an offense that is overall out performing Texas. So, I feel that the talent level is actually equal in this situation. ADVANTAGE: PUSH
Wide Receiver: Again, Texas and OU come in with equally talented receivers, but with vastly different production levels. To see exactly what I mean, look no further than Limas Sweed against Malcolm Kelly. They are very similar in talent but Sweed has 281 yards and 3 TDs while Kelly has 349 yards and 7 TDs. Texas has more depth with Cosby, Jones, Finley and Pittman. OU's Kelly and Juaquin Iglesias are formidable, but don't equal the options Texas has. ADVANTAGE: PUSH
Offensive Line: Is it even close? OU's line has protected Bradford and opened holes for the running game. Texas' line has failed to open holes and Colt has started to see more and more pressure during drop backs. Texas' line may be the biggest question mark going into this game but they are also the key to this game for Texas. Wow. That's a bad sign. ADVANTAGE: Oklahoma
Defensive Line: The Texas D Line has actually been a strong point for the team. They have only given up 88 rushing yards a game, while OU is giving up a mere 67. The problem with the Texas D Line has been its lack of pressure it has put on QBs this year. They were picked apart by K State, in part, because they had all day to pass. The D lines are strengths for both teams and the game may turn on which one can control the line of scrimmage. ADVANTAGE: PUSH
Linebackers: Once again, not even close. Lewis Baker, Ryan Reynolds and Curtis Lofton are a great linbacking corp. Bobino, Killebrew and Derry.... Not so much. If you enjoy reading plays, being in position, and making tackles, these Texas backers are not for you. However, Norton, Muckleroy and Kindle could bring a huge pick-me-up from the bench, if Mack and Co feel like competing with OU. If not, look out... ADVANTAGE. Oklahoma
Defensive Backs: DJ Wolfe, Reggie Smith and Marcus Walker are damn good and may just clamp up the Texas receivers all day. Texas is still trying to find their defensive identity. Brandon Foster has been better than expected, but Ryan Palmer has been iffy. Deon Beasley has shown signs of life, but has also been picked on. Texas will have all it can handle with the OU receivers. ADVANTAGE: Oklahoma
In short, Texas is going to need to do something drastic and hope for some Sooner mistakes to pull this out. Prediction: Oklahoma 38- Texas 20.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Week 6 Spotlight
This week, the coach of Paterno's Stadium Cleaning crew is away in Arizona attending MLB scouting school, so there will not be as in-depth of coverage for his squad. But fear not, he still had the opportunity to select his weekly players.
After a win by the Staples in Week 5 (156-128), the Staples now hold an overall lead of 863-828, through 5 weeks.
Week 6 Starting line up: Charlie Weis' Stomach Staples
QB- Stephen McGee- While McGee has been disappointing in his passing this year, he has still been effective on the ground. Couple that with the fact that Okalhoma State cannot defend either the pass or the run, and that is a combination of a big day for McGee.
QB- Sam Bradford- This one hurts, but if I want to go with the best lineup, its what I have to do.While Texas' defense has been better as the season has gone on, the offense seems to put them in impossible situation. Bradford and OU will benefit from good field position and will be able to put lots of TDs.
RB- Chris Wells- Wells has had a great year and looks to continue it this week against Purdue. Wells is averaging 100 yards a game and has 5 TDs on the season. Purdue is towards the bottom of the Big 10, having given up 127 rushing yards a game. Ohio State will lean on Wells and the running game to keep the powerful Purdue offense off the field.
RB- Marlon Lucky- Lucky leads the Big 12 with 113 rushing yards a game. The Cornhuskers face the Missouri Tigers who are giving up 160 yards on the ground. Like the Buckeyes, Nebraska will be keeping the ball on the ground to keep the Tiger offense off the field.
WR- Malcolm Kelly- Another one that hurts. Texas' secondary has played better than most thought coming into the year, but they have not faced a talent like Kelly. Texas gives up ober 200 yards a game through the air, and were torched last week for 12 catches and 116 yards by Jordy Nelson of K State.
WR- Jordy Nelson- Speaking of the devil (literally)... Nelson was unreal against Texas. He was always open. I don't care how fast, quick or how white the guy is, he ca catch passes and get open. Kansas has a stout defense, but I do not doubt Jordy at this point.
O- Texas A&M- This one is based on both fact and speculation. Fact: Oklahoma State gave up 700 total yards to Texas Tech and is terrible on defense. Speculation: A&M has a dominant offense. This has yet to be fully seen, but chances are we are about to see 600 rushing yards.
D- Virginia Tech- The Hokies are only giving up 15 pts a game and barely over 300 yards in total offense. Clemson has shown they can be shut down and were limited to 3 points against Georgia Tech last week.
The line up for Joe Pa's Stadium Cleaning Crew
QB- Andre Woodson, Kentucky
QB- Chase Daniel, Missouri
RB- Ray Rice, Rutgers
RB- Javorski Lane, Texas A&M
WR- Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State
WR- Tiquan Underwood, Rutgers
O- Kentucky
D- Clemson
I can only assume the Cleaning Crew picked their team because he is sexually attracted to the chosen players. And until he shows up and refutes these claims, then this will be known as fact.
Crew's Game Picks
#19 Texas v. #10 Oklahoma
#8 Kentucky v. #11 South Carolina
#12 Georgia v. Tennessee
#15 Virginia Tech v. #22 Clemson
#20 Cincinnati v. #21 Rutgers
#1 LSU v. #9 Florida
#4 Ohio State v. #23 Purdue
#25 Nebraska v. #17 Missouri
Oklahoma State v. Texas A&M
Kansas v. Kansas State
After a win by the Staples in Week 5 (156-128), the Staples now hold an overall lead of 863-828, through 5 weeks.
Week 6 Starting line up: Charlie Weis' Stomach Staples
QB- Stephen McGee- While McGee has been disappointing in his passing this year, he has still been effective on the ground. Couple that with the fact that Okalhoma State cannot defend either the pass or the run, and that is a combination of a big day for McGee.
QB- Sam Bradford- This one hurts, but if I want to go with the best lineup, its what I have to do.While Texas' defense has been better as the season has gone on, the offense seems to put them in impossible situation. Bradford and OU will benefit from good field position and will be able to put lots of TDs.
RB- Chris Wells- Wells has had a great year and looks to continue it this week against Purdue. Wells is averaging 100 yards a game and has 5 TDs on the season. Purdue is towards the bottom of the Big 10, having given up 127 rushing yards a game. Ohio State will lean on Wells and the running game to keep the powerful Purdue offense off the field.
RB- Marlon Lucky- Lucky leads the Big 12 with 113 rushing yards a game. The Cornhuskers face the Missouri Tigers who are giving up 160 yards on the ground. Like the Buckeyes, Nebraska will be keeping the ball on the ground to keep the Tiger offense off the field.
WR- Malcolm Kelly- Another one that hurts. Texas' secondary has played better than most thought coming into the year, but they have not faced a talent like Kelly. Texas gives up ober 200 yards a game through the air, and were torched last week for 12 catches and 116 yards by Jordy Nelson of K State.
WR- Jordy Nelson- Speaking of the devil (literally)... Nelson was unreal against Texas. He was always open. I don't care how fast, quick or how white the guy is, he ca catch passes and get open. Kansas has a stout defense, but I do not doubt Jordy at this point.
O- Texas A&M- This one is based on both fact and speculation. Fact: Oklahoma State gave up 700 total yards to Texas Tech and is terrible on defense. Speculation: A&M has a dominant offense. This has yet to be fully seen, but chances are we are about to see 600 rushing yards.
D- Virginia Tech- The Hokies are only giving up 15 pts a game and barely over 300 yards in total offense. Clemson has shown they can be shut down and were limited to 3 points against Georgia Tech last week.
#19 Texas v. #10 Oklahoma
#8 Kentucky v. #11 South Carolina
#12 Georgia v. Tennessee
#15 Virginia Tech v. #22 Clemson
#20 Cincinnati v. #21 Rutgers
#1 LSU v. #9 Florida
#4 Ohio State v. #23 Purdue
#25 Nebraska v. #17 Missouri
Oklahoma State v. Texas A&M
Kansas v. Kansas State
The line up for Joe Pa's Stadium Cleaning Crew
QB- Andre Woodson, Kentucky
QB- Chase Daniel, Missouri
RB- Ray Rice, Rutgers
RB- Javorski Lane, Texas A&M
WR- Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State
WR- Tiquan Underwood, Rutgers
O- Kentucky
D- Clemson
I can only assume the Cleaning Crew picked their team because he is sexually attracted to the chosen players. And until he shows up and refutes these claims, then this will be known as fact.
Crew's Game Picks
#19 Texas v. #10 Oklahoma
#8 Kentucky v. #11 South Carolina
#12 Georgia v. Tennessee
#15 Virginia Tech v. #22 Clemson
#20 Cincinnati v. #21 Rutgers
#1 LSU v. #9 Florida
#4 Ohio State v. #23 Purdue
#25 Nebraska v. #17 Missouri
Oklahoma State v. Texas A&M
Kansas v. Kansas State
Monday, October 1, 2007
Ricky Williams Still Wanting NFL Chance...
It has been reported that Ricky Williams is, again, applying for reinstatement into the NFL. While his career at Texas was nothing short of legendary, his NFL life has been wildly inconsistent. Williams has both lead the NFL in rushing and been suspended from play for league violations. For all accounts, Williams is not a bad guy, just weird and liked to smoke too much. While marijuana use is wide spread in the NFL, Ricky seemed to become the poster boy for substance abuse.
Ricky keeps trying though. It seems he really wants to play and is trying to come back better than ever. In my book, Ricky will always be my favorite Longhorn. He was my last true "hero" before I became too old and too jaded to "idolize" athlete (VY man crush aside). So here's hoping for the best for Ricky. Whatever team he winds up on will soon become my favorite team.
Run, Ricky, Run....
Hopefully a good luck picture for OU week
Ricky keeps trying though. It seems he really wants to play and is trying to come back better than ever. In my book, Ricky will always be my favorite Longhorn. He was my last true "hero" before I became too old and too jaded to "idolize" athlete (VY man crush aside). So here's hoping for the best for Ricky. Whatever team he winds up on will soon become my favorite team.
Run, Ricky, Run....
Hopefully a good luck picture for OU weekMcCoy Cleared to Play Against Sooners
Doctors have cleared Texas quarterback, Colt McCoy, for duty after he suffered a "minor concussion" in last week's embarrassing, home loss to Kansas State. McCoy was awful, throwing 4 interceptions and never really seeming to find his rhythm.
McCoy to Play...
No word yet on whether or not Colt took the news well...
"Owww! My headache is causing me to throw interceptions!"
McCoy to Play...
No word yet on whether or not Colt took the news well...
"Owww! My headache is causing me to throw interceptions!"
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