Senior Day: Limas Sweed

Limas came to Texas, from Brehnam, TX, with big expectations as a top of the line wide receiver. Fans saw Limas very much in the mold of a big, fast and strong Roy Williams type of pass catcher. Limas did not shy away from the comparisons as he chose to take jersey #4, Williams' former number. And for most of this Texas career Limas lived up to everyones expectations.

As a RS-freshman in 2004, Limas caught passes in 10 of his 11 games played and totaled 23 catches for 263 yards. Most importantly, Limas showed flashes of his future talents as he made some great catches and plays. Obviously there were some problems with drops, and Limas just didn't quite look like a polished wideout, ready to lead a receiving corps.

But all youthful mistakes aside, Sweed came into his own and proved himself to be a legit playmaker for Texas, during his sophomore year. Sweed became Vince Young's go-to big play man on Texas' run to the 2005 National Championship. He came down with maybe the biggest catch in Texas history as he hauled in a touchdown in the final seconds to clinch a Texas victory at Ohio State, which vaulted Texas to an undefeated season. That season Limas made play after incredible play as he caught 36 passes for 545 yards and 5TDs.

Sweed came into national prominence as he started catching passes, on a record pace, from Colt McCoy in 2006. Limas caught 56 passes for 806 yards and he broke Roy Williams' single season touchdown record with 12TDs. Limas was 1st team All-Big 12 and even toyed with the idea of leaving Texas early for the NFL. Limas was a huge name and lived up to all his hype as he helped Colt and the young Texas offense adapt to life after Vince.


Texas fans were thrilled when Sweed announced that he would return for his senior year. But unfortunately for Limas, his story-book return was not to be and his senior season was cut short by a nagging wrist injury he incurred at the end of the preseason. Limas just never looked like himself, dropping passes he normally caught and never seeming to get into the offensive flow. Limas called his college career quits after 6 games, with only 19 catches for 306 yards.

While Limas Sweed's career did not end how anyone wanted it too, he will always remain in the hearts of Texas fans as a sucessful replacement to Roy Williams, who came into his own as an amazing receiver. Limas' draft status took a hit this year, but expect him to go on the first day and make an impact in the NFL.

Keys to the Game: Texas Tech Edition

The 8-2 Texas Longhorns, coming off their second straight come from behind victory, return home to DKR to take on the high powered attack of the 7-3 Texas Tech Red Raiders. Tech bounced back from two consecutive losses with a victory over Baylor, 38-7. For Texas to win their 5th straight game they will need to accomplish several Keys to the Game...

EARLY START
- Texas will need to get out to an early start against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The last two weeks, Texas has fallen behind big, first to Nebraska then to Oklahoma State. They were able to come from behind because Nebraska's offense isn't that formidable, and Oklahoma State tried to run out the clock far too early in the 4th quarter. Texas Tech's offense is #1 in the country, and they do it throwing the football, with the nation's best air attack at 492 yards per game. Having scored over 40 points in 7 of their 10 games, Texas Tech does not stop trying to put points on the board. Texas can't let Tech jump out to a big lead, because it will be too much to come back from.

TURNOVER BATTLE
- Texas' two losses this season have been because of crucial turnovers. The four against Kansas State and the two crucial ones against Oklahoma cost the Longhorns those games. Colt McCoy has been one of the main culprits this season, throwing 16 interceptions this year, the same number as his touchdowns. It is also a problem for the Red Raiders. In their two most recent losses, Graham Harrell was picked off 4 times in each of the two games. Both teams have given the ball away 21 times this year, and it has certainly kept the other team in games. Whichever team can take care of the football will put pressure on the opposing team's defense and force them to make a stop, something that you can expect either defense won't do with particular ease or frequency.

TURN 7's INTO 3's
- In Texas Tech's three losses, Graham Harrell has thrown for 397 yards, and over 400 yards in the other two. He is going to get his yards. Texas Tech is going to move the football up and down the field. The key for the Longhorns is when Texas Tech gets into the red zone, to tighten up and condense the space that Tech has available. If Texas can force Tech into some 3rd and long situations and come up to opportune stops, they will force Tech into field goals. Tech's kicker Alex Trlica is 8 of 15 this season, and is erratic at best, having missed half of his field goals from every distance. Texas needs to force the Red Raiders into two or three field goals and keep the Red Raiders under 40 points.

RUN THE BALL/T.O.P.
- In Texas Tech's three losses, the Red Raiders gave up 366, 212, and 217 yards on the ground. Their defense gives up 166 per game, and is in the bottom half of the nation in rush defense, while their pass defense is 9th in the nation. Texas needs to get Jamaal Charles 30 carries and control the game early and often. If Texas can win the time of possession and use Charles, McGee, and Ogbonnaya to attack the Raiders defense with at least 50 carries, Texas will tire out the Tech defense as well as keep the offense off the field. This is necessary because Texas is in the bottom half of the country in Pass defense, giving up 248 yards a game through the air.

FORCE HARRELL INTO MISTAKES
- Harrell had looked unstoppable for most of the season, until their two games against Missouri and Colorado, where he threw 4 interceptions each game. Both defenses mixed up their coverages and were able to get some pressure on the quarterback. It apparently caused Harrell problems and he was uncharacteristically inaccurate. Texas needs to be able to get pressure on the quarterback with their front four since they will more than likely need 7 to be dropping back into coverage.

SPEED ON DEFENSE
- Texas Tech has an offense designed to spread the field and hit their receivers on quick crossing plays and force a defense to move laterally. If the Texas defense insists on three linebackers, especially two certain ones, noted for their immobility (Derry, Killebrew) Texas Tech will have a field day. If Texas sticks with one or two linebackers on the field, such as rotating Kindle, Norton, Muckelroy, and Bobino, and uses extra safeties and defensive backs, Texas will have a much more effective time matching up with Tech's speed. It might take a half or three quarters before Texas figures out that three big linebackers on the field is a bad idea.

LIMIT BIG PLAYS
- Though Tech's offense is designed to pick up 5 yards per play and methodically pick defenses a part, that is precisely the way to stop their attack as well. Forcing Tech to convert third downs is the only way to stop their offense. Forcing the Red Raiders into third and long is difficult but it is about the only way to stop their offense. Texas needs to limit the run after the catch, and punish the receivers with every reception. If they can force incompletions through hard hits and drops, Texas will make things more difficult. But if Texas Tech can turn the game into a track meet and pick up 15 yards a play, it will be a long, high scoring day for the Raiders. Also, Texas needs to know where Michael Crabtree is at all times. He has 104 receptions, 1,512 yards, and 18 touchdowns. Those numbers are unreal, and Crabtree is a big target that has figured out how to find holes in the zone. Texas can't let him have a 10 catch, 170 yard, 3 TD day.

SUMMARY
Texas seems to have figured out the Tech offense somewhat, having won 4 straight matchups. But Texas Tech does well when Texas' talent isn't NFL caliber on defense. In Texas' Rose Bowl seasons of '04 and '05, Texas won 51-21 and 52-17 in blow outs. But in years where the talent level hasn't been 5-star, Tech has made the games much closer losing by 3 in 2003 and by 4 in 2006. This year's defense is probably the worst that the Longhorns has had since they lost 42-38 in 2002. Texas will need to catch some breaks along the way, but they have to play much better than they have the past three weeks to get the victory.

Senior Day: WR Billy Pittman

In honor of Senior Day, this Saturday, Drinking the Forty will be profiling each Texas senior, looking back at their career in the Burnt Orange.

Billy Pittman came to Texas in 2003 out of Yoe High School in Cameron, Texas. A high school quarterback, Pittman made the switch to wide receiver upon his arrival at the 40 acres. A 4-star recruit, Pittman, 6'1", boasted 4.4 speed. After redshirting in 2003, Pittman missed much of his freshman year with a shoulder injury.

In 2005, Pittman broke into the starting lineup and appeared in 13 games, starting 9. He had 34 receptions, for a team high 750 yards, and 5 touchdowns. He immediately emerged as a deep passing threat with his big game speed. He was second in the nation with a 22.5 yards per catch average, and had 4 receptions for over 60 yards. He also had 4 receptions for 53 yards in the National Championship game against USC. Only a sophomore, big things were expected from Pittman. His junior year, however, did not see a huge improvement for Pittman, playing in the deep Longhorn receiving stable. He recorded 35 receptions for 456 yards and 4 touchdowns. While it was a solid season, it was not quite what you would have hoped for after his sophomore campaign.

If 2006 was a slight disappointment for Pittman, then 2007 has been a disaster. Suspended 4 games before the season for illegal possession of a vehicle during the summer, Pittman has never recovered. Playing as the Longhorns fourth wide receiver in an offense that is mostly using 3 wide, Pittman has recorded 10 catches for 72 yards in 7 games. This season has definitely been hard for Longhorn fans that thought Pittman could step in and be the deep threat we lost with Limas Sweed's injury. In addition, this season definitely hinders Pittman's chances of playing at the next level.

Pittman excited Texas fans during his sophomore and junior season, and disappointed us his senior year. We all had high hopes for a receiving corps featuring Pittman and Sweed. He never really seemed to achieve all that he was capable of during his stay on the 40 Acres, at times looking unstoppable, ultimately derailed by poor decisions off the field. Though, he is still a high character player, as his trouble was for borrowing a friend's car for the summer, as oppose to other Longhorn problems this year. A liberal arts major and 2 time Atheltics' Director Honor Roll, Pittman will leave the 40 Acres this year, leaving fans wondering what could have been.

Senior Day: DB Brandon Foster

In honor of Senior Day, this Saturday, Drinking the Forty will be profiling each Texas senior, looking back at their career in the Burnt Orange.

Brandon Foster, the 5'9" cornerback, came to Texas in 2003, a 3 star recruit out of Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas. Despite his small size he boasted 4.4 speed. After redshirting in 2003, he played sparingly in 2004 and 2005, mainly as a backup and special teams player. In 2005, Foster started to make an impact recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for his first career touchdown and recording 16 tackles on the season including 2 in the National Championship game against USC.

In 2006, Foster backed up Tarell Brown at right corner, notching 15 tackles, a tackle for a loss, a forced and recovered fumble for the season, as well as 4 tackles in his only start against #1 Ohio State. This season, Foster moved into the starting roll, and has played solid throughout the season. He is 5th on the team with 54 tackles, tied for 1st with 11 pass break ups, and tied for second on the team with 2 interceptions. However, Foster has found the end zone with ease this season, returning both interceptions for touchdowns as well as a fumble recovery.

Foster has played well this season overcoming his 5'9" stature. He plays hard and has been successful, being voted the Big XII Defensive Player of the Week and the Big XII Special Teams Player of the Week. A liberal arts major, and two time Athletics' Director Honor Roll, Foster has been an outstanding member of the UT Family. While he will have a tough time making it to the next level, he has made the most of his time at UT, and become a reliable part of the secondary.

Senior Day: DE Thomas Marshall

In honor of Senior Day, this Saturday, Drinking the Forty will be profiling each Texas senior, looking back at their career in the Burnt Orange.

Thomas Marshall came to Texas in 2003, an offensive and defensive lineman 3-star recruit out of Dallas. Redshirting in 2003, he appeared sparingly in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, he found himself in the rotation at defensive line. He appeared in 12 games, recording 15 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, and a half of a sack. This season, he remained in the backup roll and has appeared in 9 games, recording 6 tackles, and 2 tackles for a loss.

Marshall is a prime example of the depth at Texas along the defensive line over the past several years. He is an experienced and solid backup, but has been unable to break into the starting lineup. A liberal arts major, Marshall's playing days will most likely end after this season.

Texas advances through PKs

Facing Colorado for the second time in six days, this time in the first round of Big XII Tournament, Texas was able to survive and advance over the #7 seed Buffaloes, in penalty kicks (4-2).

After defeating Colorado 4-1 a few days ago, Colorado controlled the match, forcing goalkeeper Dianna Pfenniger to make 11 saves on 22 shots, as opposed to 3 saves by the Colorado keeper on 20 shots. It was an all around great game for Pfenniger who stopped two penalty kicks and also made the game winning shot to send Texas into the next round.

Texas will move on to face the #6 seed Oklahoma State Cowgirls on Friday, after they upset the #3 seed Kansas Jayhawks 3-0. Texas lost their only meeting with Oklahoma State 1-0 in Stillwater.

Texas Hopes to Change Its Past in Big XII Tourney

With a soccer program that is only a fledgling 13 years old, the Texas Longhorns have come a long way. Under Coach Chris Petrucelli, the Longhorns have built themselves into a national power recruiting top talent around the country.

Despite the success, Texas has found themselves with several difficult hurdles. This year's Texas team looks to be one of the finest that Texas has ever produced, boasting a win over top ranked UCLA, and spending most of the season in the top 10. However, Texas cooled off during conference play with a 6-2-2 record that left them second behind Texas A&M.

Speaking of Texas A&M, the Longhorns once again fell to the Aggies in College Station, a place the Longhorns have never beaten the Aggies. While that can be a challenge the Longhorns try to overcome in two seasons, tonight starts another challenge that the Longhorns struggled in until last season.

The Big XII tourney gets underway tonight and the Longhorns come in hot after beating Oklahoma and Colorado by scores of 4-0 and 4-1, respectfully. Texas is the two seed and takes on the seven seed Colorado. If Texas can get by the Buffaloes they will face the winner of Kansas and Oklahoma State. And of course, standing at the end of the path will most likely be the Texas A&M Aggies. Texas has made it to three Big XII title games, losing twice to A&M, before breaking through last season in a win over Colorado, who upset the Aggies on the way to the title.

The Big XII Tournament is mostly a formality as the Longhorns have all but assured themselves of homefield in at least the first round of the NCAA tournament. In five NCAA appearances Texas has made it out of the first round twice, falling both times in the third round to Portland. Texas has chronically underachieved in the NCAA's but this year's team hopes to turn their fortunes around.

Texas is led forwards Kelsey Carpenter (SR/8 G, 5 A) and Niki Arlett (FR/10 G, 5A). They have led Texas' attack this season along with defender Kasey Moore (JR/8 G, 3 A). The Longhorns has always been a team to rely on their offense, and while the Horns boast a strong defense with Moore, Jill Gilbeau (JR), and goalkeeper Dianna Pfenniger (JR), they might have to be without their top defender Stephanie Logterman (JR) who has not played in the past two matches.

The Longhorns should be able to make it to the Big XII Championship game where they will get another shot at Texas A&M. It will be that game that should be a true test to see what this Texas team is made of and whether they can overcome the obstacles that has stopped Texas soccer in the past.