Texas by the Numbers

With Texas' 34-13 win on Saturday over #19 TCU, let's take a look back at the numbers from Saturday's come from behind win.

Texas' offense
Quarterback
Colt McCoy completed 66% of his passes, going 25 of 38 for 239 yards. He averaged 9.5 yards per completion, throwing for one touchdown and two interceptions, and was not sacked. Colt once again had a solid completion percentage and did a solid job of leading the offense against a very good TCU defense. However, the offense struggled in the first half, and Colt started to force the game. It led to an interception return for a touchdown and another interception that led to a field goal before the half. Texas went into the half with a 10-0 deficit, much of it because Colt tried to do too much. The offense only had 98 yards in the first half and was outplayed against a top TCU unit. However, in the second half Colt was aided by a rejuvenated running game and it allowed him to attack the TCU unit, as the Longhorns racked up over 300 yards in the second half. It is worrisome that Colt continued to make mistakes that cost his team. Later on in the season, putting his team in a hole will make it very difficult for the Horns to win.

Running Backs
Jamaal Charles had 134 yards on 22 carries, and a touchdown, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. What started off as a slow day turned into a big one for Jamaal Charles as he shreaded the TCU defense throughout the second half with big runs. This is the kind of performance that many expected out of Charles this season, and if the offense can open up holes and allow him to get to the second level, Charles is going to have the chance to make big runs. He should continue to build on this performance and should have plenty of chances to be the big time performer that he is capable of being.

Wide Receivers
Nate Jones continued to establish himself as Colt's go to receiver as he had 8 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. He is continuing to benefit from the attention that defenses must pay to Limas Sweed (4 catches/26 yards). This week the other receivers definitely stepped up and had good days. Quan Cosby had 6 catches for 51 yards and Jermichael Finley had 4 catches for 51 yards. The wide receivers definitely stepped up and filled the void left by Pittman and Shipley who are still out with suspension and injury, respectively. As Pittman and Shipley return to the lineup, this unit can only get stronger.

Offensive Line
The offensive line might have turned a corner this week against TCU. After a first half where they couldn't get the running game on track they wore down the TCU defense with a 3rd quarter time of possession of 10:28. They also allowed Jamaal Charles to run wild in the second half, and did not allow a sack in the entire game. The offensive line took a hit with the injury to Adam Ulatoski, but if they can continue to protect Colt and give him time to throw, and establish a running game, then this unit could look at this season as a success.

Texas' defense
Defensive Line
The Texas defensive line had new faces step up and perform on the field. Defensive ends Eddie Jones (FR) and Lamarr Houston (SO) led the defensive line with 6 tackles and 6 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble, respectively. Freshman Sam Acho also had a sack. If the young defensive ends can continue to step up and play well, Texas' defensive line will be formidable with the experience of Derek Lokey (SR, 4 tackles), Frank Okam (SR, 1 tackle), and Roy Miller (JR, 3 tackles) anchoring the middle of the line.

Linebackers
A linebacking corps that looked atrocious against Arkansas State looked very solid as everyone came to play, and the entire unit had contributions. Scott Derry led the unit with 8 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception. Rashad Bobino and Robert Killebrew chipped in with 7 and 6 tackles, respectively. Even the bench contributed as Roderick Muckelroy (SO) had 5 tackles and a fumble recovery and Jared Norton (SO) had 4 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. This was a great performance out of the linebacking corps. They showed how good they could be, and if they play this well, they make this defense very good.

Secondary
Despite the way they played in the Arkansas State game, Texas decided to continue to field a secondary. It turned out to be a good decision as the secondary played solid throughout the game, which, at this point, we will take. Marcus Griffin once again led the team in tackles with 11 and Erick Jackson had another good game with 8 tackles. Brandon Foster and Ryan Palmer both had a better day in coverage. This unit will never be outstanding this season, but if they can put out performances like this, they will make this defense a top unit.

Coaching Staff
Texas rebounded from the Arkansas State game and came out and played much better defensively against TCU. The offense struggled in the first half, but the offense and defensive staffs should be applauded for making adjustments at half time. After totaling under 100 yards in the first half, the offense attacked TCU on the ground, taking the pressure off Colt and allowing the offense to gel to the tune of 300 yards and 34 points. The defense showed signs of what made them a great unit last season. After playing solid in the first half, holding TCU to 111 yards of offense, Texas was a dominating unit to start the second half. From the start of the 2nd half until 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter, Texas held TCU to 5, 3 and outs and 17 total yards. This allowed the Texas offense to wear out the TCU defense and put the game away. It showed that even without Gene Chizik, the defense can be the unit that looked so formidable over the past two seasons.

View From The Cheap Seats: TCU

Each week, when I attend a game, I will post the good, bad and ugly of the things stat sheets do not necessarily show. These are the views from the cheap seats.

The Good

Halftime Adjustments: Its amazing what can happen when Greg Davis listens to bloggers everywhere. He gets it right. Well, okay, so maybe no one on the web had his ear, but changes were made at halftime and those brought back the Texas offense we know and love. The biggest beneficiary of this was Jamaal Charles, who rushed for 100 yards in the second half. Jamaal's runs were down field and less lateral and he took it right at the vaunted TCU defense. The revamped running game, set up Colt to have the field open up for the passing game. Nicely done, Greg. Nicely done.

The Linebackers: Scott Derry, Rashad Bobino, Roderick Muckelroy and Jared Norton were everywhere, making plays on the field. Solid tackles, forced fumbles and interceptions were the name of the game from the linebacking corp. This was something that was sorely missed against Arkansas State. TCU had only 43 yards rushing and 251 total yards (much of this after the game was iced). The linebackers were in the back field and covering passes well across the middle. This is the type of performance everyone expected from the talented and deep linebackers.

The Bad

The First Half Offense: Is was the same old struggles for half of this game. Lateral runs, predictable, short passes and an under-utilization of talented weapons. Colt had a costly interception that was returned for a TD and another that was able to set up a field goal. The offense actually scored 10 points for TCU in the first half. Luckily the defense only gave up 3 points all game.

More Injuries: Adam Ulatoski and Jermichael Finely went down with injuries in the game. While J-Mike came back into the game, Ulatoski looks to have dislocated his elbow and is likely to be out a few weeks at the latest. Ulatoski was one of the most experienced linemen on the Texas team. He stated all last year and has been able to provide good protection and some depth so far this year. Lets hope of the young guys can step up. One place Texas cannot afford to lose players is on the offensive line.

The Ugly

Not too much that I would say was ugly. While Texas didn't score in the first half, there was never really a time you could say that TCU was dominating the game. It should have been 0-0 at the half, had it not been for a tipped INT and a tremendously read INT that was returned for a TD. But Texas fixed all of their problems after the half. So not much ugly here to report. Hell, even the DB's played decently enough to stay off the Ugly list.

Aww. That's cute

Brandon Foster Named Big 12 Special Team Player of the Week

Much maligned Texas corner, Brandon Foster, was tabbed as the special teams player of the week in the Big 12 after coming up with a game icing fumble recovery that he returned for touchdown. Late in the 4th, TCU punter Derek Wash fumbled the long snap and Foster recovered it an ran into the end zone to put Texas up 27-10 and effectively end TCU's upset hopes.

Even though TCU didn't bring much to the offensive table, Foster also helped the Texas defense to holding TCU to 3 offensive point.

Texas v. TCU: Preview

Just one week ago, this game was pretty simple. Texas will have a tough go of it on offense, but end the end, the defense would hold the game. Well, after last weeks Arkansas St. game, there are really no more easy answers for Texas. Poor offense and even worse defense rule the night as the Horns hobbled to a 21-13 squeaker against a far less talented opponent than TCU.

Texas Offense
While Colt and the Wide Outs seemed unstoppable on the first two drives of the year, the rest of the game was very, very average. Colt seemed a bit off most of the night and the running game struggled as it seemed to pick up where it left off last year. TCU does have a stacked defense, but Texas did show a great ability to pass protect and give McCoy the time he needed to compete passes. If they can do the same against TCU, Texas has a good chance of putting up some points. As good as the Frog defense is, they cannot keep up with the Texas receivers all game. Really, it may just come down to Greg Davis (yikes). If he shows a willingness to vary up the running scheme and mix in a few no-lateral runs, Texas should able able to score around 21-27 points. Texas MUST use Jermichael Finley. Period.

Texas Defense
Lets just be glad TCU has a young QB. Andy Dalton must be forced into mistakes by the Texas blitz. The secondary has shown an unwillingness to guard receivers. And the linebackers seem to be content on over running plays and missing tackles. If Texas Can hold TCU to less than 20, then Texas can win. The linebackers must play better. They are responsible for stopping the TCU running attack and covering the pass patterns across the middle. A young Dalton will be looking for short passes and the Texas backers need make them pay.

TCU Offense
TCU put up 27 on Baylor last week as freshman Andy Dalton passed for over 200 yards. He will be the keep to TCU's offense. Despite their struggles last week, Texas does have a pretty stout run defense and Dalton may have to pass to beat the Horns. If that is the case, TCU might be in trouble. But if the line can keep Texas away from Dalton, he may be able to exploit the weak pass coverage of the Longhorns.

TCU Defense
One of the top units in the nation gets star DE Tommy Blake back from his undisclosed injury. TCU does have the talent to slow, and maybe even stop, the powerful Texas offense. TCU may be able to put up 17-24 points, so TCU knows they need to keep Texas from getting into the zone more than 3 times. I think we saw McCoy play his worse game as a Longhorn, chance are he will not struggle on this accuracy as much this week. So TCU is going to need to be in the backfield, chasing him and making him throw on the run. If so, TCU might just pull off the upset.

Prediction: Texas 24 TCU 14

Week 2 Spotlight

What better way to enjoy a great thing like college football, then with Fantasy College Football. Every week the Drinking the Forty staff will be picking their fantasy team from the top 10 matchups of the upcoming week in College Football. Below, our picks...

Charlie Weis' Stomach Staples

Anthony Morelli- Penn State fans think this is finally the year that Morelli lives up to the hype. In week 1 this year, Morelli passed for 295 yards and 3 TDs against Florida International. The goo thing is that Notre Dame's defense may actually be worse than Florida International's. Look for Morelli to light up the Irish secondary for a lot of yards and a few TDs.

Stephen McGee- McGee is a nice pick, not for his arms, but his legs. Last week McGee had 121 yards and 2 TDs on the ground (including a 65 yd td run). While he only went for 112 in the air, McGee doesn't make a lot of mistakes or throw interceptions. I am not looking for McGee to have 250 passing yards very soon, but his arm and leg combine to a solid fantasy pick up.

DeMarco Murray- I don't even know what to say after last week's performance. I guess you know someone is good when you pick them against Miami's defense. Murray had 5 TDs last week.... In the first half! While he may not have the same game as last week, even half of that would be a solid week.

Michael Goodson- Two Aggie players in a week you say? Well, they have a damn good running game and its not like Fresno State is going to stop them. Goodson may easily have 100 yards and 2 TDs by the time this game is over. He is the fastest RB in the Big 12 and will have a big day.

Limas Sweed- Yeah, Texas didn't look that good on Saturday, but Limas did. Five catches for almost 100 yards, Limas was unstoppable when the ball was thrown his way. With the struggles of the Texas running game, along with TCU's stout front seven, Texas will spend a lot of time in the air and Sweed will see tons of balls.

Malcolm Kelly- Two Oklahoma players, too? Well, they seem really good. Okay? Kelly is the go to receiver in a passing game that went for almost 400 yards last week. I don't care that this is Miami. OU will put up some big points and Kelly will have at least 1 TD grab.

Penn State- Their offense is going against Notre Dame. Need I say more? This is going to be a win, and it is not even going to be close. The Nittany Lions will go for 45 pts. Mark it.

LSU- On defense, you can't find a better team in the nation. They just dominated Miss. State last week, including 6 INTs. Virginia Tech should a lack of offense... against East Carolina. Yeah, that doesn't bode well for the Hokies. They will be lucky to get even close to the 17 they put up last week.

Miami (FL) (1-0) at. #8 Oklahoma (1-0)
#20 Nebraska (1-0) at. Wake Forest (0-1)
Alabama (1-0) at. Vanderbilt (1-0)
Oregon (1-0) at. #5 Michigan (0-1)
#24 Boise State (1-0) at. Washington (1-0)
Fresno State (1-0) at. #25 Texas A&M (1-0)
South Carolina (1-0) at. #13 Georgia (1-0)
Notre Dame (0-1) at. #17 Penn State (1-0)
#22 TCU (1-0) at. #4 Texas (1-0)
#9 Virginia Tech (1-0) at. #2 LSU (1-0)

Our Fearless Leader...

Michigan wishes they had Big XII Referees

We all were wondering what exactly happened with a minute left in the game, when the refs ruled that Arkansas State had an illegal formation in what looked like a completely legal play. Well, today it turned out that we are not crazy, but the refs are.

Texas caught a break as the refs hosed Arkansas State in calling back the recovered onside kick. But who are we kidding, Arkansas State wouldn't have scored with a minute left, 55 yards to go, and our secondary standing in their way. Oh, wow, we almost lost to Arkansas State.

Can't wait till we play...



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/09/05/big12.blowncall.ap/index.html

Week 2 Spotlight

What better way to enjoy a great thing like college football, then with Fantasy College Football. Every week the Drinking the Forty staff will be picking their fantasy team from the top 10 matchups of the upcoming week in College Football. Below, our picks...

Last Week
Charlie Weis’ Stomach Staples took Week 1 by a score of 183-176, led by Chase Daniel (Missouri) and Yvenson Bernard. Both of us went 7-3 in the team picks. I think I would’ve won if I had a team name. Therefore my team shall be known as Paterno Stadium Cleaning Service. Now on to Week 2.

Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford (Georgia) played well last week against Oklahoma State, showing that he might be ready to take his team to the next level. This week we will continue to put up good numbers as South Carolina comes to town after a less than impressive win over Louisiana-Lafayette last week. Dennis Dixon (Oregon) is the pure dual threat quarterback. After 141 yards on the ground and 132 through the air, Dixon faces a defense that proved they have trouble stopping a dual threat quarterback.

Running Backs
Nebraska made it clear that they are easing Sam Keller into the offense and are not ready to make him win games. It makes sense if you have Marlon Lucky (Nebraska). He ran for 233 yards and 3 TDs in week one, and will face a Wake Forest defense that was lit up by Boston College. The only positive out of Michigan’s loss last week was Mike Hart (Michigan). He ran for 188 yards and 3 TDs. Look for him to put up similar numbers against Oregon and their Pac-10 quality defense.

Wide Receivers
Early Bennett (Vanderbilt) had a monster day pulling in 13 catches for 223 yards and 3 TDs. Alabama will be gameplanning for him, but I don’t see Nick Saban sliding extra receivers his way. I think Bennett will again have a big day. Early Doucet (LSU) proved week one that he is the reliable receiver for Matt Flynn. Against a good defense in Virginia Tech, he will be relied on heavily by Flynn for success in the passing game.

Offense/Defense
Losing to Appalachian State was embarrassing and Michigan will be coming out looking for redemption. The offense will have a big day against Oregon’s defense. Look for them to put up a ton of points and redeem themselves from last week’s defeat. Notre Dame looked confused and atrociously bad all game long against Georgia Tech. They’re hoping Jimmy Clausen will be the answer, but making your first start in the evening in Happy Valley is a daunting task, even for the chosen one. And since I will be in attendance, I can help cheer on Penn State’s defense as they shutdown Notre Dame.

Week 2 Picks (Home team in bold)
#5 Oklahoma (1-0) over Miami (FL) (1-0)
#16 Nebraska (1-0) over Wake Forest (0-1)
Alabama (1-0) over Vanderbilt (1-0)
Michigan (0-1) over Oregon (1-0)
#22 Boise State (1-0) over Washington (1-0)
#23 Texas A&M (1-0) over Fresno State (1-0)
#11 Georgia (1-0) over South Carolina (1-0)
#14 Penn State (1-0) over Notre Dame (0-1)
#7 Texas (1-0) over #22 TCU (1-0)
#2 LSU (1-0) over #9 Virginia Tech (1-0)