Texas Longhorns 2011

[MojoMan]

After defeating the Rice Owls in week one 34-9, the Horns squeaked out a 17-16 victory over BYU tonight in Austin.

It was literally a tale of two halves.

Before the season, the Longhorns tapped Garrett Gilbert to be the starting QB to start the year. He was the starting QB last season when the Horns went 5-7, their first losing season since 1997. That experiment appears to have ended tonight.

After throwing two interceptions in the first half, the Horns benched Gilbert and brought in Case McCoy and David Ash (a true freshman) in a unique alternating arrangement to replace him. David Ash was apparently committed to running the football every chance he got, a-la John Chiles, who was eventually moved to the receiver position.

Case McCoy led the team much like his brother used to do. When he came into the game, the Longhorns looked like a completely different and better team. It was largely because of Case McCoy and Malcom Brown, a true freshman running back of a caliber that we has not seen at Texas in a good while, that Texas ultimately won the game.

Unless I am mistaken, Sophomore QB Case McCoy, the brother of Colt McCoy, will be named as the starting QB going into the game against UCLA at the Rose Bowl next week. At least I hope so.

 

[Dutchrudder]

Garrett Gilbert might as well transfer to UT El Paso or something, he shouldn't get another snap for the Longhorns this year. Obviously the experience playing this year would be much more valuable to McCoy and Ash than it would be to let GG throw away some games. Shipley had some great catches, might be another dynamic duo in the works for UT. The second coming of McCoy? I thought for sure Tebow would be the first college QB to do that...

 

[JCTexan]

Garrett Gilbert might as well transfer to UT El Paso or something, he shouldn't get another snap for the Longhorns this year. Obviously the experience playing this year would be much more valuable to McCoy and Ash than it would be to let GG throw away some games. Shipley had some great catches, might be another dynamic duo in the works for UT. The second coming of McCoy? I thought for sure Tebow would be the first college QB to do that...

Gilbert has sure been a disappointment. I was expecting big things from him last year and he simply hasn't lived up to the expectations. I really hope Mac Brown names Mccoy the starter for next week. What's the old saying: 'having two QB's is as good as having none'?

 

[pbat488]

gilbert was put into a no win situation with davis as his coordinator his first two years... that guy was successful solely on the athletic and leadership abilities of vince young and colt mccoy. gilbert didn't have whatever x-factor(s) that those two had yet davis tried to make him run the same offense. it just wasn't going to happen.

he really does need to transfer out and I think he will end up being successful somewhere else. tulsa would be a good spot for him I think.

 

[whiskeyrbl]

Garrett Gilbert might as well transfer to UT El Paso or something, he shouldn't get another snap for the Longhorns this year. Obviously the experience playing this year would be much more valuable to McCoy and Ash than it would be to let GG throw away some games. Shipley had some great catches, might be another dynamic duo in the works for UT. The second coming of McCoy? I thought for sure Tebow would be the first college QB to do that...

The second coming of McCoy to Shipley.......

 

[sakebomb]

So do the little brothers of Colt and Jordan room together too? That's cute if they do.

 

[sakebomb]

As an Aggie fan, I sure hope the little brother's don't play as good as Colt and Jordan.

 

[MojoMan]

As an Aggie fan, I sure hope the little brother's don't play as good as Colt and Jordan.

If the Aggies move to the SEC, then it may not be an issue after this Thanksgiving. But there are some good players in the SEC, too. The Aggies are going to have their work cut out for them whatever happens.

 

[gary]

I had switched to NASCAR thinking that the Horns were going to lose.

 

[MojoMan]

I had switched to NASCAR thinking that the Horns were going to lose.

But they didn't. They won.

Hook'em Horns!

 

[gary]

But they didn't. They won.

Hook'em Horns!

I'll watch the game next week and I hope they do well.

 

[Blake]

I had switched to NASCAR

There is your first mistake. :P

:vincepalm:

 

[Texas T]

I saw that McCoy and Ash have been named co-starters.

Also Brown is also a co-starter.

I really enjoyed watching the platooning of McCAsh (LOL), it was also great hearing McCoy complete to Shipley. Really brought back good memories.

I was happy with the win sincd I don't get to see many UT games up here.

 

[Mr. White]

Tough break for Gilbert......

It's a long way down from the National Championship game to 3rd string. I almost feel bad for the kid, but there really was no other choice.

The dual starters at QB can't last long either. I hope that this doesn't go on for more than another week or 2. Hopefully, the eventual starter will have a really hot hand by the OU game.

My guess is it'll be McCoy. I think Ash probably has the better tools as a QB, but McCoy looks more comfortable.

 

[MojoMan]

The Longhorns pounded UCLA yesterday in the Rose bowl, 49-20. The Horns were favored by three points going into the contest, as they continue to regroup after a 5-7 season in 2010, having installed a largely new coaching staff under Mack Brown, together with a lot of fresh faces in the starting line up on both sides of the ball.

The uncertainty is starting to wear off a little bit, although to be fair the Longhorns have still not played anyone of note. And they won't until they play a ranked team until they play #1 ranked Oklahoma in Dallas on October 8th.

The real news from this game was the strength of the running game, the likes of which we have not seen from a Longhorns team since at least 2004, when Cedric Benson was carrying the rock. If the first three games of the year are any indication, the Horns have a winner in true freshman tailback Malcolm Brown, who went over 100 yards yesterday in his first career start, while demonstrating a smash mouth straight ahead style of running that left me remembering the good old days of Earl Campbell. Backup RB Fozzy Whitaker was also outstanding.

Keep an eye on Malcolm Brown. If he stays healthy, he could very well be the next Heisman trophy winner to come out of Texas. So far, he has demonstrated that level of promise.

The Longhorns appear to have a QB in Case Mcoy, who threw the ball accurately yesterday and did not have any turnovers. However, this was a balanced attack led by the running game, which is a big change from the pass first strategy used by the Horns in recent years.

The defense looked good but not great. The Horns appear to have good talent on defense, including a strong pass rush and a pretty good run defense. However, they were inconsistent and sometimes a bit lethargic, apparently due to the seemingly safe margin on the score board coming out of halftime. If the Horns had been playing a better offensive team, this could have easily turned into a raucous, pin-ball machine type of affair. It needs to be pointed out that an inordinately large number of starters on this team are freshmen and sophomores. They need to learn to stay focused.

I am impressed with what I have seen so far. I expect the Horns to continue to rise up through the rankings going into OU weekend in three weeks, which is followed by a game against currently #8 ranked Oklahoma State in Austin. If the Horns can pull off a win against one (or both) of these teams, this year could be the year when opponents realize "they're back...."

Hat-tip to Mack Brown for the rapid turnaround job he appears to have accomplished with this program.

 

[gary]

I don't want to get too excited just yet but I do see some promise there.

 

[gary]

Huge game against OU on Saturday.

 

[MojoMan]

Huge game against OU on Saturday.

Oklahoma is favored by 9 points.

http://sportsdirect.usatoday.com/odds/ncaaf.aspx

That seems about right, given that Texas (4-0) has not played anyone yet and is coming off of a losing season last year. But the Horns have looked pretty good on both sides of the ball so far this season and it is not impossible that an upset could be in the works here.

The game is an early start on Saturday at 11:00 AM on ABC. It could be a good one.

 

[Blake]

I think OU should be favored by more. I will be watching of course, but I think Texas loses by 14.

 

[bah007]

As a Texas fan I would like to say that we have a good shot at winning....but we don't.

Our defense is great, but they would have to play perfect. Our offense is decent, but they would have to play great. Anything less than that won't get it done.

I think our defense does enough to keep us in the game, but I don't think the game will ever be in doubt. OU will win something like 24-14.

But you never know. Texas should have been destroyed last year, and we were in the game up until the end.

 

[Stemp]

I'm sorry, but Texas hasn't beaten anyone to be ranked #10.
They play OU and OSU next, both games I expect them to lose, before playing a weak KU and a questionable Tech.

Now, if Texas actually manages to beat OU, I will give them some credit.

 

[gary]

I heard they are now ranked eleventh and I am still hoping that UT upsets OU. At least keep the game close through out.

 

[Dutchrudder]

I heard they are now ranked eleventh and I am still hoping that UT upsets OU. At least keep the game close through out.

They are only ranked that high because the networks like to advertise big matchups. Saturday ought to bring the Longhorns back to reality.

 

[MojoMan]

They are only ranked that high because the networks like to advertise big matchups. Saturday ought to bring the Longhorns back to reality.

If not, the the Texas Longhorns could be warming up for a run at the national title.

It is important to remember that this team has as much talent on it as any team in the country. Mack Brown has been recruiting top 5 classes consistently for quite a long time now. The reason for the falloff last year may well have been primarily because of coaching - a problem that was addressed by a dramatic turnover in the coaching staff in the offseason.

In any case, I will always root for the Texas Longhorns until the day I die. I expect that the Longhorns will bring their best game on Saturday and because of the rivalry aspect of this game, application of the typical game analysis is out the window. Same thing when the Horns play the Aggies.

No one should be too surprised if the Texans Longhorns win on Saturday. And if they win on Saturday, the Texas Longhorns will be in a really good position going into the rest of the season.

 

[Blake]

I'm sorry, but Texas hasn't beaten anyone to be ranked #10.
They play OU and OSU next, both games I expect them to lose, before playing a weak KU and a questionable Tech.

Now, if Texas actually manages to beat OU, I will give them some credit.

They are ranked #11, not 10. While I agree with you that Texas hasnt done much yet this season, I think the same could be said about a number of teams like Oregon @#9, Stanford @#7, Arkansas @#10. All havent shown anything but are ranked high because ranked teams keep losing.

I am almost sure that OU wins Saturday so Texas wont be ranked this high anymore.

 

[Stemp]

They are ranked #10 in the coaches poll and #11 in the AP poll.

 

[Blake]

They are ranked #10 in the coaches poll and #11 in the AP poll.

I see. I would refer to the AP poll as the coaches poll is a sham.

 

[HJam72]

I don't like the Longhorns, because they obviously got their symbol and mascot idea from the Texans.

 

[Doppelganger]

Self Disclosure: I am a Horns fan.

The Longhorns go into this game with no pressure. Nobody is expecting anything of them in this game. Texas has nothing to lose and eveyrthing to gain in this game. If they lose, they were expected to. If they win, they get big time recognition.

The Sooners have ALL the pressure and very little to gain. They are expected to not only win but win big. I think they could come out a little tight.

Prediction: I will predict an upset. Horns win by 3.

 

[Stemp]

Self Disclosure: I am a Horns fan.

The Longhorns go into this game with no pressure. Nobody is expecting anything of them in this game. Texas has nothing to lose and eveyrthing to gain in this game. If they lose, they were expected to. If they win, they get big time recognition.

The Sooners have ALL the pressure and very little to gain. They are expected to not only win but win big. I think they could come out a little tight.

Prediction: I will predict an upset. Horns win by 3.

No pressure when everyone is expecting your biggest rival to give you a beatdown?

 

[Doppelganger]

No pressure when everyone is expecting your biggest rival to give you a beatdown?

Yeah. Nobody is giving UT a chance. Everyone is already writing the game off as a loss. If UT loses, nobody will be surprised. Everyone is pretty much saying that UT is a year away and OU is a national title contender. If anything, OSU is looked at as a tougher opponent for OU than UT.

So, UT enters the game with 0 expectations and 0 pressure.

 

[jtexas]

Early success on offense could cause the horns to win. If their qbs get rattled, then it could be an ugly day.

 

[MojoMan]

Early success on offense could cause the horns to win. If their qbs get rattled, then it could be an ugly day.

I don't believe their QB's are going to be the problem for UT. If the Longhorns break down, it will likely be the offensive and defensive lines. Which is of course where most football games are won or lost.

 

[badboy]

I expect UT's QB to run a lot.

 

[rmartin65]

Oklahoma has very little to gain? What?

The number 1 ranking?
Bragging Rights over a rival?
Big 12 South Championship?
Big 12 Championship?
National Title?

I dont think it will be a blowout, but OU wins by about 10.

 

[Blake]

Like many thought, Gilbert is gone. Not sure where to, but some have hinted that SMU might be a possible destination.

http://content.usatoday.com/communi.../texas-quarterback-garrett-gilbert-transfer/1

 

[Doppelganger]

Oklahoma has very little to gain? What?

The number 1 ranking?
Bragging Rights over a rival?
Big 12 South Championship?
Big 12 Championship?
National Title?

I dont think it will be a blowout, but OU wins by about 10.

Yes, OU has VERY little to gain in public perception. Public perception drives polls and that leads to rankings. In the public perception, OU and UT are not on the same level. OU is expected to be a national title contender and UT is expected to be an 8 win team. So, OU is expected to not only win but crush UT. Going into a game where you are expected to crush your opponent can make you a little tight or even potentially overlook them.

OU can still lose this game and get to a BCS game/Natl championship.

 

[rmartin65]

Yes, OU has VERY little to gain in public perception. Public perception drives polls and that leads to rankings. In the public perception, OU and UT are not on the same level. OU is expected to be a national title contender and UT is expected to be an 8 win team. So, OU is expected to not only win but crush UT. Going into a game where you are expected to crush your opponent can make you a little tight or even potentially overlook them.

OU can still lose this game and get to a BCS game/Natl championship.

I dont buy it. 1 loss teams dont make the NC on a regular basis. The coaches and players know that the only way to ensure that they get a shot is to run the table. Especially since they are not in the SEC.

Also, the fact that a loss would make OU drop considerably in the polls means they do have something to play for.

 

[El Tejano]

OU doesn't know how to gameplan for this multi-faceted offense. Texas' D is getting very good now.

 

[Stemp]

OU doesn't know how to gameplan for this multi-faceted offense. Texas' D is getting very good now.

Texas' offense is ok, but not a world beater by any means. They haven't played a good defense, nor one as fast as OU's. The defense is good, I just don't think they can match the offensive firepower of OU. I think Texas is going to get a wakeup call as to where they actually stand.

 

[Hookem Horns]

I think Texas is going to get a wakeup call as to where they actually stand.

I agree here. A wake up call is going to happen one way or the other. Either the wakeup call is going to be for Texas or the rest of the country.

 

[Texecutioner]

Texas' offense is ok, but not a world beater by any means. They haven't played a good defense, nor one as fast as OU's. The defense is good, I just don't think they can match the offensive firepower of OU. I think Texas is going to get a wakeup call as to where they actually stand.

I love the current state of Texas going into this game. They might get a wake up call as you've suggested, but that will be a good thing down the line. I'm tickled to death that Case McCoy has emerged as the starter here at Texas and has gotten this offense rolling the past two games along with Jaxson Shipley who is actually better than Jordan was when Jordan first got to Texas. This has been fun to watch, and Texas doesn't really have strong expectations to win this game, so if they can keep it close and make a great game of it I'll be happy with that. They're still sort of a work in progress with the new offense and the new defense coming in this season. It's just amazing how different this team has looked once Gilbert was taken out of there finally. Just crazy that Gilbert ended up being such a bust here, because he was one of the most talented looking QB's I had seen coming into college football in years. I hope that he can get it together somewhere else as he has transferred now.

 

[Mr. White]

Texas' offense is ok, but not a world beater by any means. They haven't played a good defense, nor one as fast as OU's. The defense is good, I just don't think they can match the offensive firepower of OU. I think Texas is going to get a wakeup call as to where they actually stand.

When OU beat us 63-14 in 2000, that was a wake-up call.

If it happens this year, then it'll be the older #3 team beating the #11 team.

 

[Stemp]

When OU beat us 63-14 in 2000, that was a wake-up call.

If it happens this year, then it'll be the older #3 team beating the #11 team.

Yeah... but #11 based on what? Haven't really beaten anyone to deserve that ranking IMO.

Rice :
BYU: Lost to Utah, barely beat Utah St.
UCLA: Doormat of the PAC12
Iowa St: Got up for Iowa, played 2 other patsies.

 

[SteveSlaton20]

There were 8 teams in the top 20 that lost last week, are you really surprise that Texas is #11? They probably don't deserve it(yet), but who does? that's why we play the game. Hook 'Em Horns. OU Sucks.

 

[gary]

Forget the chatter the game is tomorrow. Should be a good one.

 

[Mr. White]

I'll be interested to see how the Horns respond to this loss next week. Mack usually does a good job at getting the team up the week following this game.

 

[Stemp]

Yeah... but #11 based on what? Haven't really beaten anyone to deserve that ranking IMO.

Rice :
BYU: Lost to Utah, barely beat Utah St.
UCLA: Doormat of the PAC12
Iowa St: Got up for Iowa, played 2 other patsies.

 

[Mr. White]

I'll be interested to see how the Horns respond to this loss next week. Mack usually does a good job at getting the team up the week following this game.

But then again that doesn't mean a whole hell of a lot when your main rival beats you by 45 points. F next week.

 

[MojoMan]

Whatever fantasies this Longhorns team and their fans may have had about being a top 5 team this year were pretty well annihilated today. The defense tried to hang on, but the Sooners offense was just too much. The Texas offense was thoroughly outmatched from beginning to end.

Looks like it will be at least another year before the Horns return to the stature they have become familiar with over most of the last decade.

Hat tip to the Sooners. They looked great. If the Horns cannot win it coming out of the Big 12, then I hope the Sooners do instead.