The Next Chapter
With college football now over, the NFL entering the climax of the season and college basketball starting to really heat up, we enter the next chapter of the sports year. Yes, I know, we'll all shed a small tear at the close of another college season on the gridiron, but it's inevitable so let's get on with it.
Yet again, I'm getting this out far later than I wanted to (over 3 weeks now to be exact), but what are you going to do? Work continues to consume....
Speaking of getting on with it, you Horns' fans out there OK now? Tough, tough, tough game for Texas. I'll get to the delayed recap in a second, but how heart breaking was it to see Colt's season (and college career) end like that? I felt for him, I really did. Let's take a moment to remember when this kid came onto campus and looked like a 12 year old girl. When Snead transferred I remember thinking, "why are we sticking with this McCoy kid when we have this Snead guy here?". Yet again, my underestimation of the coaching staff comes to light. It's been a real pleasure and joy watching Colt grow into the player he is now - and let's not take for granted the fact that we watched him grow into the most prolific QB in college football history - more wins than any other QB and better efficiency than any other QB in the history of the game. Read that last sentence again....amazing. Texas fans will miss and always love Colt and what he brought to this university on and off the field. And it's nice to have that player be such a great person. So long Colt, enjoy the millions.
And now we have the changing of the guard yet again on the forty acres. Tough introduction to big time college football for Garret Gilbert, but one that I'm confident will serve him well down the line. I have absolutely no ill will, complaints or concerns about GG in the future here at Texas - he's a good kid, a talented kid and will get much, MUCH better. Now, what I will take a small issue with is the fact that GG was not at all prepared to come in and run this offense. We've heard it time and time again from Mack - you're always just one play away from having the entire complexity of your team changed by an injury and so you have to be prepared. Unfortunately Texas took half of the first quarter and the entire second quarter to try and get GG up to speed. Not good. I guarantee you this - you're going to see more of the backup QB in games where the outcome is all but certain next year. Take that to the bank.
What I have a bigger issue with is the fact that NO ONE stepped up to help this kid out by making a f'ng play. I said coming into the game that my biggest worries were offensive line and receivers. The receivers were horrible. Utterly horrible. Shipley ended up with a great game, but was bad early. Whereas the Texas secondary was the most underrated and under appreciated position in the game, the Texas receiving corps may have been the most overrated. If I'm Mack I'm opening up the competition at the receiver positions to any and all interested parties. I think these kids got a little bit too cocky this year.
Quick note on the positives - let me shower, Shower, SHOWER my praises on the offensive line. They played a great game against a very tough defensive front. GG took some hits and sacks, but most of those were brilliantly disguised blitzes and/or GG holding on to the ball way too long. That O-line came in and protected the pocket quite well and am most proud of that group. Secondly, the defense was fantastic. Some of you may be thinking I'm crazy given the score. The final two scores by Bama had nothing to do with the defense and were garbage time scores. A third was an INT returned for a TD so again, not on the defense. The Bama running game really opened up primarily because the Texas defense was on the field the entire second quarter and most of the second half - a freshman QB simply can't sustain drives when he can only run 6 plays. When the offense goes hand off, hand off, slant on the first 3 downs - it's easy for the defense to shut 'em down and force the punt. Bottom line - this Texas defense played a hell of a game.
In conclusion, great year for Horns and a heartbreaking way to end the season, especially for Mr. McCoy. But, what are you going to do? Texas fans, you can't expect to lose your best player in a game like that and beat a team like Alabama. You just can't. That's OK though, the future looks bright and hey, it's Texas, it's not like you're going to be going 6-6 anytime soon. With that said, I'd be prepared for the real possibility of a 9-3 or even 8-4 type year next year. Too much offensive firepower leaving the team.
Great year for the Horns - gotta be proud of that.
I would never say that "had X not happened, we would have won" because they are 20 year-old kids after all...BUT, Bama fans, I don't expect you to ever admit this (or be smart enough to realize it), but we all know you guys breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when it was clear Colt wasn't coming back (just like Texas fans panicked). I don't know, but it looked like Texas was about to open that game wide open. Not saying they would have won, but the Horns set the tone for the first 10 minutes of that game and Bama was back on their heels. DOH!
Potpourri
Now let's not start to panic everyone - we Texans, of a football culture and constant state of mind, sometimes forget that losses in college basketball don't mean the same as losses in football. Nevertheless, two straight losses is never a good thing. We've still got a lot of time and can still control our own destiny in conference play, but some things need to be shored up and quick. I have no doubt Barnes is drilling these guys right now. Let's look at the losses.
The Kansas State loss....I don't know what to tell you. They ALWAYS lose to Kansas State. Always. I've seriously just come to expect that it's going to be a loss. When it's in Austin, they've got a 50-50 shot, but when it's in Manhattan, it's like a 20-80 shot. They got out hustled in every faucet of the game and I'm sorry, I love Rick Barnes and wouldn't want anyone else to be frank, but why do his teams always suck at free throws? I can't understand it. But either way, they had as bad a game as a team of their caliber can have. It happens.
The Uconn game is a bit more perplexing. The Huskies may be down a bit this year, but they are still a quality team. I'm not positive, but I think they were coming off of a series of losses (they are 3-3 in conference play). Getting the #1 team and a chance at redemption can bring out the best in their players - especially considering Calhoun's health issues. This was their first game since he announced his leave so they had that little extra something to play for. However, I don't think Texas had any business losing that game. I said to myself after the first few minutes of the second half - this will tell us if this team here today is a championship-caliber team. They're just not there quite yet - the good news is there's tons of games left and tons of opportunities. I'm not at all suggesting that this team isn't capable of making a big run in March, but championship teams can go into a hostile environment, on the road, on national television and beat a damn good team who's playing for extra motivation. They'll have their chances coming up - no doubt.
They've got a great mix of veteran and young talent and they'll be fine come conference tournament and March Madness time, but that doesn't mean they don't need to get better to compete with Kentucky, 'Cuse, Butler and the other big players. I trust in Barnes.
Non-Sports Thoughts for the Week:
Yet again, I'm getting this out far later than I wanted to (over 3 weeks now to be exact), but what are you going to do? Work continues to consume....
Speaking of getting on with it, you Horns' fans out there OK now? Tough, tough, tough game for Texas. I'll get to the delayed recap in a second, but how heart breaking was it to see Colt's season (and college career) end like that? I felt for him, I really did. Let's take a moment to remember when this kid came onto campus and looked like a 12 year old girl. When Snead transferred I remember thinking, "why are we sticking with this McCoy kid when we have this Snead guy here?". Yet again, my underestimation of the coaching staff comes to light. It's been a real pleasure and joy watching Colt grow into the player he is now - and let's not take for granted the fact that we watched him grow into the most prolific QB in college football history - more wins than any other QB and better efficiency than any other QB in the history of the game. Read that last sentence again....amazing. Texas fans will miss and always love Colt and what he brought to this university on and off the field. And it's nice to have that player be such a great person. So long Colt, enjoy the millions.
And now we have the changing of the guard yet again on the forty acres. Tough introduction to big time college football for Garret Gilbert, but one that I'm confident will serve him well down the line. I have absolutely no ill will, complaints or concerns about GG in the future here at Texas - he's a good kid, a talented kid and will get much, MUCH better. Now, what I will take a small issue with is the fact that GG was not at all prepared to come in and run this offense. We've heard it time and time again from Mack - you're always just one play away from having the entire complexity of your team changed by an injury and so you have to be prepared. Unfortunately Texas took half of the first quarter and the entire second quarter to try and get GG up to speed. Not good. I guarantee you this - you're going to see more of the backup QB in games where the outcome is all but certain next year. Take that to the bank.
What I have a bigger issue with is the fact that NO ONE stepped up to help this kid out by making a f'ng play. I said coming into the game that my biggest worries were offensive line and receivers. The receivers were horrible. Utterly horrible. Shipley ended up with a great game, but was bad early. Whereas the Texas secondary was the most underrated and under appreciated position in the game, the Texas receiving corps may have been the most overrated. If I'm Mack I'm opening up the competition at the receiver positions to any and all interested parties. I think these kids got a little bit too cocky this year.
Quick note on the positives - let me shower, Shower, SHOWER my praises on the offensive line. They played a great game against a very tough defensive front. GG took some hits and sacks, but most of those were brilliantly disguised blitzes and/or GG holding on to the ball way too long. That O-line came in and protected the pocket quite well and am most proud of that group. Secondly, the defense was fantastic. Some of you may be thinking I'm crazy given the score. The final two scores by Bama had nothing to do with the defense and were garbage time scores. A third was an INT returned for a TD so again, not on the defense. The Bama running game really opened up primarily because the Texas defense was on the field the entire second quarter and most of the second half - a freshman QB simply can't sustain drives when he can only run 6 plays. When the offense goes hand off, hand off, slant on the first 3 downs - it's easy for the defense to shut 'em down and force the punt. Bottom line - this Texas defense played a hell of a game.
In conclusion, great year for Horns and a heartbreaking way to end the season, especially for Mr. McCoy. But, what are you going to do? Texas fans, you can't expect to lose your best player in a game like that and beat a team like Alabama. You just can't. That's OK though, the future looks bright and hey, it's Texas, it's not like you're going to be going 6-6 anytime soon. With that said, I'd be prepared for the real possibility of a 9-3 or even 8-4 type year next year. Too much offensive firepower leaving the team.
Great year for the Horns - gotta be proud of that.
I would never say that "had X not happened, we would have won" because they are 20 year-old kids after all...BUT, Bama fans, I don't expect you to ever admit this (or be smart enough to realize it), but we all know you guys breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when it was clear Colt wasn't coming back (just like Texas fans panicked). I don't know, but it looked like Texas was about to open that game wide open. Not saying they would have won, but the Horns set the tone for the first 10 minutes of that game and Bama was back on their heels. DOH!
Potpourri
- One more thing on GG - it was clear watching him play that the game was moving very fast for him (welcome to the next level kid). When that happens, we've all seen these kids' eyes and they just look lost and scared. Well, I didn't see that in Gilbert's eyes. He had poise and he had confidence. He'll catch up to the pace and nuances of the game in due time, but he's got what he needs between his ears - I have no doubt about that.
- If Muschamp didn't bolt for Knoxville, I'm more confident than ever that we've got him for the long haul. I mean, why wouldn't you wait - no matter how long it takes? You're being handed the keys to one of the most prestigious programs in the country....and you'd have to almost try to screw it up given what Mack has built. He ain't going anywhere.
- I'm sure some of you noticed this (I know one of you did), but I don't think I picked one bowl game right this year. Not one.
- With all of my love fest praising of Colt above, I will say this one thing - part of me would have liked to see him in the game at least handing the ball off - sort of like going out swinging. I had absolutely zero illusions about Texas chances with Gilbert running the show - Bama is too good to replace the best player with an 18 year old and expect to win. So why not go down in a blaze of glory. Maybe I'm wrong, but there are players out there who would have had to be physically removed from the championship game during their senior year. I'm just saying....
- You don't hear this from me much, but kudos to Jerry Jones for sticking with Phillips for another year. I wavered on this after the Vikings debacle - yeah they one their first playoff game in 13 years, but they got slammed the following week and didn't even compete. With that said, I just don't think Dallas is anywhere near as good as Minnesota, although they certainly could have competed a bit harder. All in all, if you get rid of Wade, believe it or not you're likely taking 2 steps backwards. They're moving in the right direction and the primary question is - how much farther can Wade take this team. I think a trip to the conference championship game next year is a must for Wade - patience is good, but with a team like this, they should be making bigger strides in their game. We'll see...
- How about those Jets? As I type this it's halftime of the Colts game and they are laying some wood. Sanchez is playing a great game and the Jets defense is doing exactly what everyone thought they would do - making life very difficult on the Indy offense. These Jets have a Baltimore Ravens from the 2000 season feel to them.
- Still can't get over that win in San Diego - I thought the Chargers would cruise through that game.
- New Orleans fans - B-E-L-I-E-V-E. I can't NOT root for the Saints...I just can't.
- How baffling is Lane Kiffin? I mean, what in the world is the intrigue with this guy? Aside the fact that he's clearly an arrogant prick, what has he done? He was a disaster in Oakland, although you can't entirely blame that on him, but before that he was only at USC for a year or 2. He had a decent season (just 1) in Tennessee, and now all of a sudden he's the successor to one of the winning-est coaches of the last decade? If you ask me, this was a knee-jerk reaction by USC to try and maintain some semblance of continuity from the Pete Carroll era. With sanctions likely coming, this will not end well for the Trojans. I give Kiffin 4 years or less.
- So if you halfway paid attention during the holiday break, you saw SI, ESPN and others do the "best of the decade" schticks to fill time and content. I won't get into each of the categories (they were endless), but I will say this - any college basketball all-decade team that doesn't include Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Durant was clearly developed by a bunch of feeble-minded goons who, by my estimation, have some sort of allegiance to Duke (go look at all the Duke players on the list).
- Speaking of Kevin Durant - you won't see this much unless you pay close attention to the NBA, but I'm not sure there's 4 players in the league better than him. Yeah, I said it. He only scores about 30 points every single game. Mark my words, he's got at least 1 MVP coming his way within the next few years.
- Not a good sign Laker faithful - the season sweep by the Cavs is not a good sign.
- I'm pretty sure I haven't touched on this yet, but you really need to kick Gilbert Arenas out of the league - unless someone is threatening you/your family or breaking into your house, there is never a situation where pulling a gun on someone is acceptable...especially when it's not loaded. He should also be black listed from being able to ever purchase a gun of any sort in any state. Being stupid is not going to fly if you're going to own firearms. And Arenas is clearly stupid.
- I know there's a work stoppage on the horizon in the NFL, but I just can't get behind Jeavan Snead's decision to turn pro. I honestly think that a solid season at Ole Miss next year could raise his stock tremendously - especially considering you've got Tebow, McCoy, Bradford, Clausen, and others coming out this year. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think he's a 3rd round or later pick.
- I think Urban Meyer may be crazy - didn't he take a leave of absence? Isn't he still recruiting and hiring assistants? And didn't he just come out saying he's feeling better and coaching spring ball? Weird.
- Love the hire by Texas Tech to bring in Tuberville. Will be interesting to see how he's able to keep the spread offense going like he promised. I know this is his forte, but also will be interesting to see who they get to replace McNeill on the defensive side of the ball. That dude brought some stability and toughness to that group. We'll see, but this is a good, aggressive hire by the administration - I imagine fans and alumni are fairly pleased with this given the ugly breakup (and ongoing) with Leach. Way to go get a big name with proven experience TT.
- Taking a quick look at next CFB season - here's who I'm at as top teams next year (in no particular order): Alabama, TCU, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Pitt.
- Give it two years and Leach will be back in coaching on the east coast somewhere - say Clemson or Maryland.
- Call me crazy, but quietly and nonchalantly keep an eye on SMU over the next few years. 20+ years after the infamous death penalty, June Jones will have these guys competing with the big boys again. Settle down, I'm not suggesting BCS bowls or national titles, but I'm saying I can see these guys winning 7, 8 or 9 games a year within the next few years.
- 2012 - that's when Mack hands the keys over to Muschamp.
Now let's not start to panic everyone - we Texans, of a football culture and constant state of mind, sometimes forget that losses in college basketball don't mean the same as losses in football. Nevertheless, two straight losses is never a good thing. We've still got a lot of time and can still control our own destiny in conference play, but some things need to be shored up and quick. I have no doubt Barnes is drilling these guys right now. Let's look at the losses.
The Kansas State loss....I don't know what to tell you. They ALWAYS lose to Kansas State. Always. I've seriously just come to expect that it's going to be a loss. When it's in Austin, they've got a 50-50 shot, but when it's in Manhattan, it's like a 20-80 shot. They got out hustled in every faucet of the game and I'm sorry, I love Rick Barnes and wouldn't want anyone else to be frank, but why do his teams always suck at free throws? I can't understand it. But either way, they had as bad a game as a team of their caliber can have. It happens.
The Uconn game is a bit more perplexing. The Huskies may be down a bit this year, but they are still a quality team. I'm not positive, but I think they were coming off of a series of losses (they are 3-3 in conference play). Getting the #1 team and a chance at redemption can bring out the best in their players - especially considering Calhoun's health issues. This was their first game since he announced his leave so they had that little extra something to play for. However, I don't think Texas had any business losing that game. I said to myself after the first few minutes of the second half - this will tell us if this team here today is a championship-caliber team. They're just not there quite yet - the good news is there's tons of games left and tons of opportunities. I'm not at all suggesting that this team isn't capable of making a big run in March, but championship teams can go into a hostile environment, on the road, on national television and beat a damn good team who's playing for extra motivation. They'll have their chances coming up - no doubt.
They've got a great mix of veteran and young talent and they'll be fine come conference tournament and March Madness time, but that doesn't mean they don't need to get better to compete with Kentucky, 'Cuse, Butler and the other big players. I trust in Barnes.
Non-Sports Thoughts for the Week:
- Why is it so hard to get help to those people in Haiti? That's frustrating - not necessarily any one's fault (or maybe it is, I don't know), but it shouldn't be that hard to get the kind of immediate help they need. Those poor, poor people - no one deserves that.
- Isn't it funny how quickly Tiger Woods has faded from the headlines? It's a good thing, but it's also funny. We have the attention span of nats.
- Speaking of Tiger - rumor has it he's in sex addiction rehab? I don't want to sound insensitive, but couldn't like 80% of all males technically be considered "sex addicts"? Whatever works for him.
- If we're not manufacturing those military drone planes as fast as we can we're stupid.
- $8,700....the amount we've put into both of our cars since paying them off 7 weeks ago. You can't make this sh*t up people.
- Took Ella to her first movie ever a while back (The Frog and the Princess). I can't do it justice, but it was funny. Movie was beyond lame, but watching her was classic. She's not quite big enough to sit back in the seat or it folds her like a Charlie Chaplin bit. Funny stuff.
posted by The Bearden Wonder at 10:55 AM
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