Venting

Over 24 hours later and still can't understand it. What's most upsetting is not how they lost, but the fact that it wasn't shocking. Surprising? Sure, but *shocking* - not at all. I mean, take the 7 worst losses to OU in Texas history and Mack owns four of them. There were games where Texas came out and lost by two TDs or less, but you never felt they were ever in it (see the Chris Simms years). And then there were times when Texas came out and simply did not compete for a single second (case in point, yesterday). Here's the question: how many times have you seen OU perform like that in this series under Stoops? How about never. The closest came in the 2005 national title year.

A few thoughts on Texas...

• I love Mack Brown. I really do. And I've always been the one to defend him over the years when the ultra crazies wanted to fire him in October (fresh off of back-to-back-to-back-to...10-win seasons). But now it's time. It's time to go. It's crystal clear that we have a culture issue with this program - we saw it with Greg Davis and the revolving door of D-Coordinators (only exception being Muschamp), and we're seeing it now. Understand this: I'm not suggesting they fire him...that will never happen (NEVER HAPPEN), but it's up to Deloss to start the discussion. There's no questions there's a cushy little job waiting for him at some level if he wants it, and you know what, fans would be happy to have him in it. But it's time to bring in some new blood. This has to be the last season. 
• And by the way - I'm guessing there are more than a few rich, white dudes giving a ton of money to this program would agree with me....and I bet someone listens to them....
• How Manny Diaz still has a job as the Defensive Coordinator, as I sit and write this at 8pm on Sunday night, is beyond me. Look, there was plenty of blame to go around in this particular game, but it's not just about this game. Since the first game of the season, it's more than fair to say the defense has regressed, week after week. Sure, there have been big plays and highlight plays, but as a whole, it's getting worse. The performance from the defense yesterday was.....unacceptable. The players are not executing the most fundamental elements of the game (things they've learned since Pop Warner); the plays/schemes being called are....I don't know what, but it's consistently the wrong call; and it's 1000% clear there is no leadership on this defense. He's not holding his players accountable.....which indicates to me he's not held accountable. He needs to go. There is no chance that they do any worse with him gone. Bring in a new voice, a new face, a new mindset - and I don't mean hiring a new one, I mean promote from within (NOT AKINA!!!!!) on interim level. I like Diaz a lot, but he's not getting it done and it's clear he won't get it done. Get rid of him now (and save a little face Mack). PS- regarding the culture thing I mentioned above and how we need a new one.....the fact that Mack would NEVER do this is indication enough of the need for a regime change.
• Or at least reassign him: he'll continue to coach linebackers, but someone else is taking over D-Coordinator duties.
• I would also put Brian Harsin on notice. How is it that DJ Monroe goes two consecutive games without touching the ball on an offensive play? Why in the world was David Ash in the fucking game in the fourth quarter, down by 40 when he as done DICK all day long? Why do we continue to go for 3 yards when we need 5 for a first down? I have no clue how the Co-thing works with the OCs, but shit, give full reigns to Major for a week or two. Maybe we'll actually see someone who calls plays that suit our strengths instead of listening to the voices in Harsin's head saying "you're a great running team, just keep running little dudes between the tackles....just keep doing it".
• I am also appalled that the starters (both offensive and defensive) were on the field for a single snap in the second half. There was, and I mean this from the deepest depths of my soul, ZERO FUCKING CHANCE that Texas was going to come back to win, or even compete in this game, and everyone knew it. Why not actually hold your players accountable, show tough love, show some leadership - you're not getting the job done and you're embarrassing all of us....you're done for the day. I would have played nothing but backups the entire second half. And maybe you're starting QB (who's been freaking fantastic this year by the way) won't suffer what may be a 3-6 week injury. Dumb, dumb, dumb. 
• This is a 6-6 football team this year. 
• To the assholes griping at the fans for leaving early.....ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Why in the world would you waste one second of your time and ounce of your energy on this team when they clearly are not putting forth any effort at all? I hope every single player and coach looked up and saw blank seats to start the fourth quarter where Texas fans were seated. And if I were Mack Brown I would loudly and passionately say they were right to leave - HOLD YOUR TEAM ACCOUNTABLE FOR ONCE. 
• Finally, and oh-so-painfully, I say this to the (die-hard? obnoxious? ignorant? loyal? I don't know the best word here) fans out there.....it's 8:30pm and it's actually Texas who sucks. Swallow that for a minute.....and get over yourselves.

On a more pleasant note - had my 11-year wedding anniversary Saturday night and went to Lukenbach to see Bob Schneider's Texas Bluegrass Massacre show. Not to sound like Captain Obvious, but if you love Bob and you love Bluegrass, you'll REALLY love this. I think he only does shows with this crew every so often, but if you get a chance, make it happen. You will NOT be disappointed. Some original stuff, and some bluegrass renditions of everything from his current "regular" songs and even some old Scabs stuff. Awesome show - they recorded it there so you can get the disk. Check it out, but either way, definitely get yourself to the show if you can.

Did I mention Texas is going 6-6 this year?