good game, Ags

[JimR]

outcoached and outplayed two years in a row. our defensive schemes are clueless.

Zipp, i told you McGee could pass!

[MikeyBoy]

outcoached and outplayed two years in a row. our defensive schemes are clueless.

Zipp, i told you McGee could pass!

I thought the Horns looked flat, which surprised me considering what they were playing for. Not at all what I expected from the game, but I'll definately take it.

[Andyzipp]

outcoached and outplayed two years in a row. our defensive schemes are clueless.

Zipp, i told you McGee could pass!

Thanks. Amazing what actually working on the passing game for a couple weeks will do for a guy.

[Froback]

Sorry if in the other thread I seemed like I was down on the option, that was not my intention. What I was trying to say is they should have been running the offense like they played yesterday, which in my mind is what they did last year.

They have a talented QB, and while he can run the option, he seems like he can do so much more in the type of offense they played against Texas.

[HudsonHawk]

I thought the Horns looked flat, which surprised me considering what they were playing for. Not at all what I expected from the game, but I'll definately take it.

That's exactly what I thought.  Seemed to me that the Horns just didn't want to be there.  They looked the same way last year.  No excitement, no sense of urgency...like they were just playing out the string.  I realize that this game is much bigger emotionally for ATM, but UT had a lot to play for, and they looked really unprepared.

[Astroholic]

That's exactly what I thought.  Seemed to me that the Horns just didn't want to be there.  They looked the same way last year.  No excitement, no sense of urgency...like they were just playing out the string.  I realize that this game is much bigger emotionally for ATM, but UT had a lot to play for, and they looked really unprepared.

So what will it take for the horn fans to start calling for Macs head?

[HudsonHawk]

So what will it take for the horn fans to start calling for Macs head?

Well, first they'll have to stop the swooning over Vince Young.  Not sure when that will happen.  But if the Horns go 5-3 in conference with losses to OU and ATM again next year, there'll be plenty of headhunters out there.  I'm sure there are some already.

[JimR]

I thought the Horns looked flat, which surprised me considering what they were playing for. Not at all what I expected from the game, but I'll definately take it.

emotion in a football game is bs. it lasts for about two plays. what they were was unprepared. the poor tackling is nothing new.

[drew corleone]

That's exactly what I thought.  Seemed to me that the Horns just didn't want to be there.  They looked the same way last year.  No excitement, no sense of urgency...like they were just playing out the string.  I realize that this game is much bigger emotionally for ATM, but UT had a lot to play for, and they looked really unprepared.

Spot on.

Over the whole of the past two season, it seems that this program is living off the 05 season, as if "We're Texas" means anything to anyone outside of the Texas program and fanbase.

Texas teams this season have been under-prepared almost every week, and seemingly unmotivated. I don't know if its a coaching issue, a character issue or a leadership issue, but Mack need to re-evaluate this program and find a way to fix it.

People have been calling for Mack's head since before the national title, and they'll call for his head now. I think that's premature, but it's awfully disappointing to see a team come out every week and sleepwalk its way to underwhelming performances against teams with sometimes far inferior talent (Arkansas State and Baylor, especially). It's just been a weird season, I suppose, and after yesterday I feel deflated.

Then again, this was probably a 9-3 team from the very beginning.

[MusicMan]

Well, first they'll have to stop the swooning over Vince Young.  Not sure when that will happen. 

I think we have 2 years' evidence what a difference he made.

[matadorph]

Well, first they'll have to stop the swooning over Vince Young.  Not sure when that will happen.  But if the Horns go 5-3 in conference with losses to OU and ATM again next year, there'll be plenty of headhunters out there.  I'm sure there are some already.

The VY jocksniffing in Austin is unreal. These so-called NFL "fans" in their Titans jerseys make me sick. They seem to have conveniently forgotten who owns that team and the history between that owner and the loyal fans from Houston.

Fuckin traitors. I generally wanted to see Vince Young succeed, but these people are so annoying that I want nothing more than to see him throw interceptions and lose just so they'll shut the fuck up.

[HudsonHawk]

I think we have 2 years' evidence what a difference he made.

I had three people yesterday, out of the blue, bring up Vince Young and the 2005 title while talking prior to yesterday's game.  Young was a fabulous player, but he's not there anymore.  They seemed not to care.  They were still giddy over Young.  Someday they're gonna have to focus on the current season, aren't they? 

[matadorph]

I think we have 2 years' evidence what a difference he made.

Or Chizik. He might have had something to do with it.

[JimR]

I had three people yesterday, out of the blue, bring up Vince Young and the 2005 title while talking prior to yesterday's game.  Young was a fabulous player, but he's not there anymore.  They seemed not to care.  They were still giddy over Young.  Someday they're gonna have to focus on the current season, aren't they? 

i agree with your last sentence and have said the same thing. 2005 was wonderful. VY was the greatest athlete i have seen at UT since i have been watching Longhorn football. not only did he have fantastic skills, he raised everyone else's level of play with his charismatic leadership. he's gone, though, and the football program must move on and try to do it again.

i do not fault the players in this malaise. MB is primarily to blame b/c he's The Boss who hires coaches and who sets the tone for his team. the decline started last year, and Chizik was part of it. there needs to be wholesale changes, and it will be interesting to see how tough MB gets. i saw what DKR did after 6-4 seasons, and i doubt MB has the stomach for that level of toughness.

[austro]

i agree with your last sentence and have said the same thing. 2005 was wonderful. VY was the greatest athlete i have seen at UT since i have been watching Longhorn football. not only did he have fantastic skills, he raised everyone else's level of play with his charismatic leadership. he's gone, though, and the football program must move on and try to do it again.

i do not fault the players in this malaise. MB is primarily to blame b/c he's The Boss who hires coaches and who sets the tone for his team. the decline started last year, and Chizik was part of it. there needs to be wholesale changes, and it will be interesting to see how tough MB gets. i saw what DKR did after 6-4 seasons, and i doubt MB has the stomach for that level of toughness.

I continue to be surprised by how often they come out flat and seemingly unprepared. Hard to figure out.

And somebody needs to get back to basics on the tackling front. This was a horrible tackling team, and they were just continuing the trend from previous years.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Great game for the Aggies. Dammit. They've become quite the spoilers. Coach Fran, gone...  Who's next?

This has been a frustrating season for UT fans but only because the expectations were so high.

Between the questionable character of several recruits and the losses to A&M and Kansas State, and considering the tremendous amount of money he is paid, Mack needs to feel a bit of heat.  But nothing can be done, he's not going to lose his job over this year. UT might do a lot worse with someone else. In the available talent pool who is obviously better than Mack Brown and would they leave where they're at for UT? As long as Stoops is at OU, Mack will never be the best coach in the BIG 12. Hell, this year he's not even in the top 3, in spite of his great recruiting advantage over MU and KU.

Also because he's such a good guy, it's hard to say anything that's not nice about him, but, Colt McCoy didn't play this year as good as Vince Young would have. I think this team would have done better if VY would have been able to come back for his senior season this year after getting better in the pros last year. They should have changed the eligibility so he could've done that and Colt could have another year of watching how it's done.

[Waldo]

I thought the Horns looked flat, which surprised me considering what they were playing for.

I've learned to not let anything surprise me after Kansas State, Arkansas State, Oklahoma State, Central Florida, Iowa, A&M last year, etc...

there needs to be wholesale changes, and it will be interesting to see how tough MB gets.

*cough*Duane Akina*cough*

[juliogotay]

i agree with your last sentence and have said the same thing. 2005 was wonderful. VY was the greatest athlete i have seen at UT since i have been watching Longhorn football. not only did he have fantastic skills, he raised everyone else's level of play with his charismatic leadership. he's gone, though, and the football program must move on and try to do it again.

i do not fault the players in this malaise. MB is primarily to blame b/c he's The Boss who hires coaches and who sets the tone for his team. the decline started last year, and Chizik was part of it. there needs to be wholesale changes, and it will be interesting to see how tough MB gets. i saw what DKR did after 6-4 seasons, and i doubt MB has the stomach for that level of toughness.

I agree. I wonder if Mack still has the fire in his belly. He is several years older than Royal was when he retired and he was beat down by the whole process. I think it's probably just gotten harder in the past 30 years...particularly recruiting. I have never thought Mack was an elite coach. He does alot of things very well but he has one conference championship in his ten years. WIth the recruiting hauls he has brought in that doesn't add up IMO. And this staff is very, very well paid comparatively.

[drew corleone]

This has been a frustrating season for UT fans but only because the expectations were so high.

Disagree. This team had enough talent to win every game on its schedule. That doesn't mean that they necessarily should have done so, but a conference title was not setting the bar too high. UT fans (at least the rational ones) are frustrated because they see complacency setting in from the top down.

To paraphrase Rick Pitino... Vince Young isn't going to come walking through that door. Mack gets paid a lot of money to do more than play second fiddle to Bob Stoops (whose own luster has faded somewhat in recent years). I'm fine with him playing the CEO role, but it only works if he surrounds himself with capable assistants, and the Akina/MacDuff experiment failed. If Mack sticks with it for 2008 then Texas fans should get used to frustration, because the schedule gets tougher, and the rest of the conference seems to be catching up.

[matadorph]

Texans offensive coordinator Mike Sherman has been hired to replace Dennis Franchione. Press conference tomorrow at 11.

[TheRedSon]

I agree that the tackling was subpar, but I don't think that's why Texas lost that game.  It's not easy to bring down Goodson or McGee in the open field anyway and Lane is a tank.

A&M's defense was able to pressure McCoy all day with just the front four, which they haven't done against anyone else all season.  Because of that the Texas offense couldn't get anything done for three quarters.  The interception and Cosby's return are the only reasons this game was even close in the fourth quarter.

If I were a Texas fan I could live with 9-3 this season.  What would scare me is that it should have been 8-4 and could have easily been 7-5.

I think the Oklahoma offense is strong enough, and young enough, that Texas is going to be shooting for second in the South for a while.

[JimR]

I agree that the tackling was subpar, but I don't think that's why Texas lost that game.  It's not easy to bring down Goodson or McGee in the open field anyway and Lane is a tank.

A&M's defense was able to pressure McCoy all day with just the front four, which they haven't done against anyone else all season.  Because of that the Texas offense couldn't get anything done for three quarters.  The interception and Cosby's return are the only reasons this game was even close in the fourth quarter.

If I were a Texas fan I could live with 9-3 this season.  What would scare me is that it should have been 8-4 and could have easily been 7-5.

I think the Oklahoma offense is strong enough, and young enough, that Texas is going to be shooting for second in the South for a while.

thanks for sharing, but no.

[drew corleone]

Texans offensive coordinator Mike Sherman has been hired to replace Dennis Franchione. Press conference tomorrow at 11.

Interested to see the reaction on this one, considering TexAgs has been abuzz with rumors about Spurrier and Tedford.

[Froback]

Texans offensive coordinator Mike Sherman has been hired to replace Dennis Franchione. Press conference tomorrow at 11.

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly things like this come out on this board.  Not sure if this was just from web browsing or inside info, because we have both on this board.

[JimR]

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly things like this come out on this board.  Not sure if this was just from web browsing or inside info, because we have both on this board.

i have a friend at work who had the Sherman info two weeks ago.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I had three people yesterday, out of the blue, bring up Vince Young and the 2005 title while talking prior to yesterday's game.  Young was a fabulous player, but he's not there anymore.  They seemed not to care.  They were still giddy over Young.  Someday they're gonna have to focus on the current season, aren't they? 

The way the Titans are playing this season, VY had better have Kordell Stewart on speed dial for career advice. 

[Froback]

i have a friend at work who had the Sherman info two weeks ago.

Not that is matters, but was that a done deal then?  Rumor had it that Spurrier and Tuberville were options, but don't know how much of that was media speculation than reality?

[Andyzipp]

i have a friend at work who had the Sherman info two weeks ago.

Sherman was the back-up plan, and proceeded to impress the hell out of Byrne during the process.  Basically used his knowledge of A&M to develop a (for lack of a better term) business plan, with a better insight to what it would take to win at A&M than anyone else Byrne talked to.

I think the big question is recruiting.  But that really depends on the staff he puts together...

[Froback]

I think the big question is recruiting.  But that really depends on the staff he puts together...

With Sherman that might be true, but then Fran could recruit well, it was just he couldn't seem to coach as well as he needed too.  But then according to him his WR core sucked, so maybe it was his recruiting too.  Tech certainly landed a pretty awesome WR this past year in Crabtree.

[drew corleone]

The way the Titans are playing this season, VY had better have Kordell Stewart on speed dial for career advice. 

VY has come back to Earth this season, but let's not put it all on him. He's made a lot of poor decisions, but for every bad throw he's made he's made at least one right on the money that a WR/TE has dropped. He has a lot of room for improvement, but what second-year QB doesn't? And he still has barely a shell of an NFL offense surrounding him.

The Titans were winning with conservative gameplans and solid defense. With Haynesworth out the defense has melted down, and now they need VY to be Rose Bowl VY every game out. It's probably not going to happen this year. That doesn't make him Kordell Stewart.

[MusicMan]

Ty Cobb beat up a guy with better hands than the Titans' receivers.

[Duman]

VY has come back to Earth this season, but let's not put it all on him. He's made a lot of poor decisions, but for every bad throw he's made he's made at least one right on the money that a WR/TE has dropped. He has a lot of room for improvement, but what second-year QB doesn't? And he still has barely a shell of an NFL offense surrounding him.

The Titans were winning with conservative gameplans and solid defense. With Haynesworth out the defense has melted down, and now they need VY to be Rose Bowl VY every game out. It's probably not going to happen this year. That doesn't make him Kordell Stewart.

they also need a running game besides him as well.  Their line is not doing well.  Look for Titans to draft OL/DL and RB (again) this year.

[BUWebguy]

Not that is matters, but was that a done deal then?  Rumor had it that Spurrier and Tuberville were options, but don't know how much of that was media speculation than reality?

I heard it from a friend with a source two weeks ago, too; the friend said it was a done deal.

[Holly]

I heard it from a friend with a source two weeks ago, too; the friend said it was a done deal.

Looks like it's Mike Sherman.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/11/26/bc.fbc.texasa.m.sherman.ap/index.html

Slocum redux?

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Looks like it's Mike Sherman.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/11/26/bc.fbc.texasa.m.sherman.ap/index.html

Slocum redux?

If so, I'm not upset by it.  Slocum got a raw deal. 

[TheRedSon]

thanks for sharing, but no.

So the offensive line's protection of Colt McCoy was satisfactory and good enough to win?  The offense's inability to sustain a drive in the first three quarters wasn't a big reason they lost?

[JimR]

So the offensive line's protection of Colt McCoy was satisfactory and good enough to win?  The offense's inability to sustain a drive in the first three quarters wasn't a big reason they lost?

football season is over. we're talking baseball today.

[TheRedSon]

football season is over. we're talking baseball today.

Silly me, I was under the impression there was still a week left.

[JimR]

Silly me, I was under the impression there was still a week left.

not the only reason you are silly you.

[TheRedSon]

not the only reason you are silly you.

The other reason being...

Well, I can think of several, but you don't know me.

I don't see anything wrong with my opinion of the UT offensive (truely offensive) output on Friday...

Must have been the part about Oklahoma...  I'd rather say no to that one too, but they have a great freshmen quarterback, they have a great freshmen running back, there's not a senior on the offensive line...  I think Stoops has the rest of us right where he wants us going into 2008. 

[MusicMan]

The offense's inability to sustain a drive in the first three quarters wasn't a big reason they lost?

Stephen McGee, 2007:

9/1 Montana State W 38-7  10-20, 112
9/8 Fresno State W 47-45 (OT) 13-24, 79
9/15 Louisiana-Monroe W 54-14  19-33, 237
9/20 @Miami (FL) L 34-17  11-20, 109
9/29 Baylor W 34-10  16-28, 200
10/6 Oklahoma State W 24-23  11-20, 169 
10/13 @Texas Tech L 35-7  17-30, 133
10/20 @Nebraska W 36-14  13-22, 100
10/27 Kansas L 19-11  24-44, 244
11/3 @Oklahoma L 42-14  15-28, 155
11/10 @Missouri L 40-26  18-28, 247 
11/23 Texas W 38-30  25-36, 362

Sing along with me!

One of these things is not like the others, one of these things does not belong...

[Astroholic]

Stephen McGee, 2007:

9/1 Montana State W 38-7  10-20, 112
9/8 Fresno State W 47-45 (OT) 13-24, 79
9/15 Louisiana-Monroe W 54-14  19-33, 237
9/20 @Miami (FL) L 34-17  11-20, 109
9/29 Baylor W 34-10  16-28, 200
10/6 Oklahoma State W 24-23  11-20, 169 
10/13 @Texas Tech L 35-7  17-30, 133
10/20 @Nebraska W 36-14  13-22, 100
10/27 Kansas L 19-11  24-44, 244
11/3 @Oklahoma L 42-14  15-28, 155
11/10 @Missouri L 40-26  18-28, 247 
11/23 Texas W 38-30  25-36, 362

Sing along with me!

One of these things is not like the others, one of these things does not belong...

He was playing really hard for his coaches job. 

[TheRedSon]

There's no doubt the Aggies had a great day offensively.  Part of that was the Texas defense.  I think most of it was the most aggressive playcalling the Ags have used this year and great execution.  The Aggie offense in the game films wasn't the same offense Texas saw.  McGee lined up under center more in that game than he did all season.

Meanwhile McCoy was sacked four times.  That's four more times than the Aggies sacked Blake Szymanski.  He also threw one of the seaven balls A&M has managed to pick off this season. 

You can't just blame the defense for this loss.  They were down 21 before the offense began to execute.

[MusicMan]

The defense knew that the O had a patchwork line due to injuries.  They needed to make stops.  This is an Aggie offense that put 7 on the same Tech team UT lit up for 59.

The Ags were agressive, but they could afford to be b/c McGee had 3-4 wide open receivers on every play.  EVERY.  PLAY.

[TheRedSon]

I don't think the Aggies in Lubbock without Goodson is the same as in College Station, last game of the season, playing for their coach's job against Texas.

If you want to blame the loss on injuries in the offensive line that's fine.  I'd agree.  That's my point.  The Aggies were able to pressure McCoy all day with their four down line men.  They haven't done that to anyone else all season.

McGee did have a lot of open men.  The Texas defense fell for the play action all day.  I think A&M's gameplan confused them.  They weren't expecting McGee to line up under center so often.  They gameplanned for a different team than the one they played Friday.

[MRaup]

There's no doubt the Aggies had a great day offensively.  Part of that was the Texas defense.  I think most of it was the most aggressive playcalling the Ags have used this year and great execution.  The Aggie offense in the game films wasn't the same offense Texas saw.  McGee lined up under center more in that game than he did all season.

Meanwhile McCoy was sacked four times.  That's four more times than the Aggies sacked Blake Szymanski.  He also threw one of the seaven balls A&M has managed to pick off this season. 

You can't just blame the defense for this loss.  They were down 21 before the offense began to execute.

3rd and 20.

Knew it was going to be a long day right then and there.

Tubby Lane hauls in a 20something yard pass after Scott Derry inexplicably decided to stop covering him and run at Steven McGee who was threatening to scramble for a few yards.

[TheRedSon]

Yeah...  They did the same thing to my Cowboys on 4th and long last year.

Texas just didn't play well.

I was more surprised that they weren't able to exploit A&M's defense though.  I know the Aggies haven't been great on offense this season, but I felt it was inconsistent and conservative play calling that really hurt them. 

[drew corleone]

Tubby Lane hauls in a 20something yard pass after Scott Derry inexplicably decided to stop covering him and run at Steven McGee who was threatening to scramble for a few yards.

I cannot wait to tailgate graduation ceremonies and give both Derry and Killabrew a well-deserved send-off to the real world.

[JackAstro]

You can't just blame the defense for this loss.  They were down 21 before the offense began to execute.

That's fantastic logic. Can't place blame on the defense - they gave up 3 TDs before halftime. That's good, right?

At any rate, I recall the halftime score being 17-10, so I'm not sure you saw what you think you saw. (Edit: 17-3; 17-10 was following halftime. Point remains the same.)

[juliogotay]

I cannot wait to tailgate graduation ceremonies and give both Derry and Killabrew a well-deserved send-off to the real world.

Hold it. don't paint Derry and Killebrew with the same brush. Derry is a solid player that does a good job with his limitations. Killebrew is a horrible and I only know he's on the field when he's got a yellow flag at his feet for a personal foul. He is horrible. Derry is a much better player. If these coaches can't get better physical specimans such as Kindle, Muckleroy and Norton better prepared to be on the field more than these guys then shame on them.

[TheRedSon]

Actually, it was 17-3 at halftime.

As for what I think I saw...

First quarter
Drive 1 - 10 plays, 27 yards
Drive 2 - 4 plays, 25 yards, punt
Drive 3 - 3 plays, 6 yards, punt
Second quarter
Drive 4 - 6 plays, 31 yards, punt
Drive 5 - 5 plays, 69 yards, FG
Third quarter
Drive 6 - 4 plays, 19 yards, INT
Drive 7 - 1 play, 8 yards, TD
Drive 8 - 5 plays, 23 yards, Fumble
Fourth quarter
Drive 9 - 3 plays, 2 yards, punt
Drive 10 - 2 plays, 7 yards, Fumble
Drive 11 - 9 plays, 80 yards, TD
Drive 12 - 13 plays, 73 yards, TD

I saw an offense that had netted 10 points and 204 yards with 9:29 to go.  If it wasn't for two great plays, neither of which the offense had anything to do with, they might have been down 38-3.  Their defense isn't the only thing that sucked.

[juliogotay]

Actually, it was 17-3 at halftime.

As for what I think I saw...

First quarter
Drive 1 - 10 plays, 27 yards
Drive 2 - 4 plays, 25 yards, punt
Drive 3 - 3 plays, 6 yards, punt
Second quarter
Drive 4 - 6 plays, 31 yards, punt
Drive 5 - 5 plays, 69 yards, FG
Third quarter
Drive 6 - 4 plays, 19 yards, INT
Drive 7 - 1 play, 8 yards, TD
Drive 8 - 5 plays, 23 yards, Fumble
Fourth quarter
Drive 9 - 3 plays, 2 yards, punt
Drive 10 - 2 plays, 7 yards, Fumble
Drive 11 - 9 plays, 80 yards, TD
Drive 12 - 13 plays, 73 yards, TD

I saw an offense that had netted 10 points and 204 yards with 9:29 to go.  If it wasn't for two great plays, neither of which the offense had anything to do with, they might have been down 38-3.  Their defense isn't the only thing that sucked.

you are right. The offense is every bit to blame for this debacle as the defense. How many weeks have we seen the offense slumber throught three quarters before putting up some points in the fourth? There are some real legitimate reasons  though for the offensive problems. the o-line is a mess with the two seniors now out with injuries. Don't lay this on the players. There are some very talented freshmen (not redshirts) getting some valuable playing time. In a year or two they could have an elite o-line. Sometimes shit happens and the two guys flunking out that had a little experience was a bad blow. The skill players have talent. The offensive coaching? Not so sure about that.

[JimR]

Actually, it was 17-3 at halftime.

As for what I think I saw...

First quarter
Drive 1 - 10 plays, 27 yards
Drive 2 - 4 plays, 25 yards, punt
Drive 3 - 3 plays, 6 yards, punt
Second quarter
Drive 4 - 6 plays, 31 yards, punt
Drive 5 - 5 plays, 69 yards, FG
Third quarter
Drive 6 - 4 plays, 19 yards, INT
Drive 7 - 1 play, 8 yards, TD
Drive 8 - 5 plays, 23 yards, Fumble
Fourth quarter
Drive 9 - 3 plays, 2 yards, punt
Drive 10 - 2 plays, 7 yards, Fumble
Drive 11 - 9 plays, 80 yards, TD
Drive 12 - 13 plays, 73 yards, TD

I saw an offense that had netted 10 points and 204 yards with 9:29 to go.  If it wasn't for two great plays, neither of which the offense had anything to do with, they might have been down 38-3.  Their defense isn't the only thing that sucked.

did the offense give up 38 points?

Colt McCoy is a big part of the offense's futility. he has developed happy feet, and he tries to make a great play every play instead of taking sacks or throwing the ball away. he has hurt the team with fumbles and interceptions. they did not run Charles near enough. the worst thing, however, is NO defense.

[drew corleone]

they did not run Charles near enough. the worst thing, however, is NO defense.

Yep. I don't think anyone is going to say that the offense didn't poorly execute... dropped balls, bad decisions, lethargic effort, at times... not exactly their "A Game." But 30 points should have been enough to win this game. The offense didn't allow a 3rd and 20 conversion. The offense didn't miss tackle after tackle. The offense didn't let a RB blow past them on a wheel route for the easiest TD of the season. The offense didn't pile on McGee as he dragged five guys into the end zone. The offense didn't run into its own man and let a guy walk 60 yards for the nail-in-the-coffin score.

Colt is just not a very good QB. I love the kid; he's a competitor, and he's as tough as any Longhorn I've ever seen. But for all the positives -- enthusiasm, heart, toughness -- he continues to make terrible decisions at inopportune times. And he doesn't have the arm stregth to fling it 40 yards down the field on the run, yet he continues to try it.

Julio... what has Derry ever shown that makes you think he's a solid player? It doesn't take much to be better than Killebrew, so if that's all he has going for him, then you're not making much of a case. At any rate we're not going to have to endure either guy next year, and since Bobino wasn't a contributor to the NC two years ago, perhaps Mack won't have that rationale for why he starts over the younger, better Norton.

[JimR]

There's no doubt the Aggies had a great day offensively.  Part of that was the Texas defense.  I think most of it was the most aggressive playcalling the Ags have used this year and great execution.  The Aggie offense in the game films wasn't the same offense Texas saw.  McGee lined up under center more in that game than he did all season.

Meanwhile McCoy was sacked four times.  That's four more times than the Aggies sacked Blake Szymanski.  He also threw one of the seaven balls A&M has managed to pick off this season. 

You can't just blame the defense for this loss.  They were down 21 before the offense began to execute.

two words for this: bull.shit.

[juliogotay]

Yep. I don't think anyone is going to say that the offense didn't poorly execute... dropped balls, bad decisions, lethargic effort, at times... not exactly their "A Game." But 30 points should have been enough to win this game. The offense didn't allow a 3rd and 20 conversion. The offense didn't miss tackle after tackle. The offense didn't let a RB blow past them on a wheel route for the easiest TD of the season. The offense didn't pile on McGee as he dragged five guys into the end zone. The offense didn't run into its own man and let a guy walk 60 yards for the nail-in-the-coffin score.

Colt is just not a very good QB. I love the kid; he's a competitor, and he's as tough as any Longhorn I've ever seen. But for all the positives -- enthusiasm, heart, toughness -- he continues to make terrible decisions at inopportune times. And he doesn't have the arm stregth to fling it 40 yards down the field on the run, yet he continues to try it.

Julio... what has Derry ever shown that makes you think he's a solid player? It doesn't take much to be better than Killebrew, so if that's all he has going for him, then you're not making much of a case. At any rate we're not going to have to endure either guy next year, and since Bobino wasn't a contributor to the NC two years ago, perhaps Mack won't have that rationale for why he starts over the younger, better Norton.

Derry is a smart player who is usually in position to make a tackle. He makes many. He's not all-world but he doesn't beat the team with dumb plays ala Killebrew. Personally I'm looking forward to the athleticism of Kindle, Muckelroy, Robinson, Norton next year but if the coaches thought they were better options this year they would have been on the field more. They did play more, as you know, as the season progressed so the coaches gained more confidence in them I assume. They are a very talented group that can be really special with experience and if they keep there head on straight which I think is a legitimate concern for Kindle.

[JimR]

Derry is a smart player who is usually in position to make a tackle. He makes many. He's not all-world but he doesn't beat the team with dumb plays ala Killebrew. Personally I'm looking forward to the athleticism of Kindle, Muckelroy, Robinson, Norton next year but if the coaches thought they were better options this year they would have been on the field more. They did play more, as you know, as the season progressed so the coaches gained more confidence in them I assume. They are a very talented group that can be really special with experience and if they keep there head on straight which I think is a legitimate concern for Kindle.

Derry is a good, solid player who lacks talent but plays hard. he does not play the same position as Killebrew. he is no better than a solid second teamer, as are all of the starting  LBs. how a coach can keep Kindle, Norton and Muckleroy off the field for at least half the game defies my ability to comprehend.

[MusicMan]

Derry is a good, solid player who lacks talent but plays hard. he does not play the same position as Killebrew. he is no better than a solid second teamer, as are all of the starting  LBs. how a coach can keep Kindle, Norton and Muckleroy off the field for at least half the game defies my ability to comprehend.

With this coaching staff, seniority > ability.

Unless, of course, you're the son of a star NFL QB.

[JimR]

Unless, of course, you're the son of a star NFL QB.

this is Major Applewhite cult bs, MM.

the team went to MB and told him "we are Chris' team, not Major's." Chance Mock delivered the message.

[MusicMan]

this is Major Applewhite cult bs, MM.

the team went to MB and told him "we are Chris' team, not Major's." Chance Mock delivered the message.

Then the team failed to deliver on that when they were on the field.  They were a better unit when Major was out there.

That said, if the team was telling Mack "we are Chris' team", I won't fault Mack for making that choice.

But I'll still maintain that, overall, Mack overvalues seniority.  Granted, there is a case to be made that his players appreciate and repay that kind of loyalty, but I think it has hurt more often.

Caveat: Don't count me in the "Mack will never be better than a 9 win coach without Vince" camp.  I watched McWilliams and Mackovic.  I'm incredibly thankful to have Mack as our coach - I just happen to disagree with some moves.

[JimR]

Then the team failed to deliver on that when they were on the field.  They were a better unit when Major was out there.

That said, if the team was telling Mack "we are Chris' team", I won't fault Mack for making that choice.

But I'll still maintain that, overall, Mack overvalues seniority.  Granted, there is a case to be made that his players appreciate and repay that kind of loyalty, but I think it has hurt more often.

Caveat: Don't count me in the "Mack will never be better than a 9 win coach without Vince" camp.  I watched McWilliams and Mackovic.  I'm incredibly thankful to have Mack as our coach - I just happen to disagree with some moves.

Major has a cult following that believes he never lost a game. he had 6-7 turnovers against KSU. he did nothing in the Big 12 Championship game. i disagree re Simms v. Applewhite and how the team played with each. they both had their moments, and Simms should have redshirted his freshman year. Dunn's leaving because he was being moved to TE (how stupid, Mack) made redshirting impossible. Simms, by all accounts, was a great guy who was very popular with his teammates. Major, by many accounts, was neither.

Mack Brown is a recruiter and CEO, not a coach. that's ok if he hires great assistants. he has not. the ONLY reason he ever won a championship plays for the Titans. i'm not for firing him, but i am all for kicking his ass. the program--players and coaches--has become spoiled, fat and lazy. discipline is lacking on and off the field.

[MusicMan]

I will never understand Mack's loyalty to GD.

If Akina and Mac Duff are still running the D next year, DeLoss should call Mack on the carpet.  Will never happen, of course.  But Greg Robinson should be available again...

[kevwun]

Derry knows where he's supposed to be but lacks the athletic ability to consistently get there.  Killebrew makes it 10 vs 11 when he's on the field.

[JackAstro]

Derry knows where he's supposed to be but lacks the athletic ability to consistently get there.  Killebrew makes it 10 vs 11 when he's on the field.

I agree with this, and the other posts to the effect. Killebrew has the physical gifts that Derry lacks, but his football IQ is so low, it's in the negatives. For every play he accidentally makes, he craps out 15 yards on some ridiculous post-whistle bullshit. Bobino is frustratingly ineffective, and Derry is just limited, but only Killebrew goes out of his way to hurt his own team.

I look forward to the Kindle/Norton/Muckleroy era full-time next season. It's really a shame that we didn't get to see that this year, with Derry and Bobino serving as depth. You couldn't pay me to miss Killebrew.

[JackAstro]

Actually, it was 17-3 at halftime.

As for what I think I saw...

etc

Of course the offense was ineffective. I took exception to your argument that the defense can't be to blame because they gave up 21 before the offense scored in the 2nd quarter. I'm not arguing your opinion, I'm saying that's a wildly irrational statement.

[jbm]

Mack Brown is a recruiter and CEO, not a coach. that's ok if he hires great assistants. he has not. the ONLY reason he ever won a championship plays for the Titans. i'm not for firing him, but i am all for kicking his ass. the program--players and coaches--has become spoiled, fat and lazy. discipline is lacking on and off the field.

I am curious, do you expect Mack to make some coaching changes in the offseason? 

[kevwun]

The young guys will make more plays next year based on athleticism alone.  What concerns me is that as of now they are going to be coached by 2 guys who repeatedly said that Killebrew was playing well this season.

[drew corleone]

I agree 100% on Jim's take re: Applewhite/Simms.

As far as coaching changes are concerned, I think reconstructive surgery on the defensive staff will help, but only if Mack gets out of the way and lets them do their thing.

[Phil_in_CS]

did the offense give up 38 points?

Having watched the aggies all year, anyone we can put 38 points on has serious defensive issues.

[Andyzipp]

Having watched the aggies all year, anyone we can put 38 points on has serious defensive issues.

Anybody that the Aggie offense could have put 38 points up on would be called Lousiana Monroe.

Seriously, Fran let Koennig call the plays without interference Friday.

[Andyzipp]

Derry knows where he's supposed to be...{snip}

Really?

(http://www.aggieathletics.com/images/2005headlines/full/goodson-mike-ut07.jpg)

(http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper657/stills/295wm2k4.gif)

[kevwun]

You could make Mike Singletary look like an idiot with zoomed in shots like those.  I'm in no way saying he's a good player.  He shouldn't have been a starter.  He did occasionally make plays, which separates him from Killebrew.

[Andyzipp]

You could make Mike Singletary look like an idiot with zoomed in shots like those.  I'm in no way saying he's a good player.  He shouldn't have been a starter.  He did occasionally make plays, which separates him from Killebrew.

It's a joke.  I just think he can't see Michael Goodson.

[Taras Bulba]

You could make Mike Singletary look like an idiot with zoomed in shots like those.  I'm in no way saying he's a good player.  He shouldn't have been a starter.  He did occasionally make plays, which separates him from Killebrew.

Speaking of Singletary, it appears he is officially not the next Baylor coach.  That job apparently goes to current Cougar, Art Briles (afternoon press conference).

[Astroholic]

Speaking of Singletary, it appears he is officially not the next Baylor coach.  That job apparently goes to current Cougar, Art Briles (afternoon press conference).

That Sucks.

[Andyzipp]

That Sucks.

For Briles.  I think Morris was a goon, but I'm having trouble seeing how anyone could do much better than he did with what Baylor puts into football.

This isn't the 80's anymore.

[MusicMan]

This isn't the 80's anymore.

Shit.  I knew these parachute pants were a bad idea for my meeting today.

[Astroholic]

For Briles.  I think Morris was a goon, but I'm having trouble seeing how anyone could do much better than he did with what Baylor puts into football.

This isn't the 80's anymore.

And for UH.

[Andyzipp]

Shit.  I knew these parachute pants were a bad idea for my meeting today.

Unless your name happens to be Ozone or Turbo, parachute pants are never a good idea.

[Taras Bulba]

For Briles.  I think Morris was a goon, but I'm having trouble seeing how anyone could do much better than he did with what Baylor puts into football.

This isn't the 80's anymore.

We'll see.

[Andyzipp]

We'll see.

I'd love Baylor to be better.  It'd make the whole Big XII better (football wise).  But I think there's a pretty tough road to hoe.

[Bench]

And for UH.

Yeah, it does. Even while acknowledging the obvious difference between Big XII and C-USA, I fail to see how Baylor is a more attractive position.

[drew corleone]

I like Art Briles; he's a solid coach. And I'd like for anyone to rescucitate the Bears enough for them to at least qualify for the occasional bowl (or even beat the Aggies again). But they seem content with competing in the non-revenue sports and serving as everyone's whipping boy in football.

[JimR]

Yeah, it does. Even while acknowledging the obvious difference between Big XII and C0USA, I fail to see how Baylor is a more attractive position.

he does, obviously.

[Bench]

he does, obviously.

Evidently. I look forward to hearing his reasons.

[Andyzipp]

he does, obviously.

Well, career wise, if he can manage a couple of 7-8 win seasons and go to a few bowls, then he should be able to land a higher profile job in 4-5 years.

If I were him, I would have held out for Tech, but I'm guessing him taking Baylor means that Leach isn't leaving Tech.

[Duke]

Really?

From where I sat in section 100 (25 yards behind the end zone) it looked like Texas was playing with 8 guys on defense and none of them were LBs.  Now that Bennet got canned at SMU, I wonder if he'd be willing to be Mack's defensive coordinator.  He did a nice job in that capacity at K-State.

[JimR]

Evidently. I look forward to hearing his reasons.

1.8 million of them plus a challenge.

[Taras Bulba]

Evidently. I look forward to hearing his reasons.

About $1.8 million of them per year.  Waco ain't a bad place on that kind of cheese.

[kevwun]

He's getting paid twice as much.  Other than that, I don't see it as a step up.  Art didn't ask for my opinion though.  If it wasn't for Ann Richards, Baylor wouldn't even be in the Big XII.  Other than a national championship in women's basketball, they've done nothing to show they belong.

[Ty in Tampa]

About $1.8 million of them per year.  Waco ain't a bad place on that kind of cheese.

Hope so. It wasn't very good on cheez whiz.

[Jacksonian]

He's getting paid twice as much.  Other than that, I don't see it as a step up.  Art didn't ask for my opinion though.  If it wasn't for Ann Richards, Baylor wouldn't even be in the Big XII.  Other than a national championship in women's basketball, they've done nothing to show they belong.

Vanderbilt in the SEC.  [sarc]Every conference needs a private school to boost it's academic numbers.[/sarc]

[Andyzipp]

He's getting paid twice as much.  Other than that, I don't see it as a step up.  Art didn't ask for my opinion though.  If it wasn't for Ann Richards, Baylor wouldn't even be in the Big XII.  Other than a national championship in women's basketball, they've done nothing to show they belong.

Over the history of the Big 12, Baylor has been competitive as anyone else in everything but Football.  I've got no problem with them being in the conference, but it would be better if they (and several other teams) were better in Football in the near future.

[drew corleone]

I always see the Ann Richards comment made re: Baylor. Is there any merit behind it?

[Bench]

I always see the Ann Richards comment made re: Baylor. Is there any merit behind it?

Ann Richards' Baylor influence plus UT and A&M not wanting to have to compete in the fertile Houston area recruiting grounds is why UH is not in the Big XII, so goyeth the saying.

(I've heared the same thing but swapping SMU with UH and Dallas with Houston)

[Bench]

1.8 million of them plus a challenge.

Fair enough. That's a hell of a raise. Hopefully he got them to toss in an annual pass to the Dr. Pepper Musuem as well.

[Andyzipp]

Ann Richards' Baylor influence plus UT and A&M not wanting to have to compete in the fertile Houston area recruiting grounds is why UH is not in the Big XII, so goyeth the saying.

(I've heared the same thing but swapping SMU with UH and Dallas with Houston)

TCU.  No one wants SMU for anything but a homecoming game.

[Taras Bulba]

I always see the Ann Richards comment made re: Baylor. Is there any merit behind it?

I think former Gov. White, Bullock, and some other influential legislators and lobbyists with Baylor ties had something to do with it, if the stories are indeed true.  Richards enjoyed hanging out at the UT women's basketball games a thousand times more than acknowledging she attended BU.

[geezerdonk]

Richards enjoyed hanging out at the UT women's basketball games a thousand times more than acknowledging she attended BU.

NTTAWWT

[subnuclear]

Here's a news article on the formation of the Big 12 it that I googled up just now :

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/083006dnspobaylortcusf.4bf22e33.html

[kevwun]

Baylor has a good baseball program.  They're men's basketball program has had a couple of impressive scandals and manages to not finish last every year like their football team.  Scott Drew has proven to be a pretty good recruiter, but not much of a coach.  Rice would be a better choice if the Big XII wants a private school with a good baseball team.  At least the MOB would provide good halftime shows.

[Taras Bulba]

Baylor has a good baseball program.  They're men's basketball program has had a couple of impressive scandals and manages to not finish last every year like their football team.  Scott Drew has proven to be a pretty good recruiter, but not much of a coach.  Rice would be a better choice if the Big XII wants a private school with a good baseball team.  At least the MOB would provide good halftime shows.

Did some Baylor guy fuck your girlfriend?

[JimR]

Did some Baylor guy fuck your girlfriend?

girlfriend?

NTTIAWWT.

[kevwun]

No, they just don't add anything of worth to the conference.



I don't know about tennis, I'm sure they're fencing team is also great.  I'm talking about revenue producing sports.  The Vandy reference someone made is a good one.

[Andyzipp]

No, they just don't add anything of worth to the conference.

Didn't Baylor win a Tennis Nat'l Championship a couple of years ago?  Aren't they pretty good in Track, Baseball, Women's Basketball?

They belong more than Iowa State does.

[Lefty]

Vanderbilt in the SEC.  [sarc]Every conference needs a private school to boost it's academic numbers.[/sarc]

Having a private school in the conference allows them to keep their financials closed, I've been told.  If it wasn't Baylor, it would have been TCU.

[kevwun]

girlfriend?

NTTIAWWT.

You're lucky I don't get to pick your nursing home.

[JimR]

You're lucky I don't get to pick your nursing home.

funny guy. no one ever slammed me with an "old" joke before.

[kevwun]

I figured you'd already forgotten the last time it happened.

[JimR]

I figured you'd already forgotten the last time it happened.

wow, that's another good one.

[DVauthrin]

I actually like the move of hiring briles for baylor.  He's got a similar offensive philosophy to morriss but he has better relationships with high school coaches in texas, which should lead to better recruiting.

[kevwun]

You're awfully proud of a junior high gay joke.

[drew corleone]

Having a private school in the conference allows them to keep their financials closed, I've been told.  If it wasn't Baylor, it would have been TCU.

Again, somthing that gets thrown around a lot, but from what I understand it's a myth.

[Lefty]

but from what I understand it's a myth.

I did not know that.  Link, maybe?

[Phil_in_CS]

1.8 million of them plus a challenge.

If it takes 1.8 mill to get a coach to baylor, that will put an end to pissing and moaning about the 2 mill fran was getting.

Does anyone know were to get stats on the total amounts spent of football coaching staffs? Someone was saying that A&M was quite a bit lower on total staff costs that texas or ou. Like 9 million compared to 12, after you include all the assistants and trainers.

I'd think at the college level, the assistants are even more critical, since there is so much teaching to do.

[HudsonHawk]

If it takes 1.8 mill to get a coach to baylor, that will put an end to pissing and moaning about the 2 mill fran was getting.

Does anyone know were to get stats on the total amounts spent of football coaching staffs? Someone was saying that A&M was quite a bit lower on total staff costs that texas or ou. Like 9 million compared to 12, after you include all the assistants and trainers.

I'd think at the college level, the assistants are even more critical, since there is so much teaching to do.

At state schools, the coaches and staff are state employees, so their salaries are public information.  I'm not sure where you get it, but I know it's out ther if you look for it.

[Andyzipp]

If it takes 1.8 mill to get a coach to baylor, that will put an end to pissing and moaning about the 2 mill fran was getting.

Does anyone know were to get stats on the total amounts spent of football coaching staffs? Someone was saying that A&M was quite a bit lower on total staff costs that texas or ou. Like 9 million compared to 12, after you include all the assistants and trainers.

I'd think at the college level, the assistants are even more critical, since there is so much teaching to do.

A&M has been in the top ten as far as spending money on the coaching staff since Franchione came aboard.  The allocation was screwed up (not enough to the coordinators, too much to the other assistants) but spending money on coaches hasn't been a problem since Byrne came aboard.

[JimR]

At state schools, the coaches and staff are state employees, so their salaries are public information.  I'm not sure where you get it, but I know it's out ther if you look for it.

you just ask for it in writing. TPIA, you know.

[HudsonHawk]

you just ask for it in writing. TPIA, you know.

There used to be a book published every year with all salary information.  I know they kept a copy of it at the UofH library when I was there, but that was a while.  It contained every state employees salary, from the Governor to the physics professor a the university.  I don't know if they still publish such a thing. 

[BudGirl]

There used to be a book published every year with all salary information.  I know they kept a copy of it at the UofH library when I was there, but that was a while.  It contained every state employees salary, from the Governor to the physics professor a the university.  I don't know if they still publish such a thing. 

sounds like something close to an appropriations book.

but just send the written request (that Jim mentioned) to the general counsel's office of the agency you are requesting the information. 

[Jacksonian]

but just send the written request (that Jim mentioned) to the general counsel's office...

At some universities it's Human Resources.  But your point is the same.

[BudGirl]

At some universities it's Human Resources.  But your point is the same.

quite often it may be easier to just go through the GC's office.  Not all departments in a state agency know what to do with an open records request.

But here is a great resource for any open records questions one might have.

http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/pdfs/publicinfo_hb2008.pdf