Five Thoughts: West Virginia

[North Texas Golfer]

Not if you have the right personnel, which he had last year. That defense last year was salty.

3-2 looks bad when you have blown assignments and/or players getting whipped. Of course, any scheme looks bad when you have that.

Orlando does best when he's in attack mode. We really haven't seen that in a couple of games. He's been on his heels. To take a quote from Remember the Titans . . "they're on to your game. You need to shake things up."

Yes on the attack mode. On that last drive, I would have liked to have forced the issue and gone after the QB. That way maybe you get a stop or maybe they score quicker giving us more time to do something then. 

 

[83Dee]

If the Big 12 really wants a semblance of respect as a football conference, they really ought to consider their officials and how they call a game. 

Both teams were benefactors of awful calls in what should have been a showcase game. Both teams had big, exciting, explosive plays called back for inconsequential and questionable calls.  And another result of the parade of flags and reviews was that the game lasted almost 5 hours.  

 

[dillohorn]

Reminder. UT is 3 of 8 vs WVU since they joined the B12. That's sickening.

 

[83Dee]

Not if you have the right personnel, which he had last year. That defense last year was salty.

3-2 looks bad when you have blown assignments and/or players getting whipped. Of course, any scheme looks bad when you have that.

Orlando does best when he's in attack mode. We really haven't seen that in a couple of games. He's been on his heels. To take a quote from Remember the Titans . . "they're on to your game. You need to shake things up."

So.... correct me if I'm wrong:

If... if you run a 3 man front, traditionally your 3 linemen are large tree stumps or run stoppers.  They are supplemented by 2 pass-rushing linebackers who are on the line, just not with a hand on the ground (Lawrence Taylor is the gold standard).  The nose guard is typically a hippopotamus.  

One advantage is that the LBs could also drop into coverage so there is an element of uncertainty as to who is coming on each pass.  The 4-3 is a bit more predictable.   

Texas has Omenihu and Hager on the line.  Both are physically more in line with a 3-4 linebacker.  Neither are run stoppers.  

Our nose-guards are:  Nelson and Wagner.   Nelson resembles a traditional tackle / end in the 3-4 while Wagner (backup), at 330 physically is a match for his position.  

If you look at the DLs redshirting or playing sparingly, the body types are in the pipeline.... they're bringing in the personnel, but my question is.... does Orlando want to run a traditional defense?   He cut his teeth at mid-majors like Utah St and Cougar High.... where gimmick is kind of the ticket to success.   You need trickery because you don’t have the talent others have. 

 

[Sirhornsalot]

So.... correct me if I'm wrong:

If... if you run a 3 man front, traditionally your 3 linemen are large tree stumps or run stoppers.  They are supplemented by 2 pass-rushing linebackers who are on the line, just not with a hand on the ground (Lawrence Taylor is the gold standard).  The nose guard is typically a hippopotamus.  

One advantage is that the LBs could also drop into coverage so there is an element of uncertainty as to who is coming on each pass.  The 4-3 is a bit more predictable.   

Texas has Omenihu and Hager on the line.  Both are physically more in line with a 3-4 linebacker.  Neither are run stoppers.  

Our nose-guards are:  Nelson and Wagner.   Nelson resembles a traditional tackle / end in the 3-4 while Wagner (backup), at 330 physically is a match for his position.  

If you look at the DLs redshirting or playing sparingly, the body types are in the pipeline.... they're bringing in the personnel, but my question is.... does Orlando want to run a traditional defense?   He cut his teeth at mid-majors like Utah St and Cougar High.... where gimmick is kind of the ticket to success.   You need trickery because you don’t have the talent others have. 

Your 3-man front consists of one big body in the middle, and two not as big on the wings. They are not as big because they need to be able to move fast and quick and with power. Most offensive tackles have fits with these types.

Nelson is a NG all day long. Too big and slow to be a DT. Have no idea who Wagner is that you're referring to. Perhaps you mean Wilbon.

I will agree that Hagar is really too small to play that position. He should be a LB in this defense. However, he's found success in it anyway.

Where we're hurting this year is at LB. There's just been nobody close to what MJ was doing last year. MJ had a supporting cast, too. Well, that supporting cast isn't what it was. There's Johnson, then everybody else.

The absence of Malcom Roach has been key, IMO. Roach should be playing where Hagar is now.

Gimmick or not, that defense does very well against Big 12 offenses (or at least it did last year). That defense beats OU with great regularity.

Back in the day – pre-Earl Campbell's years with the Oilers and even when Earl arrived there – they ran a 3-4 and had a lot of success with it for years. Orlando isn't doing anything new. But the 3-4 allows him creativity that the 4-3 does not. With that creativity, he can attack the way he wants.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

Pretty good article on BON regarding the defensive issues and why. Pretty obvious that Orlando doesn't exactly have a full deck at his disposable.

https://www.burntorangenation.com/2018/11/5/18062092/texas-longhorns-todd-orlando-defense-john-bonney-recruiting-transfers

 

[83Dee]

Your 3-man front consists of one big body in the middle, and two not as big on the wings. They are not as big because they need to be able to move fast and quick and with power. Most offensive tackles have fits with these types.

Nelson is a NG all day long. Too big and slow to be a DT. Have no idea who Wagner is that you're referring to. Perhaps you mean Wilbon.

I will agree that Hagar is really too small to play that position. He should be a LB in this defense. However, he's found success in it anyway.

Where we're hurting this year is at LB. There's just been nobody close to what MJ was doing last year. MJ had a supporting cast, too. Well, that supporting cast isn't what it was. There's Johnson, then everybody else.

The absence of Malcom Roach has been key, IMO. Roach should be playing where Hagar is now.

Gimmick or not, that defense does very well against Big 12 offenses (or at least it did last year). That defense beats OU with great regularity.

Back in the day – pre-Earl Campbell's years with the Oilers and even when Earl arrived there – they ran a 3-4 and had a lot of success with it for years. Orlando isn't doing anything new. But the 3-4 allows him creativity that the 4-3 does not. With that creativity, he can attack the way he wants.

Yes, I meant Wilbon.  

So, it seems the majority opinion is that the issue is personnel and not scheme or offenses “figuring out” Orlando’s trickery.  I believe a natural follow up is below:

Do we project to have better personnel next year?

 

[hookemhorb]

Yes, I meant Wilbon.  

So, it seems the majority opinion is that the issue is personnel and not scheme or offenses “figuring out” Orlando’s trickery.  I believe a natural follow up is below:

Do we project to have better personnel next year?

This year isn't over. I don't care about next year.

Let's make this real simple. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it ain't working, then it's broke. Fix it!

Doing the same thing over and over expecting the results to be different doesn't give me a whole lot of confidence in the staff or our backup players.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

Same coach and same scheme as last year is the constant.

Last year's defense was better than this year's defense.

If you want to know why, connect the dots. It's the level of talent. 

Orlando didn't forget how to coach.

 

[83Dee]

Same coach and same scheme as last year is the constant.

Last year's defense was better than this year's defense.

If you want to know why, connect the dots. It's the level of talent. 

Orlando didn't forget how to coach.

So.... by year 3 we might have the talent that prevented 40+ points when we play a good offense?

perhaps I need to adjust my expectations.  

 

[dillohorn]

So.... by year 3 we might have the talent that prevented 40+ points when we play a good offense?

perhaps I need to adjust my expectations.  

By then we may not have an O. Seems we can't get a good O and a D on the field at the same time.

 

[83Dee]

Same coach and same scheme as last year is the constant.

Last year's defense was better than this year's defense.

If you want to know why, connect the dots. It's the level of talent. 

Orlando didn't forget how to coach.

Not trying to be argumentative.... actually I could be wrong.  But I bet the individual players on Texas defense.... man for man..... coming out of high school.... would rank in the top 25 vs all other college football teams.  And we can’t see the 25th team from where I imagine this defense is ranked.  It is a major, major liability for this year’s addition.  

Is there a mistake in evaluating?

Is there a failure to develop?

Personally, I don’t buy the “talent” explanation for being this inept.  And I reject the “we’re young” explanation that I have heard around here for 10 years even more stringently.  

 

[dillohorn]

Horns D sucks....................that is all.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

Not trying to be argumentative.... actually I could be wrong.  But I bet the individual players on Texas defense.... man for man..... coming out of high school.... would rank in the top 25 vs all other college football teams.  And we can’t see the 25th team from where I imagine this defense is ranked.  It is a major, major liability for this year’s addition.  

Is there a mistake in evaluating?

Is there a failure to develop?

Personally, I don’t buy the “talent” explanation for being this inept.  And I reject the “we’re young” explanation that I have heard around here for 10 years even more stringently.  

I was comparing this year's defense to last year's defense. Not to other teams.

Line it up position by position and last year's players are better than this year's players in more positions than not. Probably by at least a 7-4 margin.

 

[83Dee]

I was comparing this year's defense to last year's defense. Not to other teams.

Line it up position by position and last year's players are better than this year's players in more positions than not. Probably by at least a 7-4 margin.

Yes I agree with your point then.

My point remains (I think).  There is no way that you can justify our defense being THIS BAD because of a lack of talent.  Same goes for the youth or inexperience suggestion.  The exact reason could be debated.... I just don’t buy those. 

Question.... did Orlando have better athletes at cougar high?

 

[java]

He had Ed Oliver. Very disruptive. Just. Like. Malik. Was. 

Many on here and elsewhere also maligned Malik ad nauseum. 

 

[primal defense]

He had Ed Oliver. Very disruptive. Just. Like. Malik. Was. 

Many on here and elsewhere also maligned Malik ad nauseum. 

An Ed Oliver clone is what this defense needs. The difference between the great defenses like Alabama is defensive line. Great Defensive lineman are in short supply. The defense not only lost Malik, but Poona also. 

In the Big 12 if you can't sack or pressure the QB then your in big trouble.


4. Arizona Cardinals

Ed Oliver, DT, Houston. One of the most athletic players in this draft class, Oliver lives in the backfield. He's a disruptive force against the run and pass, and he often requires double-teams, which frees up other teammates to make plays. Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, the team's 2016 first-round pick, hasn't lived up to expectations and Oliver would immediately bolster the unit.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2019-nfl-mock-draft-redskins-find-alex-smiths-replacement-four-quarterbacks-go-in-round-1/

 

[primal defense]

I thought for sure that Jerrod would be UT's next great QB.

Once Texas’ breakout QB, Heard quietly ending career as WR

 
FILE - In this Saturday, April 21, 2018 file photo, Texas wide receiver Jerrod Heard (13) is hit by defensive back Jarmarquis Durst (28) after making a catch during the NCAA college football team’s Orange-White spring game in Austin, Texas. Once upon a time, Jerrod Heard had “the juice.” He was the quarterback of the future for the Texas Longhorns and he’d just smashed Vince Young’s single-game school for total offense. He could throw. He could run. He could do just about everything. Then all that juice dried up with a whole lot of losing. A fifth-year senior, Heard heads into his final home game this week as a fifth-option wide receiver and special teams guy. (Eric Gay, File/Associated Press)
By Jim Vertuno | AP November 14 at 2:41 AM
AUSTIN, Texas — Once upon a time, Jerrod Heard had the “juice.”

He was the quarterback of the future for the Texas Longhorns and he’d just smashed Vince Young’s single-game school record with 527 total yards against California. He could throw. He could run. He could do just about everything.

Then all that juice dried up with a whole lot of losing. A fifth-year senior, Heard heads into his final home game this week against No. 18 Iowa State (6-3, 5-2 Big 12) as a fifth-option wide receiver and special teams guy for the No. 13 Longhorns (7-3, 5-2).

But he’s still got the record. And he’s earned a whole lot of respect from his teammates for stepping up with a career-high six catches last week against Texas Tech. One of them came in the game-winning touchdown drive.

“Jerrod’s always happy,” senior defensive end Charles Omenihu said. “I’m happy for him. He got the opportunity to shine. He’s a good soul.”

ADVERTISING

Heard’s career was supposed to be more than that. On Tuesday, he looked back at what it became and still smiled at the experience.

“I couldn’t ask for a better journey,” Heard said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

One of the top-rated dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation coming out of high school, Heard was recruited by Mack Brown and stuck with the Longhorns after Brown was fired and Charlie Strong came in. After redshirting for a year while fans called for him to play during a 6-7 season, Strong finally gave him the keys to the offense the second game of 2015.

He won his first start against Rice, then broke Young’s hallowed record which had been set in the classic 2006 Rose Bowl win over Southern California. But even that was tainted just a bit.

Heard scored three times against California, his last one a 45-yard sprint through the middle of the field for what should have been the game-tying touchdown. But kicker Nick Rose missed the extra point. Heard’s biggest day as a Longhorn ended as a loss.

Heard had at least pumped some life into the Texas offense. Until two weeks later when Texas got smashed 50-7 at TCU. Even after an upset win over Oklahoma, Texas got shut out at Iowa State. Heard started 10 games at quarterback and Texas finished 5-7. He finished the season on the bench with concussions symptoms.

His days as a quarterback were done.

By spring 2016, Strong had revamped his offense and brought in quarterback Shane Buechele. After sitting out that spring with a shoulder injury, Heard was no longer part of the quarterback competition and moved to wide receiver.

Heard probably could have transferred to play quarterback elsewhere. He wasn’t that far removed from a stellar high school career that could have landed him just about anywhere.

He never considered it. Heard wanted to stay at Texas and wanted to win games. He was willing to do it from different positions.

“I couldn’t be down, because I didn’t know how many guys I’d bring down with me,” Heard said. “I really wanted for this university to win games and be a powerhouse ... I wanted to win a championship. I still think that can happen.”

Heard’s first season at wide receiver was his best when he caught 24 passes and tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions. But his role kept diminishing as the Texas offense got better. Until last Saturday, he’d caught just three passes for 29 yards this season.

He was thrust into a big role against Texas Tech because of an ankle injury to Collin Johnson, who has 50 catches for 675 yards and five touchdowns.

“He was our offensive MVP for the way that he played,” coach Tom Herman said.

Herman has made sure to keep Heard as a big presence in the locker room, putting him on the team’s leadership council. No player has likely felt the highs and lows of a career like he has. The journey of his career has prepared him for challenges beyond football, Heard said.

“When life brings hardship, I feel very confident in myself (that) I can adjust to it and make it happen,” Heard said.

Heard has already earned his degree. And he’s still got that record over Vince Young.

“That’s a cool thing, to always have that history,” Heard said.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/once-texas-breakout-qb-heard-quietly-ending-career-as-wr/2018/11/14/aaaac9e2-e7e0-11e8-8449-1ff263609a31_story.html?utm_term=.101a572f3203

 

[primal defense]

I'm not a fan of Big 12 style of football. I like some defense.


Texas football is now quintessential Big 12 football, which isn't what Tom Herman once envisioned for Longhorns




https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/college-sports/collegesports/2018/11/12/texas-football-now-quintessential-big-12-football-isnt-tom-herman-envisioned-longhorns

 

[DBut82]

I thought for sure that Jerrod would be UT's next great QB.

Once Texas’ breakout QB, Heard quietly ending career as WR

 
FILE - In this Saturday, April 21, 2018 file photo, Texas wide receiver Jerrod Heard (13) is hit by defensive back Jarmarquis Durst (28) after making a catch during the NCAA college football team’s Orange-White spring game in Austin, Texas. Once upon a time, Jerrod Heard had “the juice.” He was the quarterback of the future for the Texas Longhorns and he’d just smashed Vince Young’s single-game school for total offense. He could throw. He could run. He could do just about everything. Then all that juice dried up with a whole lot of losing. A fifth-year senior, Heard heads into his final home game this week as a fifth-option wide receiver and special teams guy. (Eric Gay, File/Associated Press)
By Jim Vertuno | AP November 14 at 2:41 AM
AUSTIN, Texas — Once upon a time, Jerrod Heard had the “juice.”

He was the quarterback of the future for the Texas Longhorns and he’d just smashed Vince Young’s single-game school record with 527 total yards against California. He could throw. He could run. He could do just about everything.

Then all that juice dried up with a whole lot of losing. A fifth-year senior, Heard heads into his final home game this week against No. 18 Iowa State (6-3, 5-2 Big 12) as a fifth-option wide receiver and special teams guy for the No. 13 Longhorns (7-3, 5-2).

But he’s still got the record. And he’s earned a whole lot of respect from his teammates for stepping up with a career-high six catches last week against Texas Tech. One of them came in the game-winning touchdown drive.

“Jerrod’s always happy,” senior defensive end Charles Omenihu said. “I’m happy for him. He got the opportunity to shine. He’s a good soul.”

ADVERTISING

Heard’s career was supposed to be more than that. On Tuesday, he looked back at what it became and still smiled at the experience.

“I couldn’t ask for a better journey,” Heard said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

One of the top-rated dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation coming out of high school, Heard was recruited by Mack Brown and stuck with the Longhorns after Brown was fired and Charlie Strong came in. After redshirting for a year while fans called for him to play during a 6-7 season, Strong finally gave him the keys to the offense the second game of 2015.

He won his first start against Rice, then broke Young’s hallowed record which had been set in the classic 2006 Rose Bowl win over Southern California. But even that was tainted just a bit.

Heard scored three times against California, his last one a 45-yard sprint through the middle of the field for what should have been the game-tying touchdown. But kicker Nick Rose missed the extra point. Heard’s biggest day as a Longhorn ended as a loss.

Heard had at least pumped some life into the Texas offense. Until two weeks later when Texas got smashed 50-7 at TCU. Even after an upset win over Oklahoma, Texas got shut out at Iowa State. Heard started 10 games at quarterback and Texas finished 5-7. He finished the season on the bench with concussions symptoms.

His days as a quarterback were done.

By spring 2016, Strong had revamped his offense and brought in quarterback Shane Buechele. After sitting out that spring with a shoulder injury, Heard was no longer part of the quarterback competition and moved to wide receiver.

Heard probably could have transferred to play quarterback elsewhere. He wasn’t that far removed from a stellar high school career that could have landed him just about anywhere.

He never considered it. Heard wanted to stay at Texas and wanted to win games. He was willing to do it from different positions.

“I couldn’t be down, because I didn’t know how many guys I’d bring down with me,” Heard said. “I really wanted for this university to win games and be a powerhouse ... I wanted to win a championship. I still think that can happen.”

Heard’s first season at wide receiver was his best when he caught 24 passes and tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions. But his role kept diminishing as the Texas offense got better. Until last Saturday, he’d caught just three passes for 29 yards this season.

He was thrust into a big role against Texas Tech because of an ankle injury to Collin Johnson, who has 50 catches for 675 yards and five touchdowns.

“He was our offensive MVP for the way that he played,” coach Tom Herman said.

Herman has made sure to keep Heard as a big presence in the locker room, putting him on the team’s leadership council. No player has likely felt the highs and lows of a career like he has. The journey of his career has prepared him for challenges beyond football, Heard said.

“When life brings hardship, I feel very confident in myself (that) I can adjust to it and make it happen,” Heard said.

Heard has already earned his degree. And he’s still got that record over Vince Young.

“That’s a cool thing, to always have that history,” Heard said.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/once-texas-breakout-qb-heard-quietly-ending-career-as-wr/2018/11/14/aaaac9e2-e7e0-11e8-8449-1ff263609a31_story.html?utm_term=.101a572f3203

I love Heard! I wish his career would be different.  A lot of circumstances beyond his control.  But he's been the epitome of a team player/leader and I wish him the best!  HOOK 'EM!  This statement: "I couldn’t be down, because I didn’t know how many guys I’d bring down with me,” CLASS!!!