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Monday Press Conference Recap

Harrison Wier

Staff Writer
Joined
Sep 8, 2016
Messages
1,581
Charlie Strong met with the media on Monday following a 41-7 victory over the UTEP Miners on Saturday evening. Here are some highlights from today's press conference.

Strong highlighted the defense and their ability to get off of the field as a crucial component to Texas' upcoming matchup against Cal. Strong mentioned that this weekend is a "business trip" and that "playing good defense can take a home crowd out of the game." On the negative side, Strong mentioned that he is "very concerned" about penalties. After Saturday's game, Texas currently ranks 5th in the FBS for total penalty yardage. Strong stated the team's need to "be a more disciplined football team," while not hesitating to mention that several players would pay for bonehead penalties. On a positive note, Strong gave out praise to several players on Monday. Strong called Shane Buechele "calm with a quiet confidence about him." He mentioned that Shane will come up to any and every player just to have conversations with them. It's easy to tell that Strong has gained much more confidence since Buechele came to the 40 acres. One last interesting note from Strong's availability is that he mentioned the team looked sluggish in practice after a physical fight with Notre Dame. Although that is not too surprising, the interesting thing that Strong said was that a senior came up to him one day and said, "I know you're worried about our mindset this week. I promise you there will not be a letdown." As most have previously stated, there is just something different about this team this year. 

After coach Strong was done with the media, senior WR Jacorey Warrick made his way to the podium. Although Warrick did not have too much to say of substance, we learned some interesting facts about him. Both of Warrick's parents were big band participants in their glory days. Warrick said that his parents would try to throw some instruments at him, but he "always loved football." When asked about the nickname "Petey," Warrick gave credit to his mother's first cousin. He said that her cousin wanted to name him Petey at birth, but his mom was not having any part of that. Eventually, the name stuck. Most importantly, Warrick said that his sense of optimism is what has kept him focused and ready for his shot at playing time while at Texas. In this new offense, Warrick has made the most of his opportunity. 

Malik Jefferson spoke to the media after Warrick. Jefferson has an extremely confident demeanor, and does not seem like a true sophomore. The most interesting thing Jefferson had to say was how much different playing on the road as a freshman is as opposed to playing at home. Although he's a sophomore, Jefferson said he will "Tell those guys to stay focused. Me being young still, I can tell them how it feels." Jefferson has taken on a leadership role this year, and it shows. Lastly, when asked about Malcolm Roach, Malik had nothing but praise for the freshman. "[Roach] makes sure that everybody knows his name."

Last but not least, senior DT Paul Boyette made his way to the podium. When asked about his wife Imani Boyette making the WNBA playoffs, Paul did not hesitate to make some humor of the question. "I'm happy about it. I get more allowance." Boyette is a charismatic and well-spoken leader on this football team. When asked about the key to the game on Saturday, Boyette made it clear that the  "front 7 must have an incredible game," in order for the defense to be successful. Although Boyette didn't say much, he is very confident in his teammates on defense. 

Some important notes on Cal:

In 2 games, Cal's defense has given up 72 points. In a particularly weak run defense, D'onta Foreman and Chris Warren III should have a field day. 

This will be Cal's first home game of the season. Therefore, the stadium will be packed. Preparation and leadership will be key in making sure a young Texas team is ready for a hostile environment. 

Davis Webb attempted a school record 72 passes in a losing effort to San Diego State last weekend. The Texas defense knows that Cal's offense relies almost entirely on the passing attack. They also know that Davis Webb is not a mobile quarterback. If the Texas defense can produce a pass rush on Saturday, Webb will make mistakes. 

Texas faces Cal at 9:30 CT on Saturday. The game will air live on ESPN. Texas is currently sitting as 7.5 point favorites over the Golden Bears. This will be a big test for Texas on the road. Going into conference play at 3-0 would be huge for the Longhorns' confidence. 

 
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Coach Royal was likely correct in the 1950s and 1960s. The passing offenses of the 21st century are a totally different animal. The defensive key is now containment. When the receiver catches the ball, the defender needs to punish them. Make them worry about the pain that is coming their way and form tackle them with 0 yards after contact. Make them wince. Also, the closer they get to scoring territory, the fewer open passes. So, let them make yards between the 20s, but once in the red zone, the harder they get hit. When a linebacker is in coverage, show what 185 lbs, feels like when 250 lbs. puts his shoulder into him. BTW. it is okay to find out how tough the QB is also. 

 
Coach Royal was likely correct in the 1950s and 1960s. The passing offenses of the 21st century are a totally different animal. The defensive key is now containment. When the receiver catches the ball, the defender needs to punish them. Make them worry about the pain that is coming their way and form tackle them with 0 yards after contact. Make them wince. Also, the closer they get to scoring territory, the fewer open passes. So, let them make yards between the 20s, but once in the red zone, the harder they get hit. When a linebacker is in coverage, show what 185 lbs, feels like when 250 lbs. puts his shoulder into him. BTW. it is okay to find out how tough the QB is also. 
Speaking of containment... the good news for Texas is that Cal has virtually no running game. Texas' big issue so far this year is keeping contain on zone reads. Luckily, Davis Webb is about as far from a dual-threat QB as you can get. The ZR plays will be minimal if at all existent on Saturday. That will allow Texas to focus primarily on the passing game. Will it be easy for them? No. Texas has a young secondary and Davis Webb is a good QB. Vance Bedford will have to dial up some blitzes and rotate guys in frequently. However, the lack of a rushing threat from Cal will help Texas immensely. 

 
I was at the game Saturday night and it was very frustrating at times with all the laundry on the field. I can't blame CS for being concerned and upset. Especially the non-freshmen who were flagged. Has to get corrected. I felt the team played with uncontrolled confidence because it was UTEP. Makes for a sloppy game. Hopefully our OL gets healthy enough for the Bears. My hope is everyone comes back. I don't think Tristan is coming back any time soon. Saw him on crutches. Is there a status on him? Will you have an injury and status report? Nice write up. Liked it. 

 
I was at the game Saturday night and it was very frustrating at times with all the laundry on the field. I can't blame CS for being concerned and upset. Especially the non-freshmen who were flagged. Has to get corrected. I felt the team played with uncontrolled confidence because it was UTEP. Makes for a sloppy game. Hopefully our OL gets healthy enough for the Bears. My hope is everyone comes back. I don't think Tristan is coming back any time soon. Saw him on crutches. Is there a status on him? Will you have an injury and status report? Nice write up. Liked it. 
Tristan is currently at second string on the depth chart. Before the season started, he got beat out at RT by Brandon Hodges. Everyone will be back this week except for Nickelson. The OL will be Williams-Vahe-Shack-Perkins-Hodges. Haines will be back in action, but don't be surprised to see some younger guys get looks, especially at safety. Foreman will be back as well. It'll be all hands on deck for Cal.

 
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Do you know if Hudson will get any playing time as well as Fowler?
I'm 99% certain that Hudson will be redshirted. I know the second team OL isn't good, but giving Hudson an extra year to develop is huge. In regards to Fowler, I don't expect him to make much of an impact. A redshirt also makes sense, but I could see him being a contributor on special teams.

 
I'm. Told. Hudson will redshirt. -- Fowler was so late to make an appearance bet he does the same
It'll be worthwhile for Fowler to redshirt in my mind. He won't make enough impact to be considered a positive this year.

 
Am I being premature in expecting the 2017 defense to be really special?
I don't think so. A couple more pieces will have to fall into place recruiting wise. Once the defense has enough depth, it'll be a really really fun group to watch. So much talent on all cylinders.

 
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Which young guys that played for the 1st time last week earn themselves more snaps this week?
I think young guys up front specifically will get some snaps. Look for Jordan Elliot and D'Andre Christmas-Giles to get snaps. Brandon Jones has proven that he's a factor. I expect the same from him on special teams. He might get some looks at safety of our secondary starts off poorly. LJH and Collin Johnson could also get some snaps on offense. Cal has a poor tackling defense, and both of those guys are 6'4+ and hard to bring down.

 
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