Game Two: #1 Ohio State 24, #2 Texas 7 (9/9/06)

[MyMamaTastesFunny]

Originally Posted by Ginn4Heisman20

Lump me in with those who find it hard to believe that the Longhorns will be better this year than they were last year. I could understand the argument that you think your starters are going to be better but it also sounds like you guys lose a lot of depth which makes me skeptical towards the idea that your team as a whole will be better.
Now everyone and their grandma knows the physical aspect the Longhorn's lose with the departure of Vince Young so there's no point in me even mentioning that, I am more interested in what affect the loss of his presence and leadership will have on the team as a whole. Last year Horns Fans seemed to be really high on Vince Young's effect upon the team's psyche, obviously with good reason. He was like a security blanket for the team, even if they were down they knew Vince could bring them back. Both their confidence and swagger, from my limited point of view, seemed to originate with him. How can the Horns possibly recreate the team's chemistry without their catalyst? (I'm not trying to imply UT will have no chemistry, I just don't think they will have that whole team of destiny feel to them with the loss of Vince)

Ain't no way we're going to be better. Young was not only a dynamic offensive threat, he freed up other players, as so many eyes were on him. Also, teams (with the noted exception of your team) used to ease up on the rush, cause they were tired of him running around them and taking off downfield! (Watch USC in the fourth quarter--pansies) Anyway, he brought so many intangibles, and made players better than they were. Our boys better get over last year real quick--they are going to have a hard year, and while we won't implode, we certainly won't be as good.

[EngineerHorn]

I think HL was trying to say (see "massive exception" in his post) that we'll be better at just about every position other than QB. As 21 of the 22 starters will be better or just as good as last year, based on who's replacing the starters and the gained experience.

But I would trade all of that for 1 more year with Vince, and that's just as much due to his leadership (and other qualities discussed in Ginn's post) as his talent.

[xrayrandy]

Ketch with orangebloods (rivals) was on the radio in Austin today and did not sound optimistic about Taylor making it back. He needs a lot of credit hours to make the NCAA minimum for juniors, and cannot fail a single class over the spring and summer. He said the team is practicing as if he will not return.

The latest update from Mack makes it sound like Selvin has the lead to be the starter, but they have had Charles on light duty until after the NCAA indoor track championships. I should have mentioned that Selvin is our best back at blitz pickup, so he should see a lot of time in obvious passing situations, since every team will want to go after our QBs. Fortunately for them, teams will have to play the run first, most of the time, when it isn't an obvious passing situation.

As far as Texas being better, we will be in most positions, and Mack and Coach Chizik have said the defense is looking like it will be a lot better next year. If so they should reach their goal of keeping opponents under 13 points a game. I do expect the offense to be down 20% or so as I said and only average around 40 a game. But, it will be up to the defense to make sure that Texas doesn't get behind, since there is no way we should expect a freshman QB to lead us on significant comebacks.

I'll add that I think saying 21 out of 22 starters will be better than last year is a excessive. I don't think the replacemenst for Vince Young, Allen (OG), Harris (MLB) and Huff will be in the equal category, along with nickel back and fullback.

[MililaniBuckeye]

Originally Posted by xrayrandy

I do expect the offense to be down 20% or so as I said and only average around 40 a game.

I think I need to change your avatar to an orangutan. How can you possibly expect your offense to average around 40 points a game with not one but two QBs who haven't taken a single snap in college? Texas averaged 512 yards per game last year with Young. You really think that Texas will average 80% of that (410 yards) with those QBs, especially when Mack Brown said he intends to rotate QBs?

[jwinslow]

Under 13 ppg xray? So basically they will be the best defense in the nation, as that is usually the distinction for that kind of production. Then again, N Tex, Rice, Iowa St, Sam Houston St, Baylor and Kansas St probably won't be scoring very much against any elite competition. OkState shouldn't, but they seem to be a handful for your tema.

[CleveBucks]

Seriously, how many teams in college football history average over 40 ppg O and under 13 ppg D? Probably a few per decade. Texas is not a few-per-decade team this year.

[HabaneroBuck]

Texas could have averaged that much last year without Vince against much of the Big Twelve, so I see no reason why followers of the Longhorns should not expect a powerful offense again this year. I saw Texas destroy Tech (a game in which Vince really wasn't responsible for the onslaught) because of the offensive line and running backs. As long as Texas gets a solid QB who can take advantage of that offensive line and those RB's (down to 3 or 4, if the Frosh. is all-world), why wouldn't they expect great production? Remember, 40 ppg would be 10 below the number from 2005. I think it can be done.

The team will not have Vince to rely on, and they have more than enough ability for others to fill in the empty spaces. Like I said earlier, I think the Bucks put up 30+ with their O-line this year...and Texas might very well do likewise.