Here is CJ Vogel on what has to improve --
Area 1: Sacks
2019 Ranking: 69th
It was more than common to see complaints about a lack of pressure generated from the defensive line in 2019. For a unit with as a much talent on it as last year, the amount of frustration was justified seemingly every week.
Texas finished with the season with 27 sacks. Though with nine sacks coming in the final two games of the season, when a scheme change was quite evident, the ranking is more than misleading. Texas averaged just 1.55 sacks per game in Big 12 play, a number that cannot be repeated in 2020 if Texas is looking to make the leap.
In games where the Longhorns had 3 or more sacks, they were 4-1. Only loss being to LSU.
In games where the Longhorns recorded 2 or fewer sacks, they were 4-4.
Area 2: Punt Returning
2019 Ranking: 48th
Again, another statistical ranking that doesn’t scream the level of mediocrity that was on display week in and week out last season. The punt return game in 2019 was atrocious. Texas finished ranked 48th with an average return of 9.12 yards per return (17 returns for 155 yards).
Entering the ninth game of the season, Texas ranked dead last in punt return yards with –12 yards on the season. Of the 155 total yards on the season, 55 of them came on a return by Brandon Jones against Kansas State and 71 of them came against Utah on a return by D’Shawn Jamison.
The remaining 15 punt returns averaged a return of 1.93 yards. An appalling number considering the level of athletes thrown back to return.
Area 3: 4th Down Conversions
2019 Ranking: 118th
Texas’ success on fourth down attempts has had a tumultuous ride so far under the Tom Herman regime.
2017: 82nd (46%)
2018: 2nd (80%)
2019: 118th (37%)
Last season, the Longhorns were 7/19 on fourth down conversion attempts, many of which were the result of questionable play calls from Herman’s “4th down binder” or just dreadful execution.
Of course the two most notable 4th down blunders came on the goal line in the first half of the LSU* game where the Longhorns had first and goal from inside the five yard line and failed to record a single point.
I am more than supportive of the idea to go for it on fourth down, though the play calling decisions must improve.
Open Post | Tuesday, March 3rd - The Football Brainiacs - UT Edition
*I should be bald now given the amount of hair I was pulling out on those 4th downs against LSU