The 2021 Football season

[Sheldon Cooper]

I'm sorry Sheldon, but I'm going to have to disagree with you on this. Casey Hampton was the 2nd best DT in UT history, right behind Heisman finalist Kenneth Sims. Shaun Rogers was right behind that. At DE there was Aaron Humphrey and Cedric Woodard, 2 of the better DE's ever. I know they both played in the NFL.

At LB there was Sr. LB Dusty Renfro who wad damn good against the run, maybe a bit weak against the pass. But there was also DD Lewis, one of the better LB's in UT history and Aaron Bobino, very good also.

At DB the was Quentin Jammer, certainly one of the best in UT history. Lee Jackson, Ahmad Brooks, Joe Walker and Tony Holmes. Maybe Holmes and Walker were average, but Jackson and Brooks received many accolades.

I don't think there's more than 3 current players that would start on that 98 defense. And that 98 offense was loaded, that's one thing Mackovic could do, recruit offense.

Lol, you are confusing the 98 defense with other seasons. Go back and look up the statistics on that season, the Texas defense was a big hot pile of chicken crap. I agree with you on how good Hampton and Rogers would turn out to be in 98 they were also hot piles along with the rest of that defense. As for the DBs, don't forget most of those guys did lose their starting jobs. Freshmen Rod Babers came in the next year and took one of those spots and became a 4 year starter.

I'm not talking about humphries and Woodard, but were solid but neither was what I would call spectactular, neither could hold the jock of Ossai and I have a feeling new guys that just transferred in are also much better but we won't know until we see them next year. However, looking at their film, they sure look the part.

I understand that many of the underclassmen on the 98 defense turned out to be great players, however the 98 defense sucked donkey balls.

 

[Horns11]

'
Hampton was a true Sophomore in 98. He was the only bright spot on the 97 defense. That defense was dog crap warmed over, it was the result of many years of neglect by Machovic. There is a big reason why we gave up over 100 pts to UCLA in just two games.

As for Collins, he was called by Chris Ash the most talented dlinemen he had coached, and that included the Bosa brothers. Only time will tell on the others but I'm confident in my prediction.

Hampton was hurt in 97. Go watch him play in the 1996 Big 12 Championship. If your prediction is that Collins is going to be better than either him or Rogers, then we're at an impasse. Mack inherited about twice the talent on the DL than Sark is inheriting, and that's putting it conservatively.

 

[Horns11]

I'm not talking about humphries and Woodard, but were solid but neither was what I would call spectactular, neither could hold the jock of Ossai and I have a feeling new guys that just transferred in are also much better but we won't know until we see them next year. However, looking at their film, they sure look the part.

Now it's unclear whether you're too young to have watched the 1998 team. Both of those DEs outplayed Ossai in TFL and sacks. Woodard might be one of the best run stoppers we ever had, and Hump was exciting as well. Reese was coming into a season with a switch from BJW's 3-4 to a mugging 4-3, and made the call to move both of those guys from WILB and DT to DE and it paid off. Ossai was contained against everyone not named OK State.

 

[RainH2burntO]

I just dont understand nor like this notion of comparing and definitively asserting the superiority of high school guys who have never played a down of college ball to guys who have already put it on the field, including some pretty accomplished CFB players. Want to speculate 'I hope or think or maybe"...fine; but to declare emphaticaIly as though fact.... I won't ascribe an adjective to it for fear of sounding too harsh, but let's just say I for one think it is ?!#%@*&!.
...And I am extremely confident about that.

 

[Sangre Naranjada]

I just dont understand nor like this notion of comparing and definitively asserting the superiority of high school guys who have never played a down of college ball to guys who have already put it on the field, including some pretty accomplished CFB players.

Absolutely agreed. Excitement about HS studs is understandable, but moderating projections of greatness is far more agreeable to my sensibilities.

 

[Sheldon Cooper]

Hampton was hurt in 97. Go watch him play in the 1996 Big 12 Championship. If your prediction is that Collins is going to be better than either him or Rogers, then we're at an impasse. Mack inherited about twice the talent on the DL than Sark is inheriting, and that's putting it conservatively.

We are just going to have to agree to disagree because there is no way you can convince me the steaming pile of crap defense we played in 98 was light years better than we were last year. That team was blown out twice and lost a 3rd game to Tech.
I'm not the only person who has high expectation for Collins, some NFL scouts are calling him a likely high first round draft pick comparing him to Leroy Selmon.

As I said, I'm not concerned to argue on a point we really can argue about until after we actually play the 21 season so for now I think we should stick a pin in this and let's see how the season plays out.

 

[dukesteer]

“Hope Springs Eternal”

There will almost always be a better version of what came before, but it is also rare. Regarding Collins, if indeed Ash claimed (as reported) that this kid could be better than the Bosa brothers he coached at tOSU, that’s one heck of an endorsement.

Re Ossai, remember that he was only a junior, had a new system to learn, and had only been an edge rusher for one season + one game as I recall. It is reasonable to speculate that a senior year, had he stayed, might have been epic.

Now let me move to Bijan. Like most of us, I’m obsessed with Texas running backs and I’m always looking for the next Earl or Ricky. To these eyes, this kid has a very good probability of being the next in that historic lineage.

 

[Sangre Naranjada]

Now let me move to Bijan. Like most of us, I’m obsessed with Texas running backs and I’m always looking for the next Earl or Ricky. To these eyes, this kid has a very good probability of being the next in that historic lineage.

I, for one, can't find a hole in that projection.

 

[Crockett]

I just dont understand nor like this notion of comparing and definitively asserting the superiority of high school guys who have never played a down of college ball to guys who have already put it on the field, including some pretty accomplished CFB players. Want to speculate 'I hope or think or maybe"...fine; but to declare emphaticaIly as though fact.... I won't ascribe an adjective to it for fear of sounding too harsh, but let's just say I for one think it is ?!#%@*&!.
...And I am extremely confident about that.

Back when Ryan Perriliux was verbally committed to UT. I remember one poster asserting that as a true freshman, the Louisiana kid was going to push Vince Young to the bench or a position change. It's easier to put up great film against overmatched high school kids.

 

[RainH2burntO]

Well...
I'll say this on the positive side...for Sheldon and everyone...
Regardless of what becomes of guys who haven't stepped foot on the 40 yet (and there are plenty of those I, too, am excited about)...
I'm all in on hype for a few guys already in house, and Collins is certainly one of them.
Right now I'd say Collins, Bijan, and Overshown are all about to breakout as next level players. ...And there are about 3-4 or so more not worth mentioning now I could see coming up under a new regime.
Certainly some of the other new recruits will indeed fulfill Sheldon's projected level of performance and I look forward to it, but for now we can all enjoy and appreciate together the studs we already have, both those we know of or are expecting...and those who are only about to be realized.

 

[beijinghorn1]

We are just going to have to agree to disagree because there is no way you can convince me the steaming pile of crap defense we played in 98 was light years better than we were last year. That team was blown out twice and lost a 3rd game to Tech.
I'm not the only person who has high expectation for Collins, some NFL scouts are calling him a likely high first round draft pick comparing him to Leroy Selmon.

As I said, I'm not concerned to argue on a point we really can argue about until after we actually play the 21 season so for now I think we should stick a pin in this and let's see how the season plays out.

A very important comparison you skipped or I missed (perhaps I forgot during reading, happens will long posts). Defensive coordinators. Mack's was great for 90's offenses, but awful for teams who moved past a 90s mentality. My greatest hope is Sark's defensive coordinator is heads and tails better than Mack's; otherwise, I think we will have a very disappointing season

 

[Run Pincher]

Lol, you are confusing the 98 defense with other seasons. Go back and look up the statistics on that season, the Texas defense was a big hot pile of chicken crap. I agree with you on how good Hampton and Rogers would turn out to be in 98 they were also hot piles along with the rest of that defense. As for the DBs, don't forget most of those guys did lose their starting jobs. Freshmen Rod Babers came in the next year and took one of those spots and became a 4 year starter.

I'm not talking about humphries and Woodard, but were solid but neither was what I would call spectactular, neither could hold the jock of Ossai and I have a feeling new guys that just transferred in are also much better but we won't know until we see them next year. However, looking at their film, they sure look the part.

I understand that many of the underclassmen on the 98 defense turned out to be great players, however the 98 defense sucked donkey balls.

I don't think giving up 360 yrds/game sucked donkey balls. Let's see if the 2021 defense can do that. I bet they can't. If they can can do better than that I'll concede they're better. Let's see who's right in 10 mos.

 

[Sheldon Cooper]

There will almost always be a better version of what came before, but it is also rare. Regarding Collins, if indeed Ash claimed (as reported) that this kid could be better than the Bosa brothers he coached at tOSU, that’s one heck of an endorsement.

Listen to the color guy tell the story.

 

[Sheldon Cooper]

A very important comparison you skipped or I missed (perhaps I forgot during reading, happens will long posts). Defensive coordinators. Mack's was great for 90's offenses, but awful for teams who moved past a 90s mentality. My greatest hope is Sark's defensive coordinator is heads and tails better than Mack's; otherwise, I think we will have a very disappointing season

I just took it for granted that we all knew that Coach K is better than Bull Reese.

Someone else mentioned that one of the big reason's Sark chose Coach K was because he is one of the few DCs to give him hell in a game.

 

[LAGA4]

I, for one, can't find a hole in that projection.

As long as the only hole is in the opponents Dline we're good.

 

[X Misn Tx]

QB
A couple of things that a QB CAN bring is...
*calm and confidence
* knowledge of plays, philosophy, and schemes

I hope Thompson & Card are great, but I don't see how that won't be a downgrade next year.

RB
The position/players in that position evolve over a season.

There is no way that RB isn't improved next year. Bijan and Roschon. Maybe pull Whit in for 3rd down Metcalf kind of a role. No one can convince me (other than injury) any differently.

Everything else on O is a push based on strengths and weaknesses of additions and subtractions.

Defense...
Line worse
LBs?
DB worse

I think Bijan and the QB are the best way we have to succeed next year.

 

[Sheldon Cooper]

QB
A couple of things that a QB CAN bring is...
*calm and confidence
* knowledge of plays, philosophy, and schemes

I hope Thompson & Card are great, but I don't see how that won't be a downgrade next year.

RB
The position/players in that position evolve over a season.

There is no way that RB isn't improved next year. Bijan and Roschon. Maybe pull Whit in for 3rd down Metcalf kind of a role. No one can convince me (other than injury) any differently.

Everything else on O is a push based on strengths and weaknesses of additions and subtractions.

Defense...
Line worse
LBs?
DB worse

I think Bijan and the QB are the best way we have to succeed next year.

As a leader Ehlinger was great, but as a player he was very inconsistent. If these guys are more consistent they can be better than Sam was as a player, once they get some confidence their leadership will start to come on.

I fully expect our defense across the board to be better, will there be growing pains? Absolutely, we will lose games because we look lost out there, but on a talent basis we are much more talented on defense going into next season then we were at this point last year. One very important thing we have going for us is we get spring football and a chance for the defensive coaches to install their system that is something Ash wasn't afforded.

I have all the confidence in the world that the defensive front 7 will be much better next year, my biggest concern is at Corner where we did lose a few guys. I would love to see us get a transfer in to help on the boundry

 

[X Misn Tx]

As a leader Ehlinger was great, but as a player he was very inconsistent. If these guys are more consistent they can be better than Sam was as a player, once they get some confidence their leadership will start to come on.

I fully expect our defense across the board to be better, will there be growing pains? Absolutely, we will lose games because we look lost out there, but on a talent basis we are much more talented on defense going into next season then we were at this point last year. One very important thing we have going for us is we get spring football and a chance for the defensive coaches to install their system that is something Ash wasn't afforded.

I have all the confidence in the world that the defensive front 7 will be much better next year, my biggest concern is at Corner where we did lose a few guys. I would love to see us get a transfer in to help on the boundry

imo if the defense is better, it will be because of coaching. any improvement will be welcomed

 

[moondog_LFZ]

I hope Thompson & Card are great, but I don't see how that won't be a downgrade next year.

I don't think that's necessarily so.
Thompson showed a load of confidence and ability in that bowl game.
He seemed fearless in making throws into tight windows.
If he can be consistent without any major meltdowns, I believe the team would fall in line behind him as a leader rather quickly.

Now, if Card were to beat him out for the job it might be a different story.
But, even then, consistency and wins will mean a lot.

And a lot will fall on Sark putting whoever is the starter in a position to succeed.
I see no reason the QB position can't be a more productive position next year.

 

[HornHuskerDad]

One very important thing we have going for us is we get spring football and a chance for the defensive coaches to install their system

Excellent point. The opportunity to learn the system in the spring should position the players to execute in the fall when it counts.

 

[Horns11]

I don't think that's necessarily so.
Thompson showed a load of confidence and ability in that bowl game.
He seemed fearless in making throws into tight windows.
If he can be consistent without any major meltdowns, I believe the team would fall in line behind him as a leader rather quickly.

Now, if Card were to beat him out for the job it might be a different story.
But, even then, consistency and wins will mean a lot.

And a lot will fall on Sark putting whoever is the starter in a position to succeed.
I see no reason the QB position can't be a more productive position next year.

I fear that we're overrating Thompson based on a decent game against a really crappy opponent. Bowl game worthy or not, Colorado would have probably finished 9th in the Big 12 last year. Going into 2010, everyone was all "we'll be fine at QB based on those 2 nice passes GG threw to Shipley in the national championship" and nearly everyone bought the hype. I don't doubt that we have the offensive staff to help guide our QBs for 2021, but I could see it getting out of control if we don't protect Bijan or if the line has inconsistent lineups and lots of tinkering throughout the season. I guess one thing we have going for us is that we're not attempting a real-time switch to a power run game behind Cody Johnson, Fozzy Whittaker, and Tre Newton.

This is a rebuild project. Anyone who think we're immediately 10-2 based on how we've progressed over the last 10 years, and how the only Texas coaches who've experienced that kind of turnaround in year 1 were Royal, Akers, and Mack, I think it's a tall order. I'm ok with this being more of a "Year Two or Three" kind of deal, especially with a different set of recruits.

 

[moondog_LFZ]

I fear that we're overrating Thompson based on a decent game against a really crappy opponent. Bowl game worthy or not, Colorado would have probably finished 9th in the Big 12 last year. Going into 2010, everyone was all "we'll be fine at QB based on those 2 nice passes GG threw to Shipley in the national championship" and nearly everyone bought the hype. I don't doubt that we have the offensive staff to help guide our QBs for 2021, but I could see it getting out of control if we don't protect Bijan or if the line has inconsistent lineups and lots of tinkering throughout the season. I guess one thing we have going for us is that we're not attempting a real-time switch to a power run game behind Cody Johnson, Fozzy Whittaker, and Tre Newton.

This is a rebuild project. Anyone who think we're immediately 10-2 based on how we've progressed over the last 10 years, and how the only Texas coaches who've experienced that kind of turnaround in year 1 were Royal, Akers, and Mack, I think it's a tall order. I'm ok with this being more of a "Year Two or Three" kind of deal, especially with a different set of recruits.

That's why I added that Thompson will have to show consistency.
If he looks good in the opener and horrible in the second game we could see another two QB situation.
And I think Mack screwed Gilbert with his change in offensive philosophy after the Bama loss.
And injuries took their toll.

I do not agree that we are rebuilding.
With spring training apparently happening, we have time to install systems.
There is talent there to be coached up.
I feel better about this coaching staff then I did either of the previous two.
Of course my glasses are always tinted orange with the beginning of a new season.
All gas-no brakes, baby.
Hook-em!

 

[X Misn Tx]

I don't have rose colored glasses for Sam, but I saw what he brought besides accuracy. new system, new plays, new QB = normally means lower effectiveness for a season

 

[BLucky]

My hope is we have great year coming up. My expectation is it gets even better in year 2 and beyond.

 

[mchammer]

My hope is we have great year coming up. My expectation is it gets even better in year 2 and beyond.

In Year 2, QB will either be a senior or a 3rd year Sophomore. Bijan will be a Jr. With decent support around them, the team will be hard to beat. Sark’s true first class will be freshman, so still not fully his team yet.

 

[RainH2burntO]

I agree w 11 on the putting too much stock in 1 game, but I still have high hopes for Thompson. Have a feeling Card is going to rise up fast...and likely surprise many. Expect him to push Casey hard.

 

[I_Dont_Exist]

I agree w 11 on the putting too much stock in 1 game, but I still have high hopes for Thompson. Have a feeling Card is going to rise up fast...and likely surprise many. Expect him to push Casey hard.

There's an article on BON where Sam just raves about Card. He doesn't come right out and say it.but it's clear he expects him to be the starter.

 

[nashhorn]

Agree with you Rain. Thompson had a great game against Col and shows terrific promise but I am taken aback a bit by those forgetting how high all the hype was about card when we got him. Maybe my memory is wrong but I thought there was many predicting him to potentially take over as a Frosh. Never saw him in HS so I was just reading and hearing the high anticipation on HF.
Personally I’m pulling for Casey because I’ve been high on him since watching him in the Spring game an eternity ago. My desire would be for Card to push him to the heights and then be ready when called cause like Sam I doubt we can keep one QB healthy all season.

 

[NRHorn]

Back when Ryan Perriliux was verbally committed to UT. I remember one poster asserting that as a true freshman, the Louisiana kid was going to push Vince Young to the bench or a position change. It's easier to put up great film against overmatched high school kids.

I think the Poster was Ryan Perriliux

 

[beijinghorn1]

I just took it for granted that we all knew that Coach K is better than Bull Reese.

Someone else mentioned that one of the big reason's Sark chose Coach K was because he is one of the few DCs to give him hell in a game.

I will be like the Rain above, when he proves that he can do it in the Big 12, I will be sold on Coach K. There have been many great defensive minds who were turned into idiots once they entered the Big 12. I am hoping you are correct about Coach K, but only time will tell. Let's be honest, Ash certainly did not live up to the hype that UM gave him (I realize his excuses or the excuses people make for him), but one pretty good defensive coach once said something about excuses.