Winning ugly is good. We've lost ugly lots of times. It's good to win ugly against a decent team. Last year's ugly win against Kansas left a bitter taste in my mouth. This win against a good WVA is much different for me.
Here's why. It wasn't a lucky win. It was hard fought, and breaks that went one way or another evened out. Sam had one of his worst day's passing. We didn't have to have superman quarterbacking to win. He's banged up. He missed many passes that he normally hits: short ones to the flats, and throwing to guys that were covered up by a defender. He was not himself. The two weeks off will help him.
The defense played well and much more disciplined, although they still committed unnecessary penalties. The biggest improvement strategy wise I saw was the first WELL DISGUISED BLITZ Texas has executed in years--literally. Its the play where it looked like our blitz was coming from the outside backer, but at the snap he backed into pass coverage while the middle LB'r blitzed hard up the middle through a gaping hole and sacked the QB on a critical play. The Blitzer was a freshman. His helmet came off
He was ecstatic, and so was I. That blitz, when executed, is virtually unstoppable.
WVU isn't a great team. But their QB played very well. We were lucky a few times with calls and their dropped passes. Their D line is the real deal, plus they have experienced LBs. They are well coached.
And by the way, we now know we have a budding stud at running back that instantly makes our offense better, providing huge help to Sam. Bijon is a home run threat while also able to make 4 yards where others get 2. He doesn't have Earl's power, but his moves are incredible, and we finally have someone who seldom is tackled by the first defender.
The Horns didn't break, they didn't lose when in the past they have done just that. I'm not proclaiming a trend. I'm not beating a drum for TH.
I am simply giving some credit where it's due.
Here's why. It wasn't a lucky win. It was hard fought, and breaks that went one way or another evened out. Sam had one of his worst day's passing. We didn't have to have superman quarterbacking to win. He's banged up. He missed many passes that he normally hits: short ones to the flats, and throwing to guys that were covered up by a defender. He was not himself. The two weeks off will help him.
The defense played well and much more disciplined, although they still committed unnecessary penalties. The biggest improvement strategy wise I saw was the first WELL DISGUISED BLITZ Texas has executed in years--literally. Its the play where it looked like our blitz was coming from the outside backer, but at the snap he backed into pass coverage while the middle LB'r blitzed hard up the middle through a gaping hole and sacked the QB on a critical play. The Blitzer was a freshman. His helmet came off
He was ecstatic, and so was I. That blitz, when executed, is virtually unstoppable.WVU isn't a great team. But their QB played very well. We were lucky a few times with calls and their dropped passes. Their D line is the real deal, plus they have experienced LBs. They are well coached.
And by the way, we now know we have a budding stud at running back that instantly makes our offense better, providing huge help to Sam. Bijon is a home run threat while also able to make 4 yards where others get 2. He doesn't have Earl's power, but his moves are incredible, and we finally have someone who seldom is tackled by the first defender.
The Horns didn't break, they didn't lose when in the past they have done just that. I'm not proclaiming a trend. I'm not beating a drum for TH.
I am simply giving some credit where it's due.
