Not So Special Teams...

[CJ Vogel]

Texas Special Teams Issues

***

Quite a list since 2024.

2026

• Oklahoma 2026 – Kickoff out of bounds
• Oklahoma 2026 – Punt blocked for a touchdown
• Oklahoma 2026 – Missed go-ahead field goal
• Tennessee 2026 – Punt return allowed for touchdown
• Tennessee 2026 – Kickoff out of bounds
• Tennessee 2026 – ill-advised fair catch negates Jermaine Bishop Jr.'s 22-yard return
• UTSA 2026 – Lance Jackson block in the back negates a 34-yard punt return
• UTSA 2026 – Jelani McDonald holding on punt return (offsetting penalty)
• UTSA 2026 – Derek Williams Jr. facemask on punt return gives UTSA ball at midfield
• UTSA 2026 – Kohen Brown holding on kickoff return, Texas starts drive at own 8-yard line
• Ohio State 2026 – Ryan Niblett muffed punt return

2025

• Michigan 2025 – Ryan Niblett fumbles kickoff return, allows for immediate Michigan touchdown
• Michigan 2025 – Kobe Black block in the back negates 11-yard punt return
• Michigan 2025 – 51-yard kickoff return allowed
• Georgia 2025 – Onside kick recovery allowed 
• Georgia 2025 – Warren Roberson holding negates 59-yard KOR. Texas starts drive at UT18, rather than UGA41
• Georgia 2025 – 44-yard kickoff return allowed
• Miss State 2025 – Missed 29-yard FG
• Kentucky 2025 – 11-yard kickoff return sets up starting field position at TEX10
• Kentucky 2025 – illegal snap on Lance St. Louis. Backs ball up to TEX19.
• Florida 2025 – Punt block results in safety for Florida
• UTEP 2025 – Warren Roberson block in the back ... Texas starts at their own 8-yard line
• UTEP 2025 – Warren Roberson block in the back ... Texas starts at own 44, instead of UTEP46.

 

2024

• Arizona State 2024 – Missed 38-yard game-winning field goal as time expired
• Arizona State 2024 – Missed 49-yard go-ahead field goal with 1:39 left in 4Q
• Arizona State 2024 – Running into punter by Michael Taaffe extends drive for ASU. Ends up with 3 points.
• SECCG Georgia 2024 – Matthew Golden 11-yard opening kickoff return
• SECCG Georgia 2024 – Missed 51-yard field goal
• SECCG Georgia 2024 – Missed 42-yard field goal
• SECCG Georgia 2024 – Georgia fakes punt on 4th and 5 in the 4th quarter while tied 13–13
• Texas A&M 2024 – blocked punt allowed
• Texas A&M 2024 – Missed 48-yard field goal at the end of the 1st half
• Georgia 2024 – Warren Roberson holding on punt return. Drive starts at TEX5.
• UTSA 2024 – Amari Niblack block in the back on punt return. Drive starts at TEX4.
• UTSA 2024 – Michael Taaffe holding on 10-yard Silas Bolden punt return
• On the season: Field goals were 16–25. 
• Field goals from 40+ yards: 6–14.
  • Punting: Ranked 103rd in the country at 40.78 average.

 

I am sure there are plenty others that I missed.

[Jordan91]

Yeah but Sark said there was a track record. So we believe that and ignore all evidence to the contrary. 

[djphoenix]

Well.. history is the best indicator. Or something like that

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian said he would not reassess his special teams coordinator following the loss to Oklahoma on Saturday. When asked if he would elaborate on that a bit further, this was the answer:

"I think history is the best indicator of the future, and and we've been good on special teams for quite some time around here. You know, I have a lot of faith in Coach Banks and his schemes. And I have a lot of faith in our players to get that done. Sometimes you go through lulls like you do on offense or like you do on defense, and I don't question our ability to coach our way out of that – compete our way out of that to get back to the standard of which we play special teams."

[DanielOnorato]

Would have appreciated Sark deflecting in a more respectful manner earlier today. Great stuff CJ. 

[JMarquette]

Isn’t it funny that all of Sark’s buddies (and sark himself) are the same areas where our team stinks?

[Nate C]

Think Coach Erwin and Coach Ship said it best: Simplify it 

[CJ Vogel]

Just now, Nate C said:

Think Coach Erwin and Coach Ship said it best: Simplify it 

Or even better: instill some discipline.

Special teams is boring. It is not fun. But it is where you truly separate yourself with discipline and which team truly cares about the small details of the game of football. Look at the Alabama dynasty. Look at the Georgia run under Kirby. Look at the Patriots dynasty.

Those coaches cared deeply about the world of special teams. 

Texas has had moments – field goal blocks, punt returns, etc. But the list is far too long. That's a lack of discipline. You either coach it, or you allow it.

[Califashorn75]

Sark is loyal to a fault. A psychologist would say it has a lot to do with those who stood by him at his lowest point. While I admire the quality, why not just bring in some young badass special teams coach and keep Banks as your tight end coach exclusively? 

[Nate C]

22 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

Or even better: instill some discipline.

Special teams is boring. It is not fun. But it is where you truly separate yourself with discipline and which team truly cares about the small details of the game of football. Look at the Alabama dynasty. Look at the Georgia run under Kirby. Look at the Patriots dynasty.

Those coaches cared deeply about the world of special teams. 

Texas has had moments – field goal blocks, punt returns, etc. But the list is far too long. That's a lack of discipline. You either coach it, or you allow it.

exactly. Boring is Sexy on Special teams

Edited 10 minutes ago by Nate C