OTF Premium Couple of Team Nuggets Ahead of Vanderbilt (Injury Availability)

[CJ Vogel]

I came across some team nuggets that were worth sharing ahead of the trip to Nashville for the Texas-Vanderbilt game this weekend.

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On the topic of the offensive line, there was some concern from Longhorn Nation, myself included, following the Georgia game. Rarely under the Steve Sarkisian/Kyle Flood era had pressure been that consistent in a game.

There remains a high level of confidence for the Texas OL unit. The Georgia game allowed for the group to refocus on technique and communication during the week of practice ahead of Vanderbilt. Inside the building, the belief is the OL is still considered a strength of the team and there will be a driven effort to take command of the game up front from the kick.

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Expect to see more of Jordon Johnson-Rubell this weekend than we have in any week this season. Of course, it will depend on the health of Michael Taaffe and Jelani McDonald, but JJR is the next up. I would be quite surprised if we saw Andrew Mukuba this weekend with the bye week on the other side of the Vanderbilt game.

Jahdae Barron has cross-trained at safety and will be an option for the Longhorns back deep – Barron saw 21 snaps in 2023 at free safety with his highest snap count coming against Washington in the Playoff.

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Texas listed WR Isaiah Bond as Questionable on the first injury availability report Wednesday night.

As we saw against Georgia, Bond was a bit limited and remained hobbled due to an ankle issue that had been lingering following the Oklahoma game. Bond is a tough customer, I expect him to give it a go against Vanderbilt, but how long of a leash will he have? That is more the question as Texas hopes to double up with the bye week following.

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As for RB Tre Wisner, the emerging running back left the game early against Georgia with a right shoulder injury. As far as I know, Wisner was in a green, non-contact jersey at the beginning of the week. Fortunately, he has been practicing for Texas.

Our Gerry Hamilton and I have echoed the matchup vs. Vanderbilt provides a schematic fit for a Jerrick Gibson-type game with the downhill attack. All signs are pointing towards Wisner suiting up and playing Saturday, but much like Bond, how long of a rope will the Texas staff have with the 2nd year running back? That's the question.

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I know there has been a conversation about the punting situation as the absence of Michael Kern has been perhaps noticeable at times for the Longhorns. I will check again there, I did not receive any intel on what the plan is or why the freshman punter out of Florida has been missing on the field.

Of course, Kern has not been mentioned on the availability report the last week and a half. 

[CJ Vogel]

[CJ Vogel]

 

On the flip side, I would expect to see RB Sedrick Alexander, LB Langston Patterson, and TE Eli Stowers all on the field Saturday. The trio are amongst the most important players on the Vanderbilt roster. LB Langston Patterson was the 2nd highest graded player on the Vanderbilt defense per PFF in 2023.

[CJ Vogel]

EDGEs Zunk and Capers are both key contributors on the defensive end spot.  

They are 1–2 in most snaps off the edge for the 'Dores this season.

Zunk has 10 pressures and 2 sacks. Capers has 9 pressures, 2 sacks and a batted pass.

[CJ Vogel]

As for CB Martel Hight – 16 of 21 passes targeted on him have been completed for 216 yards (13.5 average). Hight has not allowed a touchdown in 2024.

[Joe Zura]

It’s time for you to suit up and play running back for us @CJ Vogel the defense will never see you being 5”2 in all hahaha kidding Hookem buddy thanks for the update 

[CJ Vogel]

Sarkisian says he is hopeful P Michael Kern will be ready to go Saturday vs. Vanderbilt. 

Staff will evaluate both punters on Saturday prior to kickoff. 

[CJ Vogel]

4 minutes ago, Joe Zura said:

It’s time for you to suit up and play running back for us @CJ Vogel the defense will never see you being 5”2 in all hahaha kidding Hookem buddy thanks for the update 

I’ll take a Darren Sproles role. 

[Neil Leininger]

I do think the OL takes too long in games to establish control of the LOS. It's the primary reason why we are so bad on opening drives. Penalties and very little push. I hope the Georgia makes them more agressive AFTER the snap moving forward at the start of games.

[Jarveaux]

I find it odd that apparently none of the press appears concerned enough to ask about the availability of our punter M. Kern . Seems odd to me .

[Gerry Hamilton]

1 hour ago, CJ Vogel said:

 

On the flip side, I would expect to see RB Sedrick Alexander, LB Langston Patterson, and TE Eli Stowers all on the field Saturday. The trio are amongst the most important players on the Vanderbilt roster. LB Langston Patterson was the 2nd highest graded player on the Vanderbilt defense per PFF in 2023.

Key for Vandy … LB Langston Patterson missed the last two games. Leading tackler in 2023 

[Gerry Hamilton]

1 hour ago, Joe Zura said:

It’s time for you to suit up and play running back for us @CJ Vogel the defense will never see you being 5”2 in all hahaha kidding Hookem buddy thanks for the update 

I’m filling in the Reuben Owens role … for you know who 

[Joe Zura]

Just now, Gerry Hamilton said:

I’m filling in the Reuben Owens … for you know who 

 

[NothinButDaHorns34]

That must be one hell is a “cut” above velton’s eye to be going on the fourth game out. What’s the deal with him? Notice it’s radio silence from the mods on him so there’s gotta be more to this story. 

[Jarveaux]

3 hours ago, Jarveaux said:

I find it odd that apparently none of the press appears concerned enough to ask about the availability of our punter M. Kern . Seems odd to me .

Anyone have any idea ?

[CJ Vogel]

3 minutes ago, Jarveaux said:

Anyone have any idea ?

Sark was asked today. Kern is not on the availability report.

But the staff will monitor each punter in pregame before making a decision.

[Jarveaux]

Just now, CJ Vogel said:

Sark was asked today. Kern is not on the availability report.

But the staff will monitor each punter in pregame before making a decision.

Thank you CJ 

[goattalk100]

5 hours ago, CJ Vogel said:

Sarkisian says he is hopeful P Michael Kern will be ready to go Saturday vs. Vanderbilt. 

Staff will evaluate both punters on Saturday prior to kickoff. 

In the stadium for the Georgia game it was very noticeable the difference between their punter (who repeatedly flipped the field) & ours.

[CJ Vogel]

20 minutes ago, goattalk100 said:

In the stadium for the Georgia game it was very noticeable the difference between their punter (who repeatedly flipped the field) & ours.

Agreed.

[Jarveaux]

3 hours ago, Jarveaux said:

Anyone have any idea ?

Ok how about this one. Does anyone know if Kern is still on the team ?

[JassoJaden24]

Reports are saying bond is gonna sit this game and Wingo will have the start. 

[NancyS]

14 hours ago, CJ Vogel said:

the staff will monitor each punter in pregame before making a decision.

Monitor Kern for what? This is just odd. Is he suspended or something?

[NancyS]

15 hours ago, NothinButDaHorns34 said:

That must be one hell is a “cut” above velton’s eye to be going on the fourth game out. What’s the deal with him? Notice it’s radio silence from the mods on him so there’s gotta be more to this story. 

Maybe Velton and Kern got into a fist fight and that's why they are both missing so much?🤣 There's more to this story. 

[CJ Vogel]

9 hours ago, JassoJaden24 said:

Reports are saying bond is gonna sit this game and Wingo will have the start. 

Likely

[Jarveaux]

11 hours ago, Jarveaux said:

Ok how about this one. Does anyone know if Kern is still on the team ?

He is 👍