Off my chest

[Gerry Hamilton]

On 1/11/2025 at 12:04 PM, TXFF said:

Perhaps there were better plays to call, but the execution on that play was awful. No one got blocked well, period. Football is fundamentally about blocking and tackling. If you don't do the first, you're going to get the second.

OSU got the 75 yd TD run because they blocked that play perfectly at all levels, i.e., they executed. 

On QE3's strip/score, what was the fundamental problem resulting in the strip? Cam completely failed to block Sawyer in a routine pass blocking situation...his only job on that play. 

The problem is people are looking the hat on hat part of the play. 

The TWO best downhill safeties on the same team in CFB were the issue. 

They had no pass responsibility on the play, and were lined up 3-4 yards behind the LOS ... closer than normal depth. They were the two players 5 yards behind the LOS to blow up the play. 

That works against inferior opponents ... that literally had a 0.5% chance to work against Caleb Downs and Ransom without and pass responsibilities. 

[Hashtag]

1 minute ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

The problem is people are looking the hat on hat part of the play. 

The TWO best downhill safeties on the same team in CFB were the issue. 

They had no pass responsibility on the play, and were lined up 3-4 yards behind the LOS ... closer than normal depth. They were the two players 5 yards behind the LOS to blow up the play. 

That works against inferior opponents ... that literally had a 0.5% chance to work against Caleb Downs and Ransom without and pass responsibilities. 

Those guys knew it was coming 100% as well...watch 8's movement prior to snap. 

Being in pistol telegraphed it....perhaps if they run it from under center it has a better chance plus the back wouldn't receive the pitch at the 9 yard line. 

[Jack Lala]

On 1/11/2025 at 4:17 PM, hookem8 said:

Just a few things to get off my chest this morning to let it out and *hopefully* be ready to move on to what’s next.

1. Thank you, Quinn.
- 3 was a big reason why we were even in the final four the last two years. He’s a big reason for the winning seasons and us being in the final four the last two seasons. Was he perfect? No. But, what QB or player, for that matter, is? I feel like some fans forget the last decade plus of football purgatory (or hell) we were in before him. Did he limit this team? Sure, maybe he did. But, he helped bring Texas back to the national stage.

2. Sark has to get better in the RZ. 
- I’ve already posted about this last night on CJ’s immediate thoughts. But, those 4 play calls were not good at the most important time in the game. Especially that toss. Doesn’t make sense to run sideline-to-sideline against a team with that much athleticism and talent. It hadn’t worked all night, why would it work now? That being said, I love Sark. I trust Sark. He has brought this program back. He has to get better.

3. This one hurt.

- I’ll admit I went into this game with low expectations. Ohio State seemed to be clicking at the right time while we were letting ASU hang around for too long and give us a scare. Then maybe 35 minutes before kickoff, I’m sitting in AT&T stadium and started thinking “I think we can do this”. Maybe it was the whiskey, maybe it was the love and loyalty I have for the Horns, maybe it was a mixture. All I know is something changed and I kept telling myself in my head throughout the game and especially during the aforementioned RZ sequence “I believe”. The game was right there to tie up. Maybe OSU drives and scores to win. But, maybe we get a big stop or turnover and go win the game ourselves. Game was closer than 14 points. It was about 7 yards close IMO. 
 

4. IT’S ARCH TIME BABY

- you’ve undoubtedly heard the following if you’ve attended any Longhorn game this year “Put Arch in, Sark!” I was not one of those, but there were many. I am excited to see what he can do. I think CJ was talking about losing leadership earlier this morning. I feel that Arch will definitely step into a vocal leadership role asap. He’s probably the most dynamic QB we’ve had since Colt. Hopefully he can lead us to the promise land. I think we will be very good with him. We have DAWGS on this roster and keep restocking with more (this 2025 class is filled with em). Very excited to see what the future has in store.

5. HOOK ‘EM FOREVER

- no matter the outcome I still love my Horns. And I’m sure y’all feel the same. This one hurt, but we aren’t done seeing Texas in positions to go and win nattys any time soon. Hook ‘Em y’all

Couldn't agree more. Well done.