Penalties - What needs to be done?

[Hashtag]

What is everyone's thoughts on penalties? Being a highly penalized team just seems to be a feature under Sark. What can be done to fix this moving forward, can it be fixed?

 

Year - NCAA Rank(Penalties Per Game)

2024 - 94(6.4)
2023 - 99(6.6)
2022 - 68(6.1)
2021 - 58(5.8)

As far as 2025 goes this is what we're looking at through non-conference:

2025 - 121(8.5)

[Assistant Regional Manager]

Is it a feature under Sark, or is it a feature of being at Texas? In the last 15 years, we have never once ranked better than 40th in penalties. Here is some years further back than what you listed:

2020- 116th (8.2)

2019- 115th (7.3)

2018- 109th (7.4)

2017- 106th (7.1)

2016- 102nd (7.1)

2015- 79th (6.4)

2014- 65th (5.9)

2013- 45th (5.2)

2012- 40th (5.2)

2011- 81st (6.5)

-Texas gets officiated differently from other teams, whether intentionally or unintentionally. We went the entire 2023 season with 1 accepted holding penalty against our opponent in Big 12 play. 15 years in a row being one of the most penalized teams in the country under 4 different coaches. That isn't just a coincidence.

-Timing of penalties. On Saturday, 3 of our 9 penalties were on the final offensive drive with third-stringers in the game. 4 of our 12 penalties against SJSU came on the final two drives with backups in the game. A lot of the miscues have been at the very beginning or very end of games. 

-Penalties are up across the country. Last year, only 26 total teams averaged more than 7 penalties a game. Currently, 49 teams are averaging 7 or more penalties.

-All you can do is try to emphasize it the best you can. There isn't a magic wand. 

 

Edited 4 hours ago by Assistant Regional Manager

[Jbro52]

Have them do up downs till Bobby is tired lol

[Thorn007]

I preached this last year iI believe 2022 and 2023 we had more yards or penalties in almost every game than our opponent. same ole same ole. last year started bad but got better

[hookem1014]

Holding has always been a big problem with the OL. Christian jones and cam Williams would always get called for it. Seems like it’s an issue Flood hasn’t been able to correct over the years. 
I think the false starts will get fixed throughout the season as the offense gels some more

[Here for the Wins]

There’s a significant piece that we don’t get the benefit of the doubt some teams do.  And we’ve produced quite a few NFL defenders over the years even prior to the past two years so it’s not like our opponents overwhelmed us with their talent.  We’ve had a number of borderline holds called on us and ignored on our opponents.

[GoHorns1]

Pre snap penalties are lack of focus others are poor technique, both are correctable.

[GoHorns1]

4 minutes ago, Here for the Wins said:

There’s a significant piece that we don’t get the benefit of the doubt some teams do.  And we’ve produced quite a few NFL defenders over the years even prior to the past two years so it’s not like our opponents overwhelmed us with their talent.  We’ve had a number of borderline holds called on us and ignored on our opponents.

Texas has gotten it’s share of benefits of doubt just other teams.

[Here for the Wins]

1 hour ago, GoHorns1 said:

Texas has gotten it’s share of benefits of doubt just other teams.

Believe you’re missing a word or several here.

It’s not like we never get calls if that’s what you’re saying.  I mean we can go back to 2013 ISU or whenever that was.  1988 North Texas.  Particularly teams that few feel sorry for if they get hosed.

 

[Hashtag]

Just now, Here for the Wins said:

Believe you’re missing a word or several here.

It’s not like we never get calls if that’s what you’re saying.  I mean we can go back to 2013 ISU or whenever that was.  1988 North Texas.  Particularly teams that few feel sorry for if they get hosed.

 

I can go back to ASU 2024 where we greatly benefited a call and review. 

[Here for the Wins]

3 minutes ago, Hashtag said:

I can go back to ASU 2024 where we greatly benefited a call and review. 

If you’re talking Taaffee and his hit that we benefitted, then you’re advocating for not playing football.

i believe some referenced that fake punt for ASU was not legit.  No fake punt, likely no late game impact of that non-call.

[GoHorns1]

33 minutes ago, Here for the Wins said:

If you’re talking Taaffee and his hit that we benefitted, then you’re advocating for not playing football.

i believe some referenced that fake punt for ASU was not legit.  No fake punt, likely no late game impact of that non-call.

The fake punt was legit 

[alrightalrightalright]

The carrying of Skattebo into the EZ and the non-targeting call against Isaiah Bond were bad. He was head-hunted. That game still causes me stress.

As the OL gains more experience, I think their penalties will dissipate. Focus needs to be 100%.

[Hashtag]

7 minutes ago, alrightalrightalright said:

The carrying of Skattebo into the EZ and the non-targeting call against Isaiah Bond were bad. He was head-hunted. That game still causes me stress.

As the OL gains more experience, I think their penalties will dissipate. Focus needs to be 100%.

We had a very experienced line the past two years and these penalties have existed.

[Ronnie Barnhardt]

fine 'em

[Alex Butler]

5 hours ago, Hashtag said:

What is everyone's thoughts on penalties? Being a highly penalized team just seems to be a feature under Sark. What can be done to fix this moving forward, can it be fixed?

 

Year - NCAA Rank(Penalties Per Game)

2024 - 94(6.4)
2023 - 99(6.6)
2022 - 68(6.1)
2021 - 58(5.8)

As far as 2025 goes this is what we're looking at through non-conference:

2025 - 121(8.5)

This is our best year yet haha!! Seriously though, I think part of it does have to do with the pre-snap movement and motion that forces o-line to be in stances longer than others and with teammates moving around in their peripheral vision plus defensive adjustments. The holding is just lack of awareness IMO, these guys (DJ Campbell I’m looking at you) need to learn to let go and take a shorter gain or even a loss rather than setting us back so far behind the chains. Special teams on return specifically is to just leave it alone if there’s ANY chance of a block in the back or a hold. I think it is a lot about teaching these guys to trust their technique AND athleticism as well as the guys around them. Also, maturity, knowing that making fewer mistakes in critical moments sets you up for success AND the added benefit of forcing your opponent to have to perform without making a mistake. As a baseball player we took pride in the teams that were successful at committing the fewest errors and making all the fundamental plays. THAT takes a team from good to great and makes those tough games come out in your favor. 

[Here for the Wins]

1 hour ago, GoHorns1 said:

The fake punt was legit 

I guess if you consider the guy lined up as LT, likely covered up, blocking 5 yards downfield and engaged with the defender as legit.  I’m not saying it should be called.  If you can point me to the discussion saying that’s ok, I’d legitimately be interested.

Technically, I’d say he’s illegally downfield and committing pass interference.

 

Then, if we wish to discuss targeting, the rules stipulate “no player shall target….”  It requires “one indicator of targeting.”  It references a legal tackle and provides some indicators, which obviously is not all inclusive.  It references a launch.  A crouch followed by upward and forward thrust.  Leading with the helmet.  Lowering the head.

Taaffe ran through his tackle.  Both arms wrap around the receiver.  The intent of the rule is not to eliminate incidental football contact.  The play was bang-bang with two dudes trying to play football.  There’s nothing in the rule that I see it is undoubtedly a foul.