OTF Premium Texas needs bare minimum on offense to help overworked defense, improving special teams

[HookemChappy]

12 hours ago, Jeff Howe said:

I didn't write this with the intent to pour salt into the wound or beat a dead horse. I wanted to point out three things:

1. The offensive performance against Kentucky was historically bad. To be cast in the same light as a Shawn Watson offense is as bad as it gets for a Texas play-caller.

2. Even with the bar lowered to just asking for efficiency on offense, it didn't come close to getting cleared on Saturday. Sark even mentioned at the postgame that at some point, the dam will break if the offense keeps putting everything on the defense and kicking game.

3. I don't think anyone is asking the offense to suddenly light it up and be elite. However, it can't put up another performance like that and expect to win. 

The reality is that the offense was below the bar for Kentucky. Defense did what they are capable of doing but was probably on the high side. Special teams over all was probably at the ceiling. We can’t expect ST to always perform at the ceiling. The offense must do better. 

[charlie990]

8 hours ago, Thailand T Sip said:

Thanks, good information.  Is the last bit just for Texas or all P4 teams?  wouldn't surprise me if it were for all.

Just for Texas versus Power 4 competition

[Dawnpatrol75]

Agreed Jeff.  Bare minimum and at least 15 - 20 first downs:) I have to wonder how much sitting for most of 2 years effects a QB, especially one with the expectations Arch had on him. 

[Inspired73]

15 hours ago, Alex Butler said:

It’s frustrating to hear stuff like we’ve got to do a better job getting him easy completions…from the play caller. Earth to Sark, call plays that do that. It’s like we’re not scouting teams on offense and attacking weaknesses it looks like we just go out and gameplan after the game has started. He fact arch hasn’t gotten hurt is still astounding to me and a testament to his toughness. It’s almost criminal to do that to him. 

First, I am not picking on you personally.  This ultra-orange family feels your frustration.  Nor, am I giving the coaches a free ride.

Our problem is not play selection.  NONE of them work......that's the issue.  It seems that everyone thinks it is play selection or effort. It is not.  It is play execution.  

The basis of our problem is "paralysis through analysis".  Our linemen are thinking after the snap.  They should be doing the thinking before the snap.  By the time they figure it out, the play is blown up.   

Then panic sets in! Receivers curl into the linebacker instead of away.  Receivers cut their routes quicker trying to "help" the QB.  Of course, that help ends up leaving the ball behind the receiver not instead of ahead. Backs have given up on "picking holes". They just run straight and hope for something.   

If I have one issue with the coaches, the issue is that they have yet to have the linemen "just hit the closest guy".    If no one is there, go find someone to hit. Offensive linemen are not Mensa.  They are gorillas.  Treat them as such.

Of note, the one positive big play for the night occurred (in 4th qtr) when Weisner stepped up and blocked the doggin middle linebacker. ..........  the only time any back blocked any inside threat all night.   Thank the Lord for small favors.

One last thought:  1 ugly win = ? pretty losses

 

[Alex Butler]

1 hour ago, Inspired73 said:

First, I am not picking on you personally.  This ultra-orange family feels your frustration.  Nor, am I giving the coaches a free ride.

Our problem is not play selection.  NONE of them work......that's the issue.  It seems that everyone thinks it is play selection or effort. It is not.  It is play execution.  

The basis of our problem is "paralysis through analysis".  Our linemen are thinking after the snap.  They should be doing the thinking before the snap.  By the time they figure it out, the play is blown up.   

Then panic sets in! Receivers curl into the linebacker instead of away.  Receivers cut their routes quicker trying to "help" the QB.  Of course, that help ends up leaving the ball behind the receiver not instead of ahead. Backs have given up on "picking holes". They just run straight and hope for something.   

If I have one issue with the coaches, the issue is that they have yet to have the linemen "just hit the closest guy".    If no one is there, go find someone to hit. Offensive linemen are not Mensa.  They are gorillas.  Treat them as such.

Of note, the one positive big play for the night occurred (in 4th qtr) when Weisner stepped up and blocked the doggin middle linebacker. ..........  the only time any back blocked any inside threat all night.   Thank the Lord for small favors.

One last thought:  1 ugly win = ? pretty losses

 

I understand, and don’t feel attacked at all. I would argue that it is okay selection in addition too all the other things noted. Mainly because we’re not looking at the things other teams don’t do well, i.e. Kentucky is bottom of the SEC in rushing defense and pass defense, but we chose to try and attack their pass defense without first establishing a run game which would inflow the pass rush and create better match ups downfield. I heard a stat that we only had 6 rushes the first half. That’s not a recipe for success. Heck even if we’re going three and out running the ball at least the clock is moving and we were going three and out any way. It’s all frustrating because we have seen what we can do when we play up to our potential. Heck we focused on establishing a running game against osu and OU and they have the best defenses in the country. Why not lean on that against bad defenses?