Game Week- Texas Tech

[Wulaw Horn 19064]

I could waste a lot of words saying stuff about last week against UTSA, or this week against Texas Tech, but I’m going to instead keep it incredibly simple here: QB is important. Really important. 
 

if we had switched QB’s with SA before the game last night we’d have won by 50. If Quinn would have played we likely would have never trailed and that game would have looked like the classic VY teams going out and bludgeoning fools. If Quinn plays next week in Lubbock (and I suspect he’s going to) we win in a walk (yes I know Lubbock is scary blah blah blah). If Card plays it’s going to be a dog fight and we might start conference season with a loss to one of the 3 weakest teams in the conference. 
 

Be happy we have a stud QB for the next 3.5 years. Pray for their health. Because if Sark has  his guy and keeps them upright this team is going to be a bitch to handle for the next decade or so. 
 

All Tech game Week stuff here. Please 8 pound 6 oz baby Jesus let Ewers play and then we just go stomp a Mudhole in their ass. 

[gmr548 16576]

Yeah, reserving an actual prediction on this until there's clarity on the QB position - I doubt Ewers plays, though I suppose you never know, but also, how close to 100% is Card?

Assuming no Ewers, this game will probably drive a man to drink, regardless of outcome. 

[fatheryeet 1532]

[Sgt Hulk 13713]

Card having a scholarship bottles the mind 

[Guest]

Your defense could very well outscore your offense in LBK, regardless of whom the UT QB might be.

[WBT 20561]

What will be the clickbait strategy this week?  Teasing whether Ewers will play or running back Wright will starts?

[thunderlounge 7813]

Fuck it. To the promised land, or off a cliff, let’s ride. 

[Fud 9551]

Not sure if any of these guys are important, but they seem to have a lot of injuries at LB

Spoiler

B. Ramirez	LB	Out indefinitely - Leg ( Sun, Sep 18)
L. Moore	LB	day-to-day - Undisclosed ( Sat, Sep 17)
D. Lewis II	LB	day-to-day - Undisclosed ( Sat, Sep 17)
J. Brown	WR	day-to-day - Undisclosed ( Sat, Sep 17)
C. Valdez	RB	day-to-day - Knee ( Sat, Sep 17)
T. Shough	QB	day-to-day - Shoulder ( Sat, Sep 17)
C. Eakin	WR	day-to-day - Ankle ( Sat, Sep 17)
B. Robinson	LB	day-to-day - Leg ( Sat, Sep 17)
C. Spencer	OL	out for season - Knee ( Thu, Sep 😎
L. Hullaby	DB	Out indefinitely - Hip

 

 

[RoyalBevo21 760]

Their OL is bad, they struggle to run, their QB is quick to pull it down and run if his first option isn't there. 

They look much better on defense than they have in recent years. Tech just doesn't seem to have many playmakers on offense. 

 

In regards to Card I don't feel Texas always puts him in the best position to succeed. He's not a strong armed gun slinger that's going to launch deep balls. He's deceptively fast and can throw the short and intermediate stuff. As soon as they started running screens to Witt and X the offense started moving with ease. Not to mention, he did hit X on a deep ball. Worthy dropped it. 

Ewers is clearly the best option. But Texas should be able to get through Tech and West Virginia without him. 

Bijan is great, but Rojo needs more carries. 

[texifornia 56860]

NC State should have blown Tech out and then their offense did all the same farting around they did against ECU (goalline fumblitis is a terrible disease) and kept the Red Raiders in it. State's soph RB Sumo-Karngbaye did whatever he wanted in the second half and their defense was crippling the Tech offense.

McGuire seemed to wave the white flag early in the 4th quarter in a 2 possession game. Strange coaching decision.

[Atticus 3973]

2 minutes ago, RoyalBevo21 said:

Their OL is bad, they struggle to run, their QB is quick to pull it down and run if his first option isn't there. 

They look much better on defense than they have in recent years. Tech just doesn't seem to have many playmakers on offense. 

 

In regards to Card I don't feel Texas always puts him in the best position to succeed. He's not a strong armed gun slinger that's going to launch deep balls. He's deceptively fast and can throw the short and intermediate stuff. As soon as they started running screens to Witt and X the offense started moving with ease. Not to mention, he did hit X on a deep ball. Worthy dropped it. 

Ewers is clearly the best option. But Texas should be able to get through Tech and West Virginia without him. 

Bijan is great, but Rojo needs more carries. 

Card actually has an above average arm. He just doesn't know how to use it. He's also very indecisive and his voice and presence don't inspire confidence.

Dude is talented and a hard worker though. 

[FORTY NINE TO ZERO 2652]

7 minutes ago, RoyalBevo21 said:

Their OL is bad, they struggle to run, their QB is quick to pull it down and run if his first option isn't there. 

They look much better on defense than they have in recent years. Tech just doesn't seem to have many playmakers on offense. 

 

In regards to Card I don't feel Texas always puts him in the best position to succeed. He's not a strong armed gun slinger that's going to launch deep balls. He's deceptively fast and can throw the short and intermediate stuff. As soon as they started running screens to Witt and X the offense started moving with ease. Not to mention, he did hit X on a deep ball. Worthy dropped it. 

Ewers is clearly the best option. But Texas should be able to get through Tech and West Virginia without him. 

Bijan is great, but Rojo needs more carries. 

Bad oline and running qb?   Ugh  

[RoyalBevo21 760]

5 minutes ago, ONE YARD said:

Bad oline and running qb?   Ugh  

I know...... Luckily he's nowhere near as elusive as Harris, nor is he as gifted as a passer.

[South Austin 52446]

9 minutes ago, texifornia said:

McGuire seemed to wave the white flag early in the 4th quarter in a 2 possession game. Strange coaching decision.

He was holding back for the Texas game.

[HenryJames 66035]

QB seems to make bad decisions. Five picks in the last two games.

[BigHorn'13 3363]

Very interested to see how they do in a road game. Tech, regardless of what their depth chart looks like, will be amped up to play Texas for (potentially) the last time for the foreseeable future. If I'm Sark, I'm replaying the first half of the bird game all week and telling everyone they suck, their momma is ugly and they can't read well. 

We'll either blow up Lubbock on our way out or need grief counselors when the game ends. 

[Horn Dogg 3870]

We’re going to mudhole that ass!!

[RaysBoomBoomRoom 5742]

This is the energy we need to bring to Lubbock

 

[Skipper 6127]

32 minutes ago, Atticus said:

Card actually has an above average arm. He just doesn't know how to use it. He's also very indecisive and his voice and presence don't inspire confidence.

Dude is talented and a hard worker though. 

The Card hate is a bit bizarre.  Clearly not 100% had very few, if any, live practice reps this week and hasn't had regular starter reps in a year.   We can't win the conference with Card as our starter but there are a lot worse backup situations across college football.  If he has to go against Tech we should be fine and presumably he will be able to have a more normal week of practice.  I'm damn glad he didn't transfer and leave us with Charles Wright as our only option.

[JesusSweatDuck 17781]

Quinn doesn't look like he's in pain here. Still hope he's back this week

 

[texifornia 56860]

 

[RPM 26315]

16 minutes ago, Horn Dogg said:

We’re going to mudhole that ass!!

[Loose Stool 112]

Tech has a strong RB group but the O Line is hammered dog shit and their backs can't get any lanes to run through.  Tech's QB1 (Shough) is out because he hurt the same shoulder in game 1 as he did against Texas last year.  QB2 (Smith) started the last two games and thrown 5 INTs including two pic six.  His decision making skills are still in development which is not helped by the shit OL not giving him any time.  Both his arm and running abilities are above average but again, hampered by questionable decisions leading to missed opportunities

This is not the same Tech defense everyone jokes about.  They are a solid group that flies around to the ball.  Front seven are pretty good (depending on the above mentioned injury report) but depth is a concern.  Corners and safeties are average and probably the weak link on the defense.  The group overall tackles better than previous iterations of the alleged 'defense' but still whiffs on open field tackles from time to time and still gets burned by the wide-receiver screens.

Special teams is a joke constantly giving up good returns on kicks and fucking up on punt receiving which gives the offense poor starting field position, i.e. inside their own 10 which exasperates the issues on offense.  Oh and when they do get a nice return, it is typically negated by some idiotic holding call.  Field goal unit is questionable with two different kickers to have struggled.

McGuire holding on to his time outs and not going for the win was a real head scratcher.  Also, he put in QB3 (Morton) on the last couple of series.  Of course, he was moving the ball then promptly threw an INT.

This year Tech probably struggles to win five games.  With some better OL help and a healthy, experienced QB, they will likely do much better next year.  I would think Texas wins by double digits.

Edited September 18, 2022 by Loose Stool

[nineliveslost 2753]

I still struggle to wrap my head around us beating them like a drum last year, but they went bowling while we sat at home what iffing 

 

[ChickenNuggets 1623]

8 minutes ago, Skipper said:

The Card hate is a bit bizarre.  Clearly not 100% had very few, if any, live practice reps this week and hasn't had regular starter reps in a year.   We can't win the conference with Card as our starter but there are a lot worse backup situations across college football.  If he has to go against Tech we should be fine and presumably he will be able to have a more normal week of practice.  I'm damn glad he didn't transfer and leave us with Charles Wright as our only option.

Not sure if it's hate, but it's total tribalism.. Quinn Ewers = generational quarterback. Hudson Card = serviceable, hardworking backup with limitations. But here if you say something positive about Card you get the door slammed in your face with an instant comparison to Quinn. 

No one wants Card to start over Ewers... 

[Glockamole 7]

Tech’s D surprising has kept them in games.

Their OL, QB, or OC needs to be worked out. OL can’t protect, QB is taking too long to check down, and the scheme has been questionable.

so far Cumbie> Kittley

[Guest]

1 hour ago, RoyalBevo21 said:

Their OL is bad, they struggle to run, their QB is quick to pull it down and run if his first option isn't there. 

They look much better on defense than they have in recent years. Tech just doesn't seem to have many playmakers on offense. 

 

In regards to Card I don't feel Texas always puts him in the best position to succeed. He's not a strong armed gun slinger that's going to launch deep balls. He's deceptively fast and can throw the short and intermediate stuff. As soon as they started running screens to Witt and X the offense started moving with ease. Not to mention, he did hit X on a deep ball. Worthy dropped it. 

 

Yep. Tech D is average overall, which is a significant improvement from the past.  Spot on with the offense.

54 minutes ago, texifornia said:

NC State should have blown Tech out and then their offense did all the same farting around they did against ECU (goalline fumblitis is a terrible disease) and kept the Red Raiders in it. State's soph RB Sumo-Karngbaye did whatever he wanted in the second half and their defense was crippling the Tech offense.

McGuire seemed to wave the white flag early in the 4th quarter in a 2 possession game. Strange coaching decision.

Agreed.  I predicted a 35-40pt NCState win among my friends and looked to be right on, until they inexplicably shut their own offense down.  I was flipping between games and Tech would turn it over.  I'd flip back a possession later.  Hmmmm.  Same score.  How the fuck did NCState not score?

Edited September 18, 2022 by slorch

[texifornia 56860]

4 minutes ago, ChickenNuggets said:

Not sure if it's hate, but it's total tribalism.. Quinn Ewers = generational quarterback. Hudson Card = serviceable, hardworking backup with limitations. But here if you say something positive about Card you get the door slammed in your face with an instant comparison to Quinn. 

No one wants Card to start over Ewers... 

I think it's because slow processing and bad at deep balls are incredibly frustrating traits for spectators, and he's never going to start so there's no "it's ok he's learning" patience. If we had Maalik throwing low percentage bombs it would at least feel fun.

[Mo Horn 8822]

We "should" be able to beat Tech regardless of the starting QB, but if Quinn is healthy he better play. I'll never question Card's heart, or even his commitment to the team. His runs with a bum ankle have been admirable, but he's just not good enough to run Sark's offense, and that's not going to change. 

[Humble Beast 258]

The only sporting event I’ve ever been kicked out of was the Crabtree game about 5 minutes before that catch. Watched it on a big screen tv in the parking lot. CSB

This game is massive for them in Lubbock. Always makes me nervous. 

[salonghorn 204]

NWS forecast: sunny, high 91

No tornadoes. no 50 mph wind gusts, no dust storms. Of course, the smell of Lubbock will still be there.

[conVINCEd 21469]

23 minutes ago, texifornia said:

I think it's because slow processing and bad at deep balls are incredibly frustrating traits for spectators, and he's never going to start so there's no "it's ok he's learning" patience. If we had Maalik throwing low percentage bombs it would at least feel fun.

He shall be referred to as Scooter for the rest of his time here.

[Wulaw Horn 19064]

52 minutes ago, Skipper said:

The Card hate is a bit bizarre.  Clearly not 100% had very few, if any, live practice reps this week and hasn't had regular starter reps in a year.   We can't win the conference with Card as our starter but there are a lot worse backup situations across college football.  If he has to go against Tech we should be fine and presumably he will be able to have a more normal week of practice.  I'm damn glad he didn't transfer and leave us with Charles Wright as our only option.

There’s no hate from me. I’m glad he’s here and will always consider him a good longhorn even after he transfers to SMU after getting his business degree. The upside on him starting is 8-4 and an Alamo Bowl. The upside on Ewers starting is CFPB. 

[GTX Horn 1707]

34 minutes ago, Humble Beast said:

The only sporting event I’ve ever been kicked out of was the Crabtree game about 5 minutes before that catch. Watched it on a big screen tv in the parking lot. CSB

This game is massive for them in Lubbock. Always makes me nervous. 

It’s a good thing this is a 2:30 kick instead of a night game. Maybe it’s Arkansas PTSD from last year but I’d be incredibly nervous having Card start a night game on the road in a rowdy environment.

[Js1 85269]

Just now, GTX Horn said:

It’s a good thing this is a 2:30 kick instead of a night game. Maybe it’s Arkansas PTSD from last year but I’d be incredibly nervous having Card start a night game on the road in a rowdy environment.

This. Small blessing. Weird things happen at night in Lubbock. 

[Hookem2147 21188]

The main books haven’t released a line yet, but a few smaller ones have and it looks like it opened at Texas -5.

[DaysOff 7947]

This is the energy we need to bring to Lubbock
 

This guy is easy to like. I hope he sticks.

[Hookem2147 21188]

It’s kind of funny how Tech fans hyped up their OC hire so much and they are already pissed off with his playcalling.

[UDontKnow 10439]

27 minutes ago, Wulaw Horn said:

There’s no hate from me. I’m glad he’s here and will always consider him a good longhorn even after he transfers to SMU after getting his business degree. The upside on him starting is 8-4 and an Alamo Bowl. The upside on Ewers starting is CFPB. 

SMU? Buechele put in a good word for Card? 

Card feels more like a Texas State or Sam Houston State fit.

[Fud 9551]

Tech actually was better than NC State on a per play basis; Tech averaged 5.1 yards per play, while NC State averaged 4.4

[texifornia 56860]

1 hour ago, slorch said:

How the fuck did NCState not score?

His name is Tim Beck

[texifornia 56860]

Just now, Fud said:

Tech actually was better than NC State on a per play basis; Tech averaged 5.1 yards per play, while NC State averaged 4.4

It felt like the average play for Tech was decent and then every time they really needed something good to happen and the pressure amped up the QB would either take a sack or throw a backbreaking INT.

[Js1 85269]

3 INT and only ran for 54 yards. Gave up 4 sacks and 7 TFLs. Also lost a fumble. 299 yards passing because they threw it 43 times (25 completions, which was more than NC State attempted). Buncha short fields for NC State

Edited September 18, 2022 by Js1

[Fud 9551]

SP+ update has Texas at #14, at at #8 on offense and #35 on defense. Reminder that it had us at #86 on defense at the end of last year

Preseason: 22, 8, 51

Post Week 1: 18, 8, 47

Post Week 2: 16, 7, 40

Post Week 3: 14, 8, 35

[Hookem2147 21188]

We are going to have to solve these spread/empty sets that teams are throwing at us. UTSA saw what Bama did in the 4th quarter and tried their best to replicate it and I’m sure Tech will do the same. We have to make sure our coverages are in sync.

[Brothahorn 10087]

McGuire seemed to wave the white flag early in the 4th quarter in a 2 possession game. Strange coaching decision.

Getting ready for their Super Bowl.

[Hagbard Celine 10849]

we are not a playoff team this year

do not risk next year or the program trajectory for one fucking win at sand aggy

ewers continues to dress, warm up, and stay day to day.

for 4-6 weeks.

+++

that said this should be a dink-n-dunk week by design, not necessity as last night

run as much ro-cat as possible, run clock, manage the game and keep our D off the field

[Bill Lumbergh 7171]

UTSA oline had struggled until our game, too.  Tech will throw everything they have at us.  If Ewers plays I'm not worried.  With Card, especially on the road, I wouldn't be surprised if we cruise or are in a fight to the end.

The team who played bama and the team who played utsa aren't the same.  Too early to tell which team we'll get in weeks like this.

[Skipper 6127]

33 minutes ago, UDontKnow said:

SMU? Buechele put in a good word for Card? 

Card feels more like a Texas State or Sam Houston State fit.

I think Card can absolutely be a Power 5 starter somewhere like SMU in a couple of years.   Again, how many full speed reps did Card even take this week?   Considering lack of practice time and still hobbled he played fine.  Everyone wants Ewers to be back soon (he needs lots of reps as well) but a healthy Card should keep us in any game outside of probably OU.

[Hagbard Celine 10849]

2 hours ago, RoyalBevo21 said:

Their OL is bad, they struggle to run, their QB is quick to pull it down and run if his first option isn't there. 

They look much better on defense than they have in recent years. Tech just doesn't seem to have many playmakers on offense.

Card: not a gunslinger to launch deep balls.  Deceptively fast, can throw the short and intermediate stuff. As soon as they started running screens to Witt and X the offense started moving with ease. Not to mention, he did hit X on a deep ball. Worthy dropped it.

the 20-yard first down scramble says Card's ankle is healing

dink/dunk, rocat, sweeps, and card scrambles up an empty middle, and rest bijan as much as possible