Jump to content

Game Week 2024, Week 8, Texas @ Vandy


Wulaw Horn

Recommended Posts

3 minutes ago, immamac said:

Vandy is going to be 100% a culture and statement game. We will find out who this team really is this weekend in Nashville. 

This.

If this team is anywhere as good as we thought it was on October 18, 2024 then they should be taking out some frustration on an over-matched team.

  • Hook 'Em 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, immamac said:

Vandy is going to be 100% a culture and statement game. We will find out who this team really is this weekend in Nashville. 

Sure, but how much fun is a cripple fight when one of them is four feet taller and two hundred pounds heavier?

ANSWER: Lots of fun for lots of folks if the little one gnaws the big guy's nuts off.

 

 

SEC NOTE: Vandy was "fined" $100,000 for the recent field-storming. Is there a repeat offense clause in there somewhere?

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, Codaxx said:

Vandy is not a great defense. It a good match-up for Quinn to get some confidence (in theory).  They are not fast in the secondary and they have played like they know that. They play off coverage and concede short throws. Texas should be able to move the ball. Texas should get to 30 pts even if they are mediocre on offense. If they break some tackles underneath, Texas should put up a lot of points.

The offense is a huge pain in the ass. They run every formation and every kind of offense imaginable. The whole basis of their offense is to mitigate their talent disadvantage. You have to play assignment sound. You cant let your eyes wonder and try to make plays. Pavia is the offense.

1Q will tell you  whether or not to get nervous. If it is like 0-0 after the 1Q, Texas is playing Vanderbilt's game and you should stay away from the game thread.

That sounds like GT under Paul Johnson.   Those teams were the worst - very simple, yet also confusing - and the clock would just continue to tick down.   Hopefully at least Vandy keeps their OL on their feet and not diving at the knees of your defense, like GT used to do.   Back when we (Clemson) used to play those teams, if we got out of there without any ACL injuries, that was about as much as we could hope for. 

  • Hook 'Em 1
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’m a Vandy undergrad/Texas grad. My grandpa was a Texas grad; the family has always been Texas fans, and I’ve been a die hard. While I always pull for Vandy, I hope Texas stomps them this week. Hook ‘em. 

I’ll also never understand why a school that had a mascot that sounds like commode would choose a catch phrase, “Anchor Down”, that sounds like taking dump. 

  • Hook 'Em 3
  • Like 1
  • Haha 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wish I had some of the confidence some of you have. There’s just something about how Quinn has looked when he comes off the field, he has the same look he did his freshman year. It’s like the light is on but it’s going too fast. Even how he was after the OU game, it seems like he’s reverting to the old ways fake smiles, not talking to teammates…Crazy to say we had the #1 QB room in the country yet, that room seems to be putting the whole program in a bind. Take arch out of the equation-would you rather have pavia or Quinn this weekend? The fact that it’s even a debate is mind boggling.

Edited by RockyMountainHighHorn
  • Hook 'Em 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 10/21/2024 at 4:07 PM, MonkeyDoughnut said:

Stop Vandy on 3rd down and run the football.

They're #5 this year at third down conversion rate, and #3 over the past three games (Ball State, Kentucky, Bama)

They try and stay ahead of the chains and let Pavia work magic on third and manageables 

As has been mentioned in this thread, they try to milk clock, with the 132nd slowed offensive tempo 

Defensively, beat the guy in front of you and understand your assigments on every play, and eventually a negative play on defense should do them in

Their defense sucks, and they have three starters on that side of the ball listed as questionable. This will be about not stubbing your toe on offense and finishing drives 

 

  • Hook 'Em 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

FCB with a few notes

Spoiler

I'm hearing it's been an extremely intense week of practice for the Texas Longhorns coming off last Saturday's 30-15 loss to Georgia.

Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian has challenged everyone on the team — players, assistant coaches and even himself — to be more focused, more physical and more obsessed with the details of winning when the fifth-ranked Longhorns take the field in Nashville against No. 25 Vanderbilt on Saturday (3:15 p.m., SEC Network).

"I think we've got a football team that's got something to prove," Sarkisian said on Wednesday during the SEC coaches' teleconference. "We'll find out Saturday if we walk into the game with a chip on our shoulder or not. We'll find out where we're at."

Texas will likely be without Clemson transfer safety Andrew Mukuba (knee), who has been outstanding this season and was listed as doubtful for the game on the initial SEC player availability report released Wednesday night.

Wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who caught a 2-yard touchdown against Georgia and a 2-point conversion pass, aggravated an ankle injury he suffered against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Bond's official status is questionable.

Running back Quintrevion Wisner was listed as probable on the player availability report.

If Wisner is limited, we'll see more of Jaydon Blue with more snaps for true freshman Jerrick Gibson, whom coaches have tried to keep fresh because of the injuries that have impacted the position room. According to Pro Football Focus, Gibson played only 10 snaps in the team's Sept. 28 win over Mississippi State and five in the Red River Rivalry before failing to record a snap in the loss to Georgia.

— I'm hearing offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Kyle Flood has had a severe case of the red-you-know-what this week.

The same has reportedly been true for running backs coach Tashard Choice and tight ends/special teams coordinator Jeff Banks.

Flood has had it with the pre-snap penalties. Texas has committed 17 false starts through seven games, including four against Georgia that helped kill four separate drives.

Flood and Choice are trying to get more out of the running game, which had a rough day against Georgia.  Texas was credited with 27 carries for 29 yards, but the negative yardage from seven sacks shows up in rushing stats in college football instead of the passing stats (like in the NFL).

The Longhorns' sack-adjusted yards per attempt against the Bulldogs was 4.4 yards per carry (a number aided by a 21-yard scramble by Arch Manning, which was the longest run of the night).

But Texas has been using the pass to set up the run all season, and Georgia did everything it could to take away the Longhorns' short-to-intermediate passing game while bringing non-stop blitz and zone-blitz pressure on Ewers after seeing how unsettled he was against Oklahoma.

Ewers played arguably his best game as a Longhorn against Michigan earlier this season. Texas needs that version of Ewers to show up in Nashville against Vanderbilt. (Photo: Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports)

— In the minutes following a 31-12 victory at Michigan last month, Quinn Ewers was asked about his ability to elevate his play in big games while helping the Longhorns win their eighth straight true road game.

"I just enjoy big moments," said Ewers, who was 24-for-36 passing for 246 yards and three touchdowns with zero turnovers while helping Texas convert 8-of-10 third downs in a decisive first half against the Wolverines (the Longhorns never trailed in the game, building a 24-3 halftime lead over the reigning national champions).

"I think what helps me out is, I'm not trying to please anybody," he added. "I'm not trying to please people who breathe one breath at a time. I'm just trying to please Jesus. He controls all breaths, and when you truly believe that, when you truly know that, I think it allows [me] to fully play clear-minded and, ultimately, not worry about what other people think about me."

If ever Ewers needed to plug into his faith to achieve that clear-mindedness, it's right now.

Ewers has gone from being a Heisman Trophy frontrunner before suffering an oblique strain against UTSA on Sept. 14, which sidelined him for two and a half games, to being benched briefly for Manning in the second quarter of the loss to Georgia.

Texas will likely get off to a fast start if we see the version of Ewers who went to the Big House on Sept. 7 and connected on six explosive pass plays (15 yards or more) in the first half against a Michigan defense that's still a top-40 unit in FBS in total yards per game (326.3) and yards per play (4.98) allowed.

That means the offense will be able to convert opportunities on third downs, sustain drives, control the game and probably pull away from Vanderbilt.

The way to attack the Commodores is through the air. That's been the strength of an explosive Texas offense.

The Longhorns are tied for sixth nationally in pass completions of 20 yards or more (34). They're tied for the eighth-most completions of 30 or more yards (16) in FBS and are tied for 15th with four pass plays of 50 or more yards.

Gunnar Helm has recorded a team-leading nine of the 34 pass completions generated by the Texas offense covering 20 or more yards. (Photo: Sara Diggins/American-Statesman, USA TODAY Sports)

Vanderbilt is ranked 86th in FBS in pass efficiency defense and has been prone to giving up big plays this season, including seven explosive-play touchdown passes of 62, 33, 25, 20, 25, 58 and 22 yards.

Before facing Georgia last week, the Longhorns had 51 pass plays of 15 yards or longer, an average of 8.5 per game. More importantly, 35 of those 51 pass plays of 15 yards or longer (68.6%) came in the first halves of games, helping Texas get off to fast starts and early leads.

For example, at Michigan, six of the Longhorns' seven pass plays of 15 yards or longer came in the first half.

If we see the uneasy Ewers, who can't get into a passing rhythm early in the game, and if the Longhorns struggle to run the ball against a Vanderbilt run defense that's allowing just 116.3 yards per game on the ground (tied for 37th in FBS), this will end up being a four-quarter game.

Against Georgia, Texas had zero pass plays of 15 yards or longer in the first half. The lack of explosiveness played a role in the Bulldogs taking a commanding halftime lead, 23-0.

Ewers now knows if he struggles, Manning could be coming out of the bullpen. On Saturday, I expect to see the Ewers we saw in the Michigan game.

 

  • Hook 'Em 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, Hookem2147 said:

FCB with a few notes

  Hide contents

I'm hearing it's been an extremely intense week of practice for the Texas Longhorns coming off last Saturday's 30-15 loss to Georgia.

Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian has challenged everyone on the team — players, assistant coaches and even himself — to be more focused, more physical and more obsessed with the details of winning when the fifth-ranked Longhorns take the field in Nashville against No. 25 Vanderbilt on Saturday (3:15 p.m., SEC Network).

"I think we've got a football team that's got something to prove," Sarkisian said on Wednesday during the SEC coaches' teleconference. "We'll find out Saturday if we walk into the game with a chip on our shoulder or not. We'll find out where we're at."

Texas will likely be without Clemson transfer safety Andrew Mukuba (knee), who has been outstanding this season and was listed as doubtful for the game on the initial SEC player availability report released Wednesday night.

Wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who caught a 2-yard touchdown against Georgia and a 2-point conversion pass, aggravated an ankle injury he suffered against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Bond's official status is questionable.

Running back Quintrevion Wisner was listed as probable on the player availability report.

If Wisner is limited, we'll see more of Jaydon Blue with more snaps for true freshman Jerrick Gibson, whom coaches have tried to keep fresh because of the injuries that have impacted the position room. According to Pro Football Focus, Gibson played only 10 snaps in the team's Sept. 28 win over Mississippi State and five in the Red River Rivalry before failing to record a snap in the loss to Georgia.

— I'm hearing offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Kyle Flood has had a severe case of the red-you-know-what this week.

The same has reportedly been true for running backs coach Tashard Choice and tight ends/special teams coordinator Jeff Banks.

Flood has had it with the pre-snap penalties. Texas has committed 17 false starts through seven games, including four against Georgia that helped kill four separate drives.

Flood and Choice are trying to get more out of the running game, which had a rough day against Georgia.  Texas was credited with 27 carries for 29 yards, but the negative yardage from seven sacks shows up in rushing stats in college football instead of the passing stats (like in the NFL).

The Longhorns' sack-adjusted yards per attempt against the Bulldogs was 4.4 yards per carry (a number aided by a 21-yard scramble by Arch Manning, which was the longest run of the night).

But Texas has been using the pass to set up the run all season, and Georgia did everything it could to take away the Longhorns' short-to-intermediate passing game while bringing non-stop blitz and zone-blitz pressure on Ewers after seeing how unsettled he was against Oklahoma.

Ewers played arguably his best game as a Longhorn against Michigan earlier this season. Texas needs that version of Ewers to show up in Nashville against Vanderbilt. (Photo: Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports)

— In the minutes following a 31-12 victory at Michigan last month, Quinn Ewers was asked about his ability to elevate his play in big games while helping the Longhorns win their eighth straight true road game.

"I just enjoy big moments," said Ewers, who was 24-for-36 passing for 246 yards and three touchdowns with zero turnovers while helping Texas convert 8-of-10 third downs in a decisive first half against the Wolverines (the Longhorns never trailed in the game, building a 24-3 halftime lead over the reigning national champions).

"I think what helps me out is, I'm not trying to please anybody," he added. "I'm not trying to please people who breathe one breath at a time. I'm just trying to please Jesus. He controls all breaths, and when you truly believe that, when you truly know that, I think it allows [me] to fully play clear-minded and, ultimately, not worry about what other people think about me."

If ever Ewers needed to plug into his faith to achieve that clear-mindedness, it's right now.

Ewers has gone from being a Heisman Trophy frontrunner before suffering an oblique strain against UTSA on Sept. 14, which sidelined him for two and a half games, to being benched briefly for Manning in the second quarter of the loss to Georgia.

Texas will likely get off to a fast start if we see the version of Ewers who went to the Big House on Sept. 7 and connected on six explosive pass plays (15 yards or more) in the first half against a Michigan defense that's still a top-40 unit in FBS in total yards per game (326.3) and yards per play (4.98) allowed.

That means the offense will be able to convert opportunities on third downs, sustain drives, control the game and probably pull away from Vanderbilt.

The way to attack the Commodores is through the air. That's been the strength of an explosive Texas offense.

The Longhorns are tied for sixth nationally in pass completions of 20 yards or more (34). They're tied for the eighth-most completions of 30 or more yards (16) in FBS and are tied for 15th with four pass plays of 50 or more yards.

Gunnar Helm has recorded a team-leading nine of the 34 pass completions generated by the Texas offense covering 20 or more yards. (Photo: Sara Diggins/American-Statesman, USA TODAY Sports)

Vanderbilt is ranked 86th in FBS in pass efficiency defense and has been prone to giving up big plays this season, including seven explosive-play touchdown passes of 62, 33, 25, 20, 25, 58 and 22 yards.

Before facing Georgia last week, the Longhorns had 51 pass plays of 15 yards or longer, an average of 8.5 per game. More importantly, 35 of those 51 pass plays of 15 yards or longer (68.6%) came in the first halves of games, helping Texas get off to fast starts and early leads.

For example, at Michigan, six of the Longhorns' seven pass plays of 15 yards or longer came in the first half.

If we see the uneasy Ewers, who can't get into a passing rhythm early in the game, and if the Longhorns struggle to run the ball against a Vanderbilt run defense that's allowing just 116.3 yards per game on the ground (tied for 37th in FBS), this will end up being a four-quarter game.

Against Georgia, Texas had zero pass plays of 15 yards or longer in the first half. The lack of explosiveness played a role in the Bulldogs taking a commanding halftime lead, 23-0.

Ewers now knows if he struggles, Manning could be coming out of the bullpen. On Saturday, I expect to see the Ewers we saw in the Michigan game.

 

I totally get why he wants to attack with the pass, but Vandy is also 15th in the SEC in rushing average per attempt. With Texas QB situation where it is, I would like to see a much more balanced opening script. Texas ran it 6 times in their first 19 plays for 3.8 last week (I cut it off at 10-0, so normal offense). I think the run/pass script needs to get more balanced, until the QB situation ceases to be an issue

  • Hook 'Em 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Hookem2147 said:

I'm hearing offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Kyle Flood has had a severe case of the red-you-know-what this week.

The same has reportedly been true for running backs coach Tashard Choice and tight ends/special teams coordinator Jeff Banks.

Flood has had it with the pre-snap penalties. Texas has committed 17 false starts through seven games, including four against Georgia that helped kill four separate drives.

Blurbs like this remind me why I almost never read anything any of these bufoons have to say. 

FCB has been doing this for, how long? and still can't write worth a shit even as it pertains to what he does for a living. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really like watching the 3rd and Longhorn preview and post game shows from these players perspectives....

 

 

 

OTF:

 

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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. 

  • Hook 'Em 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

vandy is my second favorite SEC team now, the nets are fucking amazing. Best response to Texas bullshit since the Rice Mob was on regular rotation at DKR every other year in the SWC.

SEC: it just means more.

Texas: uh... okay?

SEC: You aren't SEC ready.

Texas: You mean, SEC isn't Texas ready, amirite?

Vandy: The hell we aren't, look at these nets.

We fucking went from teasippers and wine and cheese crowd to a fan base that is feared so much they put up nets to keep us in.

Hey SEC: We know what it all means, fuck the SEC, we're still coming for it.

Edited by troph
  • Hook 'Em 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

46 minutes ago, troph said:

vandy is my second favorite SEC team now, the nets are fucking amazing. Best response to Texas bullshit since the Rice Mob was on regular rotation at DKR every other year in the SWC.

SEC: it just means more.

Texas: uh... okay?

SEC: You aren't SEC ready.

Texas: You mean, SEC isn't Texas ready, amirite?

Vandy: The hell we aren't, look at these nets.

We fucking went from teasippers and wine and cheese crowd to a fan base that is feared so much they put up nets to keep us in.

Hey SEC: We know what it all means, fuck the SEC, we're still coming for it.

just in case you aren't being sarcastic...the nets at vandy's stadium thing is not real. that was a poorly created photoshop, albeit hilarious.

vandy is not actually putting up nets in front of the stadium visitors' section.

  • Haha 1
  • Rage+1 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, sidis said:

just in case you aren't being sarcastic...the nets at vandy's stadium thing is not real. that was a poorly created photoshop, albeit hilarious.

vandy is not actually putting up nets in front of the stadium visitors' section.

I didn't look closely enough. thanks for clarifying. I still think it's awesome but not as awesome as if they had done it.

17 minutes ago, AeroHorn said:

That’s what I thought, though people taking the net thing seriously had me rethinking it. It is so obviously comical, let alone impractical, that I am surprised people fell for it. 

I'm sleep deprived so I have an excuse.

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, BurntOrange&White said:

I really like watching the 3rd and Longhorn preview and post game shows from these players perspectives....

 

 

 

OTF:

 

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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. 

Did you listen to the first 5 minutes of that video? That video and that bolded section don't fit your narrative very well, which is amusing. I do agree it's cool to listen to those guys perspectives. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 minutes ago, BrazilHorn said:

Good number of Horn fans on my flight from ATX to Nashville. Looking forward to a good crowd of burnt orange this Saturday 

I'll be on the SWA one heading out at 9:45 tonight. Anyone else on the flight with me, if you use the password (you know what it is), I'll buy you a drink. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, hornian said:

I'll be on the SWA one heading out at 9:45 tonight. Anyone else on the flight with me, if you use the password (you know what it is), I'll buy you a drink. 

I fly out of DFW on AA at 4pm tomorrow. But I will sitting in first class so I can be safe from having to interact with any traveling Surlyites. If Rex Kramer ends up sitting next to me with his dip cup we're going to brawl.

  • Haha 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



×
×
  • Create New...