Perspective

[sushihorn 3233]

Tonight, the #15 Texas Longhorns physically dominated the #5 Georgia Bulldogs – a team many argued belonged in the CFP.  They did so as nearly a 2 TD underdog.  They did it against an OL that averaged over 320 lbs across the front, driving a powerful running attack.  They did so with personnel in no way equal to what Georgia fielded – on paper.  Texas’ recruiting classes were #17 in 2014 (only RS seniors left), #10, #9, #25 and #3.  UGa’s classes were ranked #8, #6, #6, #3 and #1.  The Horns lost a lot of talent to transfers in the coaching change so what remained on the roster is less than the rankings would suggest.  The young pups of the 2018 class contributed to the victory but are still too young to take over the game and even there Georgia had more talent – on paper.

Texas has won all year with toughness, effort and scheme.  And that’s how they beat Georgia too.  Georgia’s dominant line and running game were held in check.  In fact the Horns held UGa to their lowest output of the season, 72 yards – or less than half of their yardage vs Alabama and less than 30% of their season average.  A team that was ranked #15 in total offense and #13 in scoring offense was held to half their season averages in both categories.

The Texas Defense hit hard and hit often from the opening kickoff.  Overall it’s hard to see it as anything less than a physical beating in the area in which Georgia most prided themselves – the running game.  The Texas Offense was forced to outscheme the Georgia D at first until their big boys tired of chasing the play downfield and sideline to sideline.  But they dished out their share of pain with physical runs by Sam and LJ as well as mobile OL joining the scrum to push the pile well past the LOS.

A lot of critics thought the Texas Longhorns didn’t even belong on the same field as the Bulldogs.  Even without the turnovers, Texas more than proved they belonged.  With the turnovers, a tough matchup became a pretty comfortable win.  The style is a direct reflection of the culture that Tom Herman is instilling at Texas.  It starts from the top and extends to S&C, practice structure, OL coaching and has now found the perfect leader for TH’s never quit culture in Sam Ehlinger.

You can tell they are doing it with grit more than talent.  When they’ve relaxed and stopped giving 100% effort, opponents keep making 4^th quarter comebacks.  But Tom Herman has been telling his players that their best is good enough to beat anybody.  I think they proved him right tonight and that really helps to build the culture.

Do you think the players are going to listen and believe when Herman tells them that their best is good enough in the future?  You bet your ass he’ll have credibility now.  I’m anxious to see what Tom Herman can do with more talent on the field.  But this is a program defining win.

[DeweyCox 366]

Pivotal

[tbone_ 14032]

Very significant step and a great way to end a season that turned out much better than I expected after Maryland.

 

This Herman guy looks like he might be able to coach a little bit. Good on him, the staff, and the players. Solid effort all the way around. It’s been a while since we could say that.

 

 

 

[taybo20 2815]

It’s pretty clear that playing with a plan and purpose was necessary for this team. When given the opportunities these guys took advantage. But I guess that all really goes back to alignment doesn’t it...

 

[Bone3421 716]

Ok, cool
Hook'em


Wake slumbering program
...beat Michigan in rose bowl...profit

Get some horses...beat georgia in sugar bowl....profit??????

[Orange&White 5516]

Great post, great insight and it is great to have you back around.

[NBMisha 224]

Definitely momentum building.  Makes the stress and heartache of this season worth it.  

Between my WSU friends and this Sugar Bowl outcome, a bunch of happy campers this week. 

And now begins the long, godawful off season.

 

[Zavala 1384]

We have been the "never give up" and "hit em in the mouth" team for 2 years with Tom. It's been paying off but not too obviously until now. Thank God for Herb Hand and DAMN that defensive line plays way above their apparent ability.

 

[CHEF RIBS W/ THE HAMM YALL 1254]

39 minutes ago, Zavala said:

We have been the "never give up" and "hit em in the mouth" team for 2 years with Tom. It's been paying off but not too obviously until now. Thank God for Herb Hand and DAMN that defensive line plays way above their apparent ability.

 

Last year, we lost a ton of close games including a couple in OT. We actually could have had a pretty good record.

This year, we won a slew of really close games (and probably should have won the WVU one).

To take the next step, we need to start closing out games. Can’t expect every bounce to go our way in the future. 

[NowThis 931]

the key is coaching schemes. If Herman gets weeks to prep, he beats GA, OU and FSU in bowl games. When they get lax, lose to MD, OK State, almost lose to Baylor etc.

3 of the 4 losses are on the coaching prep, scripting the game and shriveling up at the 4th. They need to be killer instinct 24/7 and all 4 quarters. 

[sushihorn 3233]

What a difference one coaching change and 2 years makes:

2016: Lost to Kansas.  2018: Beat Georgia and CFP bound OU.

2016: Blown out by TCU.  2018: Embarrassed by no one and In every game game late.

2016: 5 wins.  2018: 10 wins.

 

You've come a long way, baby.

[LTtxfan 49017]

When Herman plays with Balls, and tells this TEXAS Team that we are going to do everything to put you in a position to Win This Game..... And we were not Fuckin'  afraid to be aggressive by passing early to set up the run game for this 2018 Team.... then YES TEXAS CAN play with anyone..... 🤘

Edited January 2, 2019 by LTtxfan

[Drew80 15]

As Tom said on SVP last night, "Our trajectory is bright". That doesn't really make sense, but we get the gist 

[tbone_ 14032]

He meant the future is so bright he’s gotta wear shades.