DTN's Q & A with Burnt Orange Nation | Previewing the Texas Longhorns vs. the Texas Tech Red Raiders
by Seth C on Sep 17, 2010 8:00 AM CDT
in Texas Tech Football
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PrintMuch thanks to Peter Bean from Burnt Orange Nation, the SB Nation site that covers the Texas Longhorns. BON and DTN traded questions in anticipation of Saturday night's game. And to those BON'ers that were hoping that I'd post Peter's answers yesterday, I'm sorry, but life got in the way of blogging. Much thanks to Peter for taking the time to talk about the game. You can check out Peter's questions and my answers here.
1. By most accounts the Texas offense has been okay thus far and the meme for the offseason was that the Longhorns wanted to emphasize the run more. Two games into the season, what's your assessment of the running backs and more importantly, how's the offensive line shaping up?
PB: I’ll get to the backs and linemen in a moment, but there’s a third element to the equation: the scheme and approach. I mean, if "emphasizing the run more" turned out to mean running the same offense as last year, only with more runs, it wouldn’t much matter whether the backs and linemen were all great.
Texas is indeed interested in running the ball more this season, but it’s encouragingly clear that the interest is, above all else, in getting something meaningful out of it. As most of us expected, it hasn’t been a totally smooth transition, but the approach is improved, and that’s a good, much welcomed, start.
As for the personnel, Texas is still rotating carries among a trio of tailbacks, which some are pointing to as evidence that this is the same song as last year, different verse. As I just finished explaining, that’s not right. The approach is different, and that Texas is still splitting carries says more about the tailbacks themselves. Cody Johnson was the star of fall camp after improving his weight and weight distribution, but after he struggled in the opener against Rice, Tre’ Newton and Fozzy Whittaker started to get more reps. Newton is a solid, versatile back, but his speed and acceleration are merely average. Whittaker is much more explosive, and by far the best pure runner of the bunch, but up until last week he’d struggled to finish runs and stay healthy. That didn’t stop me from continuing to believe in his breakout potential , but last week against Wyoming was the first time he really started to show it. Which means he’ll open things against Tech with a two-yard loss and a fumble.
As for the offensive line, we’re still raw, and we’re terrifyingly thin, but the results provide reason for cautious optimism about the group’s potential. Britt Mitchell is a liability at right tackle, and Michael Huey confounds in open space, but overall this unit is giving Texas blocking it can do something with. I’m eager to see what they do as the competition ramps up.
More good-strong-good after the jump.
2. I wrote earlier this summer that it would seem near impossible to replace all of the talent that either graduated or left for the NFL and still duplicate the defensive effort last year. Your thoughts on how the defense is doing thus far and what could use some improvement? PB: Don’t be surprised if this defense winds up as good as last year’s… by November. You’re right—you don’t just replace Lamarr Houston, Sergio Kindle, and Earl Thomas and expect nothing to change. That said, Tech fans expecting much of a drop off may be in for a surprise. The starting linebackers Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho are brilliant, the defensive end depth and quality is simply unfair, Kheeston Randall is an all-conference DT, and the top three corners are arguably the best in the country. This defense is really, really fast.But yes, they do have a good bit of room to improve. As expected, the loss of Earl Thomas is source for the biggest drop off, as you just don’t find many safeties who were excellent in run support but also had his kind of lateral range. Christian Scott is trying to keep everything in front of him right now, and that’s fine against teams Texas is going to overwhelm, but there’s room for teams like Texas Tech to pick on him, and he’s going to have to give Texas more in coverage to get opposing offenses off the field. If he doesn’t have that kind of range or ability, Kenny Vaccaro looks like he does, and Texas is going to continue bringing the sophomore along quickly. He’s a gamer, and he’s pushing Scott to start already. I expect we’ll learn a good bit more this week.
3. QB Garrett Gilbert hasn't been asked to do too much thus far, how would you assess Gilbert's progress and are you concerned about Gilbert trying to do too much in Lubbock? PB: Quite the opposite: I’ve been concerned that he hasn’t tried to do enough. We’ve been bringing him along slowly, which is fine insofar as it goes, but he’s looked so much better when he’s out there trying to make plays, as opposed to avoid mistakes. Being a good game manager is fine, but he’s better than that, of course, and we’ll need him to be as the competition increases.Finally, after Texas briefly fell behind against Wyoming, we saw the training wheels come off, and the results were most impressive. He’s a special talent, and he’s just barely scratching the surface.
4. I think the most interesting matchup between Texas and Texas Tech will be how the Texas Tech receivers are able to matchup with an all-star cast in the Texas secondary. What's the matchup that intrigues you heading into Saturday? PB: I agree with you completely, and as mentioned already, I’m particularly intrigued by how well Texas’ safeties play in this one. But I’m also keyed in on the Texas offensive line versus Tech up front. Managing Colby Whitlock is a priority, but I’ll be disappointed if Texas gets stoned at the point of attack. This isn’t the group that we saw last time we came to Lubbock, and I like the potential of the pass game to open up so long as we’re doing meaningful work on the ground. 5. Freshman WR Mike Davis seems to be adjusting well to the college game and may be the deep threat that the Longhorns need. Talk a bit about Davis and what other receiving threats should Texas Tech fans play close attention? PB: Davis is fantastic, although he’s not so much a pure deep threat as an exceptional all-around receiver. He’s just got that gamesmanship you can’t teach, and doesn’t just want to be great, but knows how to attack the field to be great. You take a wrong step with Davis and there’s a price to pay, whether it’s what allows him to get open for a catch, or tear by you after he’s already made it. His emergence is important, not just for his own contributions, but hopefully to push his elders, all of whom have struggled to establish themselves thus far. He’s exciting to watch, and our offensive ceiling is higher than I would have imagined it being before I got a chance to see him this fall.
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Hehe....
You said “BON-er”. Teeheehee.
I’m also of the notion that Texas has more than it’s showed so far in it’s offense. It will be interesting to see Gilbert open up some in the passing game. I don’t know about him being a “special” talent anymore than the last decade of TTU QB’s. Seems like all of Texas’ players are a special talent in the eyes of the burnt orange.
Lake Travis High School:
-Gatorade & Parade player of the year (First Texan to earn the Gatorade award)
-30 game win streak in High school including back-to-back state titles
-All-time leading passer in the state of Texas (broke one your own QB’s record)
-went 895-of-1,368 (65.4%) for 12,540 yards and 138 TDs (27 INTs), while rushing for 1,424 yards and 32 TDs, during his career …(3 year starter)
Kid has the ability to be the next great Texas QB. It is definitely not just the Burnt Orange faithful who think he will be special.
agree
gilbert can play. theres no denying that.
What do you call a Serbian with an insatiable desire for sweets with only one nad (in his throat)?
CHOCOHOLICINADINHISNECKDARKOINSKIVICHSKI
by wrench_raider on Sep 17, 2010 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Gilbert can play...
in high school. I haven’t seen anything special in college UP TO THIS POINT. I know, I know, the kid’s young, and he hasn’t been set free. I agree with that. That’s why I said, “it will be interesting to see Gilbert open up some in the passing game.” Time will tell.
I’m with you. Just like Potts last year. Everyone’s Joe Montana when they’re playing Wyoming and Rice, especially at home. And yeah I know Rice was in Houston but it might as well have been a home game.
My selfish hope is that he gets destroyed (in a very dignified and respectful way), but there’s a lot of reasons to believe he’ll play well.
agree also
That kid is very, very talented with obvious upside. I’m interested to see how he responds on the road in the Jones. First true road game in hostile environment. From my perspective, I certainly hope he doesn’t respond like Chance Mock did some years ago.
IMWTx
Stop being a wussy. This is freaking FOOTBALL, not the debate club! YELL LOUD AND RAISE HELL.
by imisswesttexas on Sep 17, 2010 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Looking back, who would have ever thought it would be Chance Mock that a team would remember over Vince Young.
I'm a VY fan
Which is strange b/c I’m no longhorn fan by a longshot. But he was different. I’ll never forget Chance Mock winning that game. Probably different b/c I didn’t really expect him to do that well. I always expected exciting play out of VY.
IMWTx
Stop being a wussy. This is freaking FOOTBALL, not the debate club! YELL LOUD AND RAISE HELL.
by imisswesttexas on Sep 17, 2010 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
A couple of things, not to discredit GG, but.......
His single season passing record from 2007 did beat out Harrell’s, but it was also in a 16 game season rather than 15, like that of Harrell’s record. On that note, he beat Harrell’s passing record by 8 yards, while playing more games. Still quite the accomplishment. Harrell also had a career TD record of 167, which beat out Gilbert’s 138, in fewer games. Harrell’s single season pass completion record was beat by Gilbert 359-334, also in a 16 game season opposed to Harrell’s 15 game season.
I’m not discounting Gilbert’s accomplishments by any means, I’d just like to shine some light on one of Tech’s Great QB’s, whom we all think is special.
Wreck Em Tech!
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
by KWashburn on Sep 17, 2010 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I believe Gilbert’s would have been broken by Scotty Young had he played in the same number of games.
No doubt
Young could air the ball out. I only hope he sticks to football or (if he does choose baseball) it’s for tech and not for the majors.
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Sep 17, 2010 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Is there any reason....
for the great powerhouse that is UT to be dangerously thin at any posiiton…much less the enitre OL? Really…..5 star recruits wait in line to play for them.
"It's fun to do bad things"- Latarian
by oldschoolraider on Sep 17, 2010 10:01 AM CDT reply actions
Texas has had two season ending injuries to starters on the OL.
Its more of a combination of youth and inexperience. I would also blame a little on recruiting at that position. If you look at Texas’ 2011 recruiting its OL heavy.
ATX
Two is a lot this early......
but I am sure there are accolades o’plenty for the guys that are stepping in. I would be surprised if any of them are less than 3 start recruits and werent the Billy Badass of their neck of the woods.
"It's fun to do bad things"- Latarian
by oldschoolraider on Sep 17, 2010 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Good stuff Peter and Seth
I really enjoy the discussion around match-ups and game planning. Ultimately I believe this game comes down to who protects the QB the best. I know, I know, that’s pretty true of most games. But I believe both team’s running game will be about equal (in)effective. I see the QB needing to not just manage the game but actually make some big plays!
Peter – Any thoughts around special teams? Tech has had some success this year with kick returns. And we’ve also struggled with FG’s. I could see ST’s making a big impact in this game since I think it will be pretty close.
IMWTx
Stop being a wussy. This is freaking FOOTBALL, not the debate club! YELL LOUD AND RAISE HELL.
by imisswesttexas on Sep 17, 2010 10:21 AM CDT reply actions
ST
I agree and expect special teams to be a big factor as well. I’m not Peter, but a few thoughts on ST I have:
Kick Returns: Not having Shipley anymore has returns feeling mediocre, but between Goodwin & Monroe, there is a crazy speed. If they can break thru the first set or so, they could be gone. Punt Returns: Going to be Cu Brown or A Williams – also fast, but AW scares me a bit. He likes to catch off the bounce and then jumps around all crazy like. Gonna get hurt or fumble eventually.
FGs: Justin Tucker – not Hunter Lawrence, but seems fairly consistent despite some issues vs Wyo. Not sure he has any experience with LBK wind, but it looks pretty calm for Sat (12 mph max). I think he’ll be fine.
I was not happy at all with the punts from John Gold thus far. Hopefully we don’t need to much.
by Infield Elephant on Sep 17, 2010 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I like the A Williams kid
Very athletic and I can’t understand why he doesn’t play over Brown @ corner. The speed UT has avail is what makes me most nervous on ST’s. Not that we don’t have speed as well. But speed = dangerous on returns.
IMWTx
Stop being a wussy. This is freaking FOOTBALL, not the debate club! YELL LOUD AND RAISE HELL.
by imisswesttexas on Sep 17, 2010 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Good call
Special teams have been underdiscussed, and in what I expect will be a tight game, it could be decisive. Shipley was huge for us last year, and obviously he’s not gonna be there on Saturday.
Texas’ special teams to start the year have been a little uneven, and it’s not yet shown itself to be a team strength. It’s something Mack Brown has taken seriously throughout his career, and so I won’t be surprised if it is yet again, but there’s lots of work to do.
We’re inexperienced in punt returns with Aaron Williams and Curtis Brown, and while we’ve got two speed demons returning kickoffs, so far they haven’t had many opportunities. The punting with John Gold has been a letdown so far, and with Tucker already doing kickoffs and place kicking, I doubt they’ll want him punting, too. Freshman Will Russ could get a look, if Gold doesn’t pick it up.
As for Tucker, he’s got a big leg, and so far he’s been accurate. If he can kick ’em out of the end zone like he was last week, I hope he does. I want Potts to have to go the full 80 yards, if possible.
You ain't hurt...
I hope your speed demons returning kickoffs get a ton opportunities tomorrow..
you know, so you can better know what you have against OU
"It's fun to do bad things"- Latarian
by oldschoolraider on Sep 17, 2010 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions
There's really only one thing that I'm concerned about....
and that’s Kenny Vaccaro. I know that Texas has always been DB University, but sweet Jesus that guy can seriously bring the wood.
So, just leave him in Austin…..For the sake of the children viewing this game.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
Gideon
will be bringing the wood as well. For a few reasons, but dude is bleeding adrenaline now.
by Infield Elephant on Sep 17, 2010 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Not always great for a QB to be pumped
some of the best are even keel….but we have a great staff if he is bleeding
"It's fun to do bad things"- Latarian
by oldschoolraider on Sep 17, 2010 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
I think you may be thinking Gilbert
Gideon is the kid who dropped the sure INT v. TTU in 08, keeping our hopes alive. Very talented and ready to redeem in Lubbock in 2010.
Before a mad scientist goes mad, there's probably a time when he's only partially mad. And this is the time when he's going to throw his best parties.
– Jack Handey
by AmarilloTechster on Sep 17, 2010 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh that guy....yeah I want him amped up too.....
Leong is liable to have every body part above his helmet on a game winning TD
"It's fun to do bad things"- Latarian
by oldschoolraider on Sep 17, 2010 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Not exactly on topic, but I’m fascinated by how DTNers have received the input from BON versus how the UT fans responded to Seth’s input. Are we losing our edge? /jk
by Tech92 on Sep 17, 2010 10:39 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
2 things
1. Respect for Seth and therefore respect for the guest he invited to come on DTN.
2. Our Administrators do enough embarrassing our university so (for me) trying to make up for all of the dumbass decisions and bad PR that’s out there.
IMWTx
Stop being a wussy. This is freaking FOOTBALL, not the debate club! YELL LOUD AND RAISE HELL.
by imisswesttexas on Sep 17, 2010 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
Just because I'm an artist doesn't mean I don't know my sports. I'll take on ANYONE in Fantasy International Ping Pong!
by Damien Franco on Sep 18, 2010 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I haven't been over there much
but from what I’ve seen they don’t seem to have much of a sense of humor.
Plus, their running back is named Fozzy.
"I cannot guarantee the safety of anyone in the stadium that's not a Texas Tech fan"- Degenerate Hobo
by San Antonio Red Raider on Sep 17, 2010 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
You should post 'chip' over there.....
and then run for the hills
"It's fun to do bad things"- Latarian
by oldschoolraider on Sep 17, 2010 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Quote of the Day
“…what his aggressive, attacking Texas
Tech defense is doing quite well is ball-hawking. Tech is tied for
seventh nationally in turnover-margin with five interceptions and two
fumble recoveries.”—-Jeff Caplan, ESPN
Nice Q&A
Thanks for posting this Seth. Good read! I went and checked out the Burnt Orange Nation and read the Q&A with you. Good answers and I thought you showed good class. I agree with you that talking trash on blogs can be somewhat counter productive. I just like to come here and read up on the team and what is happening.
Also, I apologize for posting the email yesterday on a Fanpost. I am somewhat new to the site and should have known what kind of uproar that would cause. Live and learn.
Thanks again and congratulations on your blog growing! Very good blog and it takes me away from my job EVERY day.
by Raider For Life on Sep 17, 2010 10:52 AM CDT reply actions
Texas Still Sucks.
Enough said. Getting set to hit the road for Lubbock. Hope to see the Red Raider play to their potential and beat the snot out the longhorns.
I find these things interesting...
I like the data and the information, and I’m not complaining at all. Just pointing out something that anyone can see if you read DTN and BON very much. Seth writes an excellent report, answers the questions, honestly points out our weaknesses, and honestly notes his concerns against matchups. The BON folks reply with what basically always amounts to:
“I agree that we should be a little weaker having lost so much talent, but we aren’t. We have no concerns. We have no real weaknesses. We are not concerned with Tech at all. Tech has no real strengths that concern us.
This is followed by dozens of comments with DTN’ers being honest and upright:
“I am concerned about thus and such, but we do have this strength”
..to which a BONer replies:
“Your strength is countered by our greater strength, which appears to be a weakness, but is not… it is a hidden strength.”
It’s really quite hilarious, and noting it has helped me get through this last day before seeing these guys humiliated in the Jones.
Peace out
... never punt
Do a quick run through of the BON answers to each of Seth's questions.
I find it amusing because of uT’s propensity to make excuses after a loss. Excuses that never existed before the game or during it.
... never punt
That would be nice...
…but man, I can’t agree. The majority of Texas fans aren’t happy even after a win.
There’s plenty of things to pick on UT fans for, but in my experience this ain’t one of ‘em. We’re incredibly self-critical.
As for your first critique, I dunno. This is a team that’s gone 25-2 the last two seasonsrs, and 70-9 over the last six. You make it sound like we’re talking about mediocre teams as though they were great. In fact, for the most part they have been great. There have been flaws, and if you were giving a more honest assessment of the discussion of BON you’d surely know that we discuss those flaws ad nauseum, but we’re also talking about great teams. Deep, talented teams.
What am I supposed to say?
You ain't hurt...
I think when a question concerns your weaknesses
You ought to be able to think of some. I can, and I think almost all of the national media has some questions as well. I am not referring to the relative greatness of the teams, I am referring to the relative honesty of the Q&A sections submitted on DTN and BON. I just re-read your answers, and I stand by the point.
IF Tech wins tomorrow, You guys indeed will be self-critical for a few minutes until the excuses come out. I just find a striking difference in the two posts. Sometimes Seth’s honesty and willingness to be self (and team) deprecating infuriates me, but I can never see anyone ever accusing him of homerism or wearing scarlet covered glasses. I appreciate his being willing to weigh down the other end of the teeter-totter and reign in irrational exuberance. But I seriously am laughing my ass off that you (and it seems almost all of BON) really don’t think you have any weaknesses or any bad matchups in this game.
But, then, that’s just my opinion. Your results may vary.
Antiswarm
... never punt
I might add that...
With your 25-2 record in the last two seasons, that includes a grand total of 2 pts. advantage and a 1-1 record against Tech, the second game being a promo video for horrendous non-calls (Kindle/Potts anyone?) that clearly affected the outcome. That aside, without bringing the refs into it, you are two points better in the last two years, and the records are equal. With that said, and with all the talent you lost, and with Tech returning almost all of the skill positions, I am just flabbergasted at the tone and substance difference in your answers.
That’s all I’m saying.
... never punt
I see...
Your mind is already made up on this. Which is fine. We’ve got plenty of those kinds of fans on our side, too.
Enjoy the game tomorrow.
You ain't hurt...
I do appreciate your willingness to contribute...
and that it is your opinion. My mind is made up, but it has swayed most recently by the increasing disconnect between what is real and evident on the field, and what is basically vaporware in the minds of uT fans. I look forward to the game, and I will tell you this… It’s the same offer I made over at BON in 2008. If y’all win, I’ll come back over there, humble myself, and congratulate you all on proving it on the field, and on confusing the intangibility meter. You’ll notice I didn’t say a word in 2009. I think the excuses will be flying thick and meaty over there if (when) Tech wins.
I just like to point out these things, because they interest me as a student of human behavior.
We’ll see y’all tomorrow, for sure.
Peace
... never punt
Don't bother
antiswarm has persisted with attacking straw men Texas fans because it’s easy to do. His comments clearly show he doesn’t read BON regularly and just focuses on a handful of comments. Those who read BON regularly, and I’m sure KWashburn would agree, know that if anything, we are very hard on our team.
by TheElusiveShadow on Sep 17, 2010 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I do not read BON regularly... Gag factor.
Though I do enjoy occasionally reading some of the more thoughtful and/or entertaining participants. We had a good time back in ’08 before the game.
However, I would like for you to give me some examples if you could, especially in the post here, where my point isn’t made in spades.
Good to see you.
... never punt
Just read...
GhostofBigRoy’s post over at BON. A refreshing breath of honesty over there. Kudos! I’ll take credit for it though. It is a good piece, that is what I think this thread should have been about.
But again, that’s just my opinion. I don’t even have a TV.
... never punt
Drop in more often
And you’ll see that Big Roy’s post is not a “refreshing breath of honestly;” it’s what happens regularly at BON.
Perhaps you’re being a wee bit too sensitive to the fact that Texas fans might actually think we have some strengths that can work against Tech? That’s just football talk and doesn’t have to be taken as blind homerism or an insult to your team.
by TheElusiveShadow on Sep 17, 2010 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks Seth. For all you do.
Is arrogance a strength? Perhaps entitlement is a strength. They are funny if you don’t take them too serious. Its interesting to me that with few exceptions the Horn alum is an obnoxious bore. The non-alum/ horn fans are worse. Raise hell with them at the game we have a reputation to uphold.
I have my Classless Clown costume packed & ready
Let’s give ’em the business.
It's called the Air Raid. So why would you try to run it like it's 1992?
It's like they all read a manual on answering questions during a job interview:
Interviewer: Can you tell me some of your weaknesses?
T-Sip: Yes sir. I can only walk on water for a mile or so, and sometimes when I am donating money for Alzheimers patience and stranded puppies, I give too much.
Interviewer: Would you say there are any areas where you need to improve?
T-Sip: Of course. I would like to be defending 6 straight National Championships.
Truly hilarious, they are.
... never punt
&^%! Patients, not Patience
I need patience.
Sometimes, when I’m breaking the speed barrier typing with my elbows, I type too fast.
... never punt
by antiswarm on Sep 17, 2010 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
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