I just had a chance to watch the Texas/OSU contest courtesy of DVR. Man, that flew by. I only looked for areas where I think Texas might have a weakness that Tech can possibly exploit. Here are my notes:
- Texas Tech can beat this Texas team. Not saying they will. But, they can, if Texas isn’t ready to play.
- The Texas defense looks like they’re suffering from “tired” legs in this game.
- I’m not sure why Texas fans think Okie State did anything special on defense and Tech will be doing the same things with better personnel. They played the run honest. They brought only 4 guys most of the time, and got no pressure. They blitzed some with 5 or 6 guys, but this only facilitated easier movement of the ball for Texas. One thing Texas fans need to understand, so you’re mentally prepared for it: The level of difference between the DE play you faced last week and are going to face this week, will be similar to going from novice to Defcon 5. I think the OSU DEs fell for every play in the book, playaction rollout, zone read, hooked by OT, etc. Every time Texas tested the perimeter discipline it resulted in one of those “epic fail” pictures with a kitten by the Cowboys. Maybe this won’t make a difference in the outcome of the game, but OSU never did anything to make McCoy uncomfortable. Texas fans aren’t used to it. It’s not fun playing against good DEs and it seems to do much to disrupt the continuity of your forward progress on offense. Much like your spring game.
- That being said, if we can’t get to McCoy without blitzing, we’re screwed, and I don’t think blitzing is a good idea whatsoever.
- Outside of two plays, The Fade to Dez Bryant and The Rollout Pass to Brandon Pettigrew, Zac Robinson is not really much of a passing threat.
- OSU ran some power stuff with Toston during the 3rd quarter, and then at the end with Hunter, but other than that, they executed nothing successful in the run game that Tech can’t. And, I think our screen game is a little better. The Okie State run game was not much of a factor in the 1st half, when Texas only lead 21-14.
- Houston’s strength, may be his weakness. He gets a little too far upfield and runs himself out of ground defense.
- I’m not sure why Texas fans feel Roddrick Muckelroy will match up better with Eric Morris or Detron Lewis on a crossing or out route than he did with Brandon Pettigrew. There were’t too many branches on that passing tree OSU was using, and if you think Dez Bryant has good ball skills, you’re in for a treat this week. You might even be witness to some separation.
- I think the OSU OL is pretty good and I thought they did a decent job against the Texas front, especially late in the game in run blocking. They also did a decent job at pass protection and Robinson had sufficient time to complete passes. I think Tech’s OL is better at pass protection.
- If the Tech OL can buy enough time, there will be some favorable opportunities with Tech’s #3s and #4s in the WR corps against the UT secondary’s #3s and #4s.
- It won’t be pretty with Jared Norton and Baron Batch in the open field.
We may not be able to execute, but Texas is beatable. Should be entertaining at a minimum as I don’t think either team will struggle significantly moving the ball.
If we can get Ruffin to leave Duncan in at MLB I think we have a much better chance of slowing down their short-pass game. As opposed to sliding Duncan over and leaving M. Williams in the Middle. I get so tired of watching Marlon chasing after slot receivers with his arms trying to push air to catch up.
Okie State didn’t do anything special on D other than hit hard, punish, and not quit. You saw the early overload games they played with their LBs inside and it was epic fail for them after about three snaps of getting used to it.
Tech getting to McCoy with only 4 and an occasional 5 is key. If you can make us bring in a TE to help out with a DE, that’s a huge victory for Tech.
OSU did some stuff you can’t duplicate: option and a running threat at QB on 3rd down. Respecing that forces you into different modes.
As you saw, we played contain on Robinson hard. That won’t be a major concern with Harrell.
I’m not sure Muck will be matched up on much other than a piece of space. I wouldn’t be shocked to us test you with dime. 4 man under, 2 shell deep. If you can run on that, we’re in trouble.
Chykie Brown still isn’t healthy. Big loss if he can’t go.
Re: Batch – I’m pretty sure our goal will be to play on your side of the line to stop the running game. That opens up a number of issues for us in terms of screens, shovels, bubbles.
You do a number of things that Oklahoma State isn’t capable of, but the one thing I’ll return to is what I wrote about in my OSU Post-Mortem: we’re a defense of specialized packages. Playing a spread O actually simplifies everything we’re trying to do and allows specific functional roles for guys like Kindle, Orakpo, our safeties, Muckelroy. That’s where OSU film isn’t very helpful for you. You’ll be surprised at how different Sergio Kindle plays with three things on his grocery list rather than nine.
I think neither teams gets away from the other. 35-31 or somesuch.
I caught that and I agree to some extent. I also tend to believe that the Tech offense is not so specialized. There’s a lot more things this team has been doing than in past Leach years. Hence, we’re putting a lot more pressure on young DBs and LBs. Batch, especially, will be capable of running for 12 yards when Houston and Kindle shoot 6 yards up the field. My deductions from the OSU game were that I think we’ll be able to move the ball a little easier than I initially anticipated.
“Re: Batch – I’m pretty sure our goal will be to play on your side of the line to stop the running game. That opens up a number of issues for us in terms of screens, shovels, bubbles.”
If HJ ever gets back to me with that technical help, I’ll draw you up an isolation play Leach has used on occasions with great success and stuffed it in the closet since the Nebraska game. It’s our effective “make a team play zone” play. We’ll use it to keep your DBs from mauling our WRs at the line of scrimmage and also run some decently designed running plays out of it too. I think we’ll see it this game.
Why does your QB always incite the other team’s fans on the road with all the hand waving and gesturing into the stands? Is he that immature…is it for self-motivational purposes…is he that classless? Just wondering.
I don’t think it’s so much about Graham “inciting” other teams fans as it is, other teams fans talking trash on the sideline and throwing stuff at Graham.
So, after he destroys the fans team on the field he gives them some jabs back. I don’t really see how it hurts anyone, it just pisses Graham off and he seems to play better because of it. Same thing when a player cheep shots him or hits him late, he just gets pissed off and throws a TD next play.
Unlike Colt who tries to win an oscar every time he gets touched. Unfortunately, the Big 12 has some of the most ignorant refs in the League and will give Colt the flag everytime he plays it up. He faked his way into an extra touchdown against OU, should have given up an academy award instead of the 15 yards.
Graham is a type of player you would love to have on your team meanwhile you would have so much if he is on your rivals. He is a damn competitive player.
One time at the Recreational Center at Tech, I showed Graham shooting a basketball with few friends of his. I asked him to play 5 on 5 and he politely responded. He treated me and friends of mine with class. And he is a damn good 3pt shooter!!!
I just finished watching the A&M-Tech game again, and I’m really not all that impressed with Tech’s OL. If texas’ DL is what I think it is, they’ll be able to dominate Tech’s OL, get pressure with 4, and win the game.
“If HJ ever gets back to me with that technical help, I’ll draw you up an isolation play Leach has used on occasions with great success and stuffed it in the closet since the Nebraska game.”
Tim, understand one thing, Texas is a hell of a football team and by a long fucking way the best team we’ve played this year. They’ve beat 3 teams tougher than anyone we’ve seen already. We happen to be pretty good ourselves, but there’s no evidence to indicate this will be an easy victory. It will either be a tough fought loss or a tough fought win.
“I just finished watching the A&M-Tech game again, and I’m really not all that impressed with Tech’s OL. If texas’ DL is what I think it is, they’ll be able to dominate Tech’s OL, get pressure with 4, and win the game.”
As I noted, I’m nervous as shit about Carter trying to block Houston. This could be our one undoing that disrupts just about everything we try to do.
I think generic UT fan thinks Harrell is a great quarterback – stands in the pocket well, throws a very, very nice ball, understands defenses etc. He is one of the top 3 in the league and therefore top 5 in the country. He could take himself to the next level though if, in addition to being a great competitor, he mastered his emotions. Then you have a guy everyone can root for.
I try to keep this to Xs and Os, as long as I can. Harrell is good enough to make this offense works. What he does after or between the plays is his problem. As long as he gets his shit together between the whistles, then I won’t harp on him about some of his childish antics.
“The Texas defense looks like they’re suffering from “tired” legs in this game. ”
As a Longhorn fan, this is my biggest worry, aside from the strange things that happen in Lubbock at night.
Tech is considered the last team of the meat grinding part of our schedule. And like the teams before, we are your biggest game of the year. Okie State hit the hell out of us. I watched Texas players on both sides of the ball get up slower after plays.
Not as an excuse, but plenty of Texas are assuming that since Tech “hasn’t played anybody,” that they haven’t been tested. I tend to look at it as Tech is definitely going to be a fresher team, with tons of energy.
Don’t know if that truly affects the outcome, but Tech fans will understand the feeling, regardless of the outcome of this game, in about three weeks.
“Tim, understand one thing, Texas is a hell of a football team and by a long fucking way the best team we’ve played this year. They’ve beat 3 teams tougher than anyone we’ve seen already. We happen to be pretty good ourselves, but there’s no evidence to indicate this will be an easy victory. It will either be a tough fought loss or a tough fought win.
”
Ded, I completely understand this is the best team we have faced and possibly will face all year including bowl game. I havn’t really ever stated other wise, or tried to dismiss UT’s talent level or downplayed who they have beaten.
At the same time I will defend Graham, especially coming from fans of a team that is starting a guy at DT who received a DWI and got a little one game suspension. What Graham has done on the sideline doesn’t even compare to what some UT players do off the field. Needless to say I find it hypocritical for a UT fan to come over to your blog and call Graham classless.
Sorry if I feel the need to call these idiots out.
Some things I do question;
Who has UT beaten on the Road?
Can Colt continue to hit 80%-90% of his passes?
Why has every UT pundit declared OSU’s offense so “hard to stop” and Texas Tech’s as “vanilla”?
The thing that concerns me the most is the way UT’s defense handled Mizzou.
Ded-
you mentioned that you didn’t think blitzing would be a good idea. I though OSU blitzed an awful lot and holding UT to 28 is not too shabby. I think Tech will win if they can duplicate that effort. Are you suggesting we roll out another NU-type defensive gameplan? I think Tech has to take lots of risks on defense to force turnovers, get stops, or give up big plays. The worst case scenario is giving up 6-8 yards on every 1st down and leaving the Defense on the field for 40 minutes.
I’m beginning to view Ted in the same light as BC’s steven…
Ted, Lamar Houston is a GREAT kid that made one stupid mistake this year in getting his DWI. All reports are that this kid has never gotten into trouble before and MB went easy on him because of that. Last year Texas had significantly more issues and from players that were already on thin ice which is why the suspensions were more severe. Furthermore, Houston owned up to his mistake and took his punishment like a man. Lay off of him. To compare the two is ridiculous and shows you’re grasping for straws.
In answers to your questions:
UTEP, Colorado, ou.
Yes. Colt has completed over 80% of his passes the past three weeks against tough teams. Why would you think that would change just because we’re playing Tech?
OSU is hard to stop because they have a proven running threat. Tech has better backs than they’ve had before, but nothing on the level of what Texas saw last week.
The thing that concerns me is the energy level of our team. I think they’ll be fine, personally. A second wind always seems to kick in when you need it most, but you never know.
Unless there is a letdown from Texas, or GD lays an egg on play calling, this game won’t be close. Then again, weird stuff happens at night on the plains. I was a Pirate undergrad on that fateful night when The Air Raid offense last took the Mighty Longhorns to taks.
I’m a die hard texas fan but I love crabtree. I saw him in Austin and thought he was the best athlete to come in there in a long long time. Unfortunately we’re not going to be able to double him like we did Bryant. Last year after we lost Charles to injury we could not run much except for Colt’s draws and scrambles. i expect much of the same this year and, unfortunately, I expect Tech to win.
“In answers to your questions:
UTEP, Colorado, ou.
Yes. Colt has completed over 80% of his passes the past three weeks against tough teams. Why would you think that would change just because we’re playing Tech?
OSU is hard to stop because they have a proven running threat. Tech has better backs than they’ve had before, but nothing on the level of what Texas saw last week.
The thing that concerns me is the energy level of our team. I think they’ll be fine, personally. A second wind always seems to kick in when you need it most, but you never know.
Should be a great game.”
Thank you for addressing my questions, I could be completely wrong, but I don’t see any Longhorns questioning their first true test on the road.
I think the reason you don’t see them questioning it is because of the senior leadership. Colt played at Tech his first year starting, so he’s been there before. Last year we had a killer game at OSU, and again, he led us back. We also have other upperclassmen on the team that are familiar with this type of situation and aren’t going to let it get into their heads.
As far as the younger guys go, the team chemistry this year has been ridiculously good. The older guys are helping out the younger guys and the younger guys are stepping up. You’ll see some nerves, but by and large I think they’ll be ok.
I expect Tech to be a tough game, and being on the road is a factor. I just think our older guys have the poise and familiarity with this type of game to not let it be a deciding factor.
Tech fans really think their team is that great huh! Tech will not come close to getting a pass rush. You think you can run the ball better than OSU? Tech has never had a run game. Tech will never win this game because they can’t run the ball. Kendall Hunter alone rushed for 161 yards on Texas. Techs only chance at winning this game is to roll out that playstation offense and throw it all day long.
I’m not sure this guy really watched the Texas/OSU game.
One thing that nobody has mentioned so far is the difference in talent between Tech and OSU’s defense. OSU has more speed, they force turnovers and they will hit you in the mouth all game long. I just don’t think Texas will see as good of a defense in Lubbock.
“I just don’t think Texas will see as good of a defense in Lubbock.”
I like some of your talent, like Chinasa, but you guys have a ways to go before you’ll be able to generate any organic pass rush. I think Sexton is a all conference player, and I like how Lavine runs to the football. Chatham is serviceable, but outside of that, you don’t have much.
“I like some of your talent, like Chinasa, but you guys have a ways to go before you’ll be able to generate any organic pass rush. I think Sexton is a all conference player, and I like how Lavine runs to the football. Chatham is serviceable, but outside of that, you don’t have much.”
And Tech is so much better? I guess we will see this weekend, and next!
At DE, yes, a lot better, especially against the run and in containment. I’ve mentioned this a few times, but I think OSU has the best run blocking OL in the conference. Tech’s is a better pass blocking unit. Hunter is the best RB as well. Dez Bryant is a tremendous athlete and a sure-fire NFL talent, but he’s not at Crabtree’s level with regards to route running. Pettigrew can’t be duplicated. Robinson is Scott Frost. Great runner, but make him hold onto the ball and read coverages, and his deficiences will come to light. That being said, it’s harder to do than just the idea.
Give Dez another year and he will be right there with Crabtree as far as route running.
Our offensive lines play in such different systems that it is tough to compare. OSU has given up very few sacks over the last two years but Robinson can scramble better than any QB in the Big 12.
Hunter is far and away the best running back in the Big 12 and he proved it again last Saturday. The balance that we threw at their front seven kept them guessing. Against Tech, Texas will probably do a lot of the same things that OSU did against Mizzu (and Texas duplicated the next week).
“Robinson is Scott Frost. Great runner, but make him hold onto the ball and read coverages, and his deficiences will come to light.”
I think his problem is that he tries to force the ball to Dez. To many times he throws the ball to a double teamed Dez when there is another receiver wide open. Last year Robinson didn’t do this. As an OSU fan that is my main concern. Robinson has become to dependent on Dez.
“- OSU ran some power stuff with Toston during the 3rd quarter, and then at the end with Hunter, but other than that, they executed nothing successful in the run game that Tech can’t.”
Maybe it’s just me but it sounded like you were implying that you could run on Texas better than we could.
Your right. I must have misunderstood what you said because the thought of Tech running the ball better than OSU is just laughable.
“Like I said, we shall see. If your DE get to McCoy then I’ll give it to you. But so far this year you haven’t played anyone like Texas to prove it.”
This is true, and I will also add that your DEs haven’t got pressure on anyone all year long without assist from a blitz, and against shitty competition at that. At a minimum, our DEs are dominating shitty competition. This leads me to believe we might have an advantage at the position. But, let’s be honest, does Tech even have anyone that would make the two deep at OSU? I mean, you guys have been signing the top talent in the state of Texas for 10 years now. Did OSU even offer any of the Tech players?
“I agree. Tech can execute most of the running plays that OSU ran in the first half, and successfully. I never said we could do it better.”
Theoretically you should be able to run on everyone because your passing game is so good. But that’s the problem with Tech. You don’t run on anyone really. That is Leach’s problem (no offense). It’s not that you can’t run, it’s that you won’t run. Until Leach changes that one flaw, Tech will always come in second to OU and/or Texas (or third which is usually the case).
Ok, you got me. I have known for a long time that our whole d-line has been our biggest weakness. That said we do have some very young talent that will step up in years to come (even Ugo is a redshirt fresh).
But the main point I wanted to make was that your d-line wasn’t much better than ours (yet?). Which you just agreed with above.
As far as recruiting goes…Of course we have tried to recruit some of the same talent as Tech. Do you really think we are out recruiting you for Texas players? Maybe the last 2 to 3 years. But that would make most of that talent RS Sophs. OSU is a very young team that is only going to get better. That said, I don’t think we have an advantage in recruiting yet.
I wasn’t being literal. And, I think we will have more talent on the DL than OSU until December 2009.
You’ll be fine. Your DEs just don’t quite know how to play football at this level, yet. Unfortunately, it’s the most important position on the defense for stopping a spread offense.
“Would it surprise you if I said Batch and Woods are averaging 6 more tandem yards per game than Hunter and Toston in conference play?”
No, why would it? To date we have played the tougher conference schedule. Not to mention that we are a run first team. A&M and Baylor sold out to stop the run which really killed them. Mizz and Texas took away the deep threat (Dez, of course it didn’t work to well for Mizz) which forced us to run. Even though we run the ball so well, we still try to be balanced. Which hurts us sometimes because, like you pointed out, Robinson isn’t the greatest passer. Thus we stagnate on offense and are forced to punt.
I believe we would be a lot better on offense if Larry Fedora was still calling the plays.
This is true, and I will also add that your DEs haven’t got pressure on anyone all year long without assist from a blitz, and against shitty competition at that. At a minimum, our DEs are dominating shitty competition. This leads me to believe we might have an advantage at the position. But, let’s be honest, does Tech even have anyone that would make the two deep at OSU? I mean, you guys have been signing the top talent in the state of Texas for 10 years now. Did OSU even offer any of the Tech players?
wow thats weird, I didn’t know Chinasa, S. Miller, J. Price, Tonga Tea, D. Burton, Richetti Jones weren’t on the D Line. And man I didn’t know Mizzou and Texas are shitty competition…I guess Nebraska and A&M are really f ucking good this year huh? get real man you can’t comment on something if you haven’t watched every single one of our games this year. That’s why you don’t see me commenting on your raiders cause I haven’t watched every one of your games to form an accurated opinion. end rant.
I’m not sure why people from other schools aren’t open to criticism through random generalizations. Ask me who is not good at Tech and I will tell you. It’s not like I have a history here of being un-objective. I’m a lot harder on Tech than I am on OSU. Your DEs are young and struggle with fundamentals in the same way that Marlon Williams struggles with every aspect of playing LBer. Would it make you feel better if I talked about the weaknesses of Tech’s team? There’s a whole blog of info here and on Barking Carnival.
Hey, I found one of your old PP presentations and used that. I then forwarded it to ChrisApplewhite and he did his thing with the dots. Thanks for the help and I like those slides you’ve made.
“wow thats weird 75% of the sacks come from the defensive line, not from blitzing linebackers or corners? thank you for proving my point”
Dude, that’s a stretch. Each of our starters have more sacks than your DL aggregately. I’m not saying you’re a bad team, I just think OSU’s weaknesses are getting pressure on the QB and some limitations with Robinson in the passing game. That doesn’t mean OSU will lose the rest of their games. Hell, they might win out. It simply means those are probably the two biggest holes in your team. Like us at OLB and lack of true drive blockers on the left side of the OL.
Tim said:
October 27th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Great stuff Dedfischer as always;
What did UT do so well to shut down Mizzou?
If we can get Ruffin to leave Duncan in at MLB I think we have a much better chance of slowing down their short-pass game. As opposed to sliding Duncan over and leaving M. Williams in the Middle. I get so tired of watching Marlon chasing after slot receivers with his arms trying to push air to catch up.
Scipio Tex said:
October 27th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
No doubt you can beat us.
Okie State didn’t do anything special on D other than hit hard, punish, and not quit. You saw the early overload games they played with their LBs inside and it was epic fail for them after about three snaps of getting used to it.
Tech getting to McCoy with only 4 and an occasional 5 is key. If you can make us bring in a TE to help out with a DE, that’s a huge victory for Tech.
OSU did some stuff you can’t duplicate: option and a running threat at QB on 3rd down. Respecing that forces you into different modes.
As you saw, we played contain on Robinson hard. That won’t be a major concern with Harrell.
I’m not sure Muck will be matched up on much other than a piece of space. I wouldn’t be shocked to us test you with dime. 4 man under, 2 shell deep. If you can run on that, we’re in trouble.
Chykie Brown still isn’t healthy. Big loss if he can’t go.
Re: Batch – I’m pretty sure our goal will be to play on your side of the line to stop the running game. That opens up a number of issues for us in terms of screens, shovels, bubbles.
You do a number of things that Oklahoma State isn’t capable of, but the one thing I’ll return to is what I wrote about in my OSU Post-Mortem: we’re a defense of specialized packages. Playing a spread O actually simplifies everything we’re trying to do and allows specific functional roles for guys like Kindle, Orakpo, our safeties, Muckelroy. That’s where OSU film isn’t very helpful for you. You’ll be surprised at how different Sergio Kindle plays with three things on his grocery list rather than nine.
I think neither teams gets away from the other. 35-31 or somesuch.
Scipio Tex said:
October 27th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Good stuff, BTW. I’m enjoying this process as it’s helping me to clarify my own thoughts on the game.
dedfischer said:
October 27th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I caught that and I agree to some extent. I also tend to believe that the Tech offense is not so specialized. There’s a lot more things this team has been doing than in past Leach years. Hence, we’re putting a lot more pressure on young DBs and LBs. Batch, especially, will be capable of running for 12 yards when Houston and Kindle shoot 6 yards up the field. My deductions from the OSU game were that I think we’ll be able to move the ball a little easier than I initially anticipated.
dedfischer said:
October 27th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
“Re: Batch – I’m pretty sure our goal will be to play on your side of the line to stop the running game. That opens up a number of issues for us in terms of screens, shovels, bubbles.”
If HJ ever gets back to me with that technical help, I’ll draw you up an isolation play Leach has used on occasions with great success and stuffed it in the closet since the Nebraska game. It’s our effective “make a team play zone” play. We’ll use it to keep your DBs from mauling our WRs at the line of scrimmage and also run some decently designed running plays out of it too. I think we’ll see it this game.
Wonderer said:
October 27th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Why does your QB always incite the other team’s fans on the road with all the hand waving and gesturing into the stands? Is he that immature…is it for self-motivational purposes…is he that classless? Just wondering.
Tim said:
October 27th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I don’t think it’s so much about Graham “inciting” other teams fans as it is, other teams fans talking trash on the sideline and throwing stuff at Graham.
So, after he destroys the fans team on the field he gives them some jabs back. I don’t really see how it hurts anyone, it just pisses Graham off and he seems to play better because of it. Same thing when a player cheep shots him or hits him late, he just gets pissed off and throws a TD next play.
Unlike Colt who tries to win an oscar every time he gets touched. Unfortunately, the Big 12 has some of the most ignorant refs in the League and will give Colt the flag everytime he plays it up. He faked his way into an extra touchdown against OU, should have given up an academy award instead of the 15 yards.
Wonderer said:
October 27th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Wow, you really twisted that one around. Anyway from your response I see the answer is immaturity. Thanks.
bighornfan32 said:
October 27th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Tim: one of the few people on this earth willing to defend Harrell.
TXTECH85 said:
October 27th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Graham is a type of player you would love to have on your team meanwhile you would have so much if he is on your rivals. He is a damn competitive player.
One time at the Recreational Center at Tech, I showed Graham shooting a basketball with few friends of his. I asked him to play 5 on 5 and he politely responded. He treated me and friends of mine with class. And he is a damn good 3pt shooter!!!
TXTECH85 said:
October 27th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
“you would have so much…” I supposed to say “you would hate…”
TXTECH85 said:
October 27th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
also “I showed Graham shooting…”
I supposed to say “I saw Graham shooting…”
I must be drunken
Steven (of BC) said:
October 27th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Is Tim TTR’s me?
Beergut said:
October 27th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I need to watch some film of texas’ DL play.
I just finished watching the A&M-Tech game again, and I’m really not all that impressed with Tech’s OL. If texas’ DL is what I think it is, they’ll be able to dominate Tech’s OL, get pressure with 4, and win the game.
Beergut said:
October 27th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Do you have Powerpoint 2003 or later? If so, draw it up in powerpoint and animate it.
If you need help, email me.
Beergut said:
October 28th, 2008 at 12:16 am
BTW, previous comment was in response to:
“If HJ ever gets back to me with that technical help, I’ll draw you up an isolation play Leach has used on occasions with great success and stuffed it in the closet since the Nebraska game.”
dedfischer said:
October 28th, 2008 at 3:00 am
what’s your email beergut?
dedfischer said:
October 28th, 2008 at 3:24 am
Tim, understand one thing, Texas is a hell of a football team and by a long fucking way the best team we’ve played this year. They’ve beat 3 teams tougher than anyone we’ve seen already. We happen to be pretty good ourselves, but there’s no evidence to indicate this will be an easy victory. It will either be a tough fought loss or a tough fought win.
dedfischer said:
October 28th, 2008 at 3:26 am
“I just finished watching the A&M-Tech game again, and I’m really not all that impressed with Tech’s OL. If texas’ DL is what I think it is, they’ll be able to dominate Tech’s OL, get pressure with 4, and win the game.”
As I noted, I’m nervous as shit about Carter trying to block Houston. This could be our one undoing that disrupts just about everything we try to do.
Generic UT Fan said:
October 28th, 2008 at 4:23 am
I think generic UT fan thinks Harrell is a great quarterback – stands in the pocket well, throws a very, very nice ball, understands defenses etc. He is one of the top 3 in the league and therefore top 5 in the country. He could take himself to the next level though if, in addition to being a great competitor, he mastered his emotions. Then you have a guy everyone can root for.
dedfischer said:
October 28th, 2008 at 6:11 am
I try to keep this to Xs and Os, as long as I can. Harrell is good enough to make this offense works. What he does after or between the plays is his problem. As long as he gets his shit together between the whistles, then I won’t harp on him about some of his childish antics.
raidas77 said:
October 28th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Was it childish for Major Applewhite to run down the middle of the field taunting the entire Colorado sideline?
I thought it was pretty cool but I guess this is golf now and people can’t get fired up.
MC Fresh Breath said:
October 28th, 2008 at 6:34 am
“The Texas defense looks like they’re suffering from “tired” legs in this game. ”
As a Longhorn fan, this is my biggest worry, aside from the strange things that happen in Lubbock at night.
Tech is considered the last team of the meat grinding part of our schedule. And like the teams before, we are your biggest game of the year. Okie State hit the hell out of us. I watched Texas players on both sides of the ball get up slower after plays.
Not as an excuse, but plenty of Texas are assuming that since Tech “hasn’t played anybody,” that they haven’t been tested. I tend to look at it as Tech is definitely going to be a fresher team, with tons of energy.
Don’t know if that truly affects the outcome, but Tech fans will understand the feeling, regardless of the outcome of this game, in about three weeks.
Tim said:
October 28th, 2008 at 7:31 am
“Tim, understand one thing, Texas is a hell of a football team and by a long fucking way the best team we’ve played this year. They’ve beat 3 teams tougher than anyone we’ve seen already. We happen to be pretty good ourselves, but there’s no evidence to indicate this will be an easy victory. It will either be a tough fought loss or a tough fought win.
”
Ded, I completely understand this is the best team we have faced and possibly will face all year including bowl game. I havn’t really ever stated other wise, or tried to dismiss UT’s talent level or downplayed who they have beaten.
At the same time I will defend Graham, especially coming from fans of a team that is starting a guy at DT who received a DWI and got a little one game suspension. What Graham has done on the sideline doesn’t even compare to what some UT players do off the field. Needless to say I find it hypocritical for a UT fan to come over to your blog and call Graham classless.
Sorry if I feel the need to call these idiots out.
Some things I do question;
Who has UT beaten on the Road?
Can Colt continue to hit 80%-90% of his passes?
Why has every UT pundit declared OSU’s offense so “hard to stop” and Texas Tech’s as “vanilla”?
The thing that concerns me the most is the way UT’s defense handled Mizzou.
redpants said:
October 28th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Ded-
you mentioned that you didn’t think blitzing would be a good idea. I though OSU blitzed an awful lot and holding UT to 28 is not too shabby. I think Tech will win if they can duplicate that effort. Are you suggesting we roll out another NU-type defensive gameplan? I think Tech has to take lots of risks on defense to force turnovers, get stops, or give up big plays. The worst case scenario is giving up 6-8 yards on every 1st down and leaving the Defense on the field for 40 minutes.
Go easy on me if you’ve already covered this
dedfischer said:
October 28th, 2008 at 7:42 am
If we can’t get pressure with our front 4, then I think we’ll need to blitz some. Not sure if we will or it would make a difference.
LonghornGuest said:
October 28th, 2008 at 7:57 am
I’m beginning to view Ted in the same light as BC’s steven…
Ted, Lamar Houston is a GREAT kid that made one stupid mistake this year in getting his DWI. All reports are that this kid has never gotten into trouble before and MB went easy on him because of that. Last year Texas had significantly more issues and from players that were already on thin ice which is why the suspensions were more severe. Furthermore, Houston owned up to his mistake and took his punishment like a man. Lay off of him. To compare the two is ridiculous and shows you’re grasping for straws.
In answers to your questions:
UTEP, Colorado, ou.
Yes. Colt has completed over 80% of his passes the past three weeks against tough teams. Why would you think that would change just because we’re playing Tech?
OSU is hard to stop because they have a proven running threat. Tech has better backs than they’ve had before, but nothing on the level of what Texas saw last week.
The thing that concerns me is the energy level of our team. I think they’ll be fine, personally. A second wind always seems to kick in when you need it most, but you never know.
Should be a great game.
Redfoot said:
October 28th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Unless there is a letdown from Texas, or GD lays an egg on play calling, this game won’t be close. Then again, weird stuff happens at night on the plains. I was a Pirate undergrad on that fateful night when The Air Raid offense last took the Mighty Longhorns to taks.
texas saxet said:
October 28th, 2008 at 9:01 am
I’m a die hard texas fan but I love crabtree. I saw him in Austin and thought he was the best athlete to come in there in a long long time. Unfortunately we’re not going to be able to double him like we did Bryant. Last year after we lost Charles to injury we could not run much except for Colt’s draws and scrambles. i expect much of the same this year and, unfortunately, I expect Tech to win.
Tim said:
October 28th, 2008 at 9:14 am
“In answers to your questions:
UTEP, Colorado, ou.
Yes. Colt has completed over 80% of his passes the past three weeks against tough teams. Why would you think that would change just because we’re playing Tech?
OSU is hard to stop because they have a proven running threat. Tech has better backs than they’ve had before, but nothing on the level of what Texas saw last week.
The thing that concerns me is the energy level of our team. I think they’ll be fine, personally. A second wind always seems to kick in when you need it most, but you never know.
Should be a great game.”
Thank you for addressing my questions, I could be completely wrong, but I don’t see any Longhorns questioning their first true test on the road.
LonghornGuest said:
October 28th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I think the reason you don’t see them questioning it is because of the senior leadership. Colt played at Tech his first year starting, so he’s been there before. Last year we had a killer game at OSU, and again, he led us back. We also have other upperclassmen on the team that are familiar with this type of situation and aren’t going to let it get into their heads.
As far as the younger guys go, the team chemistry this year has been ridiculously good. The older guys are helping out the younger guys and the younger guys are stepping up. You’ll see some nerves, but by and large I think they’ll be ok.
I expect Tech to be a tough game, and being on the road is a factor. I just think our older guys have the poise and familiarity with this type of game to not let it be a deciding factor.
Tim said:
October 28th, 2008 at 11:11 am
fair enough, thank you for you thoughts
MC Fresh Breath said:
October 29th, 2008 at 11:53 am
by the way,
“I could be completely wrong, but I don’t see any Longhorns questioning their first true test on the road.”
Do you mean like Nebraska’s test at your stadium?
Texas has beaten three teams in a row ranked no lower than #11. Who have you beat? Or right, Kansas. Leach is what 11-23 versus Top 10 competition.
Not saying you won’t beat us (after all beating ranked teams takes a toll), but until you do, shut the hell up with who has been tested or not.
Poke Fan said:
October 29th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Tech fans really think their team is that great huh! Tech will not come close to getting a pass rush. You think you can run the ball better than OSU? Tech has never had a run game. Tech will never win this game because they can’t run the ball. Kendall Hunter alone rushed for 161 yards on Texas. Techs only chance at winning this game is to roll out that playstation offense and throw it all day long.
I’m not sure this guy really watched the Texas/OSU game.
osuguest said:
October 29th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
One thing that nobody has mentioned so far is the difference in talent between Tech and OSU’s defense. OSU has more speed, they force turnovers and they will hit you in the mouth all game long. I just don’t think Texas will see as good of a defense in Lubbock.
Texas 45 – Tech 31
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Interesting, looks like we got linked to an OSU site.
Poke Fan said:
October 29th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Ya think!
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
“I just don’t think Texas will see as good of a defense in Lubbock.”
I like some of your talent, like Chinasa, but you guys have a ways to go before you’ll be able to generate any organic pass rush. I think Sexton is a all conference player, and I like how Lavine runs to the football. Chatham is serviceable, but outside of that, you don’t have much.
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
(in the front 6)
Poke Fan said:
October 29th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
“I like some of your talent, like Chinasa, but you guys have a ways to go before you’ll be able to generate any organic pass rush. I think Sexton is a all conference player, and I like how Lavine runs to the football. Chatham is serviceable, but outside of that, you don’t have much.”
And Tech is so much better? I guess we will see this weekend, and next!
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
“And Tech is so much better?”
At DE, yes, a lot better, especially against the run and in containment. I’ve mentioned this a few times, but I think OSU has the best run blocking OL in the conference. Tech’s is a better pass blocking unit. Hunter is the best RB as well. Dez Bryant is a tremendous athlete and a sure-fire NFL talent, but he’s not at Crabtree’s level with regards to route running. Pettigrew can’t be duplicated. Robinson is Scott Frost. Great runner, but make him hold onto the ball and read coverages, and his deficiences will come to light. That being said, it’s harder to do than just the idea.
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
“You think you can run the ball better than OSU?”
And exactly where was that said?
osuguest said:
October 29th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Give Dez another year and he will be right there with Crabtree as far as route running.
Our offensive lines play in such different systems that it is tough to compare. OSU has given up very few sacks over the last two years but Robinson can scramble better than any QB in the Big 12.
Hunter is far and away the best running back in the Big 12 and he proved it again last Saturday. The balance that we threw at their front seven kept them guessing. Against Tech, Texas will probably do a lot of the same things that OSU did against Mizzu (and Texas duplicated the next week).
Poke Fan said:
October 29th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
“Robinson is Scott Frost. Great runner, but make him hold onto the ball and read coverages, and his deficiences will come to light.”
I think his problem is that he tries to force the ball to Dez. To many times he throws the ball to a double teamed Dez when there is another receiver wide open. Last year Robinson didn’t do this. As an OSU fan that is my main concern. Robinson has become to dependent on Dez.
Poke Fan said:
October 29th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
“At DE, yes, a lot better, especially against the run and in containment.”
Like I said, we shall see. If your DE get to McCoy then I’ll give it to you. But so far this year you haven’t played anyone like Texas to prove it.
Poke Fan said:
October 29th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
“And exactly where was that said?”
“- OSU ran some power stuff with Toston during the 3rd quarter, and then at the end with Hunter, but other than that, they executed nothing successful in the run game that Tech can’t.”
Maybe it’s just me but it sounded like you were implying that you could run on Texas better than we could.
Your right. I must have misunderstood what you said because the thought of Tech running the ball better than OSU is just laughable.
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I agree. Tech can execute most of the running plays that OSU ran in the first half, and successfully. I never said we could do it better.
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
“Like I said, we shall see. If your DE get to McCoy then I’ll give it to you. But so far this year you haven’t played anyone like Texas to prove it.”
This is true, and I will also add that your DEs haven’t got pressure on anyone all year long without assist from a blitz, and against shitty competition at that. At a minimum, our DEs are dominating shitty competition. This leads me to believe we might have an advantage at the position. But, let’s be honest, does Tech even have anyone that would make the two deep at OSU? I mean, you guys have been signing the top talent in the state of Texas for 10 years now. Did OSU even offer any of the Tech players?
Poke Fan said:
October 29th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
“I agree. Tech can execute most of the running plays that OSU ran in the first half, and successfully. I never said we could do it better.”
Theoretically you should be able to run on everyone because your passing game is so good. But that’s the problem with Tech. You don’t run on anyone really. That is Leach’s problem (no offense). It’s not that you can’t run, it’s that you won’t run. Until Leach changes that one flaw, Tech will always come in second to OU and/or Texas (or third which is usually the case).
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
He’s getting there, slowly, but surely:
http://www.tortillaretort.com/dedfischer/the-texas-tech-playaction-game-2-back-set/
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Poke Fan,
Would it surprise you if I said Batch and Woods are averaging 6 more tandem yards per game than Hunter and Toston in conference play?
Batch/Woods = 181 yards per game
Hunter/Toston = 175 yards per game
Poke Fan said:
October 29th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Ok, you got me. I have known for a long time that our whole d-line has been our biggest weakness. That said we do have some very young talent that will step up in years to come (even Ugo is a redshirt fresh).
But the main point I wanted to make was that your d-line wasn’t much better than ours (yet?). Which you just agreed with above.
As far as recruiting goes…Of course we have tried to recruit some of the same talent as Tech. Do you really think we are out recruiting you for Texas players? Maybe the last 2 to 3 years. But that would make most of that talent RS Sophs. OSU is a very young team that is only going to get better. That said, I don’t think we have an advantage in recruiting yet.
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I wasn’t being literal. And, I think we will have more talent on the DL than OSU until December 2009.
You’ll be fine. Your DEs just don’t quite know how to play football at this level, yet. Unfortunately, it’s the most important position on the defense for stopping a spread offense.
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Batch/Woods = 181 yards per game
Hunter/Toston = 175 yards per game
Actually, this stat shocked the shit out of me and it makes sense now as to why we’ve had such success in our playaction formations.
Poke Fan said:
October 29th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
“Would it surprise you if I said Batch and Woods are averaging 6 more tandem yards per game than Hunter and Toston in conference play?”
No, why would it? To date we have played the tougher conference schedule. Not to mention that we are a run first team. A&M and Baylor sold out to stop the run which really killed them. Mizz and Texas took away the deep threat (Dez, of course it didn’t work to well for Mizz) which forced us to run. Even though we run the ball so well, we still try to be balanced. Which hurts us sometimes because, like you pointed out, Robinson isn’t the greatest passer. Thus we stagnate on offense and are forced to punt.
I believe we would be a lot better on offense if Larry Fedora was still calling the plays.
Poke Fan said:
October 29th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
See ya!
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Thanks for stopping by. Come back and visit during game week and we’ll discuss some more.
mazami said:
October 29th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Would it surprise you if I said Batch and Woods are averaging 6 more tandem yards per game than Hunter and Toston in conference play?
Batch/Woods = 181 yards per game
Hunter/Toston = 175 yards per game
who cares, shall we list the pass defense ranking of those teams you’ve played in conference?
mazami said:
October 29th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
This is true, and I will also add that your DEs haven’t got pressure on anyone all year long without assist from a blitz, and against shitty competition at that. At a minimum, our DEs are dominating shitty competition. This leads me to believe we might have an advantage at the position. But, let’s be honest, does Tech even have anyone that would make the two deep at OSU? I mean, you guys have been signing the top talent in the state of Texas for 10 years now. Did OSU even offer any of the Tech players?
wow thats weird, I didn’t know Chinasa, S. Miller, J. Price, Tonga Tea, D. Burton, Richetti Jones weren’t on the D Line. And man I didn’t know Mizzou and Texas are shitty competition…I guess Nebraska and A&M are really f ucking good this year huh? get real man you can’t comment on something if you haven’t watched every single one of our games this year. That’s why you don’t see me commenting on your raiders cause I haven’t watched every one of your games to form an accurated opinion. end rant.
dedfischer said:
October 29th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2008/Internet/ranking_summary/2008000000521sacks.html
I’m not sure why people from other schools aren’t open to criticism through random generalizations. Ask me who is not good at Tech and I will tell you. It’s not like I have a history here of being un-objective. I’m a lot harder on Tech than I am on OSU. Your DEs are young and struggle with fundamentals in the same way that Marlon Williams struggles with every aspect of playing LBer. Would it make you feel better if I talked about the weaknesses of Tech’s team? There’s a whole blog of info here and on Barking Carnival.
Beergut said:
October 30th, 2008 at 1:28 am
sorry I’m getting back to this so late.
coachbeergut@yahoo.com
dedfischer said:
October 30th, 2008 at 4:31 am
Hey, I found one of your old PP presentations and used that. I then forwarded it to ChrisApplewhite and he did his thing with the dots. Thanks for the help and I like those slides you’ve made.
mazami said:
October 30th, 2008 at 8:24 am
wow thats weird 75% of the sacks come from the defensive line, not from blitzing linebackers or corners? thank you for proving my point
dedfischer said:
October 30th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
“wow thats weird 75% of the sacks come from the defensive line, not from blitzing linebackers or corners? thank you for proving my point”
Dude, that’s a stretch. Each of our starters have more sacks than your DL aggregately. I’m not saying you’re a bad team, I just think OSU’s weaknesses are getting pressure on the QB and some limitations with Robinson in the passing game. That doesn’t mean OSU will lose the rest of their games. Hell, they might win out. It simply means those are probably the two biggest holes in your team. Like us at OLB and lack of true drive blockers on the left side of the OL.
Poke Fan said:
October 30th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Come on, just admit it, Tech is the worst team in the big 12.
At mens gymnastics! :>
dedfischer said:
October 30th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Has OSU ever beat Tech in meat judging?
Poke Fan said:
October 30th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Uh…..uh……how the hell should I know.
I’m just a city boy!
We didn’t even have FFA or 4H at the high school I went to in Tulsa. (At least I think.)
dedfischer said:
October 30th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
We’re like the 4-time MNC of meat judging.
Poke Fan said:
October 31st, 2008 at 5:43 am
“MNC”
So I quess Tech does have at least something to be proud of!!!