ROCK BOTTOM Kansas wins its first Big XII road game since 2008 as they stun the Longhorns 57-56 in Overtime.
THIS WEEK: by Joe
Cook Quarter by quarter chronicle of what happened at DKR against the Jayhawks
4
Post Mortem |
Scipio Tex
9
Rock Bottom |
by
The defense is broken
Boyd Poor defense rules the day -- hard to win when you give up 50 to Kansas
16
Early Season Hoops Update |
20
Five Quick Thoughts |
by Ian
by
Gerry Hamilton
Despite a loss at #1 Gonzaga, the future is looking very bright for Texas basketball
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Texas vs Kansas | November 15, 2021
November 15, 2021
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LONGHORNS B
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BOTTOM OUT BY JOE COOK
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas lost its fifth-straight game, surrendered 200+ yards through the air and on the ground, and was dominated in time of possession and third downs conversion percentage. Though Texas battled back, they were felled in overtime… …by the 1-8… now 2-8 Kansas Jayhawks.
November 15, 2021 Xavier Worthy
5
- TEXAS | KANSAS -
FIRST QUARTER
a 3rd-and-seven via a Daniels pass
When Texas retook the field, Hud-
Kansas began with the football with
to Kwamie Lassiter. The Jayhawks
son Card was at quarterback. A flip
Jalon Daniels under center. The
moved into the red zone with a Am-
to Worthy and a run by Jonathon
Jayhawks gained a few first downs,
auri Pesek-Hickson rush, then went
Brooks moved the chains, then
two via Daniels’ legs, and moved
up 14-0 after Daniels found Mason
another via an RPO to Dixon.
into Longhorn territory.
Fairchild on an 11-yard pass.
As the drive continued, KU took
The Longhorns picked up a first
zone, Card took a snap, stepped
more and more yardage via the
down with a Thompson pass to
up, then delivered an accurate pass
ground game until Devin Neal
Worthy, then another with a Robin-
to Worthy. The ninth touchdown
rushed across the plane for a three-
son run as the first quarter ended.
reception of the season for the
Thirty-three yards from the end
California freshman made the game
yard score, capping a drive that
SECOND QUARTER
14-14, and broke Roy Williams’
Texas converted a 3rd-and-seven to
freshman receiving touchdown
When Texas took the field with
move into Jayhawk territory with a
record set in 2000.
Casey Thompson at quarterback,
Thompson completion to Kelvontay
the Longhorns quickly picked up a
Dixon. Two Robinson rushes set
Kansas moved down the field with
first down with Xavier Worthy and
up a Texas score when Thompson
relative ease on its next posses-
Bijan Robinson touches. But after
found a wide-open Marcus Wash-
sion, reaching the Texas 40 via a
took 7:02 off the clock.
third down conversion. When the Longhorns forced KU into another 3rd-and-long, Daniels converted again with a pass to Trevor Kardell making it first-and-goal from the 10. From there Daniels scrambled into the end zone with an assist from Trevor Wilson, who pulled him across the finish line to make it 21-14 Jayhawks with 2:25 to go in the first. Texas’ series featured no response. A deep pass intended for Dixon from Card fell incomplete, a rush went nowhere, and Card was sacked by Johnson again, his second forced fumble of the game. Bijan Robinson
The Jayhawks recovered and
Texas moved into Jayhawk terri-
ington to cut the Kansas lead in
began on the Texas 23, and on
tory, Kyron Johnson beat Christian
half.
3rd-and-six, Daniels swung the ball to Neal, who scampered 19 yards
Jones, sacked Thompson, and knocked the ball out of his hand.
The Longhorn defense then forced
into the end zone to make it 28-14
Kansas recovered and the Long-
a much-needed three-and-out, sti-
Jayhawks with 74 seconds remain-
horn defense returned to the field.
fling the Jayhawks and snuffing out
ing in the second half.
a trick play in the process. Things did not improve for the
KU converted a 3rd-and-short, then
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- TEXAS | KANSAS -
Longhorns. Card threw a pick-six to Jacobee Bryant, who returned it 31 yards and made it 35-14 Jayhawks. On the ensuing kickoff, Brooks touched the ball then knocked it out at the three-yard-line, backing the Longhorns up. Texas tried to move forward and get in position to score, but as they did in most other football ventures in the first half, failed. As Texas ran into the locker room, they were booed off the field.
THIRD QUARTER Thompson began at quarterback to start the half, and a handoff to Robinson picked up 14. A holding penalty undid the gain, putting Texas
Casey Thompson
behind the sticks on third down. Thompson found Worthy for the necessary yardage to keep Texas’ drive alive. On another third down, Thompson found Washington for a big gain to put Texas inside the five. Two plays later, Thompson scrambled it in on a read option to make it 35-21 Kansas. After a short gain by Daniels to start the Jayhawk possession, Neal burst up the field for a 58-yard gain. Two plays later, he found the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the game to make it 42-21. The Longhorn response was again non-existent. An offensive pass interference, a drop, and an incompletion turned the ball over via punt. But Kansas went three-andout after. The Longhorns moved the sticks with chunk plays via Washington and Robinson to approach mid-
field. An offsides penalty by the
it needed. Thompson threw a fade
Jayhawks gave Texas another first,
to Worthy, who hauled it in for his
then an RPO from Thompson to
second touchdown, making it 42-35
Brewer moved the sticks again.
Kansas before the beginning of the
That set up a wheel route out of the
fourth quarter. The Jayhawks faced
backfield for Robinson, who hauled
a third down as the final quarter
in a 25-yard pass to make it 42-28
began.
Kansas. Needing a stop, Texas got a stop. Kansas quickly went three-and-out. Needing a big play, Texas got a big play. Washington blocked the punt and the Longhorns took over in the Kansas red zone. Robinson moved the Longhorns inside the five with a reception, but suffered a major setback a play
FOURTH QUARTER On the third down try, Anthony Cook tracked down the intended receiver and made sure he could not haul the pass in. Texas took over on the 40, and faced a 3rd-and-five out of the gate. The Longhorns could not convert and were forced to punt.
later. When trying to stiff arm an
After steady gains, Daniels found
opponent, Robinson appeared to
Lassiter for 29 yards to move deep
injure his left arm. He went straight
into Longhorn territory.
to the locker room after he got up off the turf. One play later, Texas made a play
Kansas then faced a 3rd-and-six, converting via a Daniels pass to Kardell and moving to 1st-and-goal. Jean Delance
November 15, 2021
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- TEXAS | KANSAS -
On third down, Daniels found Las-
Texas to jump offsides, but the
Kansas needed one first down
siter for a two-yard score to make it
Longhorns stood pat and did not
with Texas having all three of its
49-35.
cross the neutral zone.
timeouts. They were unable to get it, and the Longhorns had one last
It was Kansas tenth conversion of
Leipold called a timeout but put
the night.
his offense on the field. Daniels’
chance with under a minute left. The Longhorns had help from a Reis Vernon 38-yard punt returned 25 yards by Jamison. Starting on the 34, Texas gained nine with Johnson, spiked the football, then threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Brewer. Cameron Dicker hit the extra point to make it 49-49 with 0:22 left. Kansas knelt to send it to overtime.
OVERTIME Kansas won the toss and elected to defend. Johnson picked up seven, then Worthy picked up 10 on a swing pass. On 1st-and-goal, Thompson found Washington in the flat for a score.
Devin Richardson (30) and Steve Sarkesian
Dicker hit the extra point, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty
The Longhorns moved down the
sneak attempt was stuffed, and the
on Washington put Kansas on the
field via scrambles and check
Longhorns took over on the Kansas
Texas 12.5 for its drive.
downs, moving into Kansas terri-
34. An unsportsmanlike conduct
tory with a hard-run reception from
penalty on Keondre Coburn backed
Kansas picked up three on first
Roschon Johnson.
Texas up to the Kansas 49.
down, had a pass deflect off Brenden Schooler’s hands on second
Texas made it 1st-and-goal with a
Johnson gained a first on the
down, then made it goal-to-go with
pass to Washington. The Longhorns
ground, then another after a limited
a Daniels scramble.
made it a one-score game when
workload in the early portions of the
Thompson found Worthy, making it
evening.
Neal ran it in from two yards out,
49-42 Kansas with 4:39 left.
and Kansas kept its offense on the After a swing pass to Worthy,
Needing a stop, Texas held Neal
Thompson looked for him again
short of the line to gain on third
near the end zone. However, OJ
Daniels rolled out and found Jared
down. Kansas head coach Lance
Burroughs was on hand to make
Casey in the end zone, and Kansas
Leipold had a choice with 4th-and-
the interception.
took home the victory.
one on his own 34. He tried to get
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field to go for the win.
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POST-MORTEM |
O F F E N S E
by Scipio Tex Kansas was ranked 128th out of 130 FBS defenses
7 of 11 on 3rd down and scoring touchdowns on every
coming into this game. The reason for that ranking was
single red zone trip.
revealed over the course of the contest with 35 Longhorn points in the second half and an easy overtime score,
If you want to compare coordinator performance vs two
but three first half Texas turnovers and 14 first half points
fruitless Jayhawk units from a schematic and a productiv-
obscured KU defensive futility early.
ity standpoint, removing unforced player error as a limiting factor, I’d give Sarkisian a solid B while Pete Kwiat-
Eventually, Texas stopped committing own goals, got
kowski secured a F. Not a strong gentleman’s F either.
it going with Casey Thompson and Xavier Worthy, and finished with 56 points and 571 yards while converting
I wonder if Sark wishes he’d have gone for 2 at the
XAVIER WORTHY
November 15, 2021
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end of regulation. That would have been stupid by any
long balls. So what? Basically, it’s a good indicator of a
conventional analysis given that Texas was the home
lot of open receivers between 10-25 yards. KU couldn’t
team, had the second half momentum, and the “better”
cover and Sark dialed in a lot of winning calls. Most of that passing yardage also came after the catch. Card led Texas on a touchdown drive, but his play was ultimately disqualifying, finishing 3 of 5 for 52 yards and a bad pick six. The recipient of that pick six was a true freshman cornerback. Card also didn’t feel the pressure on a strip sack, but that’s only partially on him. Casey started slow - had a very productive middle - and made some big errors in the 4th quarter (a KU defender dropped a pick 6 that hit him right in the hands, Casey threw a pick into double coverage in the end zone near the end of regulation, he missed a wide open 3rd down pass on the 1st possession in the 4th quarter). Still he hung in there and made all of the throws that got Texas back into the contest. CASEY THOMPSON
Texas needs to hit the portal and the team (oh, shut up), but I knew for damn sure that KU
recruiting trail hard at QB.
would be going for 2 when they got their OT possession. Of course that means Sark would have had to guess that
I don’t think the answer at QB is at Texas right now.
the Jayhawks win the coin flip etc, but it’s an interesting counter-factual.
RB Bijan was a little banged up coming in, but still ran for 70
QB
yards at 5.0 yards per carry while catching 3 balls for 48
Casey is the starting QB from here on out. He competed
and a touchdown. He’ll be missed and godspeed to his
hard. He finished 30 of 43 for 358 yards with six touch-
recovery.
down passes and one pick. The stats are exciting, but
10
any QB who can throw a reasonable ball is going to get
RoJo and Brooks combined for 70 yards of their own on
theirs against the Jayhawk secondary. They were giving
11 carries and gained 31 combined receiving yard on 4
up over 9 yards per attempt coming in.
catches.
It’s worth noting that though Texas threw for 410 yards,
They were very effective on a worn down Jayhawk de-
no single completion went for longer than 33 yards de-
fense and would have had much bigger days if the clock
spite a healthy 12.4 yards per catch average. Typically,
wasn’t the enemy or if the Texas defense had not been
an offense that throws for 400+ yards hits on multiple
reclining on the fainting couch.
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WR/TE
gets more downfield passing game play going forward,
If your program struggles to develop toughness and
but this may have been a KU thing.
talent, just go recruit it. Enter Xavier Worthy. He was electric, despite clearly being banged up pretty badly in
OL
the first half. The freshman came back and finished with
Awful early. Allowed pressure and didn’t move bod-
14 catches for 152 yards and 3 touchdowns. Worthy had
ies (not good ones either) in the running game, but KU
23 targets in the passing game! I’ve never seen that at
quickly wore down and then the unit asserted itself.
Texas and I’ve never seen that to a freshman.
The Longhorn QBs do them little favor with their pocket awareness and long windups on their throws, but free
Kelvontay Dixon ran underneath routes and did his job
pass rushers sprinting around the corner early in games
securing 4-37.
is becoming a Texas OL trademark.
Marcus Washington provided the perfect embodiment of this team. On one hand, he stepped up as the #2 WR, finishing with a career high 5 catches for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns. He played hard. He blocked a punt. What’s not to love? On the other hand, he drew a foolish holding penalty, had an offsides, and then was penalized for taunting for spinning the football in overtime, which gave the KU offense a big advantage on their ensuing possession. Was that penalty ridiculous? Yes. Do I hate the Big 12 officials with the heat of one thousand suns? Yes. Is it known that the Big 12 in particular has cracked down on taunting to a draconian degree and that players and coaches should know this and must act accordingly in a game
MARCUS WASHINGTON
critical situation? Yes. Is Marcus Washington making a terrific catch off balance (an inch above the ground on a poor throw) and then
Eventually, played well enough to win, though against
falling into the end zone on a great play call to score in
Kansas that’s not a high standard.
overtime and then drawing a 15 yard penalty the perfect embodiment of a team that can’t get out of its own way?
Final Four turnovers against a defense the caliber of KU is
You betcha.
ridiculous, but eventually the offense got it going and put 8 touchdowns on the board with nearly 600 yards at
Cade got loose on a 25 yard touchdown catch out wide
7.1 yards per play. That should generally be enough to
with great separation on a KU defender (4.8 beats 5.0
win a college football game, but this has been a unique
people!) and then nabbed another 15 yarder. Maybe he
season.
November 15, 2021
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POST-MORTEM |
D E F E N S E
JOSH THOMPSON (9) AND BEN DAVIS (6)
Yesterday, Kansas ended their 16 game Big 12 losing streak as 30 point underdogs in Austin.
Texas also marked its own history with a five game losing streak. The last five game Longhorn losing streak
ent. I don’t know. This was before Instagram and human knowledge was not recorded until 2017.
Just spitballing here, but maybe coaching and leadership played a role in that turnaround?
occurred in 1956 under Ed Price. 65 years is a long
I wrote this in my preview of the Jayhawks:
broken. Who knows what achievements yet wait for this
ning game, option football in myriad forms, and ball con-
time ago but I firmly believe that records are made to be
The Jayhawk offense is predicated on RPOs, the run-
team and staff?
trol. It’s not really working. They’re averaging just over
Ed Price was fired after that 1-9 season. Likely by people
3rd downs. They lack explosive plays in the passing and
15 points per game and they convert only 32% of their
who didn’t understand how bad his players were!
running game and while they generally have been able
The Horns hired a young unqualified coach named Dar-
with them have been able to shut them down com-
and mysteriously went 6-4-1 in his first season, nearly
packages limited them to 44 total yards passing and the
ence play the season prior. How did he do that? DKR
away KU’s barest competencies.
to limit turnovers, defenses that have forced the issue
rell Royal to replace Price. Royal took Price’s players
pletely. For example, Oklahoma State’s press coverage
winning the SWC after Texas had gone winless in confer-
Cowboys led 38-0 at halftime. It would be wise to take
probably worked the portal very hard and landed elite tal-
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and
The key is to deny the KU running and short passing game success early and get them into 3rd and medium plus. and
Make Kansas throw on pre-
dictable downs, keep the QB in the pocket, play RPOs on
neutral downs with discipline (and tackle), and be willing to challenge the Jayhawk receivers. and
this is also a chance for
the team and staff to show
that they can execute basic
football (QB, WR, OL, defensive game plan) and offer
hope that it can carry over to
remaining season opponents. The Kansas Jayhawks might
be the easiest scout in college
LUKE BROCKERMEYER (47) AND JOSEPH COOK (4)
football.
Not because of what they’d like to do per se (though their
Texas allowed a 3rd string QB to pick them apart under-
what they can actually accomplish with limited talent,
102nd ranked offense in the country into an efficiency
available offense fits on an index card), but because of
neath, failed miserably against the run, and turned the
reps, and clear deficiencies at key positions.
juggernaut. PK allowed Kansas to do literally the only
Any competent game plan would walk up corners, chal-
lenge underneath routes, force the QB to hold the ball in
thing that it has any capability to do.
Conceded it by design. Credit arrogance, stubbornness,
the pocket, and disrupt in myriad forms. Extra men in the
or stupidity, but you’ll need to pick at least one.
game, inflict negative plays, and force them to make con-
When Texas flirted with walking up their corners and
box attacking gaps might stymie the Jayhawk running
sistent downfield throws they’ve failed to make all year to
bringing pressure, KU actually struggled.
3rd team a week ago.
For the game, Texas surrendered 218 yards rushing
Even a rather imperfect execution of the above keeps KU
Neal going for 24 carries, 143 yards rushing and 4 total
receivers that can’t separate with a QB who was running
in the 20s, introduces positive volatility, and likely turns them over a couple of times.
at over 5 yards per carry with true freshman RB Devin touchdowns.
Jaylon Daniels was allowed to be a paragon of efficiency,
Texas ran ineffective coverage and a horrible run de-
as the career 53% passer completed 70% of his passes
tainment work - what are they but a societal construct?
turnovers. Two balls traveled more than 15 yards through
fense with a postmodernist spin on how run fits and con-
for over 200 yards and three touchdown passes with no
November 15, 2021
13
the air on his 20 completions, only one of them against man coverage outside the hashes.
For the game, KU was a remarkable 11 of 17 on 3rd
down. That 64.7% conversion rate was double their sea-
Texas allowed Kansas to turn 420 yards of offense into 50 offensive points and a 35-14 halftime lead. An ef-
ficiency alchemy that only can happen when a defense
loses nearly every situational high leverage down. That they did.
DL
You know the drill by now. Mis-
used. Underdeveloped. Physically weak for the scheme being asked and in general. Edge players
ignoring containment and wrong shouldering. Technique getting
worse nearly across the board.
LB
Brockermeyer seems too banged up to tackle and was a big liabil-
ity - there were some really tough
moments, including his allowance of Neal’s long run and getting run through on goal line by the QB.
Overshown’s jersey number sum-
mates his game impact succinctly. Ford missed several tackles, but played hard. Three missed LB
tackles created three Jayhawk ALFRED COLLINS
touchdowns and I recorded six from the unit overall before I stopped counting.
son average and a season high mark.
On the season, Kansas averaged 15 points per game and was one of the poorest red zone efficiency teams
in America. Their offense dropped 50 on Texas and ran
through the Horns red zone D like a scythe through daffodils.
5 of their first 6 possessions went for touchdowns. To head off the predictable objections about short fields, four of those drives were 75, 75, 75, 65.
Kansas was 7 of 7 in the red zone - all touchdowns. Watch the Longhorn defense against red zone play
action and count how many Jayhawk pass catchers are wide open. There are plays where the answer is...all of them. Longhorn safeties covered space instead of the
4.7 40 Jayhawk receivers and 5.0 40 tight ends running through the painted part of the field.
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DB
Schooler tackled pretty well overall. Dropped an INT in
OT that would have won the game for Texas. Maybe we’ll thank for him that one day.
The Jayhawk receivers struggled to separate when
Texas manned up, pointed to a guy, said “I got him”, and played “on” coverage. That doesn’t mean press nec-
essarily, but it doesn’t mean “off.” Texas players don’t control those calls.
Foster appears totally checked out. I thought everyone else largely played hard within a bad game plan.
I don’t care to argue about the level of player buy-in - for some it’s obviously not there - but the coaches control
the playing time and there’s far too much confusion back
insidetexas.com
there to assume that every member of the Texas secondary is an unteachable amnesiac. Special Teams
A big punt block by Washington in KU territory and a
PK doesn’t have good enough position coaches to teach the game so he can coordinate it how he wants. Maybe Bo Davis’ next rant will be in the coach’s office with all present staring into a mirror.
strong punt return from Jamison late in the 4th quarter
The response to criticisms against PK has been to cite
Jonathon Brooks was doing on a kick return that he
got me excited as well and it cautioned against jumping
gave Texas a chance to win. I’m not quite sure what
fumbled out of bounds at the 3 yard line, but chalk it up to inexperience. The return teams continue to acquire
penalties at an alarming rate. At this point, when Texas doesn’t have an illegal block in the back or hold on a punt or kick return, I’m mildly surprised. Final
I learned a long time ago that there’s little reward to
being early on pointing out major coaching or systemic issues. Carl Reese. Tim Nunez.
his resume in other places. Understandably. That resume to hasty conclusions. Unfortunately, data keeps pouring
in. Not the inferential kind either. At some point, you have to forget what someone did elsewhere and evaluate them where they are now.
He is doing a bad job with the hand he’s been dealt.
Discussing the hand dealt isn’t particularly illuminating
in explaining systemic problems. I understand the cards
pretty well and they ain’t great. But they ain’t THAT. How
Greg Davis. Mack Brown. Todd Orlando. Charlie Strong.
Most people can’t or won’t see it
even when you show them, singly
blame the players and “talent”, cite “Texas complacency”, that “there’s something in the air”, “tiredness”, “softness”, or recite a familiar
litany of speculative excuses.
Some of those things may also be true, but it’s time to understand what else may be true.
So I bide my time for humiliation
and reality to catch everyone up. The Texas defensive staff isn’t
getting it done. And I don’t know
how to apportion precise degrees of fault or blame. However, they
are failing with respect to employing their assets favorably, evaluation of best 11 and how to best
deploy them, basic scouting and
BRENDEN SCHOOLER
scheme, teaching, and clearly some aspects of motiva-
he is playing them is what matters. The dealers deals,
Perhaps many of PK’s assistants know better but are all
The Kansas game plan was watching a man - and by
with bayonets fixed endorsing the PK scheme. Maybe
Fish.
tion.
playing good soldier and charging machine gun nests
you play ‘em your best.
extension, a defense - flabbergasted by the rules of Go
November 15, 2021
15
5
QUICK
vs
thoughts By Ian Boyd
I
t’s hard to imagine how that game could have gone more poorly for
The Longhorns haven’t technically been eliminated from bowl eligibil-
Texas. Kansas marched up and down the field early on and Texas
ity, but it gets much harder from here. Texas HAS to win out to earn a
wasted multiple early possessions (three first half turnovers) before
bowl trip and they have to beat West Virginia on the road in Morgan-
finding some fight and forcing an overtime.
town and then beat a very good Kansas State team at home in Austin.
Naturally in overtime, after squandering a 35-14 halftime lead in Tex-
Steve Sarkisian’s first season at Texas is going extremely poorly and
as-like fashion, the Jayhawks were all gas no brakes and went for two
it’s hard to add a stronger punctuation mark on a bad year than losing
after scoring to chase a win rather than extended overtimes. Jalon
at home to a previously 1-8 Kansas Jayhawk squad who hadn’t won
Daniels evaded the Texas pass-rush and the Longhorn defense broke
a Big 12 game since 2019 and hadn’t won a Big 12 game on the road
down against a play-action rollout in the red zone one final time, yield-
since Colt McCoy was playing quarterback for the Longhorns (2008).
ing the 57-56 win.
#1: TEXAS’ DEFENSE FAILED THEM This was an all-time horrific performance by the Texas defense.
Yes, the offense put them in some holes with a pair of sack-strip fumbles and a pick-6, but it wasn’t the only problem.
Kansas ran for 218 yards, was 11-17 on 3rd down, and was 7-7 in the red zone with all seven drives ending in touchdowns.
In virtually every big situation, the Texas defense was beat by the Kansas offense. While the announcers were shocked by Kansas
going for it on fourth down late in the game on their own side of the
field, why would they lack confidence? They were stopped there but successful in every other instance, including the final two-point conversion attempt in which Jalon Daniels appeared to have multiple legitimate game-winning options to throw to.
Texas desperately needed a win in this game and couldn’t manage a strong gameplan, couldn’t make any stops in key moments, and
ultimately yielded 57 points at home with the season on the line to the worst team in the league forced to play their back-up quarter-
back. It’s hard to imagine a more catastrophic failure. It seems Bo
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Casey Thompson
#2: CASEY THOMPSON CEMENTS QB1 FOR THE STRETCH RUN Hudson Card had yet to play in a game this season
plete. Than Card was hit from behind and stripped to
the schedule and this was only his second time to get
they scored).
which wasn’t against one of the better defenses on
meaningful snaps in a home game. Entrusted with the
give the Jayhawks the ball in Texas territory (naturally,
ball on the third series of the game, he had a chance to
On the next drive with his first throw, Card threw a late
quarterback job for the final stretch of the season.
was the end of his day. The score was now 35-14 in
put in a big performance and try to take over the starting
It started well as he landed an RPO slant and then hit
Xavier Worthy on a deeper cross for a touchdown. Then it went horribly awry.
A deep post to Kelvontay Dixon lead him into a safety,
which was arguably fortunate to only result in an incom-
field hitch the cornerback jumped for a pick-6, and that Kansas’ favor.
Casey Thompson played a gritty game, making several throws on third down and scoring seven times overall. Some of Thompson’s limitations were present in this
game, yet he made many of the plays that were there to be made and lead Texas from a massive deficit to have
Casey Thompson
November 15, 2021
17
- 5 Q uick T houghts | O klahoma S tate -
#3: XAVIER WORTHY DOMINATES This kid has a chance to be one of the greatest receivers in Texas’ football history.
The Longhorns needed Worthy in a major way in this
game, which became a shootout when Texas couldn’t
solve the Rubik’s Cube of Kansas’ offense. He’s the full package as a wideout with some length and reach to
bring the ball in, change of direction and route running skill, and then the elite breakaway speed to really hurt
teams either after the catch or running by defenders to present a deep target.
After the game finally concluded, Worthy added 14
catches for 152 yards and three scores (might shoulda
been four) to his season totals giving him 50 catches for 848 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. With at
least two games left, there’s a good chance Worthy goes over 1,000 receiving yards in his freshman season.
Steve S
Most of the promise and excitement for the 2022 season centers around the return of Xavier Worthy.
Xavier Worthy
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Sarkesian
- 5 Q uick T houghts | O klahoma S tate -
#4: FIRING STEVE SARKISIAN IS NOT A REASONABLE OPTION There’s going to be a call for heads to roll after
Sark will get a chance to overcome a bad year
horns and with the potential of a losing season
two with a lot of returning weapons on offense
such a humiliating performance by the Longhanging over the program.
It’s not feasible to fire the head coach though,
even if it was the right call. The expense would be massive, the hits to 2022 recruiting and to
the current roster through the portal would be
one and try to get this program on track in year and a proof of concept for that side of the ball after several productive outings on offense.
The offense hasn’t been consistently great, but they have flashed greatness.
devastating, and Texas hardly has a list of vetted candidates.
#5 STAFF CHANGES ARE LIKELY Sark may be safe for another year or more, but
While it’s hard to believe Pete Kwiatkowski is
really be something for him to risk another losing
rent set-up is rotten and it’s going to be hard for
his current staff makeup isn’t working and it’d
year on hoping this defensive staff can do a 180 on this unit.
There are so many things going wrong for this
defense. The scheme routinely lets them down, their packages haven’t served them well, few
players seem to be in roles which allow them to shine, and they routinely fold in big situations.
suddenly a bad coach, something about the curthe coordinator to escape the blame.
If Sark is going to be heading into year two
without bowl practices and a losing record as
the head coach of Texas, he’s going to have to evaluate a lot about his program to make sure they can make a massive leap in year two.
Ben Davis
November 15, 2021
19
2021 HOOPS
TAKEAWAYS FROM TEXAS’ TRIP TO GONZAGA by Gerry Hamilton
The No. 5 Texas Longhorns dropped a game on the road at No.
This Gonzaga game reminded me in many ways of when No. 1
1 Gonzaga 86-74 Saturday night.
Duke annihilated No. 2 Texas 97-66 during the 2005-06 season. J.J. Redick went for 41. A Texas team with LaMarcus Aldridge,
If Texas fans just tuned into the last portion of the first half, the
P.J. Tucker and Daniel Gibson got dusted. The Longhorns didn’t
game didn’t seem that close. Not only did Gonzaga build a
do much well in that game defensively. And that was a good de-
17-point first half lead, but threw in a half-court shot to make it
fensive team. For those that didn’t see that game, it was worse
20 at the end of the half.
than last night. Here is why it matters, Texas advanced to the Elite Eight that season.
It wasn’t ideal. Texas didn’t answer the bell physically in the first half. The Longhorns are trying to be too unselfish at times on
I’m not declaring the 2021-22 Longhorns are going to the Elite
the offensive end as they find their way together.
Eight. But what I am saying is that the Texas program is in good hands, and this team will develop into one that has a real
But make no mistake, this Texas team will be very good this
chance come neutral site games in March.
season. The frustrated carry over from football to basketball is under-
CHRIS BEARD
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- 2021 BASKETBALL UPDATE -
standable by Texas fans. With that said, keep the faith with this hoops squad. Watch them grow, get better and develop this season. Especially when power forward Dylan Disu returns. He’s the top NBA prospect in the program. The second half improved toughness, fight and competitiveness will be big this season. Texas has the skill. Now they have to continue to bring it all together. Just one opinion, but this loss will help them do that long term. GIVE GONZAGA CREDIT The Zags have won over 50 straight games at home. The Longhorns were -7 or 8 starting this game due to a great home-court advantage. Gonzaga has the best frontcourt offensively Texas will play this season. Drew Timme is a very, very good college basketball post player. Chet Holmgren changes shots and provides issues with his length. His passing and understanding provide quality opportunities for Timme. Anton Watson is a very good complimentary big with those two. This was the first hostile environment for a road team in a long time as one astute poster on IT pointed out. Texas got overwhelmed early. It happens. And it will be a very good thing moving forward. Would Texas go back and change the way they attacked Timme in the game? Probably. Would it have changed the outcome? Not in my opinion. Not having Dylan Disu hurt Texas in this game. Texas will have enough on the interior when Disu, Tre Mitchell and Christian Bishop are all playing. Taking away the best rebounding, longest big with matchup versatility was going to be difficult last night. TEXAS WILL SCORE ENOUGH EFFICIENTLY TO WIN Texas needed to be a 37-38% three-point shooting team and a 75-76% free throw shooting team going into the season. Those are going to be very important numbers to score 75 points or more in neutral site games that are win or go home. The Longhorns didn’t shoot it we li the first half last night from three. They ended up connecting on 9-24 from deep. That 37.5% is good enough on the road this season. Last night they would have needed a hot night, especially to start the game. Texas converted 13 of 16 at the free throw line. That 81.3% will hunt on the road all season long. Marcus Carr missed a front
MARCUS CARR
end of a one-and-one, which won’t happen much this season. The squad is shooting 47.8% from three and 73.7% from the line through two games. Texas won’t be a 40% three-point shooting team. They will creep up to 75-76% from the line. Both are going to be what is needed to win on the road, and neutral in March. TIMMY ALLEN WILL BRING THE TOUGHNESS WITH SKILL NEEDED Timmy Allen didn’t play well against Houston Baptist. He played at a very high level in the second half last night. When Allen and Texas began playing more physical and challenging the breastbone of Gonzaga defenders, positive things happened. Chalk it up as needed for these guys.
November 15, 2021
21
- 2021 BASKETBALL UPDATE -
Allen hit a pair of three’s last night. If he becomes a 33-34%
ing, and will improve. His strength provides for mid-range
three-point shooter this season, that will be huge for this team
opportunities off the bounce. He needs to knock down 35-36%
down the line.
from three to maximize his capabilities on this team.
RAMEY AND JONES NEED TO LIVE IN THE MID-RANGE
Texas has a solid five man group of guards in college basket-
OFF THE BOUNCE
ball. The Longhorns don’t have a first round pick in the group,
A key takeway last night was where Courtney Ramey and An-
but they have enough all told. Enough size, enough skill, and
drew Jones need to attack off the bounce this season.
terrific depth.
Both will shoot the three well this season. Then it comes down
TEXAS BASKETBALL IS IN GOOD HANDS
to how to maximize opportunities off the dribble. That will come
The program is in good hands. Chris Beard is one of the best in
in the mid-range. This is especially true with Ramey. Jones has
the college game. Texas made a terrific college basketball hire.
more size, athletic ability and craft to finish around the rim. Ramey will have to make a living in the mid-range off the bounce.
This team will get better all season. Fans will see the improvement. This is a coach that is 4-0 in Round of 64 games, and
Texas needs gets to a point in which Carr, Ramey and Jones
10-4 in the NCAA Tournament.
are maximizing in the mid-range. This will be key in talent neutralized games.
And he has a very good team to develop this season.
WHAT DYLAN DISU WILL BRING TO THE FLOOR
This staff is learning the team in games right now. They will
Junior power forward Dylan Disu is back on the practice floor.
adjust, and adapt where needed. Texas will improve defen-
He’s expected back in a couple of weeks. IT expects the 6-foot-
sively. But this won’t be a great defensive team. The key will be
9.25 skilled big to begin taking part in five-on-five full court in
maximizing offensively, while being good enough defensively
the next week.
and rebounding. That’s the winning ticket with the 2021-22 Longhorns.
Disu helps the Texas rotation, most importantly. Texas will have the ability to play big for longer stretches. Disu will be the best
TEXAS AND THE BOTTOM LINE
out of area rebounder on the team. He will bring more of the
Earning a top 3 seed was the goal at the beginning of the sea-
skill that Mitchell has. Texas’ ability to play Disu and Mitchell
son. Nothing has changed in that regard.
together will make the Longhorns tough to guard for opponents. Both will be 35%’ish three-point shooters, and make 75%’ish
Texas has some time to play together. There are five games
from the foul line. Disu will help open up the court for Mitchell to
Texas should win prior heading to New Jersey December 9.
work in the post as well when on the court together.
That game against a potential NCAA Tournament Seton Hall team will be the next challenge.
Texas needs the length defensively, and an out of area rebounder on both ends of the floor. Disu will have to take his
Bottom line stuff. Texas goes 11-1 or 10-2 in non-conference,
play up a notch physically in the post defensively. He got a look
and the team will be on track from a seeding perspective. Beat
at just how much last night watching from the bench.
Tennessee at home January 29 for another non-conference win.
JASE FEBRES AND DEVIN ASKEW OFF THE BENCH The Texas guards are much better than last season. It’s due to
Texas will need to end up 12-1 or 11-2 in non-conference, and
coaching, and depth.
12-6 or 11-7 in Big 12 play. Those will very likely be No. 2 and No. 3 seed scenarios.
Jase Febres is a much more active player under Chris Beard and staff. He’s going to have more flow to his offensive game
The Longhorns first eight Big 12 games are very favorable.
this season. He will have a solid season off the bench.
Should Texas end up 11-1 when conference begins, the set up is very good to make a run at a No. 2 seed.
Devin Askew will keep showing more and more. He is improv-
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Texas Spirit Photo of The Week
November 15, 2021
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