Double Coverage, October 28, 2011 by The Daily Texan

The Daily Texan Presents:

Oct. 28, 2011

Vol. 6, Issue 8

u c s e R e h ica to t

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Page 12

Friday, October 28, 2011

theLINEUP 4 page

12 21

giLL under Fire Kansas head coach Turner Gill was expected to turn the Jayhawk football program around. Instead they’ve gotten even worse this year.

cAptAin AMericA

Fozzy Whittaker, a.k.a Captain America, has been playing like a super hero. The Longhorns don’t have anything to be scared of this Halloween weekend.

bAttLing cAncer Saturday’s game is Texas’ Breast Cancer Awareness game. The players will be commemorating family, friend, and fans that have suffered from cancer.

PrEviEws and notEBooks Double Coverage looks at how the Longhorns and other teams around the country are gearing up for Week 8.

5 - pOwer rAnkings

16 - keys tO tHe gAMe

8 - MAtcHups 14 - pLAyers tO wAtcH

17 - gAMes tO wAtcH

page

Cover Illustration: Ryan Edwards, Above: Tamir Kalifa| Daily Texan staff

page

18 - big 12 Quick Hits

BEyond thE Gridiron Between the stress of two consecutive losses and the controversy surrounding the Longhorn Network, there are a few things for Texas fans to consider beyond what’s happening on the field.

6 - it is Ok tO rebuiLd

page

Mack Brown seems frustrated this year that Texas isn’t able to break through fast enough. It is time someone acknowledge that.

21 - On Air: LHn A few of the Longhorn Network’s viewers weigh in on the perks of subscribing to the controversial channel.

Editor’s notE

The Daily Texan’s Double Coverage is printed the Friday before every Texas football game and twice during OU week.

The Daily Texan PresenTs:

Volume 6, Issue 8 • 2011 edItIon

Double Coverage Editor……………Sameer Bhuchar Design Editor…………………….Simonetta Nieto Photo Editor…………………………Ryan Edwards Copy Editors……….....……Sydney Fitzgerald Issue Designer...............Martina Geronimo Writers…….................................Austin Laymance ...............................................................Christian Corona …………...........................…...............Nick Cremona ................................................................Lauren Giudice ..................................…......…...............Chris Hummer …………………....................…….....Wes Maulsby ................................................Kristin Otto

Friday, October 28, 2011

Texas tight end play ‘inconsistent’ this season By Christian Corona Daily Texan Staff

Texas might as well have wanted posters around its stadium asking for a productive pass-catching tight end. Ever since D.J. Grant erupted for three touchdowns against UCLA, the Longhorns’ tight ends have disappeared. There have been a few Blaine Irby sightings, an occasional Barrett Matthews appearance and even a D.J. Grant resurfacing here and there. But Grant’s six-catch outburst against the Bruins seems like a distant memory as Texas has gotten just 40 yards on five receptions from its tight ends since blowing out UCLA. “Tight ends have been inconsistent,” said head coach Mack Brown. “That worries us because this is a tight end offense. You look at the three tight ends at Stanford and they rush for 446 yards. We feel like we’ve got some guys there that just need to continue to step up and grow.” None of the three tight ends Brown refers to, however, has had six catches or three touchdown grabs in a game. Ever since Grant’s breakout performance, opposing defenses have focused their efforts to the middle of the field in an attempt to force throws closer to the sideline, where receivers roam. As tight ends traverse the middle of the field, they’re being left out now. But with freshman Jaxon Shipley and sophomore Mike Davis being

the only productive receivers, Texas could use a tight end to step up as a reliable third option. “Most teams don’t want to give up the middle of the field,” said cooffensive coordinator Bryan Harsin. “They want to force stuff outside because you have a sideline out there. It’s a chess match back and forth. If we do a good job outside, then they’ve got to do something to take that away and open up the middle of the field.” Another thing that has held tight ends back lately has been the need for them to contribute to the pass protection aspect of the offense. With Oklahoma and Oklahoma State racking up more sacks than anyone in the Big 12 except Texas A&M, Texas needed more tight ends in the trenches, where they have opened up holes in the running game as well. “Our guys are trying to find a consistent blocker,” Brown said. “The receptions have been down the last couple of weeks because we’ve had to keep the tight end in and block because our protection has been iffy at best.” When the Longhorns’ tight ends do get a chance to run routes, they don’t get thrown at often. In Texas’ last three games, tight ends have been targeted 11 times. If the coaches are indeed grooming Ash to be the consistent full-time starter, it may take even longer for tight ends to be productive again with the true freshman learning to go through

Tamir Kalifa | Daily Texan staffers

Longhorn tight end D.J. Grant, No. 18, moves to make a block against Oklahoma State. Grant and the rest of the tight end corps have played with both flashes of brilliance and streaks of slumps.

progressions quicker. “We’re behind him,” Irby said. “I think David is going to keep learning as he keeps experiencing more and more games. Whatever he feels comfortable with, we’re going to do.” Irby, like Grant, has fully recovered from a knee injury that kept him out for two full seasons. He made his first two catches in more than three years against Oklaho-

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ma. The senior also took part in a grueling workout run by strength head coach Bennie Wylie, who had players run up and down the steps of Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium’s upper deck. Irby, unlike some of his teammates, was fortunate to avoid vomiting on those steps. “[Wylie’s] a crazy man,” Irby said. “It’s a part of our ‘protect the house’ routine. You see the stadium from

a completely different perspective when you’re up there. You appreciate the fans that pay to come watch us play football.” Those fans in the nosebleed sections Wylie tried to help his players appreciate have a good chance at watching Texas’ tight ends catch a few passes against Kansas. But don’t be surprised if they go a few weeks before another productive performance.

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Kansas head coach wants to change culture of program Gill’s team was expected to take a step forward this year, instead the Jayhawks have regressed; coach under fire By Chris Hummer Daily Texan Staff

Turner Gill knows what it means to be successful. Gill was a three-year starter at Nebraska, leading the team to a 28-2 record in his time there, along with three Big 8 championships to boot. Gill then played professional baseball and quarterbacked for the CFL for a while before returning to the college ranks to coach at his alma mater. Eventually he landed the head coaching job at Buffalo, and in his four years there significantly improved the program, leading them to their first MAC championship and first bowl win in half a century. That performance at Buffalo landed him the head coaching gig at Kansas, replacing Mark Mangino after the 2009 season. When he took the job, he made it clear right away that his goal was to bring Kansas a winning tradition.

“Our purpose of this program is to bring this program to a point where we will sustain a winning football tradition year after year,” Gill said in his opening press conference. In his first season with the Jayhawks the team went 3-9, but the season was highlighted by a marquee 28-25 win over No. 15 Georgia Tech. While the team struggled most of the season, there were still positive signs. Gill’s system was implemented, his change of attitude talk was creating a buzz, and Gill still firmly believed that they were making steady progress. “I want to say our fans about why they should be excited about next season,” Gill said at the end of last season. “One we understand our team better as a staff. We will have better speed. We will have better depth. Our staff knows how to build a winning program ... I have brought people in on our staff who know how

to build a winning program.” Going into the 2011 season hopes were high for the Jayhawks, as they looked to build on Gill’s first season. However, the team has struggled. They started off the year with a pair of close wins against sub-par competition, McNeese State and Northern Illinois. From there the team has quickly fallen off losing by an average of 32.6 points a game in their five-game stretch. To make matters worse the last of these losses was a 51-21 drubbing from rival Kansas State last weekend, where the Jayhawks were embarrassed and clearly out-manned. This kind of loss has seemed to be a theme in the Kansas season thus far. There are numerous moments in which the team just looks plain terrible and few bright spots to show that the team is continuing to improve. Which brought up the question after the game on Saturday of whether

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Kansas head coach Turner Gill leads the Jayhawks on to the field. Gill, a longtime winner, was expected to turn the Kansas program around, but he hasn’t been able to thus far.

Kansas is really getting better this year, and Gill was honest. “I think today maybe we took a little step back as far as improving,” Gill said. “I think there are some things there. A lot of things that are coming to the surface is our inexperience. There’s a little bit of a temporary setback. It’s one football game and you get ready to go for the next one.” Gill’s assessment that the Jayhawks are moving backward in terms of progress, or are at least stagnant in improvement, have brought up numerous questions about the future of Gill’s job in Lawrence from the fans and the media. Gill’s career prospects didn’t sound much better out of the mouth of Kansas Athletic Director Sheahon Zenger, who said Gill’s progress is being monitored on “week-by week basis.” Zenger went on to say that he would not make a final decision until the end of the

season. Gill and his players will not give up though; they will continue to play hard the rest of the way. If the Jayhawks can manage to win one or two more games, they will buy their coach one more season to really put in to action the principals that he wanted to instill. Their first opportunity to turn the season around will come Saturday against Texas, in which a win will give him something to stand upon. But Gill knows what needs to be done, and knows what the consequences will be if he does not get the Big 12 win he needs. “That’s life; that’s football,” Gill said. “You have to have the mindset that you have to improve. We have five more opportunities to do that, and we’re fortunate right now that we have those. There’s going to come a time where you don’t have those opportunities anymore, but that’s what it’s about.”

Friday, October 28, 2011

BIG 12POWERRANKINGS — By Nick Cremona | Daily Texan Staff

Oklahoma State

Fairly simple gameplan for Oklahoma State moving forward — win and they’re in. The key to the Cowboys’ success this year has been their ability to create mismatches on nearly every snap with their frenetic offensive pace and the incredible athletes they trot on the field every down.

Baylor

It was bye-bye for Baylor the past two weeks, but this week the Bears face Oklahoma State in Stillwater. That loss to A&M on Oct. 15 couldn’t have left a pleasant taste in the Bears’ mouths, and they’ll have a prime opportunity to get rid of it against the Cowboys.

The last time the Longhorns had a bye week they came out the next week and beat Iowa State on the road. With an extra week to rest and prepare for the final half of the season, the Longhorns should come out strong against a terrible Jayhawk squad.

Texas

Kansas State

The odd part about the Wildcats’ current seven-game winning streak is that their biggest wins (Miami, Texas Tech, Kansas) have all come on the road. When you factor in that they also have a pretty decent home field advantage, it’s a little easier to see why teams are starting to dread playing the Wildcats.

Missouri

Oklahoma Uh-oh. There could be some trouble at the top for the Sooners. Just a week after a rare home loss to Texas Tech, Oklahoma now has to play in Manhattan, Kan., against arguably the hottest team in the conference. They’re still good, they just have to prove it all over again.

Iowa State

Texas Tech What a game in Norman last week. The Red Raiders controlled the time of possession and just flat-out outgunned the then-No. 3 Sooners en route to a surprising 41-38 victory. Quarterback Seth Doege has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards so far and that number is only going to get bigger.

Texas A&M

Sophomore running back Henry Josey topped the 100-yard mark on the ground for the second-straight week and fourth time this season last week, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Tigers over Oklahoma State. The Cowboys picked quarterback James Franklin thrice and continue to force turnovers at a rapid pace.

It’s been an up-and-down year so far for the Aggies, but as of right now they’re on the upswing.. The thunder and lightning combination of running backs Christine Michael and Cyrus Gray has been working well, but the Aggies’ defensive secondary remains questionable at best.

The Cyclones hung around for a while last week against the Aggies, but their defense gave way in the second half and the team lost its fourth-consecutive game. Quarterback Steele Jantz has missed some time in the last couple of weeks with an ankle injury and the Cyclones have struggled in his absence.

Kansas

Ladies and gentleman: presenting the nation’s worst defense. Ranked 120th in points allowed (50.4 ppg), the Jayhawks have had trouble stopping anything that anyone has thrown at them. Bad doesn’t even begin to describe the Jayhawks’ play this year.

UNDERTHEHELMET

MASON WALTERS

BLAKE GIDEON

Favorite Halloween costume as a kid

Pirate. “I was a pirate in the first grade. I always wanted to carry [a] sword around.”

Penguin. “I was a penguin in the third grade, and [I] just think penguins are really cool.”

Favorite Trickor-Treat candy

Snickers. “I still love them.”

Reese’s Pieces. “I love Reese’s. They’ve got a couple of holiday editions like for Easter, but the Halloween ones are the best.”

Scariest movie you’ve seen Paranormal Activity 1 and 2. “I normally try to stay away from them, but my buddies try to force me every now and again. I will not see Paranormal Activity 3.”

Killer Klowns from Outer Space. “I am deathly afraid of clowns, so this movie was freaky when I saw it. I mean it’s a really badly made ‘80s movie, and it’s low-budget, but I was just a kid when I saw it.”

Biggest fear

“Letting people down that are counting on me.”

“Spiders.”

Friday, October 28, 2011

Time to face the facts: Texas is rebuilding, will be for few seasons By Sameer Bhuchar Daily Texan Columnist

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“Texas doesn’t rebuild, it reloads.” Perhaps you’ve heard the saying before. OK, you’ve definitely heard this saying before. Even this publication is guilty of perpetuating the statement that has become ingrained in the culture of Texas’ football program. So ingrained, in fact, that perhaps it is time someone recognizes it as both inapplicable to this season and potentially detrimental. These negative effects are no more evident than in the demeanor of head coach Mack Brown during Monday’s weekly presser. After giving his usual opening statements of depth chart changes and injuries to note, Brown sighed and waited for the questions to pour on. “How do you stay focused after facing two top-five opponents in a row?” “Do you think your team has an identity yet” “Will we see a two-quarterback system again versus Kansas?” “What is with the red-zone efficiency?” And so-on and so-forth. In past years, Brown would’ve handled these questions with his usual charm and Mr. Fix it attitude. This year, it is evident that things are a bit more frustrating. “We haven’t played well enough that we understand who we are, I think,” Brown said in response to a question asking about the Longhorns’ identity as a team. “Each week we will just have to keep re-evaluating where the quarterbacks are,” Brown answered. “We could use [the two-quarterback system] until the end of the season.” These answers seem fine enough on paper, but in-person Brown seemed, at least for the first time this season, noticeably tired and agitated by the bombardment of questions that still loom after Texas’ recent failures. And why shouldn’t he be? The man has won 137 games as Texas’

head coach and has only lost 35 times. From 2001 through 2009, Brown won 10 or more games each year, marking the longest active streak of seasons with 10+ wins in the nation. Aside from last year, Brown has led one of the most successful and richest college programs of the last decade, and he’s had people applauding him all along the way. All the while, each time Texas lost a marquee player, it had another young pupil lined up to fill in where the last one left off. Colt McCoy replaced Vince Young, Cedric Benson eventually replaced Ricky Williams, and so-on and so-forth. This is the first time Brown has ever had to take such a young squad on to the field. I don’t know about you, but reloading isn’t taking 20 underclassmen on to the field in the Big 12, now apparently home to the country’s Heisman-quarterback farm system. This is a full-fledged rebuilding. This is tearing down the framework of the house Texas once laid ownership to and putting in more than just a new sink and a granite counter tops. Brown seems to want the results faster than they are happening. He is a perfectionist that instilled a culture of winning at Texas, and is just now learning to pay the price that most schools around the country pay every four to five years when its time to restructure their organization. Surely, he knows more than you or I what this team needs to get better, but what he seems to have forgotten is that it is alright to fail a little bit before succeeding. Heck, ask Joe Paterno. He has had so many longterm bouts of success that it is easy to forget that the Nittany Lions were terrible after winning the Fiesta Bowl in 1997. It took them all the way until their 2006 Orange Bowl win to get back on pace with Paterno’s usual style of winning. Give this squad two more seasons, and by the time it is older, it can restore Texas’ unprecedented status quo. But until then, a few more fiveloss seasons may be in order. Brown hasn’t failed at much during his tenure as Texas’ head coach, so its OK that he does.

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Friday, October 28, 2011

MATCHUPS — By Wes Maulsby | Daily Texan Staff

QUARTERBACK

The strength of the Texas offense and one of the strongest aspects of the team is it’s running game. Malcolm Brown has been living up to the hype and had his best game of the season last week against Oklahoma State, rushing for a careerhigh 135 yards and two touchdowns averaging more than seven yards per carry. Kansas’ James Sims is the only Jayhawks back with a game-high of more than 100 yards, rushing for 104 and 110 yards in the first two games of the season. Since then, his highest rushing total has been 85 against Texas Tech. Brown will share the backfield with Fozzy Whittaker and D.J. Monroe, with Monroe bringing elite speed to the position and Whittaker looking as good as he has at any other point in his career.

RECEIVERS More than half of Texas’ receptions have been made by two players, with Mike Davis and Jaxon Shipley combining for 53 catches this season. Those two also combine for more than 65 percent of the yards in the passing game. Kansas has four receivers that have caught at least 10 passes this season. Junior D.J. Beshears leads the Jayhawks with 23 receptions for 328 yards and three touchdowns. Kansas has one tall receiver in senior Tim Biere. At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, he is one of the more imposing receivers in the conference and could be a deep threat over smaller corners. The Jayhawks have more weapons than Texas has proven not to have.

OFFENSIVE LINE Kansas’ line has given up 16 sacks this season, with 10 of those coming in the last three games. While that is not great, it is still better than the Texas line that has allowed 13 sacks in its two losses, after only giving up four in the first third of the season. Pass protection is not the strength for either of these two units, but Texas has the superior run blocking, with three backs averaging at least five yards per carry and another averaging 4.8. Kansas has two freshmen averaging more than six yards per carry, but its top-two rushers averaging 4.4 and 4.1 yards per carry, respectively. Both lines will be able to open up some holes for their backs, but the one that keeps its quarterback upright the most will have the advantage in this game.

Advantage

Breakdown

Quarterback: Texas made the move to play the true freshman Ash over McCoy against Oklahoma State and has had a week to prepare for Kansas. Ash had decent numbers against the Cowboys but wasn’t able to consistently move the ball or make big plays. Even worse, he has thrown four interceptions to just one touchdown in the last two games. Sophomore Jordan Webb is the starter for Kansas and is actually having a decent season even as his team seems to fall apart around him. He is completing 67 percent of his passes for 1,407 yards and 12 touchdowns against only five interceptions. Though he has less talent around him, Webb has been putting up better stats at this point in the season.

RUNNING BACK

Advantage

Breakdown

DEFENSIVE LINE The Kansas defensive line has only been able to get to the quarterback six times this season, with half of those coming in the first game of the season against McNeese State. Three teams have averaged more than six yards per rush against the Jayhawks this season, with Georgia Tech running rough shot over them with more than 12 yards per carry. Texas’ line has mustered eight sacks, with four coming against UCLA. Opponents are averaging 4.3 yards per carry against Texas. The line has been pretty stingy against the run for the most part, but consistently allow the other team to pop off a few big runs a game. Texas has more athletes along the defensive line than Kansas, which will give them an edge and a chance to start making some plays.

LINEBACKERS

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Kansas is led by senior Steven Johnson, who has 71 tackles on this season, and is averaging more than 10 per game. He is making most of the plays on a defense that ranks dead last in the country in total and scoring defense. Texas’ linebackers are led by Emmanuel Acho, who has 58 tackles through six games this season. Texas linebackers defend the pass well, but have a tendency to miss the gaps in the defense leading to big runs every now and then. Also, Texas’ linebackers get erased by lineman on blitzes, and cannot get to the passer. Texas’ linebackers are more talented, but they keep making mistakes and allowing big plays. However, Kansas’ defense is porous, and gives a lot of yards and a lot of points.

The strength of the Texas defense is quickly becoming the young Texas secondary. The corners are making plays all over the field, including behind the line of scrimmage. They held all the Oklahoma State receivers below 100 yards receiving and held Brandon Weeden to only 56-percent completion. The Kansas secondary has been getting shredded through the air and rank 119th in passing defense, allowing more than 318 yards per game. It is also 119th in passing efficiency defense. Texas has been giving up some yards through the air, but still ranks in the top 10 in the nation of passing efficiency defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS Texas’ special teams have come alive in recent weeks. Whittaker has run a kick back for a touchdown in consecutive games and has 352 kick return yards in the past two games while leading the nation in kick returns. The rest of the Texas returners are getting close to busting some big runs, too, with the team ranking eighth in the country in kick returns. Kansas ranks 77th in kickoff returns, and its kicker has made 97 percent of his PATs but has only made half of his field goal attempts. Tucker has made all of his PATs and has made eight of nine field goals. Special teams is once again becoming a strength of the Texas team, except this time it’s in the return game and not the kick-blocking game.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Return game emerges as unexpected bright spot By Austin Laymance Daily Texan Staff

Fozzy Whittaker is the nation’s leading kick returner. But his journey to the top was about as unorthodox as it gets. Whittaker started on the front line of the kick return unit as a blocker, and then transitioned to the second returner against Iowa State and Oklahoma. There, his job was to take any kick off to the left of the hash marks. “It’s been mix and match for me where I line up on that team,” Whittaker said. Late in the second quarter against OU, Texas found lightening in a bottle. Trailing by 24 and searching for a spark, the Longhorns needed a big play. And Whittaker delivered with a 100yard return for a touchdown. You can thank the swirling winds at the Cotton Bowl for that. “It was kind of a weird flight because [the ball] got caught up in the wind and it looked like it was going down the middle and at the last second it turned towards me,” Whittaker said. “I just fielded it.” It was the senior’s only return of the game, but it was enough to convince the coaching staff to hand him the return duties the following week against Oklahoma State. Whittaker responded with another 100-yard return touchdown and finished with school records in kick return yards (252), and return average (42) for a single game. Not bad for someone who only had four kick returns total between high school and college before that game. In typical Whittaker fashion, though, he turned the attention away from himself and onto his team. “I don’t think it’s a vision thing,” he said. “Coach Applewhite has been doing a great job putting a scheme together against the opposing kick off team. What we’ve been utilizing is a kick off that we put in BYU weekend. Ever since then we’ve been perfecting it, polishing it up. I think it’s just us getting comfortable blocking that type of scheme and the way that we do it.” The dominoes have certainly fallen into place this year for the tailback. Texas lost two kick returners

Returnmen Quandre Diggs and Fozzy Whittaker take a kick off back against Oklahoma. Whittaker has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns already this season.

Trent Lesikar Daily Texan Staff

even before the season began, with Malcolm Williams’ departure and Christian Scott’s three-game suspension. At that time, Whittaker was the last man anyone expected to see returning kicks. “We did not put him back there initially because of his injuries,” said head coach Mack Brown. “We felt like we would keep him off of special teams.” Injuries to the receiving corps forced Texas to pull veteran returner Marquise Goodwin off special teams. And D.J. Monroe, who has two career touchdown returns, struggled in that role this season, opening the door for Whittaker. “We needed a really good leader back there that could stir all the guys up and excite the bunch that we might have a chance to score every time we get it,” Brown said. That decision has been spot-on. Whittaker leads the country in kick return average (46.5 yards) and is the only player in Texas history with a kick return touchdown in back-to-back games. But can he keep the streak alive against Kansas on Saturday? “That’s not really a focus, but if the opportunity presents itself I’d be more than happy to try to contribute to put points up on the board,” Whittaker said.

Actually, the road will only get harder. The coaching staff said they expect opposing kickers to keep the ball away from him with squibs and sky-high kicks. “Hopefully he’s not through,” said Brown, noting Whittaker would have his full attention as an opposing coach. “I think it will be harder now because people are going to move it around some.” Brown said he’s been pleased with the special teams as a whole. Texas averages 10 yards per punt return, giving the Longhorns solid field position each game. That unit also blocked a punt against ISU, with Josh Turner scooping up the ball for a 34-yard touchdown. It was the Longhorns’ first punt block return for a score since 2009 against Missouri. Place kicker Justin Tucker has converted eight of nine field goals and hasn’t missed an extra point. Kickoff coverage, though, has been a problem. The Longhorns gave up a 100-yard kick return touchdown against OSU, and opponents average 26.3 yards per return (slightly less than UT’s 26.6 average). “It is a real issue for us,” Brown said. “We’ve changed personnel, we’ve changed the way we’re doing it. We’re concerned about it.”

Next issue: Nov. 4

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Jayhawk defense among nation’s worst squads go and keep going with our season and try to turn it around.” He believes the defense has to Needless to say, Kansas has not execute plays more and utilize had the season it was hoping for so playmaking abilities. The team has far this season. They are currently the least amount of sacks (6) and 2-5 and have lost their last five interceptions (2) in the Big 12. games after beating McNeese State Although first year defensive and Northern Illinois. coordinator Vic Shealy said the deAlthough that record hurts, their fense has many improvements to defense is hurting more. They are make and that Texas’ complicated ranked last in the 120 FBS teams in offensive scheme will be a challenge total defense. for the young Kansas defense. In the seven games they have “With such young players, it’s played this season, they have al- hard for them to go out there and lowed 3,856 yards. That gives master fundamentals and master them an average 7.6 yards given up their scheme if they’re still learning per play. the fast rate,” Shealy said. “As long “There’s still some inexperi- as they continue to work hard in ence,” said Kanpractice, we’re sas head coach going to conTurner Gill. “I tinue making think a majority improvements.” of it is in the secBut, he said ondary, where there have been guys are makmany players on ing mistakes the defense who and people are have stepped up capitalizing on as leaders, espeit. Every team cially linebacker makes mistakes, Steve Johnbut [our opson. Johnson ponents] have leads the Big 12 been able to exin tackles. ploit that on the “He is a great defensive side.” leader and has He said it played tremenis necessary dously,” Shealy for the team said. “He has to keep workbeen consistent ing and stay — Mack Brown, Texas head coach in many ways.” motivated. The Although coaching staff the defensive is attempting to statistics for mix things up the Jayhawks in practice and aren’t pretty, create scenarios they have had that could occur a rough schedin the game such as third down sit- ule for the past five games. Each uations, goal line situations and red team they played was ranked and zone situations. unbeaten at the time the Jayhawks Kansas is coming off of a tough played them. 59-21 loss to in-state rival Kansas “We’ve played some great ofState. Kansas State quarterback fenses,” Shealy said. “It’s difficult to Collin Klein got his offense into improve sometimes when you keep the end zone seven times. He had a facing some of the finest offenses career-high 195 throwing yards. in the country and so I think TexJunior cornerback Greg Brown as presents another big challenge said the loss to Kansas State was for us.” tough for the team, but all of the Kansas’ 47-17 loss to Oklahoma losses this season have been. was somewhat considered a suc“As a team, we have to put it past cess for the Jayhawks. They held us and just move forward,” Brown the Sooners to fewer points than said. “I know it’s not something you Texas did. can just brush off, losing to a rival But perhaps the worst statistic team like that. We just have to let it for Kansas is that they have al-

Kansas safety Bradley McDougald, No. 24 is called for pass interference against Kansas State wide receiver Chris Harper, No. 3 during the first half or their matchup. The Kansas defense, which allows more than 50 points a game, is the worst in the country.

By Lauren Giudice Daily Texan Staff

“

I know it’s not something you can just brush off, losing to a rival team like that. We just have to let it go and keep going with our season and try to turn it around.”

Orlin Wagner Associated Press

lowed 46 touchdowns so far this season. “It is really just all about us maintaining focus, staying together and continuing to execute each and every series,” Johnson said. “We need to take it one week at a time and try not to do other people’s jobs for them.” Texas tight end Blaine Irby said the Longhorns have noted how aggressive the Jayhawks are. “When we’re watching them, their linebackers and their Dline really fly to the ball,” Irby said. “Watching the past couple of games on film it really seems like they bring a lot of emotion. So we’ve got to match that emotion. We’ve got to bring the game to them.” The Jayhawk defense is determined to end this five-game losing streak against a young, inexperienced Texas offense.

“

Whittaker embraces Superhero persona By Austin Laymance Daily Texan Staff

It doesn’t take long to figure out who Fozzy Whittaker’s favorite super hero is. The red, white and blue shield that hangs above his bed gives it away. It’s Captain America. Whittaker started collecting the Marvel character’s memorabilia when he arrived at Texas in 2007; the same time he began embracing the super hero’s mentality. “It kind of just took over, Whittaker said. “I used to play one of the video games and I always played with Captain America because growing up that’s who I liked, but I never really embraced it. “I did a little research on him and read who he was. The type of patriotism he shows, the kind of character he is. He’s somebody that I wanted to embody.” Whittaker’s taken all that Captain America stands for to heart and emerged as the Longhorns’ team leader this season. The senior tailback leads UT with seven touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving and two on special teams) and is No. 1 in the nation in kick return average (46.5 yards). The do-it-all running back has taken the Texas offense upon his shoulders in his final year as a Longhorn. “He really has been Captain America,” said senior tight end Blaine Irby. “He’s been unbelievable this season. He’s a great leader and I definitely see that Captain America [mentality] kind of following him.

“It’s great because you think of Fozzy, and you just think of a running back. And then this year you see him returning kicks in the two biggest games we’ve had and you see him in the quarterback spot playing the wildcat. Fozzy can do it all.” It’s hard to imagine where UT would be without him. “He’s saving the team in some aspects with his play in the kickoff game and on offense,” said senior linebacker Keenan Robinson. “He’s definitely shown up big all season for us.” Like any great super hero, Whittaker has a budding sidekick. He’s taken freshman tailback Malcolm Brown under his wing. “He’s a real great mentor,” said Brown, who leads the team with 516 rushing yards. “One of the coolest guys I’ve met in my life.” Brown said Whittaker’s willingness to share his wisdom and advice caught him off-guard. After all, the rookie wasn’t expecting the veteran to take too kindly to the Longhorns’ newest stud in the backfield. But Captain America is not selfish, so neither is Fozzy. Actually, the Houston native is about as welcoming as it gets. “He’s one of the funniest guys on the team,” Brown said. “You can’t really be around him and not laugh. Even when you’re having some problems, go hang with Fozzy for a little bit and he’ll cheer you up real quick.” Whittaker, though, didn’t always consider Captain America his favorite super hero. “I always liked The Flash just because people said I was fast,” he said. “As I got older, I faded away from The Flash and gravitated towards Captain America.”

Now, his memorabilia assortment is too large for him to put a number on. Whittaker’s collection includes: puzzles, tee shirts, pins, action figures, posters, the iconic shield and, of course, his signature Captain America backpack. Even his twitter handle, @CaptnAmerica2, pays homage to the super hero. “I always see him wearing the hat and the shirts and he has the backpack on him everywhere,” Brown said. “I’ve seen him bring his shield before. That’s pretty cool, pretty funny.” But Whittaker’s success this season has a lot to do with staying healthy. The oft-injured back has missed 10 games over the last three years, mainly with knee issues, but is now in the best shape of his career. Major Applewhite, Whittaker’s position coach, said the senior’s experience with injuries have actually helped Whittaker remain healthy this season. “Being around the program a long time, he understands how to take care of his body better,” Applewhite said. “He’s learned the ropes. In terms of, ‘Okay, I can get this treatment now. I can go do this with flexibility. I can go do this in the weight room.’” That knowledge stems from the strong relationship Whittaker forged with Bennie Wylie, the strength and conditioning coach. The two worked tirelessly in the offseason to get Whittaker into prime shape. “I think he’s faster,” Applewhite said. “Probably a step faster.” Yes, Captain America would be proud.

Texas team can’t be spooked by Kansas Defense By Christian Corona Daily Texan Staff

Tamir Kalifa Daily Texan Staff

Elisabeth Dillon Daily Texan Staff

Plenty of things may scare you this Halloween weekend. Kansas’ defense should not be one of them. Any way you look at it, the Jayhawks are just plain bad. They’re the only team that gives up more than 50 points per game. Kansas surrenders 550 yards per game, more than anyone in the country, and are next to last in pass defense, pass efficiency and rush defense. Teams score on 93 percent of the possessions they reach the red zone against Kansas, good for 114th out of 120 FBS schools. The Jayhawks’ opponents convert more than half of their third-down plays 75 percent on fourth down and average 26 first downs per game. But Texas is doing its best not to let those numbers get in their head. “That can give you a false sense of security,” said sophomore guard Mason Walters. “In the Big 12, someone’s got to be at the bottom of it. You’ve just got to show up and play.” Part of the reason Kansas has struggled so much is the fact that its opponents tear up every defense they face. Georgia Tech boasts the fifth-best rush offense while Kansas State sits at No. 19. The Jayhawks have also faced three of the top four pass offenses and three of the 10 most prolific scoring offenses in Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. Those three teams’ starting quarterbacks — Landry Jones, Seth Doege and Brandon Weeden — have already combined to throw for more than 7,500 yards and more than 60 touchdowns. The trio of juggernauts averaged 54 points per game in their respective contests against Kansas. “They’ve played one of the toughest schedules in the country,” said head coach Mack Brown. “They’ve played most of the top teams already. They got way behind against Oklahoma State and that skews your stats enough to the point where you might as well throw them out.” Texas won’t light up the scoreboard the way the Cowboys did when they put up 70 on the Jayhawks. But the Longhorns are capable of having a big game, especially on the ground, where they racked up 231 yards against Oklahoma State. In six short games, freshman Malcolm Brown has proven he can be a legitimate feature back while senior Fozzy Whittaker has been effective on both offense and special teams. “I thought we run the ball well,” said co-offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin of his backfield’s performance against the Cowboys. “I think they’re getting better. They’re getting more familiar with each other. The running backs are doing a good job of working off the o-line, the tight ends and the fullbacks. It’s just a matter of repetition.” Brown, whose teams last home conference win came against these same Jayhawks in 2009, admitted his squad isn’t as prepared to exploit Kansas’ poor pass defense as it is to exploit the run defense. If Texas sticks with David Ash, who averaged fewer than four yards per attempt on 40 throws against Oklahoma State in his first career start, it will need to improve the downfield passing game to keep the Jayhawks’ defense from stacking the box. “We need to have more explosive plays,” Harsin said. “We need to connect on some of those deep throws. We’ve taken some shots and we’ve been a hair off here and there from hitting some of those. “We need to have more explosive plays,” Harsin said. “We need to connect on some of those deep throws. We’ve taken some shots and we’ve been a hair off here and there from hitting some of those. That’s going to come with the relationship of the quarterbacks and receivers.” Brown compared this week’s game to last year’s against Iowa State, a 28-21 Longhorns loss. But he’s also insisted that this season’s team has a much different attitude than last season’s. If that’s true, Kansas should give up another big chunk of points and yards while Texas notches a lopsided win.

Friday, October 28, 2011

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PLAYERSTOWATCH

— By Wes Maulsby | Daily Texan Staff

James Sims, Sophomore RB Sims is the primary rusher for the Jayhawks. Kansas has a decent offense and its rushing attack is led by Sims. He has carried the ball 32 times more than anyone else of the team and is averaging a solid 4.4 yards per carry. He had almost 220 yards after the first two games but he has been held to 54 yards per game over the past five, and he hasn’t rushed for more than 100 yards in conference play. He’ll need to have a breakout game for Kansas to keep Texas from blitzing and getting to Webb.

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Though Kansas is not having a good season, Webb is actually putting up some decent numbers. He’s completing 67 percent of his passes and has a rating of 154. All of his interceptions occurred in two games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, who leads the nation in turnover margin. He has completed more than 70 percent of his passes four times this season, has more than 100 yards in every game and is sixth in the conference in passing yards. If Kansas is going to win this game, then it will have to rely on Webb’s arm to get it done.

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Friday, October 28, 2011

KEYS TO THE GAME By Wes Maulsby

Exploit defense

Run the ball Last game was the first loss in Mack Brown’s career in which his team ran for more than 200 yards. Before, he was 70-0 in those situations. Texas needs to run the ball in order to give itself its best chance to win. With a freshman quarterback starting, Malcolm Brown becomes the most important player on the team. Through the first six games of his career, Brown has 516 yards rushing, with two 100-yard games. At the same points in their careers, Ricky Williams had 348 yards and no 100yard games, Cedric Benson had 329 yards with one 100-yard game and Earl Campbell rushed for 495 with two 100-yard games.

Special teams Fozzy Whittaker emerged as an elite return man against Oklahoma, and continued it against Oklahoma State. He already has two returns for touchdowns and has 372 yards on just eight returns, averaging 46.5 yards per return. This pace would put him handily in first all time at Texas, as he is 17 yards per return over the single season average and 19 yards over the career average right now. Before Whittaker, Johnny “Lam” Jones was the only player in Texas history to have a 100-yard return, and Whittaker now has two in consecutive games. Whittaker shattered the single-game return-yards record previously held by Quan Cosby by almost 100 yards. When paired with D.J. Monroe, who had two return touchdowns in 2009, Texas has one of the most dangerous return tandems in the country.

To say that Kansas is struggling on the defensive side of the ball would be an understatement. The Jayhawks are allowing teams to roll up more than 50 points a game, with more than 550 yards in offense. There are only three teams in the country allowing more than 40 points game, and Kansas is the only one allowing more than 50. They are also the only BCS conference team allowing more than 40 points a game, and they have not limited a team to fewer than 42 points since holding McNeese State to 24 in the first game of the season. Kansas also sports one of the worst run defenses in the nation, allowing 232 yards per game, along with a whopping 604 to Georgia Tech.

Streaking Texas has not lost to Kansas under Mack Brown. Further, Texas has not lost to Kansas since joining the Big 12. The two teams haven’t played very often, and the last time Texas lost to Kansas was in 1938, and in that year Texas ended up going 1-8. Before that, they played in 1901, with Kansas winning 12-0. During the current streak, Texas has won seven of the eight games by double figures, with only the 2004 game in Lawrence being decide by four points. Texas has won the last eight games by an average margin of victory of more than 30 points and with the 2004 game removed, that margin of victory goes up to 34 points per game.

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GAMESTOWATCH — By Chris Hummer | Daily Texan Staff

No. 9 Oklahoma @ No. 8 Kansas State Overall 6-1 Big 12 (3-1)

Overall 7-0 Big 12 (4-0)

Baylor @ No. 3 Oklahoma State Overall 4-2 Big 12 (1-2)

Overall 7-0 Big 12 (4-0)

No. 6 Stanford @ USC

No. 11 Michigan @ No. 14 Nebraska Overall 6-1 Big Ten (3-0)

Overall 6-1 Big Ten (2-1)

Overall 7-0 Pac-12 (5-0)

Bill Snyder Stadium, Manhattan, Kansas Saturday 2:30 p.m. TV: ESPN

Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Okla Saturday 2:30 p.m. TV: ABC

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Neb Saturday 11 a.m. TV: ESPN

Overall 6-1 Pac-12 (3-1) Los Angeles Coliseum, LOS ANGELES, CA Saturday 7 p.m. TV: ABC

The last time that Kansas State was ranked this high was in the 2004 preseason poll. The Wildcats have gotten out to a 7-0 start this season, with marquee wins over Miami and Baylor. The true test for the Wildcats will come in the next four weeks, when they take on four straight ranked opponents starting with No. 9 Oklahoma on Saturday. Oklahoma may be their toughest test in the stretch though, especially since the Sooners are coming off of a demoralizing loss to Texas Tech that most likely knocked them out of the National Championship race. The Wildcats will have to lean heavily on their 19th-ranked rushing attack to keep the Oklahoma offense of the field. Kansas State’s running game is spearheaded by running back John Hubert, who has 637 yards in his sophomore campaign, and dualthreat quarterback Collin Klein, who has 670 yards and 14 touchdowns with his legs alone. Expect Kansas State to keep the ball on the ground to work the clock, but it will still be a monumental task to beat the Sooners.

High-scoring offenses, check. Two great quarterbacks, check. Two defenses that prefer to allow their offensives to win games for them, check. What does all of this equal for football fans? Perhaps the highest scoring and most entertaining game of the season. Griffin has already thrown for 1,950 yards, 22 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Oklahoma State is also led by senior Brandon Weedon, who has thrown for a video game-like total of 2,436 yards already this season. Leading the Cowboys’ second-ranked offensive attack, that averages 48.6 points a game. But unlike Baylor the Cowboys have elite level talent around Weedon, such as wide receiver Justin Blackmon. He is a likely top-five pick in the 2012 NFL draft, although after suffering concussion-like symptoms in their last game, Blackmon is questionable for the showdown with Baylor. Even without their star receiver on the field, expect the thirdranked Cowboys to continue their roll .

Last week, Michigan State had perhaps the most exciting finish in college football this season when it completed a Hail Mary to knock off an undefeated Wisconsin squad. However, this win for the Spartans was huge for them in their Big 10 title hopes, as it kept them undefeated in conference play and should give them the confidence moving forward to continue their roll. The Spartans are competitive in every game because of their outstanding defense that holds opponents to only 13.7 points a game — which is more than enough to allow their offense to work. Nebraska has been strong in its first season in the Big 10, with its only loss coming to the previously mentioned Wisconsin squad. While the Cornhuskers aren’t the prettiest team to watch, they are effective at pounding the ball down your throat, averaging 261 rushing yards a game. This keeps the pressure off of quarterback Taylor Martinez and his throwing arm, which if used too often, causes Nebraska to lose games.

Stanford has rolled early on this season, jumping off to a quick 7-0 start against average competition. But this week the Cardinal square off with perhaps the toughest team on their schedule thus far: USC. The Trojans have only one loss on the season and are coming off of an impressive 31-17 win against Notre Dame . USC is led by junior quarterback Matt Barkley, who has thrown for 2,006 yards, 19 touchdowns and only four picks thus far. Barkley is a very gifted player and was the top prep recruit in the class of 2008. However, as luck would have it, the Trojans are up against one of the few quarterbacks in the country that could actually be better than Barkley: Andrew Luck. Luck is the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL draft and is looking to lead Stanford to a national title before he leaves. He has a great shot to do that if he can navigate the Cardinal through the rest of the Pac-12 schedule. But even if Stanford stumbles against USC, the game is still a must see because of the NFLlevel talent under center for both squads.

Fans see perks in subscribing to LHN By Lauren Giudice Daily Texan Staff

The Longhorn Network has been a source of a lot of complaining and controversy for some football fans around the country. With Saturday’s game against Kansas only being available on the network, one has to wonder: What is actually good about the network? It turns out, subscribers have a lot of positive things to say. “I think it has exceeded the hype that was made about it,” said Randall Scoggins, a class of ’82 Texas alumnus. “I had heard about it coming for awhile and I wasn’t really sure if I was going to be able to get it and I came home one day — I have Verizon FiOs — and it was just on. We started watching it and it has just been fantastic. All the programming is great.” Grande Communications and Veriozon FiOs are the main providers that carry the network. Time Warner Cable, a major Texas network, does not. Scoggins, who lives in Grapevine in the Dallas Fort Worth area, said

the quality of the programming has continued to impress him and that he enjoys getting an inside look at Texas sports, especially football. He is one of the few lucky fans who will be watching the game on Saturday on the network. Freshman government major Cody Wittman watches the network often and said the network is fairly compatible with ESPN. “When they show insights on the team, I think that’s really interesting,” Wittman said. “With ESPN, you see the team on the surface, but with Longhorn Network, it goes deeper. I really enjoy getting that more indepth look at our players.” The network will have coverage of all 20 Texas sports and has been featuring volleyball, soccer and football games so far this year. The network will televise 12 of Texas’ basketball games. Programs on the network include Longhorn Extra, Texas Football Overdrive, Texas Gameday and more. Wittman particularly likes the

show “Rewind with Mack Brown.” “I really like the show ‘Game Plan’ with Mack Brown,” said senior journalism major Kyle Gregory. “I feel like it’s really insightful. We usually don’t get a lot of access to coach Brown so it’s cool to get a look at what he’s actually thinking about.” Scoggins enjoys watching “Texas All Access” and classic football games. “Last night I was watching Longhorn Network and an old Texas-Arkansas football game from 1969 was on,” Scoggins said. “Old games are always really fun to watch.” Wittman believes that there are opportunities for the network to have more commentary on sports other than football. He has watched some volleyball games on the network and believes the coverage is strong, but there is little analysis post-game. But, overall, he believes the network provides a strong mix of sports. “You can’t just be a football network if you’re called the Longhorn Network and I think the network does a pretty

Thomas Allison | Daily Texan Staff

Longhorn Network host, Kevin Dunn, prepares for a broadcast. LHN will carry Saturday’s game, but few will be able to actually watch it.

good job of balancing football with other sports,” Wittman said. Gregory said that although the programming is football-dominated, he is excited for basketball and baseball to start. “I think it really shows that we are a well-rounded athletic program,” Gregory said. “The athletes from sports other than football definitely deserve the recognition as well.”

As a Texas alumnus, Scoggins appreciates the programming on the network that goes beyond sports. He has watched segments about professors, the people who take care of the trees on campus and all the construction that is going on. “Overall, everything has been great and it’s really a better quality product than I thought it would be,” Scoggins said.

Friday, October 28, 2011

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QUICKHITS — By Nick Cremona | Daily Texan Staff

Oklahoma State

Oklahoma

Wide receiver Hubert Anyiam could potentially miss the remainder of the season after he broke a bone in his left foot last week against Missouri. Fellow wide receiver Justin Blackmon was held out of the second half against Missouri as a precautionary measure after he suffered a blow to the head. Defensive end Cooper Bassett missed the Missouri game because of an undisclosed injury.

Last week’s loss to Texas Tech in Norman, Okla., was the first time the Sooners have lost at home since the opening game of the 2005 season when they lost to TCU 17-10. Walk-on running back Dominique Whaley did not play against the Red Raiders because of illness. Linebacker Tom Wort also missed the game with a back injury. Cornerback Jamell Fleming also didn’t see any action against the Red Raiders as he was recovering from a knee injury. Defensive Casey Walker did not play because of a thumb injury.

Kansas State Center Shaun Simon entered last week’s game against Kansas as a reserve. It was his first action since suffering an undisclosed injury in the Wildcats’ season opener. At 7-0, the Wildcats are off to their third-best start in school history. Only the 1998 (11-0) and 1999 (9-0) Wildcats have recorded longer winning streaks. Freshman wide receiver Tyler Lockett also set a school record when he returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown against Kansas. It was his second touchdown return in as many weeks after he returned a kickoff against Texas Tech two weeks ago. No other player in school history has returned a kick for a touchdown in back-to-back games.

Kansas

Center Jeremiah Hatch returned to his starting role after injuring his neck against Oklahoma two weeks ago. Running back Darrian Miller received his first start against Kansas State last week, rushing for 42 yards on 13 carries. Kansas State marked the seventh-straight undefeated opponent the Jayhawks’ had faced this year. It was the longest streak of its kind in Kansas history.

Missouri

Defensive tackle Terrell Resonno did not dress against Oklahoma State last week because of a sprained knee. Head coach Gary Pinkel is unsure of a timetable for when he will return. Defensive end Brayden Burnett also missed the Oklahoma State game with a hyperextended elbow. Running back Henry Josey now leads all Big 12 rushers with 855 yards on 99 attempts. At 3-4 on the season, the Tigers risk not becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 2004.

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Quarterback Robert Griffin III was named as a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, given to the country’s top quarterback each year. Cornerback Chance Casey has moved to safety. Baylor remains the only FBS school to average 300+ yards passing and 200+ yards rushing per game. Wide receiver Kendall Texas A&M Wright ranks third among active Cornerback Coryell Judie missed players with 249 career receptions — including at least one his second-consecutive game with a catch in every game he has played hamstring injury. Wide receiver Kenric McNeal also missed last week’s (43 straight). game against Iowa State because of a sprained foot. Kicker Randy Bullock Iowa State became the school’s fourth player to Redshirt freshman Jared Barnett reach the 300-point mark in scoring, has replaced junior Steele Jantz as joining kickers Kyle Bryant, Todd the Cyclones’ starting quarter- Pegram and running back Jorvorskie back. Head coach Paul Rhoads Lane. With their 33-17 victory over made the announcement this week Iowa State last week, the Aggies imafter Jantz struggled through- proved to 10-1 all time against the out the year with injuries and Cyclones in what could prove to be overall inefficiency. the last game between the teams.

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Friday, October 28, 2011

2011HeismanWATCH — By Nick Cremona | Daily Texan Staff

Andrew Luck QB Stanford

Week 8 vs. Washington- 16/21 (76.2%) for 169 yards, 2 TD Season Stats- Passing: 145/202 (71.8%) for 1,888 yards, 20 TD 3 INT Rushing: 16 rushes for 83 yards, 1 TD Luck? Who needs it when you can run for more than 400 yards in a game? That’s exactly what the Cardinal did last week in their 65-21 rout of Washington. Luck simply needed to run the clock out in this one so his numbers took a bit of a dip. The most important thing for Luck to do is keep winning. At this stage in the season, a loss is far more harmful to a potential Heisman candidate than a down week statistically. The Cardinal will travel to Los Angeles this week to face a USC team that has nothing to lose — this game could be a defining moment for Luck if the Trojans keep it close.

Trent Richardson RB Alabama

Week 8 vs. Tennessee- Rushing: 17 rushes for 77 yards, 2 TD Receiving: 3 receptions for 33 yards Season Stats- Rushing: 149 rushes for 989 yards (6.6 ypc), 17 TD Receiving: 18 receptions for 212 yards, 1 TD Alabama’s defense did most of the work last week against Tennessee, so Richardson did what he needed in order for the Tide to keep on rolling. The Tide get a week off to prepare for the Nov. 5 showdown with LSU. Richardson will need to work hard during the bye week to be in top shape against the Tigers. The impending game will have the entire nation’s attention and a big game for Richardson could mean a big leap toward making the Heisman his own. Butch Dill | Associated Press

Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Week 8 vs. Air Force- 23/29 (79.3%) for 281 yards, 3 TD 1 INT Season Stats- 174/228 (76.3%) for 2010 yards, 24 TD 5 INT

Jones put on a clinic at the Cotton Bowl last week, recording more than 300 yards passing in the first half against the Longhorns. He never batted an eye at the pressure Texas brought and could have very well had 10 to 15 more completions had he not overthrown his receivers on a few occasion. The Sooners have now beaten two ranked teams this year and have four Jack Dempsey | Associated Press more scheduled the rest of the way. With the way Jones and Co. have been performing lately, Kansas stands little to no chance of stopping Jones from putting up huge numbers this week.

ON THE RISE Sammy Watkins WR Clemson

Week 8 vs. North Carolina- 8 receptions for 91 yards, 1 TD Season Stats- Receiving: 54 receptions for 819 yards, 9 TD Special Teams: 15 kickoff returns for 434 yards, 1 TD This freshman has catapulted Clemson into the national picture and is just as good as advertised. Watkins goes big every time he’s on the field and even bigger when the game is on the line. No game on the Tigers’ remaining schedule really jumps out as a possible upset and that’s good news for Watkins’ Heisman hopes. If Watkins and the Tigers can keep up their incredible run there’s no reason they don’t deserve a shot at a national championship.

Richard Shiro | Associated Press

DOWN

Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin

Week 8 vs. Michigan State- Passing: 14/21 (66.7%) for 223 yards, 2 TD 2 INT Rushing: 8 rushes for 30 yards, 1 TD Season Stats- Passing: 109/149 (73.2%) for 1,780 yards, 16 TD 3 INT Rushing: 32 rushes for 212 yards, 3 TD Receiving: 1 reception for 25 yards, 1 TD

The result of the Spartans’ last-second touchdown last week did more than just deflate Wisconsin’s national title aspirations. Russell Wilson’s Heisman chances also faded as the Spartans were able to pull off one of the biggest and most exciting upsets of the year. Wilson had an uncharacteristic outing, throwing two picks and also giving up a safety when he was tackled in the end zone by a Spartan linebacker Denicos Allen. Much like what has happened to Robert Griffin III at Baylor, Wilson and the Badgers need some help in the form of other big teams losing in order for his Heisman chances to rise again. Al Goldis | Associated Press

Friday, October 28, 2011

Tackling Cancer

Tamir Kalifa | Daily Texan Staff

Blake Gideon, No. 21, and the rest of the Longhorns will be playing for more than a win this week, they will also play to honor those they know who are dealing with a form of cancer. This month is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Game dedicated to those battling deadly disease By Kristin Otto Daily Texan Staff

“I think your strongest bonds come whenever you go through the worst of times together.” Longhorn safety Blake Gideon shared his thoughts on the coherence of the University of Texas football team coming off an unranked, losing season. However, when the team enters DKR Stadium to take on the Kansas Jayhawks this weekend, recollections of tough times in the minds of UT players will not be limited to past football defeats. In the spirit of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Longhorns will charge through the tunnel on Saturday evening sporting colored ribbons on their helmets. “They get to dedicate the game to the person in their immediate family who has either survived or have lost or is fighting that deadly disease,” said Texas head coach Mack Brown. As part of his personal memorial, each player has the option to wear either a yellow, pink or purple decal. A yellow emblem signifies prostate

cancer while a purple symbol brings mindfulness to all cancers. Gideon’s helmet will be adorned with a pink ribbon — the universal sign for breast cancer awareness. Sitting in DKR after an off-season practice two summers ago, Gideon’s parents informed him that his mom, Ralene, had been diagnosed only days earlier with stage one breast cancer. Today, after rounds of radiation and medication — which she will continue to take for the next four years — Ralene is in remission. While Ralene taught pre-calculus, her husband Steve held the position of head football coach at Leander High School — Blake’s alma mater — for more than 10 years. “[Ralene has] been a coach’s wife her whole life,” Brown explained. “When you’re talking about sports, she’s seen the highs and she’s seen the lows and you go back to work and you keep working. The c-word [cancer] is a very difficult one and she’s a great role model for people who are fighting that disease.” Ralene is not only a role model for those battling cancer but to her son as well.

Welcome to the neighborhood. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® now has another new café location to serve you. Stop by for a cup and visit our

UT Drag store at 24th & Guadalupe.

Friday, October 28, 2011

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— By Nick Cremona | Daily Texan Staff

Oregon corner suspended, battling bevy of legal issues

Ducks cornerback Cliff Harris was suspended this week after he was pulled over for several infractions, including driving on a suspended license and without insurance. In a statement released by the school, head coach Chip Kelly said Harris would not be allowed to participate in any football-related activities. Eugene Police report that Harris was stopped Monday afternoon after an officer noticed he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, for which he was also cited. Harris faces fines in excess of $952 and the car he was driving was impounded. This isn’t Harris’ first run-in with the law. He was also ticketed this past June for driving 118 mph on Interstate 5, also with a suspended license. Harris was suspended indefinitely by Kelly and missed the Ducks’ season opener against LSU at Cowboys Stadium. In six games this season for the No. 7 Ducks (6-1, 4-0 Pac-12), Harris has nine tackles as well as an interception.

Trojan RB decides to quit, focus on personal problems

After deciding not to travel to South Bend, Ind., last week for the Trojans game against Notre Dame, sophomore running back Dillon Baxter has decided to leave the USC football program. Baxter had skipped a practice and was late to another function last week, citing both “family and academic issues.” “The decision has been made for Dillon Baxter to focus on his academics,” head coach Lane Kiffin said in a statement. “As he does so, he will not be part of our football program. However, we will continue to support him with our academic services department.” There was rampant speculation regarding Baxter’s possible transfer to another school, but as of this week he is still enrolled at USC. Baxter had drawn comparisons to former Trojan Reggie Bush after he performed well in the spring of 2010, but he soon fell out of favor with Kiffin. The San Diego native was suspended for two games last year for unspecified reasons and lost his starting job to D.J. Morgan. Baxter then fabricated a story claim-

ing several head coaches from schools around the country had illegally contacted him after USC received a two-year postseason ban and lost 30 football scholarships. Baxter rushed nine times for 29 yards this year for the Trojans. Kiffin maintains that Baxter will not transfer.

Ohio State RB Jamaal Berry suspect in assault case

Sophomore running back/return man Jamaal Berry is a suspect in an assault case that happened early last Friday morning in Columbus, Ohio. No charges have been filed, but athletic director Gene Smith told the Ohio State school newspaper, The Lantern, that Berry will be suspended if he is charged in the incident. “The victim, who The Lantern has chosen not to name at this time, said that Berry and his friend were yelling vulgar remarks at him. After asking why they were yelling, the victim said that Berry crossed the street and punched his friend, and then punched him in the face with a closed fist.” In five games this year, Berry has seven kickoff returns for 150 yards and 169 all-purpose yards.

Vols hand keys to Worley, hope he provides spark at QB

Volunteers head coach Derek Dooley has named true freshman Justin Worley the new starter at quarterback. Worley appeared in the second half last week against Alabama and will make his first career start this week at home against South Carolina. “We’re not throwing and catching the way we need to, and we’re not calling the game the way we want to,” Dooley said. “So, we just need to make this move. I just feel like it’s the right one. It’s not something that’s done on a whim. You know, we have a lot of data to make a switch. We don’t have a lot of data on Justin.” Worley figured to redshirt this season, but with Tyler Bray out with a broken thumb and inconsistent play from senior backup Matt Simms the past two weeks, Worley’s redshirt was removed — making him the de facto starter for the remainder of the year.

Friday, October 28, 2011

TEXANSTAFFPICKS Sameer Bhuchar

Trey Scott

Austin Laymance

Christian Corona

Nick Cremona

Lauren Giudice

Wes Maulsby

Chris Hummer

(5-5)

(6-4)

(5-5)

(6-4)

(5-5)

(8-2)

Overall Record

(40-20)

(43-17)

(45-15)

(33-27)

(39-21)

(41-19)

(45-15)

Kansas at No. 24 Texas

Texas

Kansas

Texas

Baylor at No. 3 Oklahoma State

OKlahOma sTaTe

BaylOr

OKlahOma sTaTe

No. 6 Stanford at USC

sTanfOrd

UsC

sTanfOrd

OKlahOma

neBrasKa

miChigan sTaTe

Missouri at No. 16 Texas A&M

Texas a&m

missOUri

Texas a&m

No. 15 Wisconsin at Ohio State

WisCOnsin

OhiO sTaTe

WisCOnsin

Illinois at No. 19 Penn State

illinOis

Penn sTaTe

illinOis

Penn sTaTe

Purdue at No. 18 Michigan

miChigan

PUrdUe

miChigan

flOrida sTaTe

nOrTh CarOlina

flOrida sTaTe

Last Week’s Record

No. 9 Oklahoma at No. 8 Kansas State No. 11 Michigan State at No. 14 Nebraska

North Carolina St. at Florida State

Kansas sTaTe Kansas sTaTe

LASTWeek’SWINNER Submit your weekly picks on the Double Coverage site for a chance to be immortalized as a “Fan Pick ‘Em” winner, as well as receive two free movie tickets courtesy of Regal Cinemas. Last week, Matt Hochman won the contest with a 6-4 record. He was actually the second place contestant, but the first place winner never responded to Double Coverage to claim his prize. Who said second place is the same as losing?

hOBBies: “I love singing and playing the guitar. I also enjoy telling a good joke and hiking.” WhaT he’ll Be dOing BefOre The game: “I usually try to attend a tailgate with some buds. I’ve got no set plans though. I’m just going to play it by ear.” Matt Hochman Business senior

WhaT seCOnd PlaCe feels liKe: “It feels good to be on top but not have the pressure of having to actually follow up with another win.”