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Game Thread Game Two: #1 Ohio State 24, #2 Texas 7 (9/9/06)

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BB73 said:
I'm wondering if a team's best "win" being a close loss to USC has ever actually garnered some team a BCS bid. I'm thinking about this, but nothing in recent history comes to mind. :tongue2:
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2005 Notre Dame. Of course, there is always the favouritism for ND, people voting ND at least two places higher than they really deserve.
 
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I have a feeling xrayrandy is licking his chops for this one, and since the threads usually go as he does, I figured we've dive right in :).
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I guess I have to respond then. First, I'm a big beleiver that the less freshman are in the game the better chance a team has too win, so I don't put much emphasis on the incoming recruiting class for a game like this, especially so early in the season.

Snead is an obvious exception, since I think he will start, or at the very least play the most snaps on offense. It's a good thing he showed up in the spring since he'll be more like a redshirt freshman than a true freshman. I realize that is not a big difference, but it's something.

I would have mentioned kicker, since it is possible Hunter Lawrence, who some had rated the #1 kicker coming out last year may win the starting kicking and/or kickoff job over Greg Johnson. JR Imber is a walkon true freshman kicker with even better distance on his kickoffs who will be in the mix. On the other hand it is possible that Mack will play Greg at all three kick spots rather than put this game in the hands of a freshman kicker.

TE Greg Smith is someone else I would have mentioned. He came in for spring workouts and looked pretty good, even with a knee that isn't 100% yet. With Ullman having injury issues, Smith could be the #3 TE in the game, and see some action. Even as the #4 TE he would be in the game some, maybe in 3 TE goal line sets.

I don't see any freshman wideouts getting into the game for more than a few plays, since Texas has a very solid top 6 (+RT) there. I might have put Montre Webber ahead of Marshall given his speed (10.67 FAT 100m a few weeks ago). McGee would only see time at RB if RT isn't eligible, and then he would only have a few carries.

Defensively I wouldn't put Anderson at the top since UT has 4 solid DTs plus an experienced 5th year senior backup in front of him. Kindle is already on the two deep having been here for the spring, so he should see a lot of time at LB, and Norton may get in the game for a half dozen plays or so. After Kindle I think Jones will get the most playing time among defensive freshman, since he should be the #4 DE the moment he sets foot on campus (unless that honor goes to Lamarr Houston). I don't expect to see Chykie in the game, since this is not a game where you want to play a true freshman corner. The four CBs we have will have to handle it. I think Chykie will play this year, since we will need the depth for the Tech game, but he sits out this one.
 
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campies said:
Good stuff. Let's move the focus however from the benign stuff and interstate relations, and on to something directly football related. Seeing that we've already covered a large amount of topics in this thread, I thought I'd offer a more detailed analysis of a mildly touched upon subject that will in fact affect this year's game: 2006 recruiting classes. I have a feeling xrayrandy is licking his chops for this one, and since the threads usually go as he does, I figured we've dive right in :). Analysis from respective team and school would be logical and preferred, but feel free to add any input/insight you have on the players from either side.

Texas- National Ranking #3-5, 25 commits, 11 Defense, 13 Offense, 1 ST); Breakdown per Rivals: 5*- 2, 4*- 11, 3*- 12

Top 5 for each unit, in order of most likely early contributions contrasted with sheer talent.

Defense
1) DT Ben Alexander (5'11 285) 3* Anderson, SC - Most Texas fans should be very excited about this guy. Mack has already stated that he will come in and play as a freshman, partly due to our depth, partly due to his talent. Hard to get anymore certain about early contributions than that. A nose tackle with bullish strength and great quickness, he was a little under the radar due to lacking ideal height, however, in reality, is probably 6'0 or better, and was good enough to garner offers from Florida St, Florida, Georgia, ND, Va Tech, the Buckeyes, and us among others. He will be a player.
2) CB Chykie Brown (6'1 180) 4* Houston, TX- "Shockey" (pass it on to ESPN, others; its not "Shocker" either) looks to be one of the more talented DB's we've had come on the 40 acres (assuming he makes it in with his qualifying, though most indications are that he will). Combining outstanding leaping ability and speed, this tough run stopper and blanket corner is possibly the best athlete in the incoming class. He lands this high on my list because of the desperate need to develop depth in the secondary after this year's seniors move on. Chykie looks most like Aaron Ross, but plays coverage and run support more like Michael Huff.
3) LB Sergio Kindle (6'4 225) 5* Dallas, TX- If sheer talent were the only criterion, this guy would be head and shoulders above the rest. Many would argue this kid is the best 2-way talent to come out of the state of Texas since, well, who the hell knows? Its been a while since there's been someone like him. As an all-state RB he compares to Eddie George. As a LB (which is where he'll play at UT) he looks most like Derrick Johnson. How good can he be? No one knows. One thing is sure for, as an early enrollee, though a little raw in technique, he's more physically developed than any recruit we've had in the last few years, and getting to learn early, he will play next year. If not for our experience and depth at the linebacker position, he'd undoubtably have been higher. Nonetheless, its hard to argue he's the best physical specimen from this year's class, and POSSIBLY on next year's team. Guys like this are why we get excited about recruits.
4) DE Eddie Jones (6'3 240) 5* Kilgore, TX- Our other 5* recruit, Eddie is a stud, bottom line. Top prep DE for 2006. Though our starting DE spots are filled by 2 seniors, with talented, returning lettermen at the backups, DE is a spot that looks favorably on depth due to both injury, and having a dominant DE rotation. Eddie is not only extremely ready as a player to push returning guys for playing time from day 1, but he has a shown a competitive desire, to go with his beastly talent, that expects nothing less of himself than to crack the 2-deep once the workouts and season begins. That lends me to expect big things from him. Prototype DE prospect with speed, strength, and a non-stop motor that runs 'HOT' and 'HOTTER.'
5) LB Jared Norton (6'3 232) 4* Rowlett, TX- A great prospect that really came on during last season to land himself a spot on the Rivals100 list(no.89). Grew from a CB/S early in high school to a big LB by Jr year. He has a great size/speed package, but more importantly, plays with an inside linebacker mentality. Loves to stick his nose in the middle of the line and blow plays up, but is equally effective chasing down a RB on a sweep to the outside. Can't comment too much on his coverage skills, but had a pick his senior year, to go along with his 13 sacks. I would expect him to get some good work in the blowouts/patsy part of our schedule, plenty of conference games, and develop into a fan-favorite, expectation player poised for a breakout following year.

Offense
1) QB Jevan Snead (6'3 215) 4* Stephanville, TX - Kinda hard not to mention this guy. Taking over a defending National Championship as a freshman has a way of getting you "exposure." Its not set in stone that will be the starter yet, although it looks like it could in the coming months; nonetheless, he will play next year, and have a significant impact on this team's success. As you've probably heard, he's a good-sized guy with good if not great speed (4.6), but more importantly, he has one of the strongest arms of any 18 year old QB in the country, and ran a Shotgun-based, spread-option offense in high school. Aside from all that stuff that's good to hear, in the few months he went from graduating high school early, to enrolling and working out with the team, he's already running the offense as well or better than RS-Fr Colt McCoy. Now that obviously means jack about how "mature" or "skilled" he'll be Sept. 9th, but right now I think it contributes to us feeling about as good as we possibly could feel in the situation heading into the season.
2) ATH Deon Beasley (5'10 165) 4* Orange, TX- As the name would suggest, many people in the burnt orange are excited about getting Deon Beasley on campus. Anyone watching his tandem with Snead in the Army All-American game, topical as it may be, can see his talent and play-making ability. An electric play-maker who lined up all over the field in high school, he could defense as much as offense at Texas. Deon plays bigger than his size would suggest, and should continue to add weight and strength as he gets into summer. Nonetheless, he's certainly not what you think of as a "wirery" high school kid; well-built and athletic is a good way to describe him. I see him as an early contributer on offense as a wideout, and possibly the return game, but he may well begin training at defensive back from the start, which is where I believe he was recruited.
3) WR Phillip Payne (6'2 201) 4* Garland, TX- Bring the Payne! That was lame, but Phillip's game is not. Physically, as his Rivals' profile suggests, he looks a lot like Terrell Owens. That's always a plus, as long as we're talking PHYSICALLY, and from all intents we are; this kid is a specimen, plain and simple. Dominating at times on the HS level due to his attributes; perhaps a little raw at WR position, but everything I've seen of him suggests a very complete player for the position. Only elite prospects are more polished/effective at wideout. Looks to have a strong work ethic in preparation for the season and competing.
4) RB Vondrell McGee (5'10 190) 4* Longview, TX- A 2,000+ yd runner as Jr. in the toughest division of HS football in Texas, this kid has it all with the exception of better size for his running style, though thats more nitpicking than critiquing. Runs like a slightly taller/trimmer Mike Hart, with much, much better speed. He has the talent to be effective immediately as a RB or in the return game. Good reciever out of the backfield like Jamaal, he's a great overall prospect. Depth at running back hurts his overall position.
5) WR Josh Marshall (6'4 205) 3* Arlington, TX- Excellent size with very underated speed (watch him play), but most importantly, some of the most fly-paper hands of any wideout in recent years. A fluid athlete, who simply KNOWS how to play wide reciever, this kid is easily the most underrated member of our class, along with maybe Alexander. I expect him to come in and shock a lot of people with how good he looks in preseason workouts after they weren't expecting as much.

Honorable mention: DE Brian Ellis (6'5 250), DL Lamar Houston (6'3 260), DB James Henry (6'2 195), QB Sherrod Harris (6'3 212)

Well that about does it for my analysis. I'm sure the other Horns will jump in and add some revisions but I feel like thats pretty indicative of what many Longhorns think, but mostly, what I think. Love to hear the Buckeye rebutal on who the studs of y'alls new class are in addition to Chris Wells.
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Ohio State- National Ranking #9-12, 20 commits, 7 offense, 12 defense;
Breakdown by Rivals: 5*-2, 4*-8, 3*-10

Defense
1) LB Ross Homan (6'1" 235 lbs) 4* Coldwater, OH- One of the top linebacker prospects in the nation last year. Committed shortly after signing day, which probably dropped him a few places in the rankings. Ross has enroled early and already has made an impact at linebacker. Comparisons to AJ Hawk are all over the place, but that remains to be seen. A step quicker than Hawk but not a strong when he was this age. Could see time due to the situation at linebacker, and will probably be getting significant time by the end of the season.

2) LB Larry Grant (6'3" 225 lbs.) 4* San Fransisco, CA- Top JUCO linebacker in the country last year. His reported 40 time is a sub-4.5. Enroled early and while he hasnt been as impressive as Homan, he has better physical tools and athleticism. Could see time at linebacker, or even as a Nickel back. Committed to Florida but didnt pass an SEC required math test. Chose the Buckeyes over offers from Florida, Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas A&M. Tressel never takes JUCO players, so this kid obviously impressed him alot. Blocked 6 kicks his senior year alone.

3) CB Kurt Coleman (5'11" 185 lbs) 4* Clayton, OH- The staff thinks this kid had 5* talent. A big physical corner that can run, he could see playing time thanks to the cornerback situation, where only one starter is set(Malcom Jenkins.) A typical OSU corner, a great tackler that can run with a reported 4.4. Had a great diving interception into the endzone in the spring game. Started the season on the top-100 list but dropped after he committed.

4) DE Robert Rose (6'4" 250 lbs) 5* Glenville, OH- Rated the #1 DE in the country after his stellar performance in the Army All-American Game. OSU is loaded at DE, which might stop Rose from making an impact next year, but this kid is a future star. He has all the physical tools to become an All-American. Another Glenville Boy. :biggrin:

5) LB Mark Johnson (6'3" 230 lbs) 4* Los Angeles, CA- One of the top MLB in the country his senior year, so he could see the field if he grows up quickly. Might move down to DE in a couple of years due to his size. Has great athleticism sporting a 37" verticle jump.

Offense
1) RB Chis Wells (6'2" 230 lbs) 5* Akron, OH- Top prospect in the country per Scout. Should see significant time in every game of the season. Physically, you just shake your head and wonder how this kid if built like he is at his age. Shows great feet and balance, along with a nice speed burst. Has great speed for a back his size, and is a threat to take it the distance. Easily breaks through arm tackles and knows how to lower his head and pick up the tough yards. Chose the Bucks over offers from Michigan, USC, and well...pretty much every other college in the country.

2) WR Ray Small (5'11" 170 lbs) 4* Glenville, OH- Compared to Ted Ginn by many, but that remains to be seen. Has ran a 10.4 100 meters. Chose the Bucks over offers from USC, Tennessee, Iowa, and others. Probably wont see significant time this year thanks to our WR depth.

We returned 9 starters on offense, so those two are the only prospects that have a shot at playing time.
 
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Since I haven't been living up to my "blowhard statistician" title lately I thought I would throw out this gem.

Nationally sports fans are trying to marginalize UTs chances because they are led by 2 freshman QBs. In the absense of any college data I thought I would throw out their combined high school numbers (not that I expect the same level of respect for them).

For starters they have a combined won-loss record as starters of 57-4.

If you combine their statistics from their junior and senior years you get:

Total Yards: 16,762
Total TDs: 213
Yards Passing: 14,316
Passing TDs: 164
Yards Rushing: 2446
Rushing TDs: 49
Pass Attempts: 1360
Pass Completions: 853
Completion percentage: 62.7%
Interceptions: 41
QB Rating: 181

That is what I call a 2 quarterback system.
 
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xrayrandy said:
Since I haven't been living up to my "blowhard statistician" title lately I thought I would throw out this gem.

Nationally sports fans are trying to marginalize UTs chances because they are led by 2 freshman QBs. In the absense of any college data I thought I would throw out their combined high school numbers (not that I expect the same level of respect for them).

For starters they have a combined won-loss record as starters of 57-4.

If you combine their statistics from their junior and senior years you get:

Total Yards: 16,762
Total TDs: 213
Yards Passing: 14,316
Passing TDs: 164
Yards Rushing: 2446
Rushing TDs: 49
Pass Attempts: 1360
Pass Completions: 853
Completion percentage: 62.7%
Interceptions: 41
QB Rating: 181

That is what I call a 2 quarterback system.
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I didnt know high school defenses were as good and athletic as ours.

Those stats are completely irrelevant.
 
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xrayrandy said:
For starters they have a combined won-loss record as starters of 57-4.

If you combine their statistics from their junior and senior years you get:

Total Yards: 16,762
Total TDs: 213
Yards Passing: 14,316
Passing TDs: 164
Yards Rushing: 2446
Rushing TDs: 49
Pass Attempts: 1360
Pass Completions: 853
Completion percentage: 62.7%
Interceptions: 41
QB Rating: 181

That is what I call a 2 quarterback system.
Click to expand...

:slappy:
 
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xrayrandy said:
Nationally sports fans are trying to marginalize UTs chances because they are led by 2 freshman QBs. In the absense of any college data I thought I would throw out their combined high school numbers (not that I expect the same level of respect for them).
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Their high school stats mean absolute squat. The Texas OL will be the key. If we get significant pressure on QBs who will have a grand total of one career game of experience it will be a very unpleasant day for the Texas offense.
 
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Xrayrandy has a valid point on new qbs: perhaps as important, I read somewhere that both new Horns qbs played UT type offense in hs. Any truth to this randy?
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They both played in spread offenses mostly from the shotgun. Maybe more importantly they played a lot of no-huddle. Getting into the no-huddle quickly will be very important in our game as it was last year. Last year Texas players kept making mistakes in the first half and the coaches didn't have enough confidence (desperation?) to go no-huddle until later in the game.

Both of the QBs looked very comfortable in the Texas offense, however I do expect to see some changes in play calling to matchup better with their talents. They are both much better passers than Vince was his first three years at UT.
 
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xrayrandy said:
They both played in spread offenses mostly from the shotgun. Maybe more importantly they played a lot of no-huddle. Getting into the no-huddle quickly will be very important in our game as it was last year. Last year Texas players kept making mistakes in the first half and the coaches didn't have enough confidence (desperation?) to go no-huddle until later in the game.

Both of the QBs looked very comfortable in the Texas offense, however I do expect to see some changes in play calling to matchup better with their talents. They are both much better passers than Vince was his first three years at UT.
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Vince Young led the nation in passing efficiency last year. How much better could they be? Or did Vince Young reshirt?
 
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scarletngrey77 said:
Vince Young led the nation in passing efficiency last year. How much better could they be? Or did Vince Young reshirt?
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He was a redshirt in 2002.

And VY was third after the bowl games, which count as part of the season.

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=colhead align=right><TD style="WIDTH: 14px" align=left></TD><TD align=left>NAME</TD><TD>......................CMP</TD><TD>ATT</TD><TD>YDS</TD><TD>CMP%</TD><TD>YDS/A</TD><TD>TD</TD><TD>INT</TD><TD>SACKS</TD><TD>RAT</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>1.</TD><TD align=left>Rudy Carpenter, Arizona St</TD><TD>156</TD><TD>228</TD><TD>2273</TD><TD>68.4</TD><TD>10.0</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>21</TD><TD class=sortcell>175.01</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>2.</TD><TD align=left>Brian Brohm, Louisville</TD><TD>207</TD><TD>301</TD><TD>2883</TD><TD>68.8</TD><TD>9.6</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>17</TD><TD class=sortcell>166.73</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>3.</TD><TD align=left>Vince Young, Texas</TD><TD>212</TD><TD>325</TD><TD>3036</TD><TD>65.2</TD><TD>9.3</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>13</TD><TD class=sortcell>163.95</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>4.</TD><TD align=left>Troy Smith, Ohio St</TD><TD>149</TD><TD>237</TD><TD>2282</TD><TD>62.9</TD><TD>9.6</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>14</TD><TD class=sortcell>162.66</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>5.</TD><TD align=left>Drew Olson, UCLA</TD><TD>242</TD><TD>378</TD><TD>3198</TD><TD>64.0</TD><TD>8.5</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>25</TD><TD class=sortcell>161.59</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>6.</TD><TD align=left>Phil Horvath, N Illinois</TD><TD>168</TD><TD>238</TD><TD>1995</TD><TD>70.6</TD><TD>8.4</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>15</TD><TD class=sortcell>159.23</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow align=right><TD align=left>7.</TD><TD align=left>Brady Quinn, N Dame</TD><TD>292</TD><TD>450</TD><TD>3919</TD><TD>64.9</TD><TD>8.7</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>20</TD><TD class=sortcell>158.40</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left>8.</TD><TD align=left>Matt Leinart, USC</TD><TD>283</TD><TD>431</TD><TD>3815</TD><TD>65.7</TD><TD>8.9</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>17</TD><TD class=sortcell>157.74</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

To show his improvement last season, here is his line from 2004:

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=evenrow align=right><TD align=left></TD><TD align=left>Vince Young, Texas...............</TD><TD>148</TD><TD>250</TD><TD>1849</TD><TD>59.2</TD><TD>7.4</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>9</TD><TD class=sortcell>128.37</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
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danielle_gamba05.jpg


Just saw her on Hornfans.


Thanks for the write-up on your recruits, sng. Wells was the only dude I had heard anything about. We are both claiming to have the #1 DE in last year's class (difference between recruiting services, or are they sorted by WDE and SDE?). I'm gonna go on record here and say Eddie Jones is better than Robert Rose.:biggrin:
 
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