Game Thread Game Two: Texas 25, Ohio State 22 (final)

Fungo Squiggly · Mar 30, 2005

I'm all for optomism, but the wiser approach may be to temper that with some honest review of what left and what's returning

I think the UT fans probably have the right to say that about OSU, as well. I have read a lot of posts talking about Haw, Pittman, and Wells resurrecting the running game. While I certainly hope this is the case, I have not seen enough of Pittman (or anything of Haw or M. Wells) to feel completely confident regarding the ground game for this season.

Buckeyeskickbuttocks · Mar 30, 2005

Bucky Katt said:
I think the UT fans probably have the right to say that about OSU, as well. I have read a lot of posts talking about Haw, Pittman, and Wells resurrecting the running game. While I certainly hope this is the case, I have not seen enough of Pittman (or anything of Haw or M. Wells) to feel completely confident regarding the ground game for this season.

OSU's strength is its passing game. That much is obvious to anyone who knows the first thing about OSU's personnel for 2005. Holmes, Ginn and Gonzalez... plain and simple. I could be throwing those guys passes and they'd still put up numbers.

I would hope, and again I didn't read the last 200 posts, that the intelligent posters on here would recognize that our RB's are not proven. I'm highly optomistic about Haw especially. But, I'm not going to go on and on and on about how he's enough to replace the loss of a Cedric Benson type (which OSU didn't have last year) It's not hard to replace Lydell Ross and his sub 500 yard season.

wdg01 · Mar 30, 2005

Buckeyeskickbuttocks said:
OSU's strength is its passing game. That much is obvious to anyone who knows the first thing about OSU's personnel for 2005. Holmes, Ginn and Gonzalez... plain and simple. I could be throwing those guys passes and they'd still put up numbers.

I would hope, and again I didn't read the last 200 posts, that the intelligent posters on here would recognize that our RB's are not proven. I'm highly optomistic about Haw especially. But, I'm not going to go on and on and on about how he's enough to replace the loss of a Cedric Benson type (which OSU didn't have last year) It's not hard to replace Lydell Ross and his sub 500 yard season.

Its not hard to replace Lydell, concidering we are returning our leading rusher from the regular season! :nerd:

BuckeyeNation27 · Mar 30, 2005

Bucky Katt said:
I think the UT fans probably have the right to say that about OSU, as well. I have read a lot of posts talking about Haw, Pittman, and Wells resurrecting the running game. While I certainly hope this is the case, I have not seen enough of Pittman (or anything of Haw or M. Wells) to feel completely confident regarding the ground game for this season.

i think the talks of Haw, Pittman, and Wells is in comparison to last years "spectacular" running game. you cant get any worse than 400 yards as a LEADING rusher.

MililaniBuckeye · Mar 30, 2005

Bucky Katt said:
I think the UT fans probably have the right to say that about OSU, as well. I have read a lot of posts talking about Haw, Pittman, and Wells resurrecting the running game. While I certainly hope this is the case, I have not seen enough of Pittman (or anything of Haw or M. Wells) to feel completely confident regarding the ground game for this season.

We have nearly the entire OL back (4 of 5), which made huge improvemenst the last part of the season. We have all our starting WRs back. We have both QBs back. Our only "loss" is at RB, where we were far from proficient last year...and the only RB that was noteworthy (when the OL was effective) was Pittman, and he's the guy that's returning. So, our offense is virtually the same as it was at the end of last season...Texas can't say theirs is.

tsteele316 · Mar 30, 2005

MililaniBuckeye said:
We have nearly the entire OL back (4 of 5), which made huge improvemenst the last part of the season. We have all our starting WRs back. We have both QBs back. Our only "loss" is at RB, where we were far from proficient last year...and the only RB that was noteworthy (when the OL was effective) was Pittman, and he's the guy that's returning. So, our offense is virtually the same as it was at the end of last season...Texas can't say theirs is.

and the one OL starter we did lose was a walk-on that was rotated out quite a bit for downing and datish and simms when he slid inside and rehring manned the LT spot which happened a handful of times last year.

everyone listed as #1 in the preliminary roster on offense started at least 5 games last year, save for pittman, who was still the most effective rb.

honestly, if osu resolves the qb position and gets someone to fill the cb spot, they are going to be tough.

HowdyBuck · Mar 30, 2005

I'm not thinking they'll have anything to worry about after losing to OSU, OU and aTm

I'm thinking they won't have to worry about the BCS after losing to the OSU, OU and aTm this year...

Texas state senator doesn't want state's schools in BCS

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=10></TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD noWrap>March 30, 2005

SportsLine.com wire reports
</TD><TD width=10></TD><TD align=right><SCRIPT language=JavaScript></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/sponsorships.spln.com/fs/stories/collegefootball;arena=collegefootball;feat=stories;type=psa;user=Anonymous;seg=nonaol;ctype=lan;lang=en-us;lang=en-us;vpmp=yes;cust=no;vip=no;u=QjdjbQooBVsAABhlOCQ;sz=234x42;tile=5;ord=5957989013195948?"></SCRIPT><NOSCRIPT>[url="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/sponsorships.spln.com/fs/stories/collegefootball;arena=collegefootball;feat=stories;type=psa;user=Anonymous;cust=no;vip=no;sz=234x42;tile=5;ord=312341112209417?"]http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/sponsorships.spln.com/fs/stories/collegefootball;arena=collegefootball;feat=stories;type=psa;user=Anonymous;cust=no;vip=no;sz=234x42;tile=5;ord=312341112209417?[/url]</NOSCRIPT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=10></TD><TD>[font=Arial, Helvetica]AUSTIN -- A Texas senator wants to ban the state's college football teams from playing in any postseason championship games that are not part of a playoff system.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=310 align=left border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=adlabel colSpan=2 height=10>Advertisement</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD align=middle width=300 height=250><SCRIPT language=JavaScript></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/imus.spln.com/collegefootball;arena=collegefootball;feat=stories;type=psa;user=Anonymous;seg=nonaol;ctype=lan;lang=en-us;lang=en-us;vpmp=yes;cust=no;vip=no;u=QjdjbQooBVsAABhlOCQ;sz=300x250;tile=7;ord=5957989013195948?"></SCRIPT><NOSCRIPT>[url="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/imus.spln.com/collegefootball;arena=collegefootball;feat=stories;type=psa;user=Anonymous;cust=no;vip=no;sz=300x250;tile=7;ord=312341112209417?"]http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/imus.spln.com/collegefootball;arena=collegefootball;feat=stories;type=psa;user=Anonymous;cust=no;vip=no;sz=300x250;tile=7;ord=312341112209417?[/url]</NOSCRIPT></TD><TD width=10></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2 height=10><SPACER height="10" width="1" type="block"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The bill by Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, is similar to a bill filed in the House last month by Rep. Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale, R-Tomball.

Both bills would expire Dec. 2, just before Bowl Championship Series bids go out, if a similar law is not enacted in at least four other states.

Both are mostly symbolic measures born out of the frustration with the BCS system, in which a poll of college football coaches and computer rankings help determine which teams will play in the major bowl games.

The Associated Press has instructed the BCS to stop using the AP Top 25 rankings by sportswriters and broadcasters as part of the selection formula.

The University of Texas received its first BCS bid this past season when it was invited to the Rose Bowl. The Longhorns beat Michigan 38-37.

Wentworth's bill would prohibit Texas' NCAA teams from playing in "an intercollegiate post-regular-session competition that is part of a series that includes a national championship game unless that competition is part of a national playoff system."

That system would have to consist of "at least 16 teams competing in successive elimination games resulting in a final game for the national championship of that entire division or level of intercollegiate competition."

If at least four other states enact a similar law before Dec. 1, the law would stay in effect for Texas schools, according to the bill.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2004-2005, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved [/font]
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HorninFortWorth · Mar 30, 2005

HowdyBuck said:
I'm thinking they won't have to worry about the BCS after losing to the OSU, OU and aTm this year.
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Shouldn't A&M take care of Baylor before they start talking about something they haven't done this century?

BuckeyeNation27 · Mar 30, 2005

HorninFortWorth said:
Shouldn't A&M take care of Baylor before they start talking about something they haven't done this century?

this century as in the last 5 years?

HorninFortWorth · Mar 30, 2005

BuckeyeNation27 said:
this century as in the last 5 years?

Yep. Not since 99 has Texas lost to A&M. The same year that Texas last beat OU.

High Lonesome · Mar 30, 2005

You have got to love the random aggy that hops on the board and starts saying that Texas will lose to atm next year. you bucks may not have noticed, but Howdy is a t-shirt buck from houston that obviously either goes to aggy or is a t-shirt fan of theirs as well. If he was paying attention he would notice that the senator mentioned wouldn't have his beloved aggy playing in the bcs either, "A Texas senator wants to ban the state's college football teams from playing in any postseason championship games that are not part of a playoff system."

Also yes we did lose Will Mathews, I am not sure how I forgot him as he was loved by all, but as much as I loved his game and wish him well, I don't think that losing a fullback in our offense is detramental. We are predomanantly a spread attack.

As for Selvin Young, I keep seeing people posting about how ' texas fans think that benson is easy to replace...Selvin will be better anyway...' and so on. First answer is that I havent seen anyone say that(not saying its not their, as I have not read the entire thread) and Second: I stated the opposite when I said that the reason that he didn't start 2 years ago was because Ced was better. I will say this though. Even when he was a back up, SY saw plenty of pt and was good. The only real thing that hurts him is he is VERY injury prone. I understand that he isnt in spring practice but he will be come fall. If he was an offensive lineman or a DB this would worry me, however, running back is one of the easiest spots to step in at right away. Pass blocking is only a minor concern in as much as our team doesnt pass much.

Fungo Squiggly · Mar 30, 2005

We have nearly the entire OL back (4 of 5), which made huge improvemenst the last part of the season. We have all our starting WRs back. We have both QBs back. Our only "loss" is at RB, where we were far from proficient last year...and the only RB that was noteworthy (when the OL was effective) was Pittman, and he's the guy that's returning. So, our offense is virtually the same as it was at the end of last season...Texas can't say theirs is.

For the first time in several years, I am not overly concerned about the OL play. I feel good that they will continue to mature and improve, as they did through the second half of last season. All I was trying to say is that our entire backfield is still very young, inexperienced, and somewhat of an unknown commodity.

EngineerHorn · Mar 30, 2005

There seems to be some confusion. Selvin Young played one game last year before getting injured in the first quarter of the Arkansas game. He pushed Benson for the starting spot in the first half of the 2003 season. Benson was, by his standards, struggling, while Selvin was making plays, breaking tackles, and had a much better YPC average. At Hornfans, everyone was ready to hand the starting job to Selvin before Benson decided to go off during the second half of the year. Had Selvin not been injured, he would have had a lot more carries than he did last year as the #2 back. Ramonce Taylor filled in reasonably well considering he was recruited as a defensive back, but due to his inexperience he didn't get as many carries as a #2 back should. 28 for the year I think, although he did average 10YPC.

The backs coming in, Houston, Charles and Wilkerson, will join Taylor and Selvin Young to form a running back by committee. Lots of talent and potential there. HOWEVER, Benson>the five aforementioned backs. In other words, yes, there will be a dropoff at the RB position.

But with the receivers getting more experience and Vince having another year to develop, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a similar offensive output this year, at least in terms in total yards per game. That is the reason why I and many other Horns don't expect to have a significant drop in offensive production. Now we can argue my points until we're blue in the face, so just take them from what they're worth (undoubtedly worth less than a Frenchman in a firefight to some of you :wink2:

)

Chalumpa · Mar 30, 2005

At UT you just reloead and never skip a beat maybe?

Yes. After the 1998 season everyone was talking about how we were going to have a dramatic drop-off offensively because we were losing Ricky Williams. Well we had a drop-off of 50 ypg and 2 points per game, with a running back named Hodges Mitchell who gained 1,343 yards. Not a dramatic drop-off. We're optimistic about our running game because we're going to have the best line we've had in a long time but there's a bigger reason for our optimism. We've had a 1,000 yard rusher every season for the past 10 years. The fewest yards a back has gained under Mack Brown is 1,053 yards by Cedric Benson his freshman year. We don't have a Cedric type player but we're absolutely loaded at running back.

Our biggest loses are Derrick Johnson and Phillip Geigar on defense. Also our only losses. Time will tell how well we replace them next season. On offense, the big losses are Cedric Benson and Will Matthews (our FB.) I'm not worried about our loss of Bo Scaife at tight end because we have David Thomas, who I believe was better all along. We also lose Tony Jeffery but he was no star. He was our go to receiver last season but everything I've heard from spring practice reports have Jordan Shipley firmly taking over that go-to spot. Shipley didn't play last season because of an injured knee. So as far as I see it the big replacement we need to make next season is at running back and I'm not that worried about it because of our track record of replacing backs.

High Lonesome · Mar 30, 2005

Buckeyeskickbuttocks said:
I'm in late on this topic, so if it has been addressed, I apolgize.

I don't think anyone in their right mind would say Texas can't compete with OSU in terms of talent. Texas has loads of it. While we can go back and forth about who's personnel is better, it's really just a battle of partisianship that gets us nowhere. What I'm gonna look at is stats.

Huge is the loss of Cedric Benson... the comment that UT will be among the best O's in the country is inane - as HIGHLY speculative. Yeah, you'll have a solid line. You return zero playmakers (VY aside). Do you have talent to replace those losses? Sure. It's all potential, however, and far from proven.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>RUSHING</TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right>Att</TD><TD align=right>Yds</TD><TD align=right>Avg</TD><TD align=right>TD</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#dddddd><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right>326</TD><TD align=right>1,834</TD><TD align=right>5.6</TD><TD align=right>19</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Projected Starter:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#dddddd><TD>Selvin Young</TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right>12</TD><TD align=right>102</TD><TD align=right>8.5</TD><TD align=right>2</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Passing
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>RECEIVING</TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right>Rec</TD><TD align=right>Yds</TD><TD align=right>Avg</TD><TD align=right>TD</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#dddddd><TD>Tony Jeffery</TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right>33</TD><TD align=right>437</TD><TD align=right>13.2</TD><TD align=right>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right>26</TD><TD align=right>348</TD><TD align=right>13.4</TD><TD align=right>2</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#dddddd><TD>Limas Sweed</TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right>23</TD><TD align=right>263</TD><TD align=right>11.4</TD><TD align=right>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right></TD><TD align=right>22</TD><TD align=right>179</TD><TD align=right>8.1</TD><TD align=right>1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Last year, UT's Offensive production:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#dddddd><TD>NET YARDS <TD align=middle width=40>Plays</TD><TD align=middle width=40>Rush</TD><TD align=middle width=40>Pass</TD><TD align=middle width=40>Tot</TD><TD align=middle width=40>Avg</TD></TR><TR><TD>Team </TD><TD align=middle>901</TD><TD align=middle>3,590</TD><TD align=middle>1,983</TD><TD align=middle>5,573 <TD align=middle>6.2</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

UT lost nearly 2 thirds of it's rushing production and replaces that loss with a guy who had 12 carries and you guys are singing the praises? Seems a bit over the top. I'm all for optomism, but the wiser approach may be to temper that with some honest review of what left and what's returning. Young pushed Benson? 326 to 12 in terms of attempts tells a very different story.

UT's passing game is obviously not the key to your offense. No less, you lose 3 of your top 4 guys in terms of receptions and yards. That's about half of your passing offense... gone. I have a hard time believing UT is going to get better having lost these guys.

Vince Young is an unquestioned talent. Can he do it all by himself? I doubt it. I know you guys are probably all thrilled with the way UT handled Michigan and all, but round here, we all know well how Michigan's D struggled against the mobile QB. Like I said, not taking anything away from Young, but Michigan surely isn't the measuring stick you want to use.

I was going to write about how your Defense is not that great, but the stats I saw are better than I expected.

Im not sure if I read you chart correctly but the one mistake that I see is that it says that we lose Limus Sweed next year. Actually he will be a Soph. He is an athletic freak that never quite could get to the right place or run the correct route last year. Many people are forgetting about how much potential this kid has if he could just get on the same page as vince. He kind of reminds me of Braylon Edwards(as a fresh) with even less concentration

Game Thread Game Two: Texas 25, Ohio State 22 (final)

Fungo Squiggly

Mortal enemy of all things Bucky

Buckeyeskickbuttocks

Z --> Z^2 + c

wdg01

Heisman

BuckeyeNation27

Goal Goal USA!

MililaniBuckeye

The satanic soulless freight train that is Ohio St

tsteele316

Mr. Such and Such

HowdyBuck

Newbie

HorninFortWorth

Inebriated

BuckeyeNation27

Goal Goal USA!

HorninFortWorth

Inebriated

High Lonesome

Hook 'Em

Fungo Squiggly

Mortal enemy of all things Bucky

EngineerHorn

No todo alli

Chalumpa

We're Texas.

High Lonesome

Hook 'Em