Well, that was a gut punch. So many little things that, when added up, amount to a heartbreaker. Herman trying to ice the field goal kicker, Ehlinger’s helmet supposedly coming off (I never saw a review that definitively looked like a removal), Dana’s big ol’ balls to go for it at the end, etc. Each one of these things, when looked at in a vacuum, appear to be critical. Maybe they were. None of these micro things matter when compared to the macro thing: our defense flat out sucks up front. This is two straight games where opposing RBs have absolutely shredded the Texas defense to the tune of 5-7 yards per run. The offense scored 41 points. That should always be enough to win a game. Unfortunately the defense was never able to stop West Virginia’s running game. Honestly, the next game at Tech terrifies me for this reason. I don’t know football well enough to call out particular defensive issues, but it sure looks like teams are figuring out how to counter Orlando.
I told you about this before the game, re: Nelson. I told you about this after the game, re: everybody else.
It is not that the call was WRONG, it is that it should not reward the OFFENDING party. And the defense sucks up front because we keep trying to play a 3 man line....we need 4 down lineman. DD
Why don't you ask a few of these people before you start calling Todd Orlando... Bum Phillips Buddy Ryan Bill Parcells Bill Belichick These are just the first few "Bs" btw, there DD.
Their started left tackle was ejected on a bs call. Texas was gifted amazing field position on two calls that shouldn’t have been called. Officiating was bad on both sides
There is no Curly Culp on the Texas team, and they don't set a wide EDGE like those teams did....Orlando's lineup inside the tackles....giving up the edge too easily.....also no Robert Brazil btw. DD
How did we lose to OK state again? their quarterback sucks. he's missing dudes who are 10 yards wide open
Nice to be on the other side of things this week but that was an excruciating 4th. Orlando’s 3 man just can’t close out games IMO.
The defense is awful. They aren't progressing and aren't doing some basic things right. The scheme makes no sense. I think one solution is to fire Oscar Giles and fire Orlando from his LB coaching duties. Then hire a real DL/LBs coach.
Not making excuses for Orlando but losing NFL talent in Malik, Poona, Hill, Elliott and Dickson is big and the recent rash of injuries certainly isn't helping. But he needs to show ability to scheme around the talent. Rumblings are that Collin Johnson and LJH are returning for their senior seasons. If true and the offense continues to progress, Orlando needs to right the ship for any real shot.
There's no room here for reasonable takes. (Actually, this thread is a nice exception from the norm in terms of reasonable discussion for the most part.)
That and replacing Gary Johnson are going to be huge. Wheeler and Hager disappeared far too many times and often seemed that Johnson was the only LB on the field. Was hoping to see true freshman Adeoye and Overshown more this season but guess we'll have to wait. Hopefully Malcolm Roach and Joseph Ossai can provide some pass rush.
I can't get a read on this Texas team. Almost every game has been decided by less that one score. This team could be 2-8 just as easily as 9-1.
Bad coaching and a some luck along the way. Crennel's defense always picks up after the first 4 or 5 games as he has openly talked about how he uses that time period to see what he can and can't do later in the season. AKA "The Patriot way." As soon as this team started to show its offensive form of last year with Watson, it loses its best offensive burner in Fuller. The offensive identity is now up in question until we see it on Sunday. With the no homer glasses on, this team looks like a 9-7 to 10-6 team by years end. That should be enough to win the division and I have faith anything is possible with Watson on the biggest stage. Just need to get in.
Last year, Texas lost most of its close games. This year, they're winning most of them but still have lost 3 games. Seems like they're a very good, improving team that isn't quite elite. DL recruiting isn't close to where it used to be. We're hosting this guy for the Iowa State game this weekend: https://247sports.com/player/jacoby-jones-46056081/
