Flavor of the Week at running back: Cody Johnson. After the game against Missouri, I speculated that the Flavor of the Week award was possibly nearing retirement with Fozzy Whittaker and Cody Johnson seemingly entrenched as the preferred one-two punch of the coaching staff. However, after another game of punishing, physical running by the 240-pound Johnson, the bruiser from Waller is now listed ahead of Fozzy Whittaker in their co-starter relationship.
The coaches are increasingly emphasizing consistent running, keeping the offense ahead of the chains by picking up positive yardage on every play. With Johnson's ability to break tackles and a slimmer figure that helps maximize his speed, the coaches believe that he provides the team with a greater ability to grind out that positive yardage. No doubt the coaches are looking ahead towards a possible national championship appearance against a strong defense, a game in which the Longhorns may have to run the ball effectively not only to run, but also to hold any late lead may have.
This weekend, Central Florida, ranked ninth in the country in run defense and giving up only 3.56 yards per carry, provides a stiff test for Johnson this week and may determine whether he earns the starting job or if the coaches return to using Whittaker early in the game and then turning to Johnson to spell the smaller, speedier back.
Tracking: special teams. Kenny Vaccaro. Kenny f'ing Vaccaro. Wow. The true freshman for Brownwood, perhaps better known for throwing punches than for his contributions on the field, earned his scholarship against Oklahoma State covering kicks. Vaccaro made tackles on the first two Texas kickoffs and provided a hit on another that allowed his teammates to rally to the football and stop Perrish Cox. On Oklahoma State's best run of the night, Vaccaro was in position to make the play, but should have drawn a penalty when he was clearly pushed in the back. The kickoff coverage has been much improved since the Colorado game and the addition of Earl Thomas to the unit has made an impact, but nothing has been larger than Vaccaro's return to the lineup. If his work on special teams is any indication of his ability as a safety, he could be a major contributor sooner rather than later. With Vaccaro's help, Texas now ranks a respectable 38th in the country in covering kicks.
Hunter Lawrence continues to be excellent kicking field goals, having missed only two all season -- the 52-yarder that came up just short against UTEP and the blocked kick against Colorado. He hasn't had to kick a game winner yet this season, but there seems little doubt at this point that he is up to the task. Way to finally earn that scholarship, buddy.
On the negative side of things, Jordan Shipley made a terrible decision to attempt to advance the first Oklahoma State punt, fumbled the ball and took a brutal hit in the process. It was the first really poor decision he has made on special teams, but the bigger problem may be the poor work blocking of the punt return unit. On the play, the coaches called for the punt return, but two Oklahoma State players got down the field and into position to stop Shipley -- he had no chance on the play. In fact, since the touchdown return against Colorado, Shipley has three returns for -4 yards.
Since then, Texas blocked a punt against Missouri that Malcolm Williams recovered in the end zone -- it may be that the coaches need to try to block more kicks earlier in the game to slow down the opposing coverage units by making them stay in longer to block. The benefit is that even if Texas doesn't block the kick, it may set up a better return later in the game. Shipley fair catches plenty of punts anyway, as he should, so there is basically little to no risk and great opportunities for reward if the Longhorns go after more kicks early in the game. Mack Brown clearly has a lot of trust in his sixth-year senior, but may have to listen to Duane Akina when he requests more opportunities to go after the punter.
Tracking: playmaking defense. Some time in the Wyoming game, Curtis Brown became a football player with a vicious form tackle on a screen pass. Then, in the Colorado game, he blocked the punt near the goalline that Williams recovered, earning a coveted membership in the block party. Against Oklahoma State, he finally converted his great positioning in coverage into his first career interception, which he returned 77 yards for a game-changing touchdown and effectively finishing off the Cowboys in the second quarter. The shy kid from Gilmer with the tough background had transformed himself from an exceptional athlete playing football into a bona-fide playmaker and tough football player worthy of playing on Sundays. What a transformation and congratulations to the kid -- it's been beautiful to watch.
Of course, Brown wasn't the only player to return an interception for a touchdown. Lined up as the nickel back, Earl Thomas showed man coverage on the slot receiver, but, with safety help over the top from Blake Gideon, was really pattern reading and jumped the slant run by the Oklahoma State flanker and took it 31 yards for a touchdown to end any hope at all of a Cowboy comeback. Will Muschamp mentioned at some point this season that Thomas has worked hard to not only understand the total defensive philosophy on each play, but also to understand opposing offenses and no play better illustrates that incredible jump than his pick six last weekend -- he baited Robinson into throwing that pass.
The interception was the sixth on the season for Thomas, good for second in the country and a play that vaulted him into strong consideration for the Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back. After the game, Mack Brown relayed the story of how the coaches tried to get him to come out of the game after he tweaked his knee in the collision that sidelined Aaron Williams for the rest of the game, but Thomas simply turned his back on them and walked away, unwilling to leave the field. At this point, his play has moved beyond superlatives.
Remember when it seemed like Blake Gideon couldn't catch the football to save his life? It wasn't that long ago -- in fact, Gideon picked off his first career pass against UTEP barely more than a month ago and has since added three more to tie for ninth in the country. The problem for Gideon has never been being in position, but he has made the leap to know making plays -- good for him. He also recovered an early forced fumble.
That forced fumble brings us to Sam Acho -- seemingly tired of only recovering fumbles, the elder Acho finally forced one, stripping the ball from Hubert Anyiam after an excellent hustle play catching up with the Oklahoma State receiver downfield on a slip screen. Even though the Texas defense forced two fumbles against Oklahoma and benefited from a poor quarterback/running back exchange to recover another against the Sooners, Texas had not had a defender strip the ball loose since Emmanuel Acho took advantage of poor ball security by Tech running backs on several plays. Stripping the football loose remains a priority and talking point with the coaching staff and one of the few areas for improvement defensively.
Tracking: third down conversions. After ranking third in the country last season by converting 54% of their third downs, there seemed little change the Longhorns could match that number again this season, particularly after converting so many third and longs in 2008. Texas has indeed fallen off the ridiculous pace of last season, converting 44% this season, a number that is somewhat unhelpful given that they have only played one close game the whole season, but still good enough for 31st in the country.
Against Oklahoma State, the Longhorns converted five of 12, good for 42%, slightly lower than their season average. That number includes two drives in the fourth quarter when the game was clearly out of reach. In the first half, Texas converted four of seven third downs, including two on the momentum-swinging touchdown drive just before the half.
On that drive, no play was bigger than McCoy rushing for 19 yards on a 3rd and 8 to move Texas deep into Oklahoma State territory and field goal range. On the previous drive, which went for a touchdown, Texas converted a 3rd and 11 when McCoy completed a 16-yard pass to Jordan Shipley on an out pattern perfectly fit between the cornerback and the safety by McCoy -- an excellent pass. The unheralded play in that sequence was a nine-yard scramble by McCoy on 2nd and 20 following Ulatoski's blown assignment that led to a sack, leading to the much more manageable down and distance.
Texas probably will not ever operate this season at the same almost impossibly high level of last season without reliable targets like Chris Ogbonnaya and Quan Cosby, but this season's team is certainly respectable in that category and the offense still seemingly has room to grow with four games left in the regular season. As the Longhorns head down the final stretch, if McCoy can develop the confidence to throw to receivers like Marquise Goodwin and Malcolm Williams on third down, the Longhorns could begin to at least approximate their production from last season and, therefore, begin to produce offensively at a much higher level than they have most of this season.
Randomness. Random is good and so are bullets.
0 recs | 43 comments
Good stuff as always GoBR
On the less than sunshine pumping note, I’m beginning to fall into the camp of people who believe that Kindle doesn’t use his hands well enough to be a top 15 guy. His ability to play the run is spectacular, but he hasn’t shown the same array of rush moves Orakpo had and his acceleration is first round worthy but not so absurd he can get around NFL guys with just a dip move.
Whatever, he’ll be a wealthy man and has worked for it. Remember the days when we used him as a running back? Oh, how far we’ve come.
learned hand - November 5, 2009
Not so fast my friend ....
I would put him easily in the top 15. I have never in my life seen a player that could come off the edge so quick and still defend the run like he does. I know the stats aren’t sexy, but he is a true baller against both the run and pass.
realmccoy - November 5, 2009
We'll see
I think he’s a first rounder no matter what, but he’s not quite as freakish as Rak. He seems like the quintessential 3-4 strongside linebacker with pass rush skills to me, but then again I never pictured Rak as a strong side LB in a 4-3 so what do I know.
learned hand - November 5, 2009
I respectfully disagree
While Kindle may not have a plethora of pass rush moves and he may not do one thing great he does a lot of things really good. Kindle has the size and speed that you look for in a 3-4 outside backer. He is a guy who can develop in to a heck of a pass rusher or he can be a guy who can drop back in zone and provide good coverage. The great thing about Kindle is he has the sort of things you can’t coach, size and speed. He can be coached into using better pass rushing moves or setting up a tackle at the next level, no doubt. You also can’t coach his instincts and discipline. He plays within the scheme and his impact is shown in in the overall success of the defense and oftentimes he does not get enough credit for what he does. Sergio is going to be a top 15 pick to a 3-4 team and he is going to be cashing checks.
CoachEtch - November 5, 2009
Kindle?
Is this referring to Kindle? I know he played RB in highschool, but I don’t think he ever played or practiced anywhere but LB and DE since he stepped foot on campus.
Horncasting - November 5, 2009
Pretty sure he played a couple snaps at RB against Iowa in the bowl game.
Hookem4life84 - November 5, 2009
I was thinking the same thing
But I figured I had just forgotten or something.
burntorangehorn - November 5, 2009
One rush for 5 yards at UT
According to Mack’s web site
Kafka - November 5, 2009
That's what I was talking about.
His freshman year when we were just trying to figure out how to get him on the field, and played him at at RB for a few plays against Iowa.
It stuck out in my mind because he hadn’t played the position all year and Davis was bringing something new out in the Alamo Bowl. Mind blowing stuff, so much so that most people repressed the memory.
learned hand - November 5, 2009
Thanks
Was at that game and not sure I ever realized he got a carry in it.
Horncasting - November 5, 2009
it was just the one run, I believe...
but it was highly impressive. Basically he took a handoff, got hit at the line, and carried the pile forward for about 5 yards.
I recall it got a huge roar from the crowd. Naturally, we never tried it again… Or maybe we did and it didn’t work as well, so I’ve pushed it out of my memory.
Pflash - November 5, 2009
maybe he meant..
henry melton?
superden - November 5, 2009
Love the Cody Johnson Move
Q,. Why does Texas get ripped for its running game more than Alabama or Florida do for their passing games?
A1. SEC bias. But there is another reason as well. Bama’s running game supports their defense. The offense fits with the defense.
At Texas – we need to admit we are a defensive team first and adapt the offense to support the defense. More power in the running game. More time of possession. Less 3 yard completions, more downfield strikes.
This team is getting scary good.
realmccoy - November 5, 2009
that makes me wonder what the Texas vs FL/Bama match-up would look like. With our running D and their lack of passing, would we totally shut that part down?
Infield Elephant - November 5, 2009
UT is also very, very good against the pass
The thing that would make me most confident about UT in such a matchup would be that Colt has shown many times that he can find ways to at least get it done, even if it’s not pretty, against any quality of pass defense.
burntorangehorn - November 5, 2009
Cody
It will be interesting to see how Cody does as a starter and how he affects the offense. He should be doing more blitz pickup than usual, I hope that he shines in this area. Cody may really be helpful when the horns are running 4 wide to pick up the rusher the TE-less OL can’t block. Great point about Cody making the running attack less boom and bust.
Kafka - November 5, 2009
Returning punts vs blocking punts
Interesting topic. The serious risk when trying to block a punt is that you may run into the punter (or at least the punter pretends you did, ala OU). That is basically a turnover. Big problem.
Normally returning the punt is the safer option, especially when you have 12th year senior returning the punts. I guess Ship just went temporarily insane.
Another factor to be considered is how high or low scoring the game is. You are more likely to try to block a punt when your offense is having a hard time scoring points. When your offense is scoring well, you are much less motivated to try to block a punt. My guess is that it will hard to score vs either Alabama or Florida.
Mack probably plays it pretty close to the vest until the bowl game (hopefully for the MNC).
Kafka - November 5, 2009
I think he continues to show it when appropriate...
1. It seems like the ‘block party’ is a good motivational tool, so having the team ready to go for it every game is important even if the situation never presents itself.
2. Going for blocks early is less risky and even if it does result in a penalty it has to make the coverage team a bit less aggressive in getting downfield which could pay dividends later in the game.
3. Showing the willingness to go for the block could even pay dividends early in the game with future opponents, especially in a championship game where teams get conservative. Even if Mack wusses out in going for a block in the MNC, the opposing coach might have his return teams wuss out by staying in max protect mode thus giving us an advantage on returns.
Rickyspub - November 5, 2009
Good points
In games that you win easily, you may take a much different strategy than you would in an MNC.
I’m relatively certain that if UT is in a relatively easy game, they won’t reveal any new techniques for blocking punts. Motivating the block party, especially in an easy game, is an important consideration.
Kafka - November 5, 2009
Don't try to block kicks when it's 4th and less than 5.
Or rather, don’t do it as often as when it’s 4th and long. More often than not, you’re going to get a running into the kicker rather than a roughing, which doesn’t matter much when it’s 4th and 7.
billyzane - November 5, 2009
Earl's interception
I rewatched that play many times. My impression is that Earl was keying on Anyiam’s pattern. If Anyiam went long, then Earl would have stayed on the slot WR and the right safety would have doubled Anyiam. I believe that Muschamp was going to double Anyiam no matter what. When Anyiam cut over the middle, Earl was facing Anyiam and immediately broke off his coverage of the slot WR to double Anyiam.
It was a fairly complex defense because both Earl and the right safety had options that had to be coordinated properly (i.e. the safety has to double whatever WR Earl does not take).
This seems to means that f you want to avoid a delayed double team, you should go down field at least 10 yards before cutting. Alternatively, an immediate quick double move might totally screw up a defense. When you run a quick slant, it simplifies the D’s decision making.
OSU took their time snapping the ball on that play (i.e. they did not hurry up). That gave UT more time to comunicate on D. If you want to take the DC out ofthe game, run a hurry up O.
Kafka - November 5, 2009
That's a good point...
But as I rewatched it several times you could see the pressure on Robinson left no time for a double move…the call, read, and result were masterful.
orangetower - November 5, 2009
good reveiw.
In every facet of the game this team has improved from what they were at the beginning of the season. It may not be as proficient in a small number of areas as last years team. Over all this is a much better team than last years version. They have cut down on mistakes and are playing about as flawless football as you can expect. This years teams is also a better constructed team to match up with the other elite teams in the BCS. They may not be as exciting and flashy as the 2005 team but they are more dominating on both sides of the ball so much so they don’t need heroic comebacks to win.
In the last game no sacks, less than expected pressure on Robinson, what gives? I sure like to see UT defense OSU offense and see what was going on.
Xerxes - November 5, 2009
Great stuff. Many excelent points here
One I’d mildly challenge:
Way to finally earn that scholarship, buddy. Referring to Hunter Lawrence. Kid was 10-for-12 on FGs last year, making his first nine. Injury late in the year probably cost him all-conference . . . he led the team in scoring for the season. . . . was national Kicker of the Week for 3 FGs made in 45-35 game . . . He missed a coupla FGs against Baylor, either kicking hurt or getting hurt, then missed the Kansas game and was restricted to extra points against the Aggies.
Shame PK-P Greg Johnson got hurt in the middle of the ‘06 season; at that point, Lawrence was redshirting. After Johnson went out, Hunter handled kickoffs. But for Johnson’s injury, Lawrence would have had a RS season and would be a junior now.
edsp - November 5, 2009
I thought it was sarcasm
Lawrence kicks like I do in NCAA football. It’s unreal. Watch the Boise v. Oregon game to see what bad kicking looks like.
notsofst - November 5, 2009
Kickers next year
We lose 3 scholarship kickers this year – Lawrence (PK), Bailey (PK) and Gerland (P).
Scholarship PK and rugby punter Tucker (Soph) and walk-on punter Gold (Jr.) return.
We go from seemingly too heavily weighted with kickers to possibly being too thin. Not necessarily a big deal given our luck with walk-on kickers, but something that caught my eye.
On a side note, it is a shame we never got to see Gerland use what was supposed to be fantastic athleticism on a fake punt during this career.
Horncasting - November 5, 2009
Tucker...
…was recruited to be a kicker; just so happened that Lawrence and Bailey were nails. I imagine you’ll see JT take over as full-time XP and FG kicker next year. If Mack is worried about injuries, you may see John Gold as the fulltime punter next year. I’m still on the belief that Gold has NFL potential. He has the ability to both sky the ball and kick it deep. I’m not really sure why Mack doesn’t mix up the two punters; IMO, if he wanted the opposition to fair catch, he should send Gold out there rather than Tucker.
jc25 - November 5, 2009
Maybe the thinking is that Tucker discourages the punt rush?
burntorangehorn - November 5, 2009
I could've sworn
That that was E. Acho with the strip.
CMDR - November 5, 2009
nevermind
I just checked the highlights, you were right, it was Sam.
CMDR - November 5, 2009
Sergio Kindle
Ok so he is a great DE and a linebacker.. But what is really interesting is how high his straight line speed is. Curtis Brown intercepts Zac Robinson and starts running full speed to the other end… And who is leading the way on blocks… none other than Sergio Kindle.. What is awe inspiring is that he maintained the lead on Curtis all the way to the end zone and layed the final block on Zac Robinson for Curtis to safely reach the end zone…
Here is another interesting point. He has his back to Curtis when the interception occurred. Turns around notices its an interception and runs like crazy to make it a pick six… I have no issues with him not getting enough sacks.. If people can’t see how disruptive he is in the back field, they are morons….
Top 15 draft pick it is.. An NFL team would be lucky to have him, although he will probably play at LB on the next level
Crimson Fog - November 5, 2009
I consider him the ideal outside rush linebacker
He could definitely channel some Peter Boulware or DeMarcus Ware.
burntorangehorn - November 5, 2009
or Brian Cushing...very similar build, but Sergio is much faster.
orangetower - November 5, 2009
I'd rather he not be like that douchebag
burntorangehorn - November 5, 2009
Whenever I hear the name "Brian Cushing"
I remember him diving feebly at Vince’s legs when he was playing contain, who simply stepped by him like he wasn’t there. VY finished the run by faceplanting a DB and then diving into the endzone.
Thanks for the memories, Brian.
TheElusiveShadow - November 5, 2009
Funny people will knock Sergio, but Berry at Tennessee isn't putting up big numbers but people still love him...
Sergio seems to be taking a lot of flack about a lack of production. Some people have nits to pick about his technique and claim that is why he isn’t putting up ‘all-world’ stats. I find the opposite is true of Eric Berry. He has maybe one interception this year but no one knocks his production or claims he isn’t a finished NFL-ready product. I know this is an apple-to-oranges comparison, but I think Sergio’s disruptive abilities this year are more impressive than Berry’s revised role closer to the line rather than back fielding interceptions. Both are superlative players but Sergio seems to not get the accolades while Berry continues to be highly-touted.
Rickyspub - November 5, 2009
Eric Berry
That’s because Sergio doesn’t have one of these yet.
Infield Elephant - November 5, 2009
thank f*ck
zamm - November 5, 2009
I saw your reply, and thought it would probably be a rickroll
Little did I know that I would not only turn out to be wrong, but also disappointed.
burntorangehorn - November 5, 2009
cheer up
Infield Elephant - November 6, 2009
Swiperboy...
…is that a cheap rip-off of souljboy? lol But seriously, thank goodness he doesn’t have one.
vy til i die - November 6, 2009
it's a different situation
They’re asking Berry to play closer to the line this year.
bigdukesix - November 5, 2009
That's what I am saying...
Safeties get their highlights from popping receivers over the middle and picking off passes. Berry got his cred because he was a ball hawk. Now he is being asked to do something different and teams are increasingly passing away from where he is since he is no longer roaming in the back, but people aren’t knocking him for his lack of production in the top line safety stats and they recognize he is still performing, just in a new role.
Sergio is blowing sh*t up game after game. He just isn’t getting the stat lines that people expect and they are acting like he isn’t that talented. He isn’t being asked to be a sackmeister, he is being asked to blow sh*t up every play. Teams are intentionally keeping the flow of play away from Sergio as much as possible so his stat opportunities are reduced. Its obvious to anyone who watches him that he is a beast and a major talent.
Sergio is basically the Eric Berry of the DL, being asked to do the ugly work rather than collect the stats that attract attention. Eric Berry gets continued accolades and Sergio gets questions and criticism.
Rickyspub - November 6, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Burnt Orange Nation to post a comment.