I can’t include the whole article but here are his reasons:
1. A shutdown pass defense
2. Terrific cornerback play
3. Strong run defense numbers
4. Lots of returning starters
5. The makings of one of the best rushing attacks in college football
6. Underrated wide receivers
7. The quarterback play isn’t far off from being where Texas needs it to be
8. The other Big 12 teams took big graduation hits on offense
Regarding #6, (excpet for Shipley) perhaps our receivers were under-rated because they under-performed. Perhaps they had been over-rated and performed up to their abilities.
Regarding #7, where can I buy those rose-colored glasses? We have 2 very inconsistent QB’s with limited experience, often prone to turn-overs, and 2 freshmen, one of which will probably be red-shirted.
Regarding #8, we lost players, too, espcially what may have been our MVP, Fozzy. Also, despite losses, I believe OU, OSU, TCU, and WVU will still be loaded.
If this guy thinks we are going to take the Big 12, does he also see us in the MNC game?
For all our bitching about OU’s “soft” early schedule, we’ve seen in years past that it’s best to lose early in our conference. The Sooners end at WVU, Bedlam at home, then at TCU (which by that point will either be at the bottom of a death spiral, or will be well on their way to recovery). Tough stretch.
That said, Texas ends with TCU and at KSU, which is no picnic either.
I still don’t think 2012 is Texas’ year — to me it’s all about setting up for a run in 2013, and that’s how I look at this upcoming season. If I had to put money on it, I’d say the favorites are OU and WVU (probably in that order), and then the field — with KSU slightly above Texas on that list of other teams.
But I’d bet anything this season in the Big 12 comes down to tiebreakers. And those always go OU’s way. So, give me OU to take another conference title and keep the champagne on ice till 2013.
But an early loss is the same as a late loss in conference standings. You’re right that the tie-breakers usually seem to go OU’s way somehow, or at least against UT.
Anyway, I’d be thrilled with a BCS bid, really happy with a Cotton Bowl bid, and satisfied with a deserved Alamo Bowl bid. I’m not sure what I’d consider disappointing, since I’m not entirely sold on the assumptions about continuous upward trajectory (I’m expecting ups and downs), but I think 6-6 would be below the minimum standard of expectations, while 7-5 would be holding serve.
One in where at least two more games, in Kansas State and Missouri, could’ve and should’ve been W’s with safer QB play.
Combine that with what should be a better offensive line, healthier stable of RBs, and a valuable year of experience in the Big XII for the new staff, and we should improve to hopefully a Cotton Bowl bid or more.
7-5 would be holding serve, as that’s the same record as they had this past season.
And I suppose some of those games, particularly the Mizzou and KSU games, could’ve gone UT’s way, but the wins against BYU and aggie were actually closer games than the KSU or Mizzou games, and could’ve easily been losses. Point is, those four could’ve gone either way. As long as they improve, sure, they should be able to win another game or two, but I think 8-4 would be a pretty solid regular season, given the number of problems on the team.
To say OSU will still be loaded is assuming they immediately replace Wheedon and Blackmon with people almost of that caliber. Not impossible but I highly doubt it
1. How much progress has Ash made through the tutoring,reps and practice
2. Will the O line improve enough to give Ash time
3. Can we avoid injuries to key players
If we are positive on these 3, we can go 10-2 and win the conference
And everybody who had TCU rated so HIGH, were right I guess
Joyner's reasons why Texas will rule!
I can’t include the whole article but here are his reasons:
1. A shutdown pass defense
2. Terrific cornerback play
3. Strong run defense numbers
4. Lots of returning starters
5. The makings of one of the best rushing attacks in college football
6. Underrated wide receivers
7. The quarterback play isn’t far off from being where Texas needs it to be
8. The other Big 12 teams took big graduation hits on offense
Loisaida Horn - February 15, 2012
Hope he is right, but...
Regarding #6, (excpet for Shipley) perhaps our receivers were under-rated because they under-performed. Perhaps they had been over-rated and performed up to their abilities.
Regarding #7, where can I buy those rose-colored glasses? We have 2 very inconsistent QB’s with limited experience, often prone to turn-overs, and 2 freshmen, one of which will probably be red-shirted.
Regarding #8, we lost players, too, espcially what may have been our MVP, Fozzy. Also, despite losses, I believe OU, OSU, TCU, and WVU will still be loaded.
If this guy thinks we are going to take the Big 12, does he also see us in the MNC game?
OBdoc - February 15, 2012
A lot of people think a two loss team might win the Big XII this year.
Texas Wahoo - February 15, 2012
It's gonna be all about who you lose to, and when
For all our bitching about OU’s “soft” early schedule, we’ve seen in years past that it’s best to lose early in our conference. The Sooners end at WVU, Bedlam at home, then at TCU (which by that point will either be at the bottom of a death spiral, or will be well on their way to recovery). Tough stretch.
That said, Texas ends with TCU and at KSU, which is no picnic either.
I still don’t think 2012 is Texas’ year — to me it’s all about setting up for a run in 2013, and that’s how I look at this upcoming season. If I had to put money on it, I’d say the favorites are OU and WVU (probably in that order), and then the field — with KSU slightly above Texas on that list of other teams.
But I’d bet anything this season in the Big 12 comes down to tiebreakers. And those always go OU’s way. So, give me OU to take another conference title and keep the champagne on ice till 2013.
windycityhorn - February 16, 2012
I agree that it's probably not UT's time yet
But an early loss is the same as a late loss in conference standings. You’re right that the tie-breakers usually seem to go OU’s way somehow, or at least against UT.
Anyway, I’d be thrilled with a BCS bid, really happy with a Cotton Bowl bid, and satisfied with a deserved Alamo Bowl bid. I’m not sure what I’d consider disappointing, since I’m not entirely sold on the assumptions about continuous upward trajectory (I’m expecting ups and downs), but I think 6-6 would be below the minimum standard of expectations, while 7-5 would be holding serve.
burntorangehorn - February 17, 2012
I think 7-5 would be a major disappointment
considering we just came off a 8-5 season.
One in where at least two more games, in Kansas State and Missouri, could’ve and should’ve been W’s with safer QB play.
Combine that with what should be a better offensive line, healthier stable of RBs, and a valuable year of experience in the Big XII for the new staff, and we should improve to hopefully a Cotton Bowl bid or more.
BurntOrangeTexans - February 19, 2012
I meant for the regular season
7-5 would be holding serve, as that’s the same record as they had this past season.
And I suppose some of those games, particularly the Mizzou and KSU games, could’ve gone UT’s way, but the wins against BYU and aggie were actually closer games than the KSU or Mizzou games, and could’ve easily been losses. Point is, those four could’ve gone either way. As long as they improve, sure, they should be able to win another game or two, but I think 8-4 would be a pretty solid regular season, given the number of problems on the team.
burntorangehorn - February 19, 2012
OSU
To say OSU will still be loaded is assuming they immediately replace Wheedon and Blackmon with people almost of that caliber. Not impossible but I highly doubt it
cade21 - February 15, 2012
Not easy, but look at what happened when they replaced Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant...
burntorangehorn - February 16, 2012
Judging by the events of today
TCU will almost assuredly not be loaded this year.
GoHorns - February 15, 2012
At least not with football players
/these joke write themselves
pleaseplaykindle - February 15, 2012
LOL why is this not green?
ibleedburntorange49-9 - February 19, 2012
If he is right, he is a genius
If he is wrong, who’ll remember
Ese-De-SA - February 15, 2012
And cue aggy bitching
about how theres some sort of conspiracy between ESPN and Texas
cade21 - February 15, 2012
Everything boils down to 3 things.....
1. How much progress has Ash made through the tutoring,reps and practice
2. Will the O line improve enough to give Ash time
3. Can we avoid injuries to key players
If we are positive on these 3, we can go 10-2 and win the conference
And everybody who had TCU rated so HIGH, were right I guess
MeatchickenHorn - February 17, 2012
Spot-on
BurntOrangeTexans - February 19, 2012
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