Four Major Areas of concern are now three.

Discussion in 'On The Field' started by baoklhorn, Jul 27, 2016.

  1. baoklhorn

    baoklhorn 1,000+ Posts

    The Four major areas of concern coming out of last season were;

    A. Quarterback
    B. Defensive Line
    C. Center
    D. Kicker/Punter

    With the acquisition of Trent Domingue at Kicker, I think we can pretty much feel that this area is fixed. The guy can kickoff, punt, field goal
    and point after his butt off. With him being able to end zone kickoffs we don't have to worry about momentum switching kickoff returns. He can flip the field with his punts ( 61 yards VG). He seems to be a field goal guy with the potential to be Jeff Ward, Phil Dawson or A Justin Tucker.

    I would have to say that it's possible the defensive line rebuild job will be the biggest challenge during Fall Practice. Those three incoming Amigos
    ( Daniels, Christmas-Giles, and Jordan Elliot) have got to shorten the learning curve and quickly become workable parts of the Texas Defensive Line Interior. Nelson, Ford and Boyette will need help right from the git-go when we face Notre Dame.
    Something I would love to see happen and some might agree, is to have Caleb Bluiett return from his Tight End position back to Defensive End.
    IMHO I feel he is much more needed there to shore up that line. With Beck, Whitely and McDaniels you have a good stock of tight Ends in an offense that might not use the position that frequently. Caleb is a highly talented beast and a leader on the field. If nothing else make him a DE and a situational Tight End. A decent D-line coupled with a possibly great back seven and defense should be solid if not stellar.

    Charlie has done a good job of handling the quarterback position. By not naming Buschele the starter, he has allowed the others to know they are in a fair race that the best man wins. They don't spend the off season feeling neglected. I have a very good feeling in Buschele and Gilbert combo ( student Teacher). Buschele has experience in this same offense that Gilbert will be running this year. That should really shorten the learning curve for him and the offense.
    I am hoping that Heard has bulked up and gotten stronger without losing speed and hopefully has gained arm strength. An it looks like the 18 Wheeler package with Swoopes will see the field this season.

    My final area of concern is at Center. The loss of Jake Raulerson blindsided us at this position. Why he transferred when he was the "next man up" just befuddles me. But Zach Shackleford should do well with Terril Cuney and Elijah Rodriguez backing him up. The Offensive line with Williams, Vahe, Perkins, Nicholson, Tope Imade and this incoming BEAST From Baylor PAT HUDSON should give us the push we need up front
    on running plays and keep Buschele's shirt clean on passing plays.

    Let's see how fall practice goes. Hopefully we get some good reports early of the progress in these areas. If it all works out we may be looking at a breakout season and kicking OU's BUTT AGAIN!

    Hook'EM
     
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  2. ProdigalHorn

    ProdigalHorn 10,000+ Posts

    From everything I've heard he does not have that kind of leg. If you're looking for Phil Dawson, I think your expectations are way too high for him. He's not particularly known as a distance FG kicker. He should be fine inside of 40 yards, which is certainly a good place to start.
     
  3. LonghornCatholic

    LonghornCatholic Deo Gratias

    We kicking Notre Dame's ***
     
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  4. WorsterMan

    WorsterMan SEC here we come!!

    Hey baoklhorn - I recruited this Center to help out with our youth and lack of depth problem.

    Try not to run her off !!!



    New Center.jpg
     
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    Last edited: Jul 28, 2016
  5. WorsterMan

    WorsterMan SEC here we come!!

    I agree we could really use him back at DE but he is doing a nice job at TE and I don't think the coaches will strongly consider moving him. However in the new Offense TE may not be as critical for blocking and catching as it was last year.

    Think Buechele will do very well at QB if the big uglies upfront can protect him.
    The new kicker certainly returns some confidence at that position.
    Think by the 3rd game Shackelford will be OK at Center. Backups are GREEN X2!
    Defensive Line is my single biggest concern for the reasons you pointed out.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2016
  6. Brad Austin

    Brad Austin 2,500+ Posts

    Let's pump the brakes on lumping Domingue's potential with the Texas greats. What he gives us is something sorely needed, consistency from reasonable distance.

    His leg is not praised for distance kicking as stated above.

    His career touchback ratio is well below that of Nick Rose. And his only starting season produced the exact same 13/17 numbers as Rose last year.

    We now have a consistent kicker from the distances that are necessary.

    We already have a big-legged punter in Dickson who'll only get better.

    It may be necessary to have another kicker with a stronger leg handle kickoffs.

    Domingue brings the consistency we lacked and that's all that matters.
     
  7. baoklhorn

    baoklhorn 1,000+ Posts

     
  8. baoklhorn

    baoklhorn 1,000+ Posts

    WorsterMan
    Looks Good
    But can she block??

    Brad in Austin....Go look at this kickers video...He is a Lou Groza Award winner.
     
  9. WorsterMan

    WorsterMan SEC here we come!!

    She very skillfully uses the DISTRACT block - it really works!!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  10. Dionysus

    Dionysus Idoit Admin

    I think he was on the Groza watch list, but not a winner, fwiw.
     
  11. Brad Austin

    Brad Austin 2,500+ Posts

    I've studied Domingue extensively. Awards are only worth the production behind them. He was a Lou Groza semifinalist, btw.

    After he missed 4 of his last 7 FG's of 2015 he didn't make the final cut.

    So far over his career he trails Nick Rose in 40+ accuracy, longest made FG, and touchback percentage. All areas displaying leg strength.

    As for 39 or less and overall accuracy they're even. Which as I said means we now have a consistent kicker from reasonable distance.

    He's yet to show elite accuracy the likes of Dawson (59/79, 75%) and Tucker (40/48, 83%), who had those high rates over MANY more attempts.

    Expect a kicker with Rose-like consistency and a less powerful leg, which is nothing to be ashamed of as Rose has a booming leg...

    Domingue:
    15/21 (71%) all distances
    12/15 (80%) from 39 or less yards
    3/6 (50%) from 40+ yards
    Longest FG - 45 yards
    35/83 (42%) touchbacks

    Nick Rose:
    27/38 (71%) all distances
    16/20 (80%) from 39 or less yards
    11/18 (61%) from 40+ yards
    Longest FG - 51 yards
    153/281 (54%) touchbacks

    Sure he can improve distance aspects in his second year starting, but past production trumps assumed improvement until it's realized on the field.

    We should all just be glad we now have an 80% kicker from 39 and closer. :hookem:
     
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    Last edited: Jul 28, 2016
  12. blonthang

    blonthang 2,500+ Posts

    I think she could play center, or if needed, tight end.
     
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  13. Badass

    Badass 2,500+ Posts

    Great post baoklhorn, lots of meat and potatoes to chew on

    I am most concerned about starting a freshman at center

    When talking nfl, my local sports radio guys say that Center requires the most knowledge of the offense after QB

    But I am optimistic this team will turn the corner for us!

    Hook em back at ya baoklhorn and to all my HF buddies!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  14. caryhorn

    caryhorn 5,000+ Posts

    If I'm the QB and she's the center, I'm NEVER running the shotgun. We are taking the snap from under center, if you know what I mean. :smokin:
     
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  15. baoklhorn

    baoklhorn 1,000+ Posts

     
  16. baoklhorn

    baoklhorn 1,000+ Posts

    Yes move her to Tight end. Buschele pump fakes to her. Sooners completely distracted. Burt, Foreman or the speedster Duvernay recieves sideline hot route for a TEXAS TD!!!!

    Then move Caleb Bluiett back to Defensive End where he belongs.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  17. Godz40acres

    Godz40acres Happy Feller

    So, that would finally give us the Touchdown Play we've been wanting for years! I like your thinkin'.
     
  18. majorwhiteapples

    majorwhiteapples 5,000+ Posts

    The kicker is not a major component of this season and the kid from LSU is average or slightly above average.

    My concern is coaching, the past two years the mental mistakes and the players that were being played have me scratching my head. Why did Jonathan Gray ever even see the field last year? Hell two years ago, why did Gray or Brown ever see the field........I just am very worried about all the little coaching decisions that have been botched the last two years.....that is my biggest concern......Moving Diggs out of the slot in 2014....WTF
     
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  19. Run Pincher

    Run Pincher 2,500+ Posts

    Kicking off twice the same game and last year's OSU debacle certainly confirms Charlie is no Rhodes Scholar, but neither was Mack. There are are a lot of things to like about Charlie though, I'm just hoping his recruiting can overcome his lack of attention to detail, just as it did for Mack.

    Although I think Vance is a great guy and I think it's great to have a former player coaching, I'm still not sold on him as the DC. I do hope he proves me wrong and I'll be happy to eat crow if we ever end up with a defense like Boom's, or better yet, a defense like Leon Fuller's.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  20. LonghornCatholic

    LonghornCatholic Deo Gratias

    There's already an eating crow thread :smile1:
     
    • Like Like x 1
  21. Brad Austin

    Brad Austin 2,500+ Posts

    IMHO, all bases are now covered well enough to enter the final minutes with a lead or within winning distance in at least 8 games, likely more.

    Sure there are concerns, but no area left so unattended we can't accomplish that.

    Which brings us to the recent topic above, Strong's in-game management skills. So far they've been questionable and at times downright amateur.

    One could argue the lack of talent put him in bad positions and make a good case.

    Fortunately we're entering a defining season with a competitive team that will often spotlight his competence/incompetence in this worth defining area.

    Regardless of how much talent a coach stacks up, if he can't match or exceed good coaches with in-game management, the chances of winning a title are remote.

    I'm glad most will agree it's time we can judge scorecards without allowing mulligans.

    I'm willing to forgive 11-13 and offer a clean slate. Show us what you got, Chuck. :hookem:
     
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    Last edited: Jul 29, 2016
  22. Detective Shilala

    Detective Shilala 2,500+ Posts

    How was the OSU game a debacle for Strong last year? IRIC, we had a winning game plan, but we were outnumbered since the Cowboys had 4 or 5 extra players on the field wearing stripes.
    Unless you want to blame Strong for getting the penalty. But that seems more than unfair to me since he was so obviously baited into it, and tried to walk away to no avail.

    Not arguing that he has not made some bad decisions. I just don't see how the OSU game could count against him.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  23. majorwhiteapples

    majorwhiteapples 5,000+ Posts

    Well, Jonathan Gray being in the game at any moment was a coaching mistake, that could be said for most of the games last year. That is what happens when you don't let them hit in practice, you don't get to see what kind of runners that Foreman and Warren are......you get visions of Jonathan Gray against Texas Tech!!!! I guess at this moment the same can be said for Warren.

    I hope Charlie pulls a rabbit out of his hat this year but I am not as optimistic as some......Mack made some bad calls in 1998 but by 99 and 00 he didn't lose very many close games..........I believe we won more than our fair share from 00-13.
     
  24. moondog_LFZ

    moondog_LFZ 5,000+ Posts

    I don't know about that.
    Starting a freshman center and most likely a freshman QB.
    And freshmen more than likely still getting a good amount of playing time on both sides of the ball.
    I think we are going to have a winning season.
    But I will more likely agree with your statement in 2017.
     
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  25. moondog_LFZ

    moondog_LFZ 5,000+ Posts

    I think Strong felt Grey was the only player exhibiting leadership and was his "coach" and motivator on the field.
    And Warren had a foot injury, I believe, that kept him off the field.
     
  26. Brad Austin

    Brad Austin 2,500+ Posts

    Some fans can promote the excuses all they want if we go 6-7 or less.

    If we have a third losing season and nothing changes at the top, Belmont will wish they'd pulled the plug after 17-20.

    I guarantee a very significant number of season ticket holders won't stand for blowing $1,000's another year with continued lack of accountability for not winning.

    We can go back and forth on this all day. Clearly the fan base is split between those handing out even more free passes and those who demand at least the same win total our coach inherited after 3 freakin' seasons.

    It will get very ugly if the large segment that's demanding accountability watches Harbaugh and Herman win 10 games again (twice in first two seasons) while our coach can't land a winning record in three years.

    Here's the reality...

    6-7 or less and the head coaching search is on
    7-6 likely buys more time :puke: (unless the ugly blowouts continue)
    8-5 or better and CS is golden

    Strong has said over and over this off-season it's time to produce results and get this thing going. It's beyond me how the man himself understands his current accountability and some fans still disagree. :rolleyes1:

    For the record, I see us winning 8 with this group....no less than 7.
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2016
  27. ViperHorn

    ViperHorn 10,000+ Posts

    Unfortunately I believe he said basically the same thing this time last year. unfortunately it will probably come down to the TCU game. For whatever reason Strong has yet to figure out that offense.
     
  28. moondog_LFZ

    moondog_LFZ 5,000+ Posts

    This is basically what I was getting at.
    I wasn't excusing a losing season.
    7-6, depending on the nature of losses, will probably see another season for Strong.
    But 2017 better be outstanding.
    I also think we win 8 or more this season.
     

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