To sum it up, the 2011 Longhorns aren't as bad as the 2010 team, but no where near as good as any team Mack had between 2001-2009. I know after the Mizzou game, its hard to imagine us winning another game. But, I also think 2 out of 3 is doable. In the offseason, I posted a few times that the key to happiness is low expectations when discuss this season. This year, it was unrealistic to expect the Horns to get back to being a solid top 10 team like we're used to. This was before Gilbert was benched and subsequently transferred. Freshmen can be great impact players and they should play if they can contribute immediately. But if they're your best options throughout your lineup, that's a huge problem. On our roster, the truth is that our best options at LT, QB, RB, WR, and DB are Freshmen. Back in May, they were getting fitted for their Prom tuxes. That's bad news when you go up against talented teams with seasoned players. This isn't an excuse but a fact. You don't win big time if your best players are Freshman, period. Which brings us to the disturbing truth that most of the upperclassmen aren't good enough. The reason is the 2006-2009 recruiting classes have produced too many busts, especially on the O-line. Exhibit A, Tray Allen(5 Star) got beat out by a TRUE Freshman Josh Cochran at LT. Also, they put all their eggs in one in Garrett Gilbert. The coaching staff did not do their due diligence in evaluating recruits and Mack was too hell bent on wrapping up his class too early. This is why most of the assistants are no longer there. As for David Ash, he wouldn't be playing if Garrett hadn't been a bust. I wish that Ash could have been redshirted but right now he's our best option. I know some are hoping Conner Brewer will beat him out. But, if that happens, we're set back another year. I know he had a terrible game last Saturday. I did like that late in the 4th Q was his scramble for a 1st down. He went right at the marker even though he was going to get jacked up. I don't know if he'll get better, but I say let him have a full offseason as the #1 to develop chemistry with his receivers in the spring and 7-on-7's. Then if he still hasn't improved, then put in Brewer. I get that with our resources this shouldn't happen. But Mack and the new coaches are doing whatever it takes to make the program better. It's a construction zone and sometimes it gets messy. What happened in the past has happened and there's nothing you can do about it. Between this years class and 2012, we will be back to where we need to be. In the meantime, if you want to keep your sanity, slow your roll and let the season play out.
Actually David wouldn't be forced into playing if Case and Conner weren't bust, who wouldn't have been known bust had Garrett not been a bust, who may not have been a bust at all had the 3 classes before him produced no viable QBs forcing him into play as a true frosh in an offense not suited to him, and surrounded by numerous other busts shoveling more dirt on his figurative grave.. It truly is the ultimate team game. Or maybe, it takes a village to kill a dream
I'm starting to worry a tad about next year. It appears as if the pieces are falling into place to get us back to where we belong. That is, except at QB. I know there is another thread on this and I don't mean to rehash it but, I just don't see Ash being the answer. Even if Brewer turns out to be somewhat decent, he's still going to be a freshman and we're almost back to where we started this year. That being said, the defense will be pretty awesome so there's that.
Next year will be better. This team is young and has promise. I can't put to much on Ash for the mistakes he has made. Just about every QB has had the luxury of learning under the red shirt with the exception of Simms. Hew will learn and get better. Patience is needed with this team.
We have to improve the way we create a pocket in pass protection. Can you imagine what a 3rd and 10 would look like if we played Alabama or LSU? It would embarrassing. OL has to get better before we even think about being a legit contender again.
It's going to take a couple of years to turn this thing back around but we'll get there... keep the faith
We've never had a true freshman QB thrown into the fire like Ash has been. There is no precedent. Simms was thrown into the Aggy game, which is huge, but he had 10 games (worth of practice) to learn prior to that. Mizzou was a terrible loss, but those happen. See Tech/OU.
Name one true freshman QB on any college team that was successful? I would think the list is short, very short.
This is also why RB's has been thin this year. Whaley was a bust at RB... and he was only RB taken that year. Lost Newton to transfer. Cody moved to FB.... etc.
It's not that I expect Ash to be a superstar. I'm just not seeing what he has that will improve from year-to-year. He doesn't seem to have a cannon for an arm, he's quiet in the huddle and his running ability is average. Yes, the crappy pass protection doesn't help; however, I see him unable to make even the easy throws right now.
my bad... Newton didn't transfer.. He just quit because of Concussion concerns if memory serves. Attrition at RB is hurting us right now.
Give your young qbs more time.. You've been spoiled as hell throught the past 6-7 years much like we have. I wanted to kill Landry his first year. He looked like **** against BYU and Miami. He threw 5 INTs at Nebbish. I do not even want to talk about TTech that year. He did ok.. but we were definetely worried about him until mid way through last year. He came around though. Shore up your lines and I bet you'll see a better outcome. You've still only lost 3 games (2 to top 5 BCS teams). Kinne transferring was the biggest reason for all of this.
how many QBs transferred? If you count Vince's leaving a year early, can you count the number of QB years lost? Vince 1 Kinne 3 or 4? Connor 3? Jevon 2 or 3? Gilbert 2 That's about 11 QB seasons lost in 6 years-give or take. I can't believe this is normal attrition. Does this go back to the line the kids are given? Are we promisiing a starting job to every QB we recruit?
