Are you expecting an aggressively called game on offense?

ND's weak spot on D is in the secondary, and the strength is the DL's ability to stuff the run. ND's new starting MLB is tough with speed, but the knock on him has been he plays himself out of position. I think this is a game where Texas can move the ball if they take some shots down field and mix in a little trickery on early downs. I don't think this is a good game to go conservative because ND's offense is going to move the ball.

 

We have a new OC with a new offense, and could be starting a true freshman at QB, so I am not expecting much razzle-dazzle. Lots of uncertainty for the Texas offense right now while ND has some established playmakers.

Anyway, football is back and it’s exciting.

 

My take is open it up and dictate on offense. Lot of new faces on the ND defense will be getting their starter feet wet just like our new O starters.

Going conservative allows their new starters to think less and react more. Mix it up and force the back 7 to make the right reads, switch offs, etc.

Much will depend on our protection up front. Gonna be a fluid game plan for sure.

 

I would hope so if not then why let go of Watson and Norvell

 

I am expecting smart, fast, efficient, and yes, taking some shots. So I guess that leans right up against aggressive.

I am also expecting our young QB to turn it over once or twice. That's to be expected in a first game ever at the college level. So I'm hoping the scheme and Boo's guts and demeanor will carry him forward without getting down, and losing confidence. I know he'll make many good plays to offset the freshman mistakes.

 

Agree it better be aggressive and not conservative against that defense.

Play to WIN, not play to NOT lose!

As stated the game plan strategy needs to be fluid. I want to see adjustments made along the way as needed and unlike most of the time last season, especially at halftime!

 

In general this will be the philosophy after the season gets rolling. However, with so many inexperienced youngsters (especially if SB starts at QB), it will take a few hits before the butterflies are gone. You do not want to jeopardize their confidence at first by playing wide open and make mistakes early. The first two plays will be running plays to test the ND line while you read how the secondary is matching up against our speed. The third play will be a pass with a pattern that will depend on what secondary mismatches have been noticed. The aggressiveness in the play calling will depend on the flow of the game initially. If ND cannot stop Forewarrened initially, then the first series of plays on offense will be conservative to help the QB's confidence.

In the Briles' veer-and-shoot, you take the long pass play at every chance you see the opportunity. Once the weakness is established in the ND secondary, then the passing game will begin in earnest. However, you need to observe first what are the best mismatches against our receivers.

 

Agreed! Risk goes up exponentially with reward. If were as simple as being more aggressive everyone would do it. New OC, possible new QB, new OL starters, certainly not the time to try to be too aggressive regardless of ND's defensive situation. Even if they don't have much experience they will certainly have talent and will be coached up to not be fooled.

If our new QB goes out and throws 5 interceptions confidence could be down the drain for the next 4-5 games.

 

Let's see ...
Rushing the ball for about 300 yards could be considered agressive.

In 2015 we rushed 29 times for 60 yards and lost 38-3.

 

I think most serious fans would agree the Horns need to have a balanced approach to being "aggressive" in this game.

There are many risk factors as pointed out about a young line, green Center(s) and a true frosh QB, etc. The Horns can't and don't need to get crazy with risk taking in this game - we get that. The point is the Horns just cannot be vanilla, become predictable or take a risk averse approach / strategy in trying to WIN the game.

Edit: I didn't mention it, Detective S. referred to it... IMO clever head fakes may hold the key to the vicktree Sat.!!!

 

I won't be satisfied if Gilbert calls anything less than the vaunted Hurry Up No Huddle / Head Fake Ankle Break / 10 Yard Minimum Offense (HUNH-HFAB-10YdMO)

 

Not sure I'm expecting aggressive play calling, but really hoping for it.

ND doesn't have any film on us so I say throw early and often and maybe get a lead. Get some completions and 1st downs then the run game works a lot better. Keep 'em off balance.

We have a lot of weapons on offense, let's use them.

 

ND weakness is their secondary in both skill and numbers. Texas should have enough receivers to run that group ragged especially in the heat so I would run those guys to death followed by Foreman, Warren, Johnson and Porter running right at them.

 

The plan should be for us to run a lot and/or short passes on offense and to put a defense on the field that forces ND to run between the 30 yard lines. We have a chance if we can shorten the game and force ND into field goal attempts. If we are close in the fourth quarter......we have a shot.

 

In his PC, Sterling Gilbert eluded to dictating on offense which includes attempting passes at all levels.

Sure didn't sound like a guy who was about to dial it back and be conservative.

 

Gilbert will spread the field horizontally. That's a given. I want to see him go up top and loosen up ND defense. The best thing for the running game will be to hit a deep ball in the first series. Not sure if wheel routes would be considered aggressive - but I like em.

 

One of the keys to this game will be how fast the Horns can keep up the pace because that will be a big advantage. The DC for N.Damas historically has shown a weakness with the fast paced spread offense because of the style of defense that he favors. Gilbert should know that the offense should run the plays as fast as the Horns can execute them. This will not allow enough time to set up the stunts in the defense properly. Keep our wide-outs fresh and run their secondary until their tongues are all hanging out.

Notice if the Horns can gain a 7-10 point differential in the Q2 scoring. If it is 10 points and the QB can stay healthy, the Horns will win the game. That will mean that the HUNH is working, and the Horns are properly conditioned. The Horns in this new style of offense will only have a concentrated horizontal passing game if the OL is letting their DL to have too much penetration. If their defensive front does not have time to work their strategies, then I will have a good workout Sunday evening with all the jumping up and down that I will be doing.

 

I'll take another bucket of Koolaid please!

 

^^This

 

Before the opener vs. ND last year, I drank 2 buckets of Koolaid.

I am optimistic about this season but I ain't drinking the Koolaid yet!

 

If our porous O-line can hold out a very physical ND defensive line long enough for our QB to deliver the ball on target. It could happen, not sayin it won't. But it will be a big challenge.

 

We have to take some shots, we cant go Greg Davis and win this game.