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The offseason is over and I don't trust @BurntOrange&White's dark and sinister aura with the 2025 fall camp or season. The march begins this week towards the 2025 National Title. I've pasted below Bobby Burton's first look at his view on what big things are up for grabs when practice starts on Wednesday. He really kind of beats around the bush in regard to the team needing to find a 4th WR. He also ignores the kicking game altogether which seems like something we want to see fixed in a major way. 

*****

Let’s keep today’s column relatively simple and straight-forward.

What are the primary position battles and questions expected during fall camp?

- Back-up QB. Matthew Caldwell or Trey Owens? Word is, Caldwell very much looks the part  But let’s see if Owens is prepared to defend the spot.

- RB rotation and the timing of it. Trey Wisner is obviously going to play a lot. The questions are the health and timing of Ced Baxter, and the ability of Jerrick Gibson, Christian Clark and James Simon. Baxter is thought to be “ahead” in his recovery, but just how far exactly? Gibson has worked hard this off-season to re-shape his body. We’ll see if that helps his quickness. Clark looked really good in spots, too. Simon is the freshman worth watching. One key on these back-ups: which one is the best in pass protection?

- WR depth. After DeAndre Moore, Ryan Wingo, Emmett Mosley and Parker Livingstone, we need to see if any of the talented freshman make a move during camp. Texas would love another freshman to join Daylan McCutcheon as being highly reliable (and not just talented).

- TE. Though he may not be there on day one of practice because he is a transfer, we can pencil Jack Endries in as the starter. But who will be the back-up and what will the rotation be? Is Spencer Shannon the sole in-line option?

- Right tackle and the overall influence of Nick Brooks and possibly Nate Kibble. Brooks might get reps at right tackle to push Brandon Baker and Andre Cojoe. Brooks might also be so good they force feed him into the lineup at left guard. Kibble has not received the same fanfare but he could be a guy who makes things happen for himself during camp.

- Interior DL. We already got a taste of Cole Brevard and Hero Kanu in the spring. What is the rotation and what is the value of Travis Shaw, Maraad Watson and Levon Johnson?

- Linebacker. Lots of options here. How will Texas deploy them? The development of Trey Moore as an off-ball linebacker will be intriguing, as is the usage of Brad Spence.

- The Secondary. Good luck figuring this out before camp starts. Texas legitimately has eight players who could fill five starting spots:

Manny Muhammad - starting corner

Jaylon Guilbeau - corner or nickel

Michael Taaffe - starting safety

Jelani McDonald - safety or big nickel

Derrick Williams - safety

Kobe Black - possible starting corner

Wardell Mack - possible starting nickel

Warren Roberson - possible starting corner

The list doesn’t include three freshman that people are speaking highly of in Jonah Williams, Graceson Littleton and Kade Phillips.

In other words, there’s a lot of vetting left to do in the secondary. And that begins in training camp, starting Wednesday, just three days from today.

OTF will be there.

Edited by closetojumping

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2 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

He really kind of beats around the bush in regard to the team needing to find a 4th WR.

I too was confused why he didn't go into more detail on the Mosley vs. McCutcheon battle that will take place to determine the fourth WR, after the very obvious top three. 

47 minutes ago, Red Five said:

I too was confused why he didn't go into more detail on the Mosley vs. McCutcheon battle that will take place to determine the fourth WR, after the very obvious top three. 

Who are the obvious top 3? I see WIngo as one then Livingstone. Is Moore really the obvious starter over Mosley? And we hear McCutcheon is coming along. It's gonna be a real battle. 

Who are the obvious top 3? I see WIngo as one then Livingstone. Is Moore really the obvious starter over Mosley? And we hear McCutcheon is coming along. It's gonna be a real battle. 

If you have 4 you don’t have 3? Who knows with this group, such a crapshoot. I don’t think we will know until game 2 or 3 at the earliest.
1 hour ago, closetojumping said:

Though he may not be there on day one of practice because he is a transfer, we can pencil Jack Endries in as the starter.

Um... What?

Just now, BigHorn'13 said:

Um... What?

I had to read that sentence several times too. He’s saying that a new transfer isn’t going to run out with the first team in the first snap of fall practice, even though everyone knows he’ll “work is way” there as camp progresses. 

He will not start camp as a starter, but he will work his way up there before camp is over. Same thing Trey Moore, Mitchell, and others have done

  • Popular Post

As Bobby Burton pointed out his morning, Matthew Golden still had to beat out Johntay Cook in August 2024, as hilarious as that reads now.

10 minutes ago, immamac said:

Well, last year. 

Feels like a different level. Which makes sense because we may start #1, with the Heisman favorite.

  • Popular Post
1 minute ago, immamac said:

Last year was top 5 with the heisman favorite 

You pick the weirdest shit. Last year we weren't favored to win the NC. Last year we weren't favored to win the SEC. Last year we didn't have the face of college football at QB. The hype definitely feels on a different level.

Just now, Red Five said:

You pick the weirdest shit. Last year we weren't favored to win the NC. Last year we weren't favored to win the SEC. Last year we didn't have the face of college football at QB. The hype definitely feels on a different level.

We were favored to make the CFP, play for the SECCG and had the fucking Dr pepper commercial QB and main Madden QB. 

Just because you like to be a revisionist doesn't mean anything you are saying is true. 

Its great where we are and it is better than last year. I'm not picking weird shit. 

Love the thread title. Here’s to Steve “Bum” Sarkisian getting the the sumbitch kicked all the way in. Luv ya Burnt Orange! 

We were favored to make the CFP, play for the SECCG and had the fucking Dr pepper commercial QB and main Madden QB. 
Just because you like to be a revisionist doesn't mean anything you are saying is true. 
Its great where we are and it is better than last year. I'm not picking weird shit. 

I liked the subtle mea culpa at the end. Next time just skip to that part and not argue something ridiculous.
20 minutes ago, Red Five said:

You pick the weirdest shit. Last year we weren't favored to win the NC. Last year we weren't favored to win the SEC. Last year we didn't have the face of college football at QB. The hype definitely feels on a different level.

I'm with you. We are the talk of college football this year. That didn't happen even during the 2000s. In part because of USC in 2004 and 2005. I still think it's incredible ESPN pitched that season as the dominance of USC, and can upstart Texas even compete with the mighty Trojans? They could have pitched it as Ali versus Frazier but chose David versus Goliath. I still think they missed an opportunity there. 

Last year talking heads questioned UT's pass defense. They questioned how Texas would do in their first year in the SEC. There was this underlying conceit that we've seen Texas be a flash in the pan before. Is this for real this time?

Completely different level this year. When we're not being talked about it's like we're the elephant in the room. The combination of the Texas brand and the Manning brand is making Texas the most compelling story of the offseason. 

It was a different time, but I don't think Texas has received this kind of attention from the people who cover this stuff since 1968-1970 when we rattled off 30 wins in a row, had the Game of the Century, and had the president anoint us as national champions. There's definitely a build-them-up-so-we-can-tear-them-down vibe about it. But vibe there is nonetheless. 

Ohio State is the other national bellcow, and I don't see the same kind of coverage of them at all. Same thing with all the SEC teams. Georgia, Alabama and LSU are playing second fiddle for the most part. 

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You guys are arguing semantics. Who fucking cares? We were hyped last year and we're hyped this year too. 

Enjoy the ride, the coverage and hype are gonna be bananas by the time week 1 in Columbus gets here.

23 minutes ago, Wishbone said:

Love the thread title. Here’s to Steve “Bum” Sarkisian getting the the sumbitch kicked all the way in. Luv ya Burnt Orange! 

SING IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Look out, football, here we come
Texas Longhorns #1

Texas has the Longhorns, the greatest football team
We take the ball from goal to goal like no one's ever seen
We're in the air, we're on the ground ... always in control
And when you say the Longhorns, you're talking Crystal Ball

'Cause we're the Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns Number One
Yes, we're the Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns Number One

We've got the offense
We've got the defense
We give the other team no hope
'Cause we're the Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns
You know we're gonna hold the rope

Yes, we're the Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns Number One
Yes, we're the Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns Number One

'Cause we're the Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns Number One
Five - Seven - Eight, we're the best from the Lone Star State!
Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns Number One

'Cause we're the Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns Number One

2 minutes ago, Atticus said:

You guys are arguing semantics. Who fucking cares? We were hyped last year and we're hyped this year too. 

Enjoy the ride, the coverage and hype are gonna be bananas by the time week 1 in Columbus gets here.

This is Surly, semantic arguments are part and parcel of the foundations upon which we exist. The more nuanced and trivial the more critical. 

Don't tell me what to do!!!

 


"As I asked in my Ifs List, however, what if Manning is merely very good? What if he flashes epic upside -- like he did against UTSA, completing passes of 75, 51 and 36 yards and ripping off a 67-yard touchdown run in less than 30 snaps -- but also gets fooled at times, like he did against Louisiana-Monroe (and in cameos against Georgia and Florida)? What if he needs an unproven receiving corps to bail him out and an unproven offensive line to protect him more?"

Fair write up. Arch will struggle but if he can scramble for first / touch downs look out.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/45807129/2025-sec-college-football-projections-preview

3 hours ago, closetojumping said:

- Interior DL. We already got a taste of Cole Brevard and Hero Kanu in the spring. What is the rotation and what is the value of Travis Shaw, Maraad Watson and Levon Johnson?

I wonder who on the DL will emerge as a real leader, someone who can be great in a big game.

15 minutes ago, SL Xpress said:

There's definitely a build-them-up-so-we-can-tear-them-down vibe about it.

that's what the rest of college football wants

but what if it the hype turned out to be true?

is such a thing even possible?

image.jpeg.1bbbcea8f790d7bbf1abbd13f2180f0b.jpeg

28 minutes ago, Atticus said:

You guys are arguing semantics. Who fucking cares? We were hyped last year and we're hyped this year too. 

Enjoy the ride, the coverage and hype are gonna be bananas by the time week 1 in Columbus gets here.

Agreed, fuck what anyone is saying outside the program,  enjoy the process, and enjoy the season.  

I am most interested in seeing how the secondary performs. After years of being frustrated with our secondary, such as not turning their heads to look for the ball, etc. last year they finally broke thru and played really well.

Up until that point I kept jokingly asking for a return of Akina, never believing that would actually happen, given not only his age but his struggles with zone coverage schemes. And now here we are with Akina. We are either going to be pleasantly surprised or cursing this hire for years. And I’m not sure at this point which way it’s going to go. 

2 minutes ago, Dbeasy said:

I am most interested in seeing how the secondary performs. After years of being frustrated with our secondary, such as not turning their heads to look for the ball, etc. last year they finally broke thru and played really well.

Up until that point I kept jokingly asking for a return of Akina, never believing that would actually happen, given not only his age but his struggles with zone coverage schemes. And now here we are with Akina. We are either going to be pleasantly surprised or cursing this hire for years. And I’m not sure at this point which way it’s going to go. 

This is my biggest concern against OSU and kinda for the season, but we aren't gonna see another potent passing attack like that unless Mateer is the truth at OU. 

Can PK, Nansen, and Akina make their concepts to work well together? It took PK and Joseph some time before they made it work. 

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The only real worry I have for this season is the offensive line. 

Last year was a more talented and experienced group. They had 121 combined starts going into the year. Yet with all that, they rushed for 58, 31, and 29 yards against Ohio State and Georgia.

Now we go into a season with 45 combined starts and several guys who failed to push for playing time previously.  It's the only thing that gives me pause about all the hype.

Edited by fellside

Just now, fellside said:

The only real worry I have for this season is the offensive line. 

Last year was a more talented and experienced group. They had 121 combined starts going into the year. Yet with all that, they rushed for 58, 31, and 29 yards against Ohio State and Georgia.

Now we go into a season with 45 combined starts and several guys who failed to push for playing time previously.  It's the only thing that give me pause about all the hype.

Same.

I wonder who on the DL will emerge as a real leader, someone who can be great in a big game.


Are there any updates on Shaw’s knee? Sark described it as a “lingering” issue throughout his career.

I’m guessing that anything we get from him is a bonus.
2 hours ago, Magus Ossis said:

It feels like we are one surprise break-out WR away from being a true juggernaut.

OL.

29 minutes ago, fellside said:

The only real worry I have for this season is the offensive line. 

Last year was a more talented and experienced group. They had 121 combined starts going into the year. Yet with all that, they rushed for 58, 31, and 29 yards against Ohio State and Georgia.

Now we go into a season with 45 combined starts and several guys who failed to push for playing time previously.  It's the only thing that gives me pause about all the hype.

yup.

1 hour ago, Dbeasy said:

I am most interested in seeing how the secondary performs. After years of being frustrated with our secondary, such as not turning their heads to look for the ball, etc. last year they finally broke thru and played really well.

Up until that point I kept jokingly asking for a return of Akina, never believing that would actually happen, given not only his age but his struggles with zone coverage schemes. And now here we are with Akina. We are either going to be pleasantly surprised or cursing this hire for years. And I’m not sure at this point which way it’s going to go. 

 

1 hour ago, Atticus said:

This is my biggest concern against OSU and kinda for the season, but we aren't gonna see another potent passing attack like that unless Mateer is the truth at OU. 

Can PK, Nansen, and Akina make their concepts to work well together? It took PK and Joseph some time before they made it work. 

Our secondary performed pretty damn well against them last year against a more veteran QB. I doubt they brought in Akina to overhaul the secondary schemes anyway. Bigger concern is the individual talent of guys stepping up to replace Barron and Mukuba. 

Orphey over Joseph feels like a high chance of upgrade. Sark hasn't missed yet in getting good developmental coaches. Which is why I am also bullish on Chad Scott. 

 

 

 

Edited by Nabad

This Texas team is going to football rape so many boys on field this year it'll make our governor hard

2 hours ago, mwaadeeb said:

I wonder who on the DL will emerge as a real leader, someone who can be great in a big game.

Brevard, Watson, and January log the most reps. Shaw fills in next. Kanu and Johnson provide depth. Charles and Sharma get time in the 3 cake OOC games and any blowouts. 

With Kenny Baker's coaching this should be a stout group, especially against the run. 

2 hours ago, fellside said:

The only real worry I have for this season is the offensive line. 

Last year was a more talented and experienced group. They had 121 combined starts going into the year. Yet with all that, they rushed for 58, 31, and 29 yards against Ohio State and Georgia.

Now we go into a season with 45 combined starts and several guys who failed to push for playing time previously.  It's the only thing that gives me pause about all the hype.

Definitely, but don’t undersell how much it will help to have QB run option, in terms of opening up holes for our backs. There will be added hesitation on every handoff to make sure Arch isn’t about to do a 70 yard dash.

Edited by Nope

4 hours ago, immamac said:

Last year was top 5 with the heisman favorite 

why are you the way that you are GIF

  • Popular Post
This Texas team is going to football rape so many boys on field this year it'll make our governor hard

giphy.gif

The concern for Horns fans should be once we get to the final 8 will we make the critical plays.

Oline.  We don’t have but 1 returning starter, but Hutson, Goosby and Campbell have starts and reps against high quality opponents.  We aren’t relying on guys new to the program either.  For a first or second year to guy to log reps, they’ll have to beat out a guy that has been with the program 3 or 4 years.  This is how transition should look.

And, yes, Arch will likely tone down the aggressive nature of the opposing defense.  Sark will need to call a few to gain that respect though.  And I’d wager that Wisners experience helps too.

  • Popular Post
This Texas team is going to football rape so many boys on field this year it'll make our governor hard

giphy.gif
45 minutes ago, immamac said:

 

Screenshot_20250727_173214_Chrome.jpg

Gotta love that the actual Heisman winner didnt even make the list 

2 hours ago, Hermanator said:

This Texas team is going to football rape so many boys on field this year it'll make our governor hard

You’re a sick fuck, dude.

Edited by lilMAC25

Special Teams and clock management (which go hand in hand).   Team can't afford to fall asleep in "punt safe" situations and give up big first downs on a fake during an obvious fake situation.  Had a critical punt block whiff and penalty to prolong a drive in the playoffs also.  Play was made going balls out, so it's understandable, but the margin of victory gets tight against good clubs.  Need to be able to trust a punter to flip the field.  Most importantly IMO need to be able to trust that Shipley can get you three reliably from 48 or so in.  Sark gets to call third down differently when he's calling it to get past the chains, rather than to get into 4th and makeable.  Shipley's made a ton of kicks, but never in an environment like Columbus. 

 

You guys pointed out the obvious concerns re: time under tension for the OL and even Arch.  For whatever reason, I just believe they'll be good enough this year.   But this defense... This defense is set up to wreck shit and I'm really excited to see it.  I try to be objective and not a prisoner of the moment, but this group should be markedly better than last year.  If so, it'll be one of the great units in this era of CFB.  In short, all the hype is justified for the team as a whole.   National Championship level team.   I want to call in every favor just to watch them work at practice - this camp will be legendary if they're wired correctly (which everyone says they are).

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