December 11Dec 11 Wondering if Michigan is still playing this game… and not necessarily because of the coach side, but because so many players may be told to opt out or transfer.
December 11Dec 11 2 minutes ago, Hank_Hill said: So you agree the playoffs have made fans softer No not softer, football gave us time to recover from the reality since hope died fairly early especially for Texas fans except in the 2000's. Now hope dies late for the teams in contention. I equate not making the play-off to how everyone felt around here after the Colorado loss and the BCS bullshit of 2008.
December 11Dec 11 32 minutes ago, taybo20 said: Wondering if Michigan is still playing this game… and not necessarily because of the coach side, but because so many players may be told to opt out or transfer. Let's have the ags replace them. Would love to kick their asses again.
December 12Dec 12 Nahlin reporting Hill, Trey Moore, Guilbeau, Burke, Muhammad and Taaffe are all opting out of the bowl game. Everyone else is currently practicing and expected to play.
December 12Dec 12 8 minutes ago, Hookem2147 said: Nahlin reporting Hill, Trey Moore, Guilbeau, Burke, Muhammad and Taaffe are all opting out of the bowl game. Everyone else is currently practicing and expected to play. I am not buying that. Plus I have no idea who the fuck “Nahlin” is.
December 12Dec 12 4 hours ago, freyguy said: Let's have the ags replace them. Would love to kick their asses again. Fuck them. Some of y’all really like to tempt fate. I hope they run from the sec and we never play them again.
December 12Dec 12 2 minutes ago, Steamboat1874 said: I am not buying that. Plus I have no idea who the fuck “Nahlin” is. Nahlin is a luxury yacht that was built in Scotland in 1930. She was a turbine-powered steam yacht until 2005, when she was re-fitted with a diesel–electric powertrain.
December 12Dec 12 11 minutes ago, Dbeasy said: Nahlin is a luxury yacht that was built in Scotland in 1930. She was a turbine-powered steam yacht until 2005, when she was re-fitted with a diesel–electric powertrain. Well there you go. I have a hard time believing that Taaffe would opt out.
December 12Dec 12 11 hours ago, Steamboat1874 said: I am not buying that. Plus I have no idea who the fuck “Nahlin” is. Nahlin Palin?
December 12Dec 12 Popular Post 11 hours ago, Steamboat1874 said: Plus I have no idea who the fuck “Nahlin” is. Nahlin posts here as @closetojumping.
December 12Dec 12 So no actual reports of Michigan backing out of the bowl yet. I guess that’s good news?
December 12Dec 12 I'm going to assume this game is still on for now. Things to know. Michigan can rightfully be called an elite rushing team. They run roughly twice as much as they throw and have a versatile tandem in the backfield. Carries have been about even when both are playing, but Jordan Marshall is more the thumper and Haynes is an elusive one-cut guy. They use playaction to keep you honest, but they don't really ask Bryce Underwood to do much. He struggles when they do need him. They predominantly hang out in 12 and 11 personnel. Michigan's defense is a Wink Martindale defense. They do a whole lot but tend to not be fundamentally sound. He and Venables are kindred spirits in that respect. At some point in the game, we will catch them playing games with their front and pop an explosive run. But they are overall solid up front this year. Where they struggle is the secondary. Safety play has been their biggest issue, even in run support. Wink's reliance on man coverage to make his madness work has also hurt him as the DBs just aren't strong enough of an overall unit to avoid mismatches against strong opponents. If you are a visiting Michigan fan or otherwise haven't seen Texas play much, I think a fun thing to look for in this game is the contrast with the Texas defense. PK plays very few games and will only really throw curveballs when he sees an opportunity for a strikeout. Instead, the Texas defense emphasizes technique, physicality, and being elite at a few things. Simplicity vs complexity; stability vs chaos. Edited December 12Dec 12 by JBJ
December 12Dec 12 17 hours ago, Steamboat1874 said: Well there you go. I have a hard time believing that Taaffe would opt out. Taaffee was dinged up and needs to work on his 40 time for the combine. I'm guessing his agent is going to send him to training and rehab starting next week.
December 12Dec 12 18 hours ago, Dbeasy said: Nahlin is a luxury yacht that was built in Scotland in 1930. She was a turbine-powered steam yacht until 2005, when she was re-fitted with a diesel–electric powertrain.
December 12Dec 12 19 hours ago, Hookem2147 said: Nahlin reporting Hill, Trey Moore, Guilbeau, Burke, Muhammad and Taaffe are all opting out of the bowl game. Everyone else is currently practicing and expected to play. I’d love it if we played this game only with people who are going to be on the roster next year, though I don’t begrudge any seniors for playing one last game obviously. 2025 season is done, this is basically our spring game…
December 12Dec 12 8 hours ago, HenryJames said: Nahlin posts here as @closetojumping. I like CTJ. I do not like Nahlin.
December 12Dec 12 Would not blame Taaffe, his last play was a pick. Would be surprised Burke Does not want more film of him crashing the line, hitting a QB and stopping the run. Ant hill is hurt so understand. Moore needs film. Thanks Guilbeau, we got some lads that need the reps.
December 12Dec 12 4 minutes ago, Alien Octopus said: Would not blame Taaffe, his last play was a pick. Would be surprised Burke Does not want more film of him crashing the line, hitting a QB and stopping the run. Ant hill is hurt so understand. Moore needs film. Thanks Guilbeau, we got some lads that need the reps. Yea last play a pick at home against aggy. Quite a way to go out
December 12Dec 12 8 minutes ago, Alien Octopus said: Would not blame Taaffe, his last play was a pick. Would be surprised Burke Does not want more film of him crashing the line, hitting a QB and stopping the run. Ant hill is hurt so understand. Moore needs film. Thanks Guilbeau, we got some lads that need the reps. Why would Burke need more film? Dude has 40 tackles, 3 sacks, and a FF this year alone. They aren't going to learn anything more about him in one more game.
December 12Dec 12 Not sure Burke benefits from more film as much as as he would from 10 extra pounds.
December 12Dec 12 5 minutes ago, Bolero88 said: How the hell is taafe playing in the senior bowl but not the citrus bowl? Fuck him Because the Senior Bowl is better for him to get drafted than a bowl game.
December 12Dec 12 6 minutes ago, Bolero88 said: How the hell is taafe playing in the senior bowl but not the citrus bowl? Fuck him A bit of an overreaction. The Citrus Bowl is an exhibition and training time for younger players. There is no point in Taafe playing it. I'm sure the coaches want to focus on players that will be here next year. Edited December 12Dec 12 by Dahobbs
December 13Dec 13 50 minutes ago, Bolero88 said: How the hell is taafe playing in the senior bowl but not the citrus bowl? Fuck him Do you think a bowl game dedicated to getting scouted while playing against a similar talent level is better for his draft status than playing against a dumpster fire Michigan team?
December 13Dec 13 1 hour ago, Dahobbs said: A bit of an overreaction. The Citrus Bowl is an exhibition and training time for younger players. There is no point in Taafe playing it. I'm sure the coaches want to focus on players that will be here next year. The senior bowl is also an exhibition game. The citrus bowl actually counts for college football.
December 13Dec 13 4 minutes ago, Bolero88 said: The senior bowl is also an exhibition game. The citrus bowl actually counts for college football. The senior bowl is specifically for getting scouted. It is like a mini draft camp. Citrus Bowl counts for shit in modern college football. Being upset about this is stupid.
December 13Dec 13 22 hours ago, Steamboat1874 said: I am not buying that. Plus I have no idea who the fuck “Nahlin” is.
December 13Dec 13 Who said he is not playing? According to Bobby and Gerry he is practicing along with pretty much everyone else.
December 13Dec 13 4 hours ago, Bolero88 said: How the hell is taafe playing in the senior bowl but not the citrus bowl? Fuck him Jeez what an overreaction. heres another one: get fucked you fat pussy.
December 13Dec 13 5 hours ago, horn009 said: This exhibition game got a whole lot easier in just a 24 hour span. The interim slob is probably a better coach
December 13Dec 13 6 hours ago, Ignatius said: I’d love it if we played this game only with people who are going to be on the roster next year, though I don’t begrudge any seniors for playing one last game obviously. 2025 season is done, this is basically our spring game… #69 BROOKS KIESCHNICK JR it's time to take the field!
December 14Dec 14 bump to get this to the top of the page i am shocked michigan is continuing with this game i am shocked the mannnigs have not used the michigan dumpster fire as cover to shut him down for the year +++++++++ 20mins ago on si https://www.si.com/college/texas/football/multiple-key-texas-longhorns-opt-out-of-bowl-game-vs-michigan Multiple Key Texas Longhorns Opt-Out of Bowl Game vs. Michigan JD Andress 3–4 minutes The Texas Longhorns didn't reach their goal this season of reaching the College Football Playoff, and despite the regular season being over, they still have one more game to play, the Cheez-Its Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines. The Longhorns, just like every other team competing in a bowl game that isn't a part of the College Football Playoff, will be dealing with players opting out. Whether that is due to protecting their draft stock or for an early entry into the transfer portal, the Longhorns will be without multiple key pieces to their team. The defense took the brunt of the hit, as they will be without Michael Taaffe, Anthony Hill Jr., Manny Muhammad, Ethan Burke, Trey Moore, and Jaylon Guilbeau, according to Chip Brown of 247Sports. Who to Turn to Now? Nov 22, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Liona Lefau (18) runs for after recovering a fumble during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images None of the above names outside of Muhammad are too shocking; most of them wish to preserve their health in the months leading up to the NFL Draft combine as they look to begin the next stage of their career. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, though, will be able to get an early look at his secondary for next season, using the time to figure out what positions to attack in the portal the most. Taaffe and Hill Jr. will be the toughest players to replace, as both are consistent key parts of the Longhorns defense, especially in the passing game. Both players have backups capable of stepping into their role. Liona Lefau is used to running the middle linebacker position, while Xavier Filsaime will get his chance to step up and prove to Sarkisian that the role is his. Muhammad is the shocking move of the group opting out, with his decision showing he could be leaving the Forty Acres to try his hand at the NFL level. While he still had eligibility left, he could be moving on, potentially finishing his career with 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions. Burke will surely be missed, and will throw off Longhorn fans tuning in as he has been a long-time staple of the defensive line. In four seasons, he has played in 52 games, finishing with 114 tackles, 10.5 sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles. Burke's absence should open the door for one of the young edge defenders to get a chance to show something. Moore, the hybrid defensive player who switched from defensive end to outside linebacker this season, will also be missing the bowl game. Ty'Anthony Smith should be able to replace his production seamlessly, giving another look into what the 2026 defense could look like.
December 14Dec 14 Just now, Hagbard Celine said: bump to get this to the top of the page i am shocked michigan is continuing with this game i am shocked the mannnigs have not used the michigan dumpster fire as cover to shut him down for the year +++++++++ 20mins ago on si https://www.si.com/college/texas/football/multiple-key-texas-longhorns-opt-out-of-bowl-game-vs-michigan Multiple Key Texas Longhorns Opt-Out of Bowl Game vs. Michigan JD Andress 3–4 minutes The Texas Longhorns didn't reach their goal this season of reaching the College Football Playoff, and despite the regular season being over, they still have one more game to play, the Cheez-Its Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines. The Longhorns, just like every other team competing in a bowl game that isn't a part of the College Football Playoff, will be dealing with players opting out. Whether that is due to protecting their draft stock or for an early entry into the transfer portal, the Longhorns will be without multiple key pieces to their team. The defense took the brunt of the hit, as they will be without Michael Taaffe, Anthony Hill Jr., Manny Muhammad, Ethan Burke, Trey Moore, and Jaylon Guilbeau, according to Chip Brown of 247Sports. Who to Turn to Now? Nov 22, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Liona Lefau (18) runs for after recovering a fumble during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images None of the above names outside of Muhammad are too shocking; most of them wish to preserve their health in the months leading up to the NFL Draft combine as they look to begin the next stage of their career. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, though, will be able to get an early look at his secondary for next season, using the time to figure out what positions to attack in the portal the most. Taaffe and Hill Jr. will be the toughest players to replace, as both are consistent key parts of the Longhorns defense, especially in the passing game. Both players have backups capable of stepping into their role. Liona Lefau is used to running the middle linebacker position, while Xavier Filsaime will get his chance to step up and prove to Sarkisian that the role is his. Muhammad is the shocking move of the group opting out, with his decision showing he could be leaving the Forty Acres to try his hand at the NFL level. While he still had eligibility left, he could be moving on, potentially finishing his career with 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions. Burke will surely be missed, and will throw off Longhorn fans tuning in as he has been a long-time staple of the defensive line. In four seasons, he has played in 52 games, finishing with 114 tackles, 10.5 sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles. Burke's absence should open the door for one of the young edge defenders to get a chance to show something. Moore, the hybrid defensive player who switched from defensive end to outside linebacker this season, will also be missing the bowl game. Ty'Anthony Smith should be able to replace his production seamlessly, giving another look into what the 2026 defense could look like. Why would they have Arch quit on a game when the rest of the returning underclassmen are playing and he's in an ideal spot to get good tape against a blueblood?
December 14Dec 14 On 12/12/2025 at 6:48 PM, Bolero88 said: The senior bowl is also an exhibition game. The citrus bowl actually counts for college football. On 12/12/2025 at 6:53 PM, Dahobbs said: The senior bowl is specifically for getting scouted. It is like a mini draft camp. Citrus Bowl counts for shit in modern college football. Being upset about this is stupid. hobbs has it, other than the 'momentum' from '10 wins' this game means fuckalll THE BOWLS ARE USELESS i just ran down the list, the first 15 bowls will be watched by the family, friends and 20k alumni for each of those schools, plus the rest of america that accidentally left their tv on espn2/u
December 14Dec 14 On 12/12/2025 at 5:21 PM, Bolero88 said: How the hell is taafe playing in the senior bowl but not the citrus bowl? Fuck him
December 14Dec 14 3 minutes ago, texifornia said: Why would they have Arch quit on a game when the rest of the returning underclassmen are playing and he's in an ideal spot to get good tape against a blueblood? because he's not just a six million dollar man, he's a 100-million-dollar asset there is no narrative driving his performance on new year's eve disney will beg (i'm sure they are behind the scenes on a daily basis) for arch to start and play the whole way but disney isn't going to compensate us one dime if a meatchicken freshman who has never played separates arch's shoulder on a late hit how about we have a spring game to let arch test his receiver corps? the determination that we need hands players in the portal.... is known along with every other position room we don't need arch to play to 'learn' what we need we need everything $9.95 please
December 14Dec 14 On 12/12/2025 at 6:48 PM, Bolero88 said: The senior bowl is also an exhibition game. The citrus bowl actually counts for college football. The senior bowl game is not very important. THe senior bowl practice are very important. More scouting goes on there than the game
December 14Dec 14 Popular Post The only opt outs will be NFL bound guys and portal guys. Everyone else is playing. They are football players. If you don't care, don't watch. Seems pretty simple. But let's keep debating something you have no control over again and again and again.
December 14Dec 14 3 hours ago, texifornia said: Why would they have Arch quit on a game when the rest of the returning underclassmen are playing and he's in an ideal spot to get good tape against a blueblood? I subscribe to a theory that a player's growth, especially QBs, significantly accelerates with live in-game reps compared to practice reps. Crazy, I know. This game gives every player, especially Arch, a chance to prepare, study film, and execute a game plan against a top 20 team (depending on Michigan opt outs) and every rep in this game will contribute to Arch's development going into next year.
December 14Dec 14 4 minutes ago, EuroHorn said: This is one of the stupidest things I've ever seen. Whoever actually spent the time with AI to make this needs to get out of his mom's basement from time to time and make some friends.
December 15Dec 15 2 hours ago, TheBryMan81 said: I subscribe to a theory that a player's growth, especially QBs, significantly accelerates with live in-game reps compared to practice reps. Crazy, I know. This game gives every player, especially Arch, a chance to prepare, study film, and execute a game plan against a top 20 team (depending on Michigan opt outs) and every rep in this game will contribute to Arch's development going into next year. i agreed with you 1000% before nil
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.