Missouri Tigers vs. Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns are back in a bowl! Pretty exciting for the team and all Texas fans. It should be a pretty darn good game. What it really, really needs to be is a win. Texas has not had a winning season since 2013. It is time to change that.
The 2017 Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl kicks off at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night from NRG Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on the Entertainment & Sports Programming Network. ESPN Radio will also cover the game – SiriusXM channel 80. In the Austin region, Bob Cole will carry the game with the Voice of the Longhorns, the Great Craig Way, on KOKE 99.3/98.5, on the Horn (104.9), and The Mighty 1490. The Texas broadcast will also be on SiriusXM 84 (ESPNU), for those who might be out of range of a regular station.
Texas is making its 54th all-time bowl appearance, trailing only Alabama in bowls. The Longhorns are 27-24-2 all-time in bowl games and 12-8-1 against $EC opponents (although I still don’t feel like Missouri is an SEC team).
Texas and Missouri will be meeting for the 24th time. Texas holds a 17-6 series lead. In 1996, we opened Big 12 play with a 40-10 home win over the Tigers, and in 2011 we lost 17-5 at Columbia. But overall when we were conference mates, the Horns were 6-2 against the Tigers.
Missouri comes to Houston with a 7-5 record. The Tigers started 2017 with a huge 72-43 win over Missouri State, then proceeded to lose 5 games in a row: 31-13 to South Carolina, 35-3 to Purdue, 51-14 to Auburn, 40-34 to Kentucky, 53-28 to Georgia. After that, Coach Odom literally set fire to the Missouri playbook. The Tigers re-booted, and fortunately had FCS Idaho to test their new game. The Mizzou offense caught fire, torching the Vandals 68-21. Out of conference again the following week, the Tigers thrashed Connecticut 52-12. Confidence restored, Missouri ran the table. A 45-16 home win over Florida to finally get an SEC win, then 50-17 over Tennessee, 45-17 over Vanderbilt, and 48-45 over Arkansas.
So, the question for me is whether or not Missouri is a mediocre SEC East team who has some great speed and receivers (see below) who destroyed some really weak non-conference opponents (Missouri State was 3-8, Idaho 4-8, U Conn 3-9) and then won a few over some weak, bottom of the division SEC schools, or a legit offensive horse? Florida finished 4-7 [3-5 SEC], Tennessee was famously bad at 4-8 [0-8 SEC], Vandy was 5-7 [1-7 SEC], and Arkansas was 4-8 [1-7 SEC].
Junior Drew Lock (#3, 6’4”, 225 pounds) has started all 12 games for the Tigers at quarterback. A very successful year, as he has thrown for 43 touchdowns (leads the nation) and only 12 interceptions. Ranked 10th in the nation in passing, he has 328 completion on 493 attempts for 58.2%. A 169.2 QB rating (#4 in the country). 3,695 yards. Quite impressive.
Lock has some great receivers to play catch with. They look like a big play team, which isn’t the best of omens for a depleted Texas secondary. Leading the Tigers is J’Mon Moore (#6, 6’3”, 205), 60 catches for 1,017 yards, 17 ypc average, and 10 touchdowns. Emanuel Hall (#84, 6’3”, 200) has 817 yards on 33 receptions, with a huge 24.8 ypc average. 8 touchdowns. Joining Hall and Moore at wide receiver is Johnathon Johnson (#12, 5’10”, 185), who has 38 catches for 639 yards (16.8 ypc) and 5 TDs. Tight End Albert Okwuegbunam (#81, 6’5”, 260) leads in scoring catches with 11 (on 25 receptions) and 6 TDs.
Senior Ish Witter (#21, 5’10”, 200) is the leading rusher for the Tigers, with 992 yards on 171 attempts (5.8 average), 5 TDs. Freshman Larry Rountree III (#33, 5’11”, 210) has 629 yards on 112 rushes. Sophomore Damarea Crockett (#16, 5’11”, 225 pounds) has 80 attempts for 481 yards. A pretty solid running back corps.
So, a pretty potent offense, but huge chunks of their big numbers came against Missouri State (294 yards rushing, 521 passing), Idaho (183 rushing, 475 passing), U Conn (175 rushing, 408 passing), Tennessee (433 rushing, 226 passing), and Arkansas (248 rushing, 448 passing).
Defensively, the Tigers are led by linebacker Cale Garrett (#47, 6’3”, 235), who has 92 tackles, 58 solo, with 9 TFL, and 2 interceptions. Linebacker Terez Hall (#24, 6’2”, 230) 76 tackles (45 solo, 11.5 TFL). Anthony Sherrils has 62 tackles (46 solo, 3 TFL, 2 picks). Big Marcell Frazier (#16, a redshirt senior, 6’5”, 265) has 13.5 TFL, 68 yards (7 sacks, 50 yards).
The Texas depth chart that was published with the official Game Notes is probably a bit dated. More like the Not Very Deep Chart. The original one has either Ehlinger or Buechele starting. I hope Sam is well and can play. But Shane will start. If not, then I feel pretty good about Shane throwing against one of the worst passing defenses in the country. Down to 2 running backs, I expect to see a lot of Daniel Young. At X Wide Receiver, Collin Johnson starting ahead of Jerrod Heard. At the HWR, RHM starting and backed by Armanti Foreman. Would be nice to see Foreman close his career with a big game. At the Z, Lorenzo Joe, Devin Duvernay, or John Burt. Hopefully the line will have a big game. Going to need it.
On defense, I hear Malik’s toe is still bad, and he probably won’t play. That would be unfortunate, but remember Gary Johnson has had some great playing time and done well. I trust Hughes, Wheeler, and Freeman to play well. Up front, Poona Ford, Omenihu, and Roach will be stout, and Hager will provide pressure on Lock. Hoping for a big game from Breckyn.
The DB’s are thin, and DeShon Elliott will sure be missed. But I trust Orlando and his staff, and I think with Kris Boyd, Jason Hall, Brandon Jones, John Bonney, Antwuan Davis, P.J. Locke, and Davante Davis we will be okay.
As some have noted, I don’t review the statistical leaders for Texas before each game. Main reason is that I think most folks who follow the Horns generally know who our leaders are. But, since it has been over a month since our last game, here are some individual stats.
On defense, Malik Jefferson has been a leader in a pure sense and statistically. 110 tackles (79 solo) is best on the team, with 10 TFL for 44 yards (4 sacks for 34 yards). DeShon Elliott was #2, with 63 tackles (50 solo, 8.5 TFL, 6 picks; really wish he would play). We know Elliott is gone, and if Jefferson doesn’t play, then the 2 guys who have made nearly a quarter of our tackles are out. Going to hurt. Sure wish DeShon was playing.
Brandon Jones has 59 tackles (49 solo). Kris Boyd has 54 (35), and Gary Johnson has 50 (31 solo, plus 2 picks).
Sam Ehlinger is our leading rusher, with 388 yards, averaging 46 per game. Daniel Young is second, with 325 yards (4.7 average), with 3 TDs. Frankly, reading our rushing stats and knowing that Warren is gone and Carter is out and Sam may not play is pretty depressing. Herman and Beck better have something schemed.
Collin Johnson leads with 725 yards on 51 catches, averaging 14.2 per catch. Reggie Hemphill-Mass is third on the team with 400 yards on 36 catches, averaging 11.1 per catch. Foreman has 27 for 261 (4 TDs), Joe has 19 for 240, and Heard has 18 for 150. Would be nice to see Burt and Duvernay step it up.
Offense
|
Statistic |
Texas |
Missouri |
| Rushing Offense | #95 – 141.8 ypg | #35 – 199.6 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #36 – 266.5 ypg | #14 – 311.9 ypg |
| Total Offense | #56 – 408.3 ypg | #7 – 511.5 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #60 – 29.2 ppg | #10 – 39.3 ppg |
| First Downs | #64 – 20.8/game | #20 – 23.9/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #103 – 32, 208 yards, 2.7/game | #6, 12, 84 yards, 1/game |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #95 – 79, 313 yards, 6.6/game | #1 – 34, 145 yards, 2.8/game |
| Third Down Conversions | #81 – 38.5% | #8 – 47.2% |
| Red Zone Offense | #102 – 78% / 60% | #23 – 90% / 67% |
| Long Scrimmage Plays | #53 – 176/10+; 57/20+; 18/30+; 8/40+; 2/50+; 1/60+ | #15 – 208/10+; 78/20+; 36/30+; 26/40+; 22/50+; 10/60+ |
Defense 1
|
Statistic |
Texas |
Missouri |
| Rushing Defense | #7 – 105.7 ypg | #62 – 163.5 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #108 – 257.9 ypg | #110 – 261.8 ypg |
| Total Defense | #40 – 363.6 ypg | #89 – 425.3 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #31 – 21.7 ppg | #94 – 31.8 ppg |
| Sacks | #34 – 30, 221 yards, 2.5/game | #31 – 31, 176 yards, 2.6/game |
| Tackles for Loss | #45 – 79, 342 yards, 6.6/game | #16 – 92, 312 yards, 7.7/game |
| First Downs Allowed | #24 – 17.7/game | #76 – 20.8/game |
| Third Down Conversions | #4 – 27.6% | #110 – 44.3% |
| Red Zone Defense 2 | #41 – 80% / 49% | #122 – 91% / 65% |
| Long Scrim. Plays allowed | #43 – 158/10+; 61/20+; 25/30+; 17/40+, 9/50+ | #60 – 166/10+; 68/20+; 35/30+; 17/40+; 13/50+ |
1 I updated some of the defensive standings on 12.26, but not all. Doesn’t change the comparison below.
2on TD%, Texas is #15
Match-up Comparison
|
Texas Offense |
Missouri Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 141.8 ypg | 163.5 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 266.5 ypg | 261.8 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 408.3 ypg | 425.3 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 29.2 ppg | 31.8 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 20.8/game | 20.8/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 38.5% | 44.3% – 3rd Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 78% / 60% | 91% / 65% – Red Zone Defense |
| LSP – 176/10+; 57/20+; 18/30+; 8/40+; 2/50+ | 166/10+; 68/20+; 35/30+; 17/40+; 13/50+ – LSP Allowed |
|
Texas Defense |
Missouri Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 105.7 ypg | 199.6 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 257.9 ypg | 311.9 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 363.6 ypg | 511.5 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 21.7 ppg | 39.3 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 17.7/game | 23.9/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 27.6% | 47.2% – 3rd Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 80% / 49% | 90% / 67% – Red Zone Offense |
| LSP Allowed – 158/10+; 61/20+; 25/30+; 17/40+, 9/50+ | 208/10+; 78/20+; 36/30+; 26/40+; 22/50+; 10/60+ – LSP |
I am pretty sure the we will do okay against the Tiger rushing attack. I am a little more concerned about the passing attack. They really stretch the field, as evidenced by the LSP stats above. And here are their passing stats: 130 passing plays over 10 yards, 58 over 20, 31 over 30, 22 over 40, 18 over 50, 8 over 60, and 3 over 70. Could be a bit of a track meet. And, Lock usually has plenty of time to throw the ball. The Mizzou stats for sacks and tackles for loss allowed are really impressive.
Texas Game Notes:
http://texassports.com/documents/2017/12/25/13_Texas_Football_Notes_2017_Bowl_Game.pdf?id=10536
Texas preview:
http://texassports.com/news/2017/12/21/football-set-for-texas-bowl-showdown-against-missouri.aspx
I copied the following from TexasSports.com (well, some slight editing), and so thanks to the great staff at U.T. for this excellent analysis about “Stopping Potent Offenses”. I think we have to live up to this reputation and what Todd Orlando and the defense have done this season for Texas to win:
- Texas played against seven of the nation’s Top 36 scoring offenses in 2017, holding six of their 12 opponents to season-low scoring outputs.
- UT held the nation’s No. 3 offense Oklahoma State to 13 points (10 in regulation). The Cowboys averaged 46.3 ppg, and their next lowest output this season being 31 points.
- Texas held the Land Thieves (44.9 ppg, 4th) to a season-low 29 points in the Red River Shootout.
- The Longhorns held West Virginia to a season-low 14 points. The Mountaineers are 19th nationally, averaging 36.3 points per game.
- UT held Southern Cal (34.5 ppg, 24th) to just 17 points in regulation, and 27 total, in its double-overtime loss.
- The Longhorns also held Iowa State (17-7 win), Baylor (38-7 win), and San Jose State (56-0 win) to season lows.
- In total, Texas held nine of their 12 opponents under their season averages, and a 10th, Kansas State, before the Wildcats’ touchdown in overtime.
Texas is a 3 point underdog, after the line opened at 1. The over/under is 60.5.
I think the Texas defense is much better than most of those which Missouri has faced, and I look to Orlando and the D to hold the Tigers in the 20’s.
The big question is: What can the Offense do? I am really not sure what to expect. I just hope that the extra prep and planning and practice time will show some results on the field. We know that we can play with some of the best teams in the country. I am convinced this is a good football team, even with the players who won’t be suiting up.
Going with this: Texas 28, Missouri 24. On the other hand, both teams could score in the 40’s.
Tigers vs. Longhorns Previews
Cody Daniel on BON:
From 247 Sports. Most of these folks are picking Missouri, and all think they are going to put up points – over 30 in most cases. Thanks to Chip Brown for picking Texas to win. I agree.
A premium article on InsideTexas.com. You probably ought to consider subscribing, as most of Paul Wadlington’s best stuff is there now (Scipio Tex of Barking Carnival fame).
http://www.insidetexas.com/forums/threads/scouting-the-missouri-tigers-offense.79267/
Requiescat in pace Tommy Nobis
One of the greatest players to ever wear the Texas uniform passed this month. Tommy Nobis set the standard for Texas linebacking and toughness. One of the many stories I have heard is this one from Ed Small: Number 60 came off the field, his arm hanging loose by his side. He had torn his bicep. The trainer wrapped it with an Ace bandage and taped it, and Nobis went back in.
https://www.barkingcarnival.com/2017/12/13/16772838/the-longhorns-lose-a-legend
http://www.texassports.com/news/2017/2/3/football-high-above-the-game.aspx
Good Stuff
- Congratulations to DeShon Elliott, Michael Dickson, and Malik Jefferson, All Americans! Dickson and Elliott were both unanimous All-Americans. Texas now has 22 unanimous. Malik was second team.
- Congratulations to Michael Dickson, winner of the Ray Guy award.
- Malik Jefferson was named Big 12 Co- Defensive Player of the Year. 110 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and four sacks.
- Michael Dickson was named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year for the second straight season.
- Senior Poona Ford was honored as the Defensive Lineman of the Year. 30 tackles and 8 TFL.
- In case you missed this last time. I looked at it again drafting this email. A great collection of Texas Longhorns football photos from Sports Illustrated. https://www.si.com/college-football/photo/2017/11/17/texas-longhorns-football-history-players-coaches
- Six Longhorns graduated this month: Naashon Hughes, Tristan Nickelson, Mitchell Becker, John Bonney, Garrett Graf, and Trenton Hafley. Congrats!
- Priest Holmes, one of my favorite Longhorns: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/homecoming-priest-holmes-texas/
Longhorns 2016 to 2017
I decided to take a look at how we changed statistically from 2016 to 2017.
Offense
|
Statistic |
2016 |
2017 |
| Rushing Offense | #17 – 239.3 ypg | #94 – 141.8 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #50 – 252.0 ypg | #36 – 266.5 ypg |
| Total Offense | #16 – 491.3 ypg | #55 – 408.3 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #46 – 31.9 ppg | #59 – 29.2 ppg |
| First Downs | #10 – 25.1/game | #65 – 20.8/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #97 – 32, 172 yards, 2.7/game | #103 – 32, 208 yards, 2.7/game |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #34 – 66, 242 yards, 5.5/game | #91 – 79, 313 yards, 6.6/game |
| Fumbles Lost | #101 – 11 | #52 – 19 |
| Third Down Conversions | #100 – 36.1% | #81 – 38.5% |
| Punting | #2 – 47.2 yards | #1 – 48.4 yards |
| Red Zone Offense | #95 – 80% / 53% | #102 – 78% / 60% |
| LSP – Passing | #83 – 101/10+; 35/20+; 21/30+ | #31 – 127/10+; 45/20+; 14/30+ |
| LSP – Rushing | #51 – 77/10+; 22/20+; 12/30+ | #100 – 49/10+; 12/20+; 4/30+ |
| LSP – Scrimmage Plays | #72 – 178/10+; 57/20+; 33/30+ | #56 – 176/10+; 57/20+; 18/30+ |
Defense
|
Statistic |
2016 |
2017 |
| Rushing Defense | #76 – 189.8 ypg | #7 – 105.7 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #105 – 258.5 ypg | #108 – 257.9 ypg |
| Total Defense | #94 – 448.3 ypg | #40 – 363.6 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #89 – 31.5 ppg | #31 – 21.7 ppg |
| Sacks | #12 – 41, 301 yards, 3.4/game | #36 – 30, 221 yards, 2.5/game |
| Tackles for Loss | #26 – 91, 427 yards, 7.6/game | #47 – 79, 342 yards, 6.6/game |
| Fumbles Forced | #13 – 15 | #54 – 10 |
| Interceptions | #68 – 10, 101 yards | #20 – 15, 328 yards |
| First Downs Allowed | #101 – 23/game | #25 – 17.7/game |
| Third Down Conversions | #51 – 38.3% | #4 – 27.6% |
| Red Zone Defense | #70 – 85% / 57% | #41 – 80% / 49% |
| LSP Passing allowed | #92 – 122/10+; 47/20+; 22/30+ | #73 – 110/10+; 51/20+; 22/30+ |
| LSP Rushing allowed | #83 – 76/10+; 23/20+; 8/30+ | #21 – 48/10+; 10/20+; 3/30+ |
| LSP allowed | #98 – 198/10+; 70/20+; 30/30+ | #40 – 158/10+; 61/20+; 25/30+ |
Bad regression on offense, especially in the rushing game. Shows you how darn good D’Onta Forman was. But I also attribute a lot to a weak offensive line that finds difficulty in doing something really important in tackle football at the collegiate level: blocking.
The improvements on defense were significant, at least in rushing D. Going from #76 to #7 is impressive. But some of the other categories are great. Like Third Down Conversions and First Downs Allowed. If the rush defense can play this well next year and we can make some improvements in pass defense, we might win 7 or 8 games in 2018.
Texas Longhorns Recruiting
Coach Herman and his staff had a very successful Early Signing Period for recruiting.
Here is a complete and comprehensive summary from The University:
The men:
| Name | Pos. | Class | Height | Weight | Hometown (Previous School/HS) |
| Ayodele Adeoye* | LB | Fr.-HS | 6-1 | 231 | St. Louis, Mo. (IMG Academy [Fla.]) |
| Junior Angilau | OL | Fr.-HS | 6-6 | 297 | Salt Lake City, Utah (East) |
| Ryan Bujcevski* | P | Fr.-HS | 6-0 | 180 | Sydney, Australia (Marist Catholic College Penshurst) |
| Anthony Cook* | DB | Fr.-HS | 6-0 | 173 | Houston, Texas (Lamar) |
| Cameron Dicker | K | Fr.-HS | 6-0 | 185 | Austin, Texas (Lake Travis) |
| Brennan Eagles* | WR | Fr.-HS | 6-4 | 214 | Houston, Texas (Alief Taylor) |
| Malcolm Epps | TE | Fr.-HS | 6-7 | 225 | Houston, Texas (Dekaney) |
| B.J. Foster* | DB | Fr.-HS | 6-1 | 192 | Angleton, Texas (Angleton) |
| Rafiti Ghirmai | OL | Fr.-HS | 6-4 | 294 | Frisco, Texas (Wakeland) |
| Mikey Grandy* | OL | So.-TR | 6-5 | 305 | San Jose, Calif. (College of San Mateo/Palo Alto) |
| Jalen Green | DB | Fr.-HS | 6-1 | 174 | Houston, Texas (Heights) |
| Byron Hobbs | LB | Fr.-HS | 6-4 | 209 | Fort Worth, Texas (Eastern Hills) |
| D’Shawn Jamison | DB | Fr.-HS | 5-10 | 174 | Houston, Texas (Lamar) |
| Reese Moore | OL | Fr.-HS | 6-6 | 260 | Seminole, Texas (Seminole) |
| DeMarvion Overshown | DB | Fr.-HS | 6-3 | 195 | Arp, Texas (Arp) |
| Cameron Rising* | QB | Fr.-HS | 6-2 | 209 | Newbury Park, Calif. (Newbury Park) |
| Caden Sterns* | DB | Fr.-HS | 6-1 | 192 | Cibolo, Texas (Steele) |
| Casey Thompson* | QB | Fr.-HS | 6-1 | 189 | Newcastle, Okla. (Newcastle) |
| Al’Vonte Woodard | WR | Fr.-HS | 6-1 | 193 | Houston, Texas (Lamar) |
The kids with an asterisk are anticipated to be early enrollees.
Lots of talent on defense, especially for DBU. Coach and his staff did really well in Houston. The kicker from Lake Travis, Cameron Dickey, is a huge get, and I have high hopes for our next Aussie punter. The class is already ranked in the top 5 by most services, and No. 2 by several.
Always good to see kids from East Texas. We don’t get a lot of players out of Arp.
Going to need some more offensive linemen I think.
From Wescott Eberts:
Admiral William McRaven
Very disappointed to hear the Bill McRaven is stepping down as Chancellor of The U.T. System. He has been a visionary leader. Thank you for your service Admiral.
I hope the Board of Regents will find someone with great vision and leadership skills like Admiral McRaven. Wish I could provide a link to the speech Joe Straus gave earlier this month at the Greater Austin Crime Commission lunch.
Juan Heisman Tailgate
What a great tailgating season we had! Big thanks to everyone who contributed in so many ways. We look forward to seeing everyone on September 8, 2018, for the Tulsa game!
Coaching Salaries
I am not picking on Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, but the story surrounding the firing of Kevin Sumlin and the hiring of Jimbo Fisher is a pretty big story. I have been saving an article my friend Mike Godfrey wrote which was published as an op-ed in the newspaper in Bryan/College Station, which I have included in its entirety below.
As I close the 2017 season, I join some of the other folks who believe that coaching salaries are getting out of control. I don’t begrudge anyone from working hard and making as much money as he or she can, regardless of profession. But the cost to our colleges and universities to support the current amounts being paid to football coaches is probably not sustainable.
Why?
The total cost to Texas Agricultural & Mechanical to get rid of Sumlin and hire Fisher was north of $135 million dollars. Really. The payoff to Sumlin and staff, the payoffs to Florida State to get Jimbo, plus the guaranteed Seventy-Five Million Dollars ($75,000,000.00) to Jimbo Fisher is crazy. I tip my John B. Stetson Open Road to the guys in the 12th Man Foundation who guaranteed around $75,000,000. Quien es mas macho? But what does all this say about our priorities?
Anyway, we will see how this works out for the aggies. SEC West is a tough place to win championships.
Here is Mike’s op-ed, which was published in the Bryan College Station Eagle in September 2017, reprinted with permission.
HERESY
By: Cullen M. Godfrey
Is Kevin Sumlin a dead man walking? Sumlin is the head football coach at Texas A&M whose team blew a 34 point lead to lose its first game against UCLA. Immediately thereafter, there was an outcry calling for Sumlin’s immediate firing. Even one of the A&M Regents weighed in expressing his lack of support for Sumlin.
If Sumlin were fired, there shouldn’t be too much concern for his well-being. His contract runs through the 2019 football season at $5 Million per year. If A&M had to pay Sumlin his full $15 Million, that would have been enough money to hire over 50 new assistant professors to help educate the next generation of college graduates.
This little vignette leads to my larger point. Head coaching salaries are out of control. Sumlin, who has had three lackluster 8-5 seasons, has a salary at the top of the head coaching ranks, but he is by no means the only beneficiary of such university largesse. Nine coaches in the Southeastern Conference make $4 Million or more. While the PAC 12 is less generous, at least half of its head coaches make in excess of $3 Million. The other major conferences have similar statistics. When UTexas fired Charlie Strong from his $5.2 Million annual salary, it incurred a potential payout of $11.2 Million.
Speaking of UTexas, its legendary coach, Darrell K. Royal, was hired in 1956 at a salary of $15,000. That would be about $135,000 in today’s dollars. In 1982, one of Sumlin’s A&M predecessors, Jackie Sherrill, signed an unprecedented six year contract with a total value of $1.6 Million, roughly, $265,000 per year. Again, in today’s dollars, that would amount to about $675,000.
Woody Hayes was hired at Ohio State in 1951 for a whopping $12,500 (less than $120,000 today). Hayden Fry went to Iowa in 1978 for $40,000 (just over $150,000 today.) Fry’s first head coaching job at SMU in 1962 paid a mere $13,000. Bo Schembechler’s starting salary at Michigan in 1969 for would be worth about $140,000 today, compared to Jim Harbaugh’s 2017 salary in excess of $9 Million.
As I write this, I can hear the cry of rabid alumni. Successful athletic programs bring big bucks to universities. Football and basketball subsidize tennis and track. The excuses never end. After all, Title IX requires universities to have women’s athletics that cost much more money than they bring in. But what about the football players themselves? Using the NCAA’s most recent statistics, barely half of the football players at Oklahoma State graduated. At 58%, UTexas did not do much better. These statistics were calculated based on a six year time frame and graduation from any institution, not necessarily the one where an athlete first commenced. It might be argued that many of these young men are just hired muscle fantasizing about a huge NFL payday rather than a college degree. No wonder there is discussion of actually paying them to entertain the fans rather than rewarding them with a college degree.
So let’s get back to the matter at hand. Why is it necessary to pay head football coaches such inflated salaries? Are today’s coaches better than Woody Hayes, Darrell Royal or Bo Schembechler? I saw No. 1 UTexas beat No. 2 Navy with Roger Staubach in the 1964 Cotton Bowl. By today’s standards the score was a modest 28-7, but it was one of the best games ever played. The next year No. 3 UTexas beat Joe Namath’s No. 1 Alabama in the Orange Bowl by the equally modest score of 21-17, and it was even more thrilling. I reject the idea that it’s because the game is different today. The single wing, wishbone and even the forward pass were revolutionary in their time. Three yards and a cloud of dust can be just as exciting as today’s wide open offences.
Maybe starting salaries of Hayes’ adjusted $120,000 or Royal’s $135,000 are unrealistic. So let’s accept Jackie Sherrill’s $675,000. Does anyone really believe that there would be an exodus of talent if head coaches were offered the opportunity to coach for that salary. When Mike Price lost his $2 Million job at Alabama in 2002, he signed at UTEP a year later for $225,000, almost a 90% cut in pay. While Charlie Strong is not at his $5.2 Million position at UTexas, he currently has a five year contract at South Florida at more than a sixty percent cut in pay.
Here’s my proposition, if not heresy. It is time for a major university with an elite football program to call a halt. What if A&M sends Kevin Sumlin packing but then enters the bidding for a replacement at $675,000? Again, does anyone seriously believe that there wouldn’t be a long list of qualified candidates in line for the job? And who knows, it might start a trend.
Bowl Season
K State and UC Los Angeles played a good one in the Cactus Bowl, as Bill Snyder’s troops rallied to beat the Bruins 35-17. Congrats to Rex Gore and all my K State friends. I think I have another one besides Rex.
West Virginia lost to Utah 30-14 on Tuesday in the Zaxby’s Heart of Texas Bowl. Mountaineers really missed Will Grier. Sorry about that finger kid. The Zaxby’s Heart of Texas Bowl was played in the Cotton Bowl, while the Cotton Bowl will be at AT&T Stadium. Hate that.
Southern Methodist got run over by Louisiana Tech in the DXL Frisco Bowl, 51-10.
Tech lost to Charlie Strong South Florida Bulls 38-34. Nic Shimonek through 59 passes, completed 32 for 416 yards and 3 touchdowns. Not enough, as Coach Strong finishes the season 10-2.
Thursday
Virginia and Navy meet Thursday in the Military Bowl. 12:30 p.m. on ESPN. The game is played at Annapolis, so it is a home game for the Middies. Navy favored by 2. Sorry Parker, but I think Navy wins this.
No. 19 Okie State and No. 22 Virginia Tech in the Camping World Bowl from Orlando. 4:15 p.m. on ESPN. Okie Aggies favored by 4.5, and the over/under is 63. Take the Pokes and the over.
No. 15 Texas Christian and No. 13 Stanford in the Valero Alamo Bowl. 8:00 p.m. on ESPN. Frogs favored by 3, and the over/under is 49. This might be one of the best bowl games of the year.
Also at 8:00 p.m., No. 18 Washington State and No. 16 Michigan State in the Holiday Bowl. FS1. Spartans favored by 1, and the over/under is 46.5. Another really good game. Tough to pick here, but I am going with the Cougars if I have to bet.
Friday
Texas Agricultural & Mechanical plays Wake Forest in the Belk Bowl. 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. Wake favored by 3, and the over/under is 66. I think Texas Agricultural & Mechanical will cover.
The Sun Bowl features No. 24 NC State and Arizona State playing in El Paso del Norte. 2:00 p.m. on the Columbia Broadcasting System. Wolfpack favored by 6.5.
No. 8 Southern Cal and No. 5 Ohio State play a good one in the Cotton Bowl Not Played in the Cotton Bowl. 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. Buckeyes favored by 6.5. Over/under is 64.5. Should be a helluva a game. Fight On!
Saturday
Iowa State and No. 20 Memphis in the Autozone Liberty Bowl in Memphis. 11:30 a.m. on ABC. Tigers favored by 4. Good Luck Cyclones! Not sure who gets this one.
No. 6 Wisconsin and No. 10 Miami (FL) in the Orange Bowl. The Orange Bowl and its halftime show was my mom’s favorite New Year’s Day show. It will be 5 years this January, and I miss her every single day. As for the game, I hope Wisconsin wins by 40. Badgers favored by 6, over/under is 45. I think Wiscy covers.
New Year’s Day
The best part of New Year’s Day is all the great football. The worst part is knowing you have to go to work the next morning.
Michigan and South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2. Michigan favored by 8, and I think they win.
No. 7 Auburn should destroy No. 12 UCF in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl, 11:30 a.m. on ESPN. Tigers favored by 9.5. War Eagle!
No. 12 Notre Dame and No. 17 Louisiana State play at 12:00 noon in the Citrus Bowl. Should be a most excellent game. Notre Dame a 3 point underdog. Have to pull for Notre Dame these days. Go Irish!
Should be an interesting Rose Bowl with No. 3 Georgia and No. 2 OU. Should be the most Oklahomans showing up in California at one time since the 1930’s. 4:00 p.m. on ESPN. The Land Thieves are 2 point underdogs, which surprises me. Over/under is 60, which doesn’t. The Land Thief quarterback, Baker Mayfield, won the Heisman.
The Sugar Bowl should be a dandy (I miss Keith Jackson), as No. 1 Clemson and No. 4 Alabama meet again. 7:45 p.m. on ESPN from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Tide favored by 3, and the over/under is 47. Ever listened to Phyllis from Mulga? She’s quite the Alabama fan. Here is are 2 samples, and if you are bored, use The Google on her.
Oh my.
The National Championship will be on the 8th from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. I won’t have an email for that game, but look for a great match between the Land Thieves and Clemson.
W&L and The Other Divisions
After the Generals lost to Mount Union, the Purple Raiders went on to run the table and beat Mary Hardin-Baylor in the Stagg Bowl 12-0.
The FCS bracket has provided some great football. James Madison thrashed South Dakota State 51-16 in one semifinal, and on the other side of the bracket, North Dakota State hammered Sam Houston, 55-13. The Dukes and the Bison play Saturday January 6 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco Texas for the FCS National Championship. 11:00 a.m. for those who want to go. Tony Dewar can arrange transportation in the Metroplex.
Three Washington & Lee men were named to the 2017 D3football.com All-America teams. Senior offensive lineman Chris Osier (Lebanon, Tenn. / Lebanon) is second team, while first-year running back Josh Breece (Lorton, Va. / Stone Bridge) and senior linebacker Max Garrett (Fairfield, Conn. / Choate Rosemary Hall) were honorable mention. Breece was also named to the AP Division III Little All-America second team. He’s a stud. Garrett was named to American Football Coaches Association 2017 Division III Coaches All-America team.
Music
Dr. Don Counts gave me some great ideas for Texas music for this email, but I will admit I have spent all of the last four days enjoying time with my family. I will try and work something up really good for the next newsletter. In the meantime, enjoy this (also it is in lieu of any review or commentary on the sand aggie game):
Longhorns Basketball
The Horns open conference play with the best team in the Big 12 on Friday, as No. 11 Kansas visits the Erwin Center. Please attend if you have tickets, and if you can’t, please get your tickets in the hands of a Texas fan. 8:00 p.m. This is the first conference game of the year, and the Jayhawks always turn out in force. Kansas is 10-2 with wins over Kentucky, Syracuse, and Stanford. (Texas is in the “receiving votes category”).
Texas is 9-3, with those really tough losses to Duke and Gonzaga in the PK80 tournament, and then a bad home loss to Michigan.
The game will be on ESPN2. But come to the Drum and see Dylan Osetkowski and Mo Bamba start this season’s conference play with a win over Kansas!
Special thanks to one of my favorite walk-ons, Joe Schwartz, for his work to deliver gifts to the kids at Dell Children’s Hospital here in Austin: https://youtu.be/lJIQvwAtYEI
Happy New Year!
God Bless Texas.
Tim Taylor
Tailgating before Home Football Games:
Lot 38, East of Sid Richardson Hall.
HOOK EM HORNS!!
© Timothy C. Taylor, Sr. 2017. All Rights Reserved (as to original material).
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