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Posted

Full team notes from IT

Spoiler

Banged-Up Texas Secondary

Junior cornerback Manny Muhammad was downgraded from probable to questionable on Thursday night’s injury report. We don’t want to share the specific injury with OU right around the corner, but IT does not expect him to play this weekend. The injury isn’t serious and he should be good to go for October 11.

In his place will be sophomore Kobe Black, who also appeared on the injury report. Black is right on time in his development to play a lot this season, and this will be a good test for him. Senior Jaylon Guilbeau will start opposite him.

Here’s where it gets a little interesting: IT expects Warren Roberson, Kade Phillips, and Graceson Littleton to all receive reps at corner. Normally a Star, Littleton played corner against Sam Houston State, and that might be his position next season.

Mixing and Matching at Star

As mentioned often this week, Florida’s offense frequently deploys two tight ends. Texas has the ability to match that personnel with Jelani McDonald at Star, but given the respect for Florida’s offensive line and running back Jadan Baugh, we expect Texas to use its Base package a considerable amount. In Base, the Star comes off and the Sam linebacker comes on. That’s a long way of saying Littleton getting reps at corner makes sense, because the role of Star is expected to be reduced in this contest.

Still, Littleton will likely get the start at Star, but we should also see McDonald, Wardell Mack, and maybe even Michael Taaffe there.

Notes at Safety

Taaffe and McDonald can do just about anything asked of a safety and they pace that room. Expect to see a good amount of Derek Williams this week, and probably increasingly more going forward. It sounds like the staff has a few tricks up their sleeve.

I’m not sure we’ll see any other safeties in this game. Duane Akina doesn’t like to rotate as much as Blake Gideon. Jordon Johnson-Rubell and Xavier Filsaime are coming along, however.

Jonah Williams’ progress is going smoothly. He knows the playbook—he’d pass a classroom test with flying colors—but he’s still working on applying that knowledge to the field. There’s a certain processing speed required.

Williams is viewed fondly enough that he’s being integrated more and more into special teams. No, not as a returner.

Big Opportunity for the Linebackers

If the D-line does its job, this could be a monster game for Anthony Hill, Liona Lefau, Ty’Anthony Smith, and Trey Moore. Moore can play all three linebacker spots and will be the starting Sam. He has a big role this week. Smith can also play Sam.

With Hill already on the national stage, he may soon be joined by Lefau. This game sets up well for him and his run-blitzing ability. The linebackers had a good week.

Swamp Things

Not much was heard about the Edges this week other than they’ve been challenged to get after Lagway. Lance Jackson and Zina Umeozulu continue to stack good weeks of practice.

There should be plenty of opportunities to get into the backfield. The game plan includes some aggressive elements that could aid this group.

D-Tackle Room Gets January Back

Alex January has looked good in his return, but a source wanted to remind me that I should have believed him more about Hero Kanu. Yeah, yeah, yeah—but he’s right. “Hero’s balling.”

In a week spent challenging the defense, the D-line—including the Edges—was told they must reset the line of scrimmage if Texas is going to win. Ian mentioned it in one of his pieces this week, but Cole Brevard needs to have a good game, and it sounds like that was emphasized heavily.

From the outside, it sounds like the defense remains in an excellent mental place and has a strong game plan. We already know the talent and depth are there

 

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Posted
38 minutes ago, SimkinsMan said:

Just did a bit of a deep dive into the forecast for Saturday afternoon in Gainesville. Thunderstorms are definitely a concern, but they should be somewhat scattered and moving through. So while there's a chance for a lightning delay, I doubt it would last hours. And although it may rain some during the game, it is very unlikely to be raining for a majority of the game. Things may start to clear out some toward evening.

Regarding winds, the overall setup between two pressure systems favors strong winds. But some of the latest high resolution models are indicating more modest winds of 10-15 mph. So who knows. 

In summary, fuck ou.

Did you find a good source for a deeper dive and if so mind sharing to follow updates?  Flying down tomorrow night.  We got solid free tix through contact but if weather looks likely to be a shitshow with  lightning delays might pony up for club seats to ride it out inside.

Posted
8 minutes ago, SimkinsMan said:

Yeah, me. I’m a meteorologist. 

Even better.  Appreciate it and let us know if any meaningful updates if you don't mind!

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