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Posted

My guess is that Arch hasn’t been ruled out because Sark wants to make it more difficult for Vandy to prep. 

The reality is that playing a week after concussion is tricky. Aikman talked about doing it once and he said he was in a fog that whole game and was terrible. Even if he plays, he might be too foggy to be effective. The last thing he needs is another shaky game. 

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Posted (edited)
6 minutes ago, Dbeasy said:

My guess is that Arch hasn’t been ruled out because Sark wants to make it more difficult for Vandy to prep.* 

The reality is that playing a week after concussion is tricky. Aikman talked about doing it once and he said he was in a fog that whole game and was terrible. Even if he plays, he might be too foggy to be effective. The last thing he needs is another shaky game.** 

*Highly likely. Especially given the overt directness re: following the six-step RTP protocol. Would tie hand-in-hand to being coy about whether or not Arch is going to play, as well as following SEC guidelines about being transparent about injury availability. Would be a great strategy, really.

**Or the risk for re injury/further TBI. 

Edited by MuellerHorn
Posted
22 minutes ago, MuellerHorn said:

What might the Texas offense look like if Matthew Caldwell is QB1 against Vanderbilt? - Howe (OTF)

  Reveal hidden contents

What might the Texas offense look like if Matthew Caldwell is QB1 against Vanderbilt?

 

Jeff Howe

By Jeff Howe

  • 2 hours ago
 
 

Whether Arch Manning is out of concussion protocol in time to start at quarterback for No. 20 Texas against No. 9 Vanderbilt at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday (11 a.m., ABC) or Matthew Caldwell makes his Forty Acres starting debut, don’t expect Steve Sarkisian’s offense to change much, if at all.

“We haven’t changed anything that we’ve done,” Sarkisian said on a Zoom call with reporters after Thursday’s practice. “Our system has been our system.”

It’s true that Sarkisian’s attack has looked largely the same, no matter which of the five quarterbacks he’s called upon to start in his tenure (Manning, Hudson Card, Casey Thompson, Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy) have run the show. Nevertheless, none of those quarterbacks operated the offense the same.

Manning, who practiced on Thursday but remains in concussion protocol, Sarkisian said, is making progress toward getting back on the field. If he can’t go, however, Sarkisian remains steadfast in his belief that Caldwell’s coaches and teammates “have the utmost confidence and respect” in the Troy transfer to get the job done.

Regarding how the offense will function with Caldwell at the controls, it’s to Sarkisian’s benefit to play coy and avoid revealing his hand to Clark Lea and the Commodores. Everybody outside the Moncrief Complex has a limited viewing sample of what Caldwell can do, Sarkisian said, “but he gives us a ton of confidence in the way that he practices every day, the way that he works.”

Between Caldwell’s 2023 season at FCS Gardner-Webb and what he did in five starts with the Trojans in 2024, there are two areas in which he could help Texas (6-2, 3-1 SEC) move the football through the air.

Five of Caldwell’s seven touchdown passes in 2023 came on pass attempts behind the line of scrimmage. Caldwell earned a 74.3 season-long grade from Pro Football Focus on those throws, going 43-for-47 for 250 yards, which is better than Manning’s 2025 grade on pass attempts behind the line of scrimmage of 70.2 (52-for-54 for 371 yards and no touchdowns). 

Caldwell had more success on intermediate throws (pass attempts 10-19 yards down the field) at Troy last season, recording a PFF grade of 85.7 (28-for-46 for 433 yards and seven touchdowns against three interceptions). Caldwell’s overtime touchdown pass to Emmett Mosley V in last week’s win over Mississippi State was an intermediate-range throw, a part of the field in which he’s 3-for-4 for 44 yards (a PFF grade of 86.8) and where Manning hasn’t been at his best this season (27-for-54 for 431 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions).

Caldwell’s ability to execute screens and quick throws behind the line of scrimmage, along with the intermediate throws that Sarkisian’s play-calls can scheme open, can stabilize an offense that otherwise couldn’t lean on Manning extending the play with his legs, be a factor in the running game or hit chunk-yardage plays on deep balls (on 60 career pass attempts thrown 20 or more yards down the field, Caldwell has completed just 19, throwing two touchdowns against seven interceptions). The Longhorns shouldn’t be expected to run either quarterback much; Manning wouldn’t be asked to run more than necessary for obvious reasons and in addition to Caldwell fumbling seven times (48 official rushing attempts, including sacks) in 2024, his elevation to QB1 would put KJ Lacey one play away from the first meaningful action of his true freshman season.

The closest thing Texas has had to a recognizable identity on offense is when it relies on Manning’s athleticism to extend plays. Manning's legs have taken pressure off the offensive line and created explosive plays down the field.

Even if Caldwell can’t do those things, Sarkisian is confident in the offense putting a winning brand of football on the field with the well-traveled veteran at the wheel.

“The game plan is the game plan,” Sarkisian said. “I think all of his teammates have a ton of confidence in Matt if it’s his time to go.”

 

Big of Sark to admit he doesn’t adjust “the system” to different QBs strengths 

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Posted
16 minutes ago, Park Gothic said:

I think the offense that Vandy runs is the kind of offense that PK is good at stopping. He really struggles with a Briles-style offense (like what Lebby runs at MSU), but the offenses that rely on ball control and being efficient, without a lot of danger of explosives are in his wheelhouse. That gives me some confidence about how our defense is going to match up with Vandy.

 

Yeah the Briles offense has given PK fits, like 2023 OU and MSST this year.  I do think Vandy is the kind of offense he will shut down - I wouldn't be surprised if they manage more than the 17 points they got in real game time last year (not counting garbage time).  Assuming we don't hand them short fields. 

Posted
7 minutes ago, Hank_Hill said:

Big of Sark to admit he doesn’t adjust “the system” to different QBs strengths 

He probably just should have said, we will go to a quick hitting intermediate passing game with screens, slants and outs only.  

  • Haha 2
Posted
28 minutes ago, Hookem10 said:

Which one of those was at home my guy 

So do you think the 39 point swing in the results with UF were a result of the game being on the road? Or the 14 and 15 point swings with UK and MSU, respectively?

I definitely think getting back home after 6 weeks away will give us a boost, and I’m generally bullish on our chances this week, but there’s a lot more going on with the different outcomes against those teams year over year than just playing them on the road. 

Posted

I feel with all the new starters on offense that road games were gonna be tough the whole year. Gotta learn how to win on the road when young. We survived thank god. Time to ball out at home 

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Posted

I think we're underestimating the seriousness of Manning's problem. There could be several reasons this hasn't been addressed by Sark. The simplist would be that the experts who've examined Manning says that in his case, the one (or more) he's had are not a problem and he's okay to play. Fingers crossed.

That said, I don't think we'll see him this weekend and quite possibly the next game. They'll do everything they can to protect Arch...

This from Google AI. 

Increased risk with each concussion 
A prior concussion makes you significantly more susceptible to another one. Research on athletes shows that having a history of concussion dramatically increases the risk of suffering another, and the risk escalates with each subsequent injury. 
  • Weakened brain tissue: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that happens when the brain moves or twists inside the skull, which can weaken the surrounding tissue.
  • Vulnerability window: The chemical changes that occur in the brain after an injury can leave it debilitated for an extended period, sometimes up to a year. A second impact during this time can be more damaging.

What's the word on Caldwell's backup?

Posted (edited)
14 minutes ago, Irish Wrist Watch said:

I think we're underestimating the seriousness of Manning's problem. There could be several reasons this hasn't been addressed by Sark. The simplist would be that the experts who've examined Manning says that in his case, the one (or more) he's had are not a problem and he's okay to play. Fingers crossed.

That said, I don't think we'll see him this weekend and quite possibly the next game. They'll do everything they can to protect Arch...

This from Google AI. 

Increased risk with each concussion 
A prior concussion makes you significantly more susceptible to another one. Research on athletes shows that having a history of concussion dramatically increases the risk of suffering another, and the risk escalates with each subsequent injury. 
  • Weakened brain tissue: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that happens when the brain moves or twists inside the skull, which can weaken the surrounding tissue.
  • Vulnerability window: The chemical changes that occur in the brain after an injury can leave it debilitated for an extended period, sometimes up to a year. A second impact during this time can be more damaging.

What's the word on Caldwell's backup?

Oh, he's likely not playing. As I detailed above, he might be progressing through the RTP protocol, but that doesn't mean he'll play, let alone be effective. 

I do think he'll return for the next game, as there's a bye after this Saturday. He'd have to be experiencing legit lingering symptoms not to. The big question is: did he suffer a concussion at A&M, last year? I feel like we would have heard for certain if he did, but who knows. Nevertheless, in my professional experience, concussions and post-concussion symptoms, are highly variable.  

Caldwell's backup is KJ Lacey, a true freshman. He's apparently looked good in practice, but I'd rather not him have to play at all in any meaningful sense.

Edited by MuellerHorn
Posted

Arch ain't playing this week.  D and ST will still be good enough.  Missouri pretty much stoned Pavia and the running game.  Vandy had 265 yards total O with 80 coming on one play.  we limit the TO's we win.

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Posted
2 hours ago, Wayne Arnold said:

@Hank_Hill@MuellerHorn@Dahobbsafter thinking about it, I'd like to offer an honest apology to y'all and anyone else bothered by my posts. I tend to post a lot of sarcastic and troll comments that I mean no offense by, because I've never taken places like this very seriously. But that doesn't make it right, nor make it non-offensive. Truth is even though I know a lot of others don't take it very seriously either, some (not necessary any of you in particular) may, and I never know the effect it could have on one of them. Just recently my best friend growing up committed suicide. He battled schizophrenia and some of the seemingly most random insignificant things affected him more deeply than I ever imagined. I'd hate to ever unknowingly affect another person in such a way, even over the internet with people I'll probably never know personally.

I'm sure some will not accept this and will continue to think the lowest of me, which is fine. But I just wanted to do better and give a legit apology.

Come At Me Lets Go GIF

Posted

Robertson has graded out pretty average in his snaps at center, why not just plug in Cole at LG? We’re not mauling anyone this season, might as well get some guys on the field who are familiar with the system and can sorta stay in front of a bitch for longer than a second. 

Posted
Just now, CastHorn said:

Robertson has graded out pretty average in his snaps at center, why not just plug in Cole at LG? We’re not mauling anyone this season, might as well get some guys on the field who are familiar with the system and can sorta stay in front of a bitch for longer than a second. 

That should be the correct move. 

Posted
15 minutes ago, Fondren & Main said:

How is everyone watching?  YouTubeTV just shat.

Well, the game is on ABC over the air, so...

 

See related image detail. VINTAGE TELEVISION RABBIT EARS DIPOLE ANTENNA SEARS REMBRANDT 1960s ...

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Posted
8 hours ago, Wayne Arnold said:

@Hank_Hill@MuellerHorn@Dahobbsafter thinking about it, I'd like to offer an honest apology to y'all and anyone else bothered by my posts. I tend to post a lot of sarcastic and troll comments that I mean no offense by, because I've never taken places like this very seriously. But that doesn't make it right, nor make it non-offensive. Truth is even though I know a lot of others don't take it very seriously either, some (not necessary any of you in particular) may, and I never know the effect it could have on one of them. Just recently my best friend growing up committed suicide. He battled schizophrenia and some of the seemingly most random insignificant things affected him more deeply than I ever imagined. I'd hate to ever unknowingly affect another person in such a way, even over the internet with people I'll probably never know personally.

I'm sure some will not accept this and will continue to think the lowest of me, which is fine. But I just wanted to do better and give a legit apology.

Might as well shine their shoes while you're down there

Posted
8 hours ago, MuellerHorn said:

Looks like Texas is playing Vandegrift, not Vanderbilt. Given where you live, you sure you didn’t list the wrong one in your AI prompt haha?

Haha. Texas would beat Vanderbilt and Vandergrift. 

Posted
13 hours ago, Wayne Arnold said:

@Hank_Hill@MuellerHorn@Dahobbsafter thinking about it, I'd like to offer an honest apology to y'all and anyone else bothered by my posts. I tend to post a lot of sarcastic and troll comments that I mean no offense by, because I've never taken places like this very seriously. But that doesn't make it right, nor make it non-offensive. Truth is even though I know a lot of others don't take it very seriously either, some (not necessary any of you in particular) may, and I never know the effect it could have on one of them. Just recently my best friend growing up committed suicide. He battled schizophrenia and some of the seemingly most random insignificant things affected him more deeply than I ever imagined. I'd hate to ever unknowingly affect another person in such a way, even over the internet with people I'll probably never know personally.

I'm sure some will not accept this and will continue to think the lowest of me, which is fine. But I just wanted to do better and give a legit apology.

ha gay GIF

Posted
14 hours ago, Dbeasy said:

My guess is that Arch hasn’t been ruled out because Sark wants to make it more difficult for Vandy to prep. 

The reality is that playing a week after concussion is tricky. Aikman talked about doing it once and he said he was in a fog that whole game and was terrible. Even if he plays, he might be too foggy to be effective. The last thing he needs is another shaky game. 

I said it in the Caldwell thread and I'll say it again here. Head injuries are extremely serious and should be treated as such. I'm not in the Caldwell should replace Arch camp at all, but I do think Caldwell should start this game purely for the future mental health of 21 year old. 

All that said, I think your assessment is accurate. Why reveal the starter until absolutely required. Leave as much doubt as possible..

I just hope given we are likely starting Caldwell, Sark goes with the conservative game plan our OL can actually execute. Or course, if he does, I anticipate Caldwell does well, and we will beat Vandy by 2 or more TDs. The fact that we altered the offense will, clearly, help folks understand that the QB hasn't been the issue this year. They will finally understand where the real issue lies. Because Surly posters are extremely reasonable.

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Posted
17 minutes ago, BurntEyes said:

I said it in the Caldwell thread and I'll say it again here. Head injuries are extremely serious and should be treated as such. I'm not in the Caldwell should replace Arch camp at all, but I do think Caldwell should start this game purely for the future mental health of 21 year old. 

All that said, I think your assessment is accurate. Why reveal the starter until absolutely required. Leave as much doubt as possible..

I just hope given we are likely starting Caldwell, Sark goes with the conservative game plan our OL can actually execute. Or course, if he does, I anticipate Caldwell does well, and we will beat Vandy by 2 or more TDs. The fact that we altered the offense will, clearly, help folks understand that the QB hasn't been the issue this year. They will finally understand where the real issue lies. Because Surly posters are extremely reasonable.

That is not Sark's M.O. You remember the KSu game? Maalik came out bombing away vs KSU. At halftime Surly was ready to shoot Quinn Ewers and enshrine Maalik into the Hall of Fame. KSU adjusted and Surly crawled into a corner. 

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Posted (edited)
2 minutes ago, Codaxx said:

That is not Sark's M.O. You remember the KSu game? Maalik came out bombing away vs KSU. At halftime Surly was ready to shoot Quinn Ewers and enshrine Maalik into the Hall of Fame. KSU adjusted and Surly crawled into a corner. 

Oh.. you missed my sarcasm tags good sir. If Caldwell is successful because Sark altered offense scheme to be the OU/Second half MSU, it won't be because he did so. It will obviously be because Caldwell is the best QB since Colt maybe better. Just below VY.

For the record, I hope Caldwell is successful because it means Texas will win. I can deal with the stupidity that's certain to follow.

Edited by BurntEyes
Posted

I just signed up for ESPN Unlimited.  I think I'm going to keep this for now.  $30/month seems like a bargain if I can stream this and not have to pay for all the other bullshit channels that I don't give a rats ass about.

Posted
7 hours ago, Luv2win said:

No Disney channels on Youtube tv currently so no ABC as well. Time to find a viewing alternative for college football!!

Protip. Almost every college football game is on Youtube, not Youtube TV, but the regular YT. Usually there are multiple streams of each game. For the last 2 years, I have watched all Longhorn non-broadcast TV games on YT. 

 

Posted
35 minutes ago, The Original Greaser Bob said:

Yeah, quick solutions would be appreciated.  I'm not too good with the apps or the rabbit ears.

Antenna is super easy.  Do you have access to the back of your TV?  Do you live in a populated area?

If you don't still have one, you can get one from Walmart for $20 or less.  The added bonus is that over-the-air HD signals look a lot better than cable, satellite, or fiber optic ones, because they're less compressed.

I dug up my old OTA antenna two months ago when they were going through this same bullshit before the Ohio State game, and I've kept it hooked up and been watching all OTA sports using the antenna instead of cable or ISP.  So much better.

Posted
Just now, The Original Greaser Bob said:

I'll admit that the only thing that I thought would work decently would be the big antennae up on the roof.

Ha!  No, just a set-top antenna, or one that you can pin to the wall.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Digital-Signal-Indoor-Leaf-Flat-TV-Antenna-For-HDTV-DTV-HD-VHF-UHF-FM-AM-FTA/816951170?classType=VARIANT&from=/search

If you're in the middle of an urban area with good signal from your ABC affiliate, then a super-cheap one like this is fine.  If you're further out, then you might want one that is powered.  They all have a coax cable that goes into your TV's coax input, and the powered ones will also probably have a USB power cable that plugs into a USB port on the back of your TV, or you could always power it with an extension cord from a wall plug. 

Digital Signal Indoor Leaf Flat TV Antenna For HDTV DTV HD VHF UHF FM AM FTA

 

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