Now that we have had a chance to let the initial frustration fade away, is there anything positive to take away from the season opener?
There isn't much to feel good about offensively. Coaching and execution were poor to say the least.
This play call reminded me of the infamous Gregg Davis, Mack Brown's offensive coordinator while at Texas. It is 4th and 5 and the primary read is only one yard downfield. The probability of success is extremely low.
However I am willing to say that Texas might have a dynamic playmaker in Reggie Hemphill-Mapps. Texas has been beyond dreadful in the special teams return game but Reggie made a highlight reel play. The redshirt freshman had to break a tackle and walk the tight rope along the sideline to take it the distance to keep Texas hopes alive. Offensively he added 7 receptions and Herman needs to make sure he is on the field as much as possible to add a big play element to an offense that appears to be lacking one.
The underwhelming performance on offense starts with the line. Coach Herman said just a week ago 4 of the starters on the line compared to the national championship squad at Ohio State. But that is not who showed up yesterday. Preseason All-American Connor Williams gave up several pressures and multiple holding penalties. Veteran guard Patrick Vahe #77 failed to pick up stunts effectively giving up pressure even when Maryland brought only 3 defenders on the rush.
RG Jake McMillon and RT Tristian Nickelson weren't on the same page allowing a free blitzer to sack Buechele who was running for his most of the day.
Buechele was slow on his decision making, he held the ball too long when he did have time and did not show the accuracy that made Herman say "He's the most accurate guy I've coached." Shane failed to properly read the defense and either did not or could not change the play. Multiple times Texas ran right into blitzes that were telegraphed in pre snap or adjust the pass play to beat the defense.
True freshman Sam Ehlinger needs to be given an opportunity if Shane continues to struggle in his decision making and accuracy.
Defensively Texas will be okay. They are built to attack passing offenses which are the norm in the Big 12. The problem is they MUST be able to stop the run on early downs. This will allow Texas to unleash their multiple explosive blitzers from different areas on the field. Coordinator Todd Orlando flashed this package of 1 DL, 4 LBs and 6 DBs on 3rd downs early in the game before the score forced them to keep lineman on the field to try and stop the run. It didn't work.
Malik Jefferson flashed early in the game but missed tackles and issues getting off blocks showed up again which has plagued him at Texas. Highly touted transfer Gary Johnson should see the field more often in place of Jefferson if that continues.
Jefferson #46 is in the middle of the defense and is responsible for the gap left of the center and fails to bring down the back in the hole leading to a big gain.
Sophomore Brandon Jones #19 struggled in secondary again which drew comparisons to his first collegiate start against Oklahoma State when he looked lost. He allowed runners to get to the perimeter of the defense instead of forcing them back inside to his teammates.
This one lead to a score for Maryland.
On another occasion Jones appeared to jump an intermediate route in deep coverage and allow a receiver to get over the top for another score. Jones is the most talented safety on the roster but he has a ways to go to become the player he's capable of.
The player of the game was Holton Hill with his 2 TDs and multiple strong tackles to get the defense off the field on 3rd down. He lost his confidence under Strong and Co. but is off to a good starter this year. All of the corners need to improve their ability to locate the ball and make a play on it when in position.
Different coaching staff, same problems with special teams. They started against Oklahoma State in 2016 and have continued now under Herman. The left guard protector allows instant penetration at the snap leading to the block.
Next up, #4 ranked USC.
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