The B12 (XII) Forum, home of the 'Front Porch, y'all' at College Football Fan Site, CFB51!!!

P.S. On keeping starters in, it appears that UT took their starters out significantly earlier yesterday than OU did in laying a 77-0 licking on Texas A&M back in 2003.  IIRC, Bob Stoops had starters still playing in that one early in the 4th quarter.  His rationale was that starters have earned the playing time.

This was the Texas' offense second game with the current starters.  If Sarkisian had pulled the starters any earlier I'd have been livid. 

I don't really know why they did it.  My Tech friends were not happy with it at the time, and they're even less happy about it now.

The last I looked UT was a 1 point underdog to TCU

This after TCU gets beaten by SMU and UT rolls over TCU

What does Vegas know

OK today UT is favored by 4.5

That sounds a little more realistic

Betting lines are obviously an attempt to pull reasonably equal money to both sides, in general. A close line can mean they skill levels of the two teams are well known and fairly equal. It can also mean there's huge uncertainty for one or both teams and the betting public thinks they've got an inside idea.

Right now, I believe that there's a reason wealthy donors spent 8 figures to dismiss the previous staff. I believe that Flood and Sark learned that they could insist on the offense they want, or win games with the offense they have. They've chosen to optimize the latter. I believe that the Texas defense is understanding how their positions work. They also have to stop three legit drives before the opponent is in desperation mode to keep up with the scoring.

However...

Two games isn't proof, especially considering the teams in question. TCU is a huge bugaboo. Saturday is another opportunity to exorcise a demon from the Longhorn temple, but until proven otherwise, they're still a roadblock.

same old story they will put 8 in the box to shut down our ground game

if we cant pass the ball to make them be more honest then they win

This worked when Texas had to bash its way through the defense to advance the ball. If a defense wants to put its defenders between the tackles, they better hope that they have someone as fast as Xavier Worthy. He likes catching passes with no one near him.

Our OL is still a work in progress. Flood is teaching them, and they get better each week. However, the Texas offense is currently simply running by the defense. Outside zone, get the edge, and turn it upfield. Casey Thompson knows what he's looking for, so he keeps taking the 6 yard runs until the defense steps up to help. Our receivers are winning their 1 on 1's.

geez... sensative.

Kinda, yeah, in that case.

I don't like booing in general.  I shook my head at the OU fans Saturday booing Rattler and chanting for his backup.  I especially don't like it when people boo hurt kids.