After the TCU game, it’s clear that Texas—with an injury depleted offensive line—isn’t good enough to beat Top 20 teams. Early in the third quarter, I knew there was no chance Texas would win. The good news is there aren’t any more Top 20 teams (West Virginia is #23) left on the 2017 schedule.
For perspective, let’s review the injuries and transfers that have depleted the offensive line. Elijah Rodriguez, the projected starting right tackle at the start of August training camp, injured his ankle and had season-ending surgery on August 10. Starting tight end Andrew Beck, a key blocker, broke his ankle August 14 and is out for the season. Tackle Jean DeLance announced that he was transferring on August 15. A 2016 four-star recruit, DeLance had earned praise from offensive line coach Derek Warehime during the first days of August training camp. Patrick Hudson, who was competing for playing time at right tackle, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the San Jose State game. All-American left tackle Connor Williams has been out with a knee injury since the USC game. Starting center Zach Shackelford has missed three games, and starting guard Jake McMillon has missed two games with injuries. Patrick Vahe is the only offensive lineman who has started every game this season.
Obviously, this rash of injuries and the transfer of a key backup has presented a huge challenge for Tom Herman, offensive line coach Derek Warehime, and offensive coordinator Tim Beck. After the TCU game, Texas is #98 nationally in rushing, averaging 137.8 yards per game. In sacks allowed, they rank #114. Given the offensive line situation, I honestly can’t judge whether Herman, Warehime, and Beck should be getting more production out of the offense. I do know that Beck—or whoever is calling plays—has a maddening tendency to not repeat plays that are successful. I know that when you put Jerrod Heard in at quarterback and the first play is a quarterback sweep, that play is doomed to fail. When I see what the Oklahoma and Oklahoma State offenses did to each other’s defenses, I lean slightly in the direction that, despite the injuries, the offense should be better than it is.
If you believe that Beck and Warehime should be let go because of the offensive woes, don’t hold your breath. Herman is a strong believer that staff continuity is critical for the success of a program.
Herman desperately needs to get this team into a bowl game for the extra practice time. It’s essentially like having two spring trainings.
Bring on the Jayhawks.
Hook ‘EM,
W.E.
TCU Over/Under Results
Reed Ramlow emerged from the largest field of contestants in 2017 with his first win of the season by posting eight correct answers. D.R. Flower and Joe Grubbs tied for second with seven correct. The average was 4.9 correct.
For now, Clayton Frink, with his two wins, is comfortably out in front with 69 points. Nine players are tightly packed behind Clayton with 41 to 48 points. There are 17 players with at least 30 points and at least and outside chance to win the championship.
This is exciting isn’t it?
