Double Coverage 2015-11-06

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Friday, November 6, 2015

DOUBLE COVERAGE

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BLUIETT’S SMOOTH MOVE

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EDITOR’S NOTETexas lost its momentum when it was shut out by Iowa State. The loss marked head coach Charlie Strong’s eighth loss by 20 points or more. It was also Strong’s second shutout loss during his tenure as the Long-horns’ head coach. Texas needs to win three of its last four games to make a bowl game. The Longhorns have a chance to rebound from their loss to the Cyclones with a victory over winless Kansas.

Writers:Claire CruzJori EpsteinJason EpsteinJillian Kushner

Double Coverage Editor...................................Nick CastilloDesign Editor..................................................Iliana StorchPhoto Editor......................................................Amy ZhangCopy Editor.............................................Blanche SchaeferCover Photo............................................Graeme Hamilton

Vol. 10, Issue 10 Friday, November 6, 2015

DOUBLE COVERAGE

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Jacob MartellaAkshay Mirchandani

Blanche SchaeferEzra Siegel

Aaron Torres

KEYS TO THE GAMEBy Akshay Mirchandani

@amirchandani41

TAKE SOME CHANCESOne of the Longhorns’ offensive issues is how conservative

they are.The offense starts with the quarterback, and neither one was

very good for Texas on Saturday against Iowa State. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jerrod Heard was 6-of-9 for 26 yards and one interception. Junior Tyrone Swoopes, who took over for Heard late in the game, was 6-of-13 for 59 yards.

Heard should get the start again, but no matter who takes the most snaps under center, Texas has to take some chances. It’s time to throw down the field more instead of short screen passes or runs. A winless Kansas team is the perfect situation to take some shots down the field and mix it up a bit.

GIVE THE CROWD SOMETHING

The Texas faithful aren’t exactly thrilled with the 24-0 loss to Iowa State. A win — and a blowout win at that — should pump some energy back into the fan base.

Sure, it would be against a winless Kansas team, but the Longhorns need something to get themselves and the fans excited again. A big win over Kansas with some highlight plays would do just that.

THIRD-DOWN DEFENSE

Texas’ third-down defense has been bad all year and hasn’t shown signs of improvement yet. Texas currently sits at No. 9 in the Big 12 on opponent third-down conversions. The inability

to get the opposition off the field has come back to bite Texas, and it can’t happen against Kansas. The Jayhawks are No. 8 in the Big 12 in third-down conversion.

The Longhorns need to get Kansas off the field whenever they have the opportunity and put this game away quickly.

Graeme Hamilton | Daily Texan StaffRedshirt freshman quarterback Jerrod Heard scrambles during the Longhorns’ game against California.

Texas’ freshman class ranked No. 9 in the nation. The team touted ample talent and the freshmen have stepped up on the field and in the locker room. Eleven of them played defense against Iowa State last week.

But with the Longhorns’ record at 3-5, rumors spread about players transferring. Freshman linebacker Malik Jef-ferson, a five-star recruit, dis-pelled them.

“We’re committed to this school,” Jefferson said. “I’ve never heard anyone say they’re leaving. As far as I know, we’re happy.”

Jefferson and his classmates speak constantly about their class’s potential. They encour-age one another on the field

and work to learn from ex-perienced veterans. The new-comers’ mentality is admirable; their long-term devotion help-ful. But the freshmen – and all Texas players – need to stop focusing on a long-term re-build. They need to focus on winning now.

“We can’t sleep on Kansas and can’t sleep on the rest of our opponents,” redshirt fresh-man quarterback Jerrod Heard said. “We have to come out and give 100 percent every day and get to this bowl game.”

In their 24-0 loss to Iowa State last weekend, the

Longhorns weren’t focused and committed. Players say they didn’t stick to fundamentals and techniques. Head coach Charlie Strong said they didn’t execute the game plan. Reasons for the shutout span far and broad – from Jefferson’s food poisoning to stagnant quarter-back action to a hyped Iowa State team playing its heart out for homecoming. Still, the loss was embarrassing. And Texas needs to reboot to avoid losing recruits.

Jefferson is the perfect player

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Longhorns need to follow freshman linebacker’s lead

By Jori EpsteinDaily Texan Columnist

@JoriEpstein

PLAYERS TO WATCH By Blanche Schaefer@schaefer_bb

Safety Fish SmithsonJunior safety Fish Smithson is a bright light in Kansas’ 0-8 season. He leads the Jayhawk defense

with 75 total tackles, which is No. 1 in the Big 12 and No. 27 in the nation out of FBS defenders. He recorded a personal-best 13 tackles against Iowa State despite a 38-13 Jayhawks loss. Smithson turned in one of his best performances in a 30-20 Kansas loss to Texas Tech three weeks ago. The Jayhawk defense held Texas Tech’s high-scoring offense to 30 points, and Smithson recorded 10 tackles. He also snagged his first career interception and picked up a 66-yard fumble return. After Iowa State’s defense smothered Texas 24-0 last week, Smithson and the Kansas defense shouldn’t be underestimated either.

Quarterback Ryan WillisFreshman quarterback Ryan Willis was thrown to the wolves for his first career start against

Baylor in Week 5. A slew of early-season injuries to then-starter Montell Cozart and backup Deondre Ford placed Willis in the starting position. He’s fared well despite the circumstances, completing 95-of-169 passes and throwing four interceptions through five starts. He passed for 158 yards and one touchdown in his first start against Baylor and continues to improve each week. Willis put up career numbers against Texas Tech, completing 35-of-50 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Willis is not a dual threat — he’s totaled -87 rushing yards and averages -3.1 yards per carry. Texas’ defense should have the upper hand if it can limit Willis’ passing options and force him to use his feet and get out of his comfort zone.

Running back Ke’aun KinnerJunior Ke’aun Kinner has been the Jayhawks’ primary rusher this season. Kinner transferred

to Kansas after playing two seasons at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas, where he ranks third all-time in rushing yards. He made a strong statement in his first game as a Jay-hawk, rushing for 157 yards and two touchdowns against South Dakota State. However, Kin-ner’s recent issues with a hamstring injury limited him against Baylor in Week 5, and he’s

struggled since. Texas’ defense has a potentially explosive running back on its hands if Kinner comes back healthy Saturday.

Wide receiver Tre’ ParmaleeSenior Tre’ Parmalee is one of Kansas’ most consistent receivers. He has 464 yards on 29

catches with two touchdowns. His average of 16 yards per reception is the best of the Jayhawks. Parmalee sat out against Baylor with a concussion, but came back the next week against Texas Tech and caught five passes for 84 yards and one touchdown. He then posted a career-best 115-yard game against Oklahoma State. Kansas has relied mostly on its passing game this season, and after Iowa State manhandled the Texas defense last week, Parmalee could add some yards to his stat column Saturday.

JEFFERSON page 7

We’re committed to this school. I’ve never heard anyone say they’re leaving. As far as I know, we’re happy.

— Malik Jefferson,Freshman linebacker

Graeme Hamilton | Daily Texan StaffRedshirt freshman quarterback Jerrod Heard scrambles during the Longhorns’ game against California.

Amy ZhangDaily Texan file photo

Then-sophomore safety Fish Smithson gath-ers himself dur-ing Kansas’ 23-0 loss to Texas last season.

Charlie Strong promised the Longhorns wouldn’t lose five games again after his 6-7 inaugural campaign as Tex-as’ head coach. But after a 24-0 loss to Iowa State, Strong has lost five of eight games so far in his second year.

“I can make those predictions,” Strong said. “But it doesn’t always happen, so there’s not much I can do about it. We’ve just got to keep playing.”

Strong’s woes stretch throughout his time at Texas. Seven of his worst losses as head coach have come dur-ing his time in Austin. He’s lost 12 of his 21 games at Texas — eight of those by 20 points or more.

Strong called his loss embarrassing. After his first loss at Texas — a 41-7 blowout to BYU — he said it was “an embarrassment to this program, it’s an embarrassment to this university.” After a 50-7 road loss to TCU on Oct. 3, Strong called the day “awful. It was embarrass-ing.” Strong, however, didn’t call the loss to Iowa State an embarrassment.

“I don’t think that [the players] were embarrassed on Saturday,” Strong said. “I don’t think that was embar-rassing. The guys played hard. It wasn’t a factor where they didn’t go out there and lay down and they didn’t play hard. This team didn’t go out there and quit. They played hard. This team did do that.”

But Strong’s losses are becoming a trend. The Long-

horns appeared to turn a corner after a 24-17 win against No. 14 Oklahoma. But Texas’ winning momentum blew away after a loss to the Cyclones.

Defensive coordinator Vance Bedford said he wants the players to step up after the disappointing loss.

“Go put your stamp on what it means to be a Long-horn,” Bedford said. “That means every day in practice and every ball game, you’re fired up to represent all the great players and great teams, and the coaches that have come before you. What they did, you had nothing to do with. Put your stamp on it.”

Freshman linebacker Malik Jefferson said he doesn’t have answers for the Longhorns’ struggles. He feels the losses could help Texas.

“It takes you from off the pedestal to at the bottom,” Jefferson said. “The feeling is horrible, but that feeling is what we need to humble ourselves. I don’t take it as something that’s going to damage us in the future.”

Senior linebacker Peter Jinkens said the team needs to channel its fears of losing Strong and its chance to make a bowl game.

“After this loss, we have to make a statement for the rest of this season if we want to get things turned back around,” Jinkens said.

Strong and the Longhorns have struggled during his tenure at Texas. Strong will need his team to find its way in the final four games to become bowl eligible. Strong will need to stop his ‘embarrassing’ trend.

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By Nick Castillo@Nick_Castillo74

Bluiett makes transition from defensive end to tight end

Junior tight end Caleb Bluiett has always been a jack-of-all-trades.

In high school, he earned all-district honors while playing defensive end, linebacker, tight end, defensive tackle and long snapper. That’s why his teammates weren’t surprised to see him easily transition from defense to offense just days before the season.

“Caleb’s always been athletic,” senior cornerback Duke Thom-as said. “He’s always been one of those guys to go both ways. Having him out there making plays is really good to see.”

Bluiett spent his sophomore campaign chasing quarterbacks on defense and racking up 3.5 sacks. This year, though, he’s quickly learned to protect quarterbacks after his coaches asked him to switch to tight end when redshirt sophomore tight end Blake Whiteley tore his ACL at the end of training camp.

“I thought I was going to miss hitting people,” Bluiett said. “The good thing about being a tight end, you pretty much get to hit somebody every play. You don’t really have a problem. You just switch your mindset from trying to get someone to trying to save someone pretty much.”

Through just eight games, Bluiett is already making an impact on offense. At 6 feet 4 inches tall and 258 pounds, he has the size to block defensive linemen and create a mismatch in the passing game. He particularly excels at run-blocking, especially in junior quarterback Tyrone Swoopes’ short-yardage package.

“He’s doing a great job adjusting,” redshirt freshman quarter-back Jerrod Heard said. “He’s getting the concepts and getting how to play offensively. When you have a guy like that — with the height and width where you can just throw him the ball — he’s fun to throw to.”

So far, Bluiett has just four catches for 67 yards. However, he made a crucial play while catching a fourth-quarter touchdown against then-No. 10 Oklahoma. The score ended up being the difference in the Longhorns’ 24-17 win.

Bluiett adds another dimension to Texas’ offense with his size

and skill. However, his leadership and work ethic stand out as much as his play. Thomas said the coaching staff consistently praises Bluiett when the team watches film. Additionally, defen-sive coordinator Vance Bedford said Bluiett’s vocal leadership is a big asset for younger players to learn.

“When he left the [defensive line] room, we kind of missed some of that attitude,” Bedford said. “I’m so happy to see him have success on the offensive side of the football. He’s an excel-lent blocker. To see him catch a couple of balls and get him going — I think it’s a great thing for this football team.”

Bluiett’s play stands out despite little time at tight end. How-ever, the transition hasn’t been completely perfect. He said he feels more comfortable at the position with eight games behind him. Even so, he’s still trying to find his role among his new of-fensive teammates.

“The tight end room is a little different,” Bluiett said. “[With] different personalities and [a] different coach, we all are getting used to each other. We just need to continue to connect like we have been.”

At least four games remain for Bluiett to keep adjusting to his new role. There’s no guarantee that he’ll fill up the stat sheet. But he’s a lock to supply his team with energy and leadership every time he takes the field.

“I just want to be me, I just want to do what I’m supposed to do,” Bluiett said. “With that fire, I just hope to be a little of the ‘juice’ guy … I’m trying to bring us forward.”

By Ezra Siegel @SiegelEzra

I thought I was going to miss hitting people. The good thing about being a tight end, you pretty much get to hit somebody every play. You don’t really have a problem. You just switch your mindset from trying to get some-one to trying to save someone pretty much.”

—Caleb Bluiett, Junior tight end

Strong developing ‘embarrassing’ trend

Joshua Guerra | Daily Texan file photoHead coach Charlie Strong walks back to the Longhorn sideline in anger during Texas’ 30-27 loss to Okla-homa State on Sept. 26. Strong has lost 12 of his 21 games at Texas.

Joshua Guerra | Daily Texan file photoJunior tight end Caleb Bluiett (42) celebrates after Texas scored a touchdown against Oklahoma State on Sept. 26. Coaches asked Bluiett to switch from defensive end to tight end this season, and Bluiett has had an impact on the Texas offense.

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OverallRecord

LSU vs. Alabama

TCU vs. Oklahoma St.

Kansas vs. Texas

Notre Dame vs. Pitt

CLAIRE CRUZ

BLANCHE SCHAEFER

NICK CASTILLO

EZRA SIEGEL

JORI EPSTEIN

AKSHAYMIRCHANDANI

JILLIANKUSHNER

JACOB MARTELLA

AARON TORRES

8-2

Texas28-7

JASONEPSTEIN

8-2 5-5 6-4 8-2 8-2 8-2 5-5 7-3 4-6Last Week’sRecord

Clemson vs. Florida St.

Auburn vs. Texas A&M

Duke vs. N. Carolina

Penn St. vs. Northwestern

Texas Techvs. W. Virginia

Minnesota vs. Ohio St.

Texas31-14

Texas42-27

Texas35-7

Texas24-15

Texas10-7

Texas27-10

Texas31-13

Texas34-13

Texas23-3

LSU

56-24 56-24 47-33 48-32 53-27 57-23 58-22 46-34 54-26 51-29

LSUAlabama LSU LSU LSU Alabama Alabama LSU LSU

Notre Dame Notre DameNotre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame Notre Dame

TCU TCUTCU TCU TCU TCU TCU TCU TCU TCU

Clemson ClemsonClemson Clemson Clemson Clemson Clemson Clemson Clemson Clemson

Texas A&M Texas A&MTexas A&M Auburn Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M Auburn

Duke DukeDuke N. Carolina N. Carolina Duke Duke N. Carolina Duke Duke

Northwestern NorthwesternPenn St. Penn St. Northwestern Penn St. Penn St. Northwestern Northwestern Penn St.

Texas Tech Texas TechTexas Tech W. Virginia Texas Tech W. Virginia Texas Tech Texas Tech Texas Tech W. Virginia

Ohio St. Ohio St.Ohio St. Ohio St. Ohio St. Ohio St. Ohio St. Ohio St. Ohio St. Ohio St.

6 Friday, November 6, 2015TEXAN STAFF PICKS

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Notre Dame

TCU

Duke

Penn St.

W. Virginia

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GAMES TO WATCH By Jacob Martella@ViewFromTheBox

to lead a turnaround. He bal-ances leadership with humil-ity – “I lead by not stepping on anyone’s toes…so in the future I can be right” – and plays with heart. He registered six tackles last week even with an upset stomach. He says he admires Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant’s passion.

“I like that example,” Jeffer-son said. “He’s passionate about what he does and shows his passion and frustration.”

Jefferson, too, shows his teammates his passion. He

communicates more through nonstop effort on the field than he does with vocal interchanges in the locker room, but his pas-sion is evident. He knows that’s not enough. Texas enters this weekend’s matchup as 29-point favorites against the Jayhawks. And yet Jefferson won’t assert that his team can’t lose.

His only reply: “We shouldn’t.”

Texas showed its knack for rising to the occasion against Oklahoma and Kansas State. But it played down to Iowa State’s level last week, justify-ing the Cyclones’ decision to schedule Texas as their home-

coming game – which Jefferson said was “disrespectful.”

Texas must commit to fo-cusing this week and playing its own game. With this roll-ercoaster season, the Long-horns know that no win is sure. Strong said the team has an ex-tra chip on its shoulder.

“You’re always going to get [an opponent’s] best because of who we are,” Strong said. “You don’t just walk out there with University of Texas on chest and people bow down to you. They’re not going to bow down to you.”

Instead, Texas must rise to the occasion.

Once again, the SEC gives us the must-see game of the week. Since Nick Saban arrived in Tusca-loosa in 2007, this game has been a de facto SEC West title game nearly every year. But this year’s bout has wider implications than who plays in the SEC title game. This time around, an Alabama win could lead to the SEC missing out on the playoff. That scenario would put Ole Miss — a two-loss team — at the top of the division, meaning a Rebel win over the Tigers on Nov. 21 would see Ole Miss in the conference title game. And if the Rebels win the conference, there’s no way the playoff committee can include a two-loss team, right? So while one team will come away a winner, there’s a good chance the conference could come out a loser in the long run, which is fun for everyone outside of the Southeast.

JEFFERSONcontinues from page 3

No. 4 LSU at No. 7 AlabamaSaturday — 7 p.m. — CBS

The Houston Cougars have quietly built one of Texas’ top programs this year. Tucked away in the American Conference, the Cougars are about to have their national breakthrough — but not quite yet. Houston faces No. 15 Memphis next week, but the Cougars host Cincinnati in a classic trap game Sat-urday. The Bearcats’ 5-3 record is deceiving. Those three losses came to previously undefeated Temple, undefeated Memphis and perennial mid-major power BYU. Plus, junior quarterback Gunner Kiel returned last week after a scary neck injury in the loss to Memphis. Houston’s been dominant this year, but this could easily turn into a loss if the Cougars overlook Cincinnati.

Cincinnati at No. 18 HoustonSaturday — 2:30 p.m. — ESPN2

The Big 12 offers an appetizer for the SEC’s main course Saturday afternoon with a battle of unde-feated teams that still have question marks surrounding them. The Horned Frogs have managed to win all of their games so far, despite injuries on defense. TCU senior quarterback Trevone Boykin is stellar this year, throwing for 2,927 yards and 28 touchdowns with six more scores on the ground. But Oklahoma State also boasts of a high-flying offense. The Cowboys hung 70 on Texas Tech in Lubbock last week, but they also managed to give up 53 points to the Red Raiders. It might not be high-noon, but expect a shootout at the Stillwater, O.K. Corral come Saturday.

No. 5 TCU at No. 12 Oklahoma St.Saturday — 2:30 p.m. — FOX

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