SBNation.com User Blog: EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel

Arkansas picks up Chris Peterson as head coach, Texas still with Mack??

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:19:33 -0000

Many Texas fans have held out hope that offensive master Chris Peterson would be the next head coach in burnt orange.

Well, once again, the dithering by Mack and Belmont have cost us a golden opportunity to inject new life into the program.

Arkansas to name Peterson head coach'

We've seen this before. Our "head coach in waiting," Muschamp was snapped up by Florida, where he already has produced superior results to Mack's last three seasons and is tied up until 2017.

Meanwhile, the smoke signals from the president's tower and Deloss' office seem to indicate no change in the near future.

Why has this become acceptable? How many more great candidates will be taken off the market by lesser universities before Texas decides to make this much-needed change?

For now, all we know is this: forget watching football on a burnt-orange field. Peterson is gone.

Many Texas fans have held out hope that offensive master Chris Peterson would be the next head coach in burnt orange.

Well, once again, the dithering by Mack and Belmont have cost us a golden opportunity to inject new life into the program.

Arkansas to name Peterson head coach'

We've seen this before. Our "head coach in waiting," Muschamp was snapped up by Florida, where he already has produced superior results to Mack's last three seasons and is tied up until 2017.

Meanwhile, the smoke signals from the president's tower and Deloss' office seem to indicate no change in the near future.

Why has this become acceptable? How many more great candidates will be taken off the market by lesser universities before Texas decides to make this much-needed change?

For now, all we know is this: forget watching football on a burnt-orange field. Peterson is gone.

My special reason for despising LHN

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:09:22 -0000

My love for Texas started with my Dad. Some of my earliest memories include watching Longhorn football games every weekend while my Dad taught me the rules of the game. For decades, we've gotten together nearly every Saturday during football season. When we were apart, we would chat by phone during and after. I doubt many fathers and daughters have bonded more than we have over Horns football, basketball and baseball.

Suddenly, everything in our family has changed. My dad was recently diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma. For the uninitiated, that's aggressive brain cancer. He just turned 70. He was a healthy, active guy who spent much of his free time with my two boys.

Now, after brain surgery to remove the tumor, he's undergoing 6 weeks of daily radiation and chemo. In just a few weeks, his strength has lessened greatly.

So what, you might ask, does this have to do with LHN? Read on.

Now, after brain surgery to remove the tumor, he's undergoing 6 weeks of daily radiation and chemo. In just a few weeks, his strength has lessened greatly.

So what, you might ask, does this have to do with LHN? Read on.

Like everyone else, I've been incredibly frustrated by the lack of LHN options for the vast majority of the Burnt Orange Nation. But now, I have an even bigger reason for despising the network and its total failure to make any inroads with satellite or cable providers in my area.

Every year, my dad and I go to a football game and a couple of basketball games. We take along my husband (also a Horn), my brother and my eldest son. This was to be the first year for my youngest son to come along as well.

Unfortunately, thanks to some balance problems from the brain surgery and some overall weakness from the treatment, Dad can't handle going to a packed stadium this year. The stairs, the jostling crowd and the up-and-down would be far too much for him.

Missing these games may seem like a minor detail. But in a family where we find the clock suddenly ticking, and one of my best friends and favorite people in the world has limited time, taking away this important family ritual is incredibly painful for us all. It's much like erasing a birthday or Christmas morning with the kids. Sounds silly, but we've come to love these little trips to see our favorite teams play.

The next best thing? Watching the games together on TV. OK, yes, the LHN is only ruining two games for us. But that's two games too many. This is my dad's weekly diversion. It's our ritual together. Old hobbies and long-term interests are what keep us going in this horrible medical situation. And damn it, I want my Longhorn football games with my Dad.

Then basketball season will do the same freaking thing. How many games will we lose together?

Maybe I'm being overly dramatic. I feel dramatic. The last 6 weeks have been some of the most painful and difficult of my life. I dread future football seasons without my dad. He has been such an integral part of my love for the University and for sports.

When I was a student, Dad came to the Thanksgiving games with me and stood in the student section. I came home for the SMU game every year, no matter how bad the Mustangs were. Once we sat, practically alone, in pouring rain watching the Horns play the ponies at the Cotton Bowl. We froze together watching Texas take on Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl. We suffered through the horrendous losses to Baylor in both football and basketball last year (it horrifies me that these will be the last games he likely sees in person). We complained about Greg Davis together - for years. We have a running family contest every season to see who can predict the scores for the football games, and the winner holds on to a Longhorns snowglobe for the year.

This sucks. It really, really sucks. And LHN just adds frustration to an already intolerable situation.

Which is why I now despise LHN. I understand the long-term potential. I know why this could be great for the University over time. But right now? I don't freakin' care.

I just want to watch the games with my Dad.

The ultimate aggy delusion - going independent!

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:06:07 -0000

There is a fantastically hilarious story today in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Let me summarize:

Texas A&M wants to go to the SEC.
Texas A&M will leave the Big 12 no matter what, even if threats of litigation prevent aggy from going to the SEC.
Texas A&M is ready and willing to go independent - yes, the new Notre Dame, my friends - if they are prevented from joining the SEC in 2012.

So this begs the question: how petulant and delusional can Little Brother get at this point? Does aggy really believe it's a better thing to go independent, or is this just another idle threat?
I'm so deliciously confused ... the character of the Bill Byrne faction is on full display, and it's not pretty.

There is a fantastically hilarious story today in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Let me summarize:

Texas A&M wants to go to the SEC.
Texas A&M will leave the Big 12 no matter what, even if threats of litigation prevent aggy from going to the SEC.
Texas A&M is ready and willing to go independent - yes, the new Notre Dame, my friends - if they are prevented from joining the SEC in 2012.

The basketball trio: Will they stay or will they go?

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:59:32 -0000

Now that it's officially the off-season for basketball, I have but one topic in mind for my boys in burnt orange. Will our most-talented team members move on to the $greener$ pastures of the NBA, or will they stick around the 40 Acres and give us a real shot at a national title?

The three prime candidates for consideration are:

Tristan Thompson. He would be the highest pick among the trio, and for good reason. But as the last game of the season showed, he does have work to do on his offensive game. He had difficulty posting up, shooting and scoring against serious talent. Many here have cited the need for additional lower-body strength in the paint. Free throws remain a problem. The kid is extremely coachable, which means another year under the tutelage of Rick Barnes could result in a higher draft position.
Jordan Hamilton. Folks seem to assume he is gone, no question. But make no mistake, he has a lot of improving to do. Is his shot selection better? Yes. But put him in a stressful situation, and his basketball IQ - as well as his shot - seem to fade to zero. Would another year in college help?
Cory Joseph. Personally, I don't think Cory warrants discussion here. Clearly, he is not ready for the NBA. But I thought the same thing about Avery Bradley. Perhaps Bradley's decision to jump will give Joseph pause, since Bradley has struggled mightily in his rookie season. In my mind, the kid has star potential, but needs more work on his shot, confidence and decision-making abilities.

Tristan Thompson. He would be the highest pick among the trio, and for good reason. But as the last game of the season showed, he does have work to do on his offensive game. He had difficulty posting up, shooting and scoring against serious talent. Many here have cited the need for additional lower-body strength in the paint. Free throws remain a problem. The kid is extremely coachable, which means another year under the tutelage of Rick Barnes could result in a higher draft position.
Jordan Hamilton. Folks seem to assume he is gone, no question. But make no mistake, he has a lot of improving to do. Is his shot selection better? Yes. But put him in a stressful situation, and his basketball IQ - as well as his shot - seem to fade to zero. Would another year in college help?
Cory Joseph. Personally, I don't think Cory warrants discussion here. Clearly, he is not ready for the NBA. But I thought the same thing about Avery Bradley. Perhaps Bradley's decision to jump will give Joseph pause, since Bradley has struggled mightily in his rookie season. In my mind, the kid has star potential, but needs more work on his shot, confidence and decision-making abilities.

The reason these guys would leave early is obvious. Money, baby. Plus, the T.J. Ford syndrome - make the bucks while you can, in case you get injured down the road.

Why not leave?

Development issues, as mentioned above for each.
Potential NBA lockout, which could really screw the pooch for guys sitting around not playing for a year.
Opportunity to play with Kabongo.

And one more question. Who is they keystone here? I spoke with a buddy last night who suggested that Thompson holds the keys to the kingdom. If he stays, Joseph and Hamilton are more likely to stay as well, under this theory. The end to the season left a bad taste in everyone's mouth, and they all want to play with Kabongo and take a shot at a national title.

From what I've read about Thompson, he's a kid who has his head on straight. When making important decisions, he makes pro and con lists, and he carefully weighs each factor. I wonder what that would look like ...
I'd love the insights of my fellow BONers. Do they stay and fight for a title? Or do they go and break my heart?

Halftime Horn greatness at Baylor game

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:46:46 -0000

The UT crowd was rockin' at Ferrell Center in Waco last night. But perhaps the best UT crowd moment came when the players were in the locker room at halftime.

Baylor Athletics ran a contest sponsored by some car dealerships. Each of three dealerships sent a customer to the game. At halftime, they each had a chance to dribble down the court and put up a 3-point shot. The first one to make a bucket would win a 42-inch flat-screen TV.

The first fan dribbled down the court ... and missed. The second missed. The third fan, wearing a nondescript black shirt and jeans, took the ball up the court and executed a very nice jump shot. Score!

The crowd went wild! Until ... the winner got a smug look on his face, threw up both arms and flashed the double Hook 'Em. He just stood there, turning around to face different sections of the crowd, with his Hook 'Em held defiantly high.

Again, the crowd went wild. The large contingent of Longhorn fans cheered. And the home crowd booed, and booed, and booed.

Greatness.

The UT crowd was rockin' at Ferrell Center in Waco last night. But perhaps the best UT crowd moment came when the players were in the locker room at halftime.

Again, the crowd went wild. The large contingent of Longhorn fans cheered. And the home crowd booed, and booed, and booed.

Greatness.

Welcome to Longhorn hell

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:12:40 -0000

Do you feel it? Is it looming over you, its shadow slowly expanding to fill the room?

It's here. And it's ugly. The off-season.

There are a few things that make this off-season different from recent years:

It's shorter. Hooray for baseball! By going three games, they extended their season to the latest possible date. So our gameless months are shortened considerably.
There's more anticipation. This holds true for both money-making sports. Both the football and men's hoops programs are regarded as top 5 pre-season prospects. Wow. Just, wow.
Personnel is particularly fascinating. Perhaps it's just me. But because of 2 above, the scrutiny regarding potential lineups is greater than ever. What's more, the breathless anticipation for the opportunity to evaluate new talent (particularly for running back and point guard, yes I know I'm mixing sports) is high, since these critical roles must be filled if there is any hope of a national championship run.

Any other Burnt Orange themes and ideas to preoccupy us? After all, today is the first day of the rest of the off-season.

Do you feel it? Is it looming over you, its shadow slowly expanding to fill the room?

It's here. And it's ugly. The off-season.

There are a few things that make this off-season different from recent years:

It's shorter. Hooray for baseball! By going three games, they extended their season to the latest possible date. So our gameless months are shortened considerably.
There's more anticipation. This holds true for both money-making sports. Both the football and men's hoops programs are regarded as top 5 pre-season prospects. Wow. Just, wow.
Personnel is particularly fascinating. Perhaps it's just me. But because of 2 above, the scrutiny regarding potential lineups is greater than ever. What's more, the breathless anticipation for the opportunity to evaluate new talent (particularly for running back and point guard, yes I know I'm mixing sports) is high, since these critical roles must be filled if there is any hope of a national championship run.

Any other Burnt Orange themes and ideas to preoccupy us? After all, today is the first day of the rest of the off-season.

Harrison Smith leaving - ship issue solved?

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:45:28 -0000

According to the Statesman, Harrison Smith is leaving to play for another school.

Here's the scoop.

So this brings up a couple of questions:

1. Will we miss Harrison? He hasn't contributed much overall, but was starting to come on with a few decent performances late last year. He pulled the trigger a bit too often for my taste, though, with some questionable shot selection.

2. Will this solve the scholarship issue? By Harrison leaving, Damion James now will retain his spot with no problem. If J'Covan Brown actually qualifies (as his dad claims, but the clearinghouse hasn't said so yet), Texas will be +1. Word has it that the transfer knew when he signed up that he may not get a scholarship the first year.

Any insights? I'm so very excited about this team.

According to the Statesman, Harrison Smith is leaving to play for another school.

Here's the scoop.

So this brings up a couple of questions:

Any insights? I'm so very excited about this team.

What will ESPN do tonight?

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:23:10 -0000

ESPN greatly surpassed my expectations of homerism last night. No, it wasn't the worn out small-ball storyline. Nor was it the "mighty" bats of LSU.

It was the wardrobe.

Yes, I'm a girl. But that wasn't why I noticed. Actually, my dear husband saw it first. We were watching around the third inning or so, and he says, "What the hell are those guys wearing??" I had to back up the tape to see ... all three ESPN commentators were wearing LSU purple. Unbelievable. I've never seen such a thing ... you'd think that the wardrobe folks would have made sure something like that wouldn't happen. I can NEVER remember a sporting even where the entire on-camera crew wore the colors of one of the teams that was playing.

So tonight, what will the homerism be? Will one announcer play with a stuffed tiger doll? Will the story line focus on LSU's invincibility during the playoffs? Will Orel find yet another way to talk down UT's pitching staff?

Personally, I'd like to see all three of them wearing tiger-stripe makeup on their faces and doing that "claw" thing.

Any better ideas we should pass along to the ESPN crew?

ESPN greatly surpassed my expectations of homerism last night. No, it wasn't the worn out small-ball storyline. Nor was it the "mighty" bats of LSU.

It was the wardrobe.

Personally, I'd like to see all three of them wearing tiger-stripe makeup on their faces and doing that "claw" thing.

Any better ideas we should pass along to the ESPN crew?

Tim Floyd resigns - first chink in USC's armor?

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:01:30 -0000

Ever since the Reggie Bush Heisman debacle and the allegations that soon followed, I know many of my fellow BON'ers have shared my interest in the compliance of USC with NCAA rules.

Things got much uglier over the last few weeks, when new allegations made the rounds about the basketball team. Nope, the dirty deeds were not limited to football.

Tim Floyd threw more gasoline on the fire today, when he resigned. He claims innocence ... but this sure seems like a strange way to prove you're not guilty. He was accused to handing an envelope of cash to a handler. No joke.

Tim Floyd flies the coop

Last week, the LA Times also had some interesting coverage ... all about how the AD and the head coaches were being so tight-lipped about their situations. Allegedly, the NCAA is just about finished (finally) with their investigations.

So will this affect their MNC seasons? Hmmmm ....

Ever since the Reggie Bush Heisman debacle and the allegations that soon followed, I know many of my fellow BON'ers have shared my interest in the compliance of USC with NCAA rules.

Things got much uglier over the last few weeks, when new allegations made the rounds about the basketball team. Nope, the dirty deeds were not limited to football.

Tim Floyd flies the coop

So will this affect their MNC seasons? Hmmmm ....

ESPN's baseball coverage bias

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:10:20 -0000

So every time I flipped to ESPNU this weekend, there was a game from the East or the West ... it seemed like an overload of SEC and Pac-10 teams. Not once did I see coverage of the Austin or Fort Worth regionals. Nor did I see coverage of OU or OSU.

Is it just me? Did I miss something?

What do you think? Is the East Coast/West Coast sportswriter bias really alive and well at ESPN - even in baseball?

Is it just me? Did I miss something?

What do you think? Is the East Coast/West Coast sportswriter bias really alive and well at ESPN - even in baseball?

Colt's freakish QB rating

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:58:37 -0000

Yes, the non-conference competition has been less than stellar.

But even if the Horns were playing a pickup team made up of me and my oldest, most-decrepit relatives, I still wouldn't expect Colt to have a QB rating this high.

His cumulative rating for the season is a mind-boggling 210.01.

Broken down by game:

Fla. Atl. - 181.20
UTEP - 189.27
Rice - 260.16
Piggie - 223.37

Now, forgive me if my numbers are slightly off ... it's getting late. But I'm sure that I'm in the ballpark.

The real question comes next week ... how will the QB rating survive the conference schedule?

Hook 'em.

Yes, the non-conference competition has been less than stellar.

But even if the Horns were playing a pickup team made up of me and my oldest, most-decrepit relatives, I still wouldn't expect Colt to have a QB rating this high.

His cumulative rating for the season is a mind-boggling 210.01.

Broken down by game:

Fla. Atl. - 181.20
UTEP - 189.27
Rice - 260.16
Piggie - 223.37

Now, forgive me if my numbers are slightly off ... it's getting late. But I'm sure that I'm in the ballpark.

The real question comes next week ... how will the QB rating survive the conference schedule?

Hook 'em.

Cedric released by Bears

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:35:39 -0000

I hope the drinks were really tasty.

Cedric has been booted by the Bears, according to the Statesman.

So does he get picked up elsewhere? Or is he radioactive for now? I've seen some speculation out there that the Titans might be interested, since they need a strong back. Also, he would already have the VY chemistry going.

Of course, there's the possibility that owners won't want to deal with the commish. Unless, of course, Jerry Jones needs a hard case to fill a hole. Since that's not currently the case, might he be unemployed this year?

I hope the drinks were really tasty.

Cedric has been booted by the Bears, according to the Statesman.

Baseball loses to Mizzou in Big 12 tourney

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:34:50 -0000

Baseball loses to Mizzou in Big 12 tourney

That didn't take long. For the first time in a long time, I'm not liking our chances in the tourney.

Do guys do THIS all the time?

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:18:22 -0000

First there were the allegations that The Rocket aubsed steriods.

Now there is more ugliness, with claims that Roger Clemens had a 10-year affair with country music star Mindy McCready. The nasty part? The affair allegedly began when she was 15 years old.

So is Roger destined to be another black eye for the University's athletic program ... right up there with Ricky's weed habit?

First there were the allegations that The Rocket aubsed steriods.

Now there is more ugliness, with claims that Roger Clemens had a 10-year affair with country music star Mindy McCready. The nasty part? The affair allegedly began when she was 15 years old.

So is Roger destined to be another black eye for the University's athletic program ... right up there with Ricky's weed habit?

This all came out because of Clemens' defamation lawsuit against his former personal trainer. That's they guy who ratted out Roger's alleged steriod use.

Central to the defamation claim is that he started with a good reputation, which was then ruined by false statements. So the defendant's lawyers want to show that Clemens didn't have a good reputation to start with.

An affair with a 15-year-old would definitely fit the bill - especially since he would have been 28 at the time.

Is this just more mud being slung at one of UT's all-time best athletes? Does he deserve the benefit of the doubt?

I was withholding judgement on the steriods. But now, I'm not so sure. All I can say is ... ICKY.

Btw, Clemens acknowledges a relationship with Mindy. He claims they were just friends.

Great expectations?

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:59:13 -0000

Some time ago, there was a poll on BON asking what would make us happy. Would Rick Barnes have to take his team all the way to a national championship for this season to be considered a success? Or would a win or two in the tourney be enough?

I'm interested to see how the BON community's feelings have changes - or perhaps have not - since that prior poll. How do you feel now? What does Rick have to deliver to avoid "Coach February"-type sentiments?

Poll

What would make you satisfied with the basketball season?

This team will be underachieving if they don't make it to the Elite Eight.

55 votes

Only a trip to the Final Four down I-35 is acceptable at this point.

49 votes

National Championship or bust.

12 votes

I'm already happy - Sweet 16, baby!

27 votes

143 votes | Poll has closed

What kind of fan are you?

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:52:45 -0000

Why do you bleed orange? Are you a student, a graduate, or the much-maligned "T-shirt fan"?

Since BON is a pretty learned sports community, I'm wondering about the population. Let us all know ... what are you?

Why do you bleed orange? Are you a student, a graduate, or the much-maligned "T-shirt fan"?

Since BON is a pretty learned sports community, I'm wondering about the population. Let us all know ... what are you?

A few days ago, Peter asked how many lawyers and law students were on the site. This started me thinking about a friend of mine who's a Baylor fan.

He claims that most Horns followers he knows are simply "T-shirt" fans. This guy spends a lot of time on a Baylor message board, where most members are grads and students. He likes to contrast that with Horns boards, but bases his comparison on supposition alone.

I'm curious, what are you?

Poll

Describe yourself, people!

UT grad

153 votes

Attended UT, didn't graduate

12 votes

Didn't go there, but orange blood runs in the family

58 votes

Just like the Horns - because who doesn't love a winner

11 votes

Current UT student

44 votes

278 votes | Poll has closed

Another COY award for Barnes

EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:37:19 -0000

The Associated Press has named Rick Big 12 coach of the year. Baylor coach Scott Drew came in a distant second.

Check out this nice Dallas Morning News piece, which includes some coaching highlights for the year. Barnes is a tough coach, who even acknowledges that his tough-love style is not for everyone. Clearly, it has worked wonders with this group.

Big 12 COY

The Associated Press has named Rick Big 12 coach of the year. Baylor coach Scott Drew came in a distant second.

Big 12 COY