On Monday evening's show with Ed Clements, Jeff Ward of 590 KLBJ used "The Eyes of Texas 2008" as the basis for part of his show. He was very impressed with the section covering Mack Brown's Ten Years at Texas, specifically saying the staff went about the statistical analysis in the right way.

Jeff's usually a tough critic. That's a damn good piece of work.

I bet KLBJ will put the podcast of today's show online tomorrow. They talked about it beginning at 6 pm.

http://590klbj.com/Podcasts/

It's really dead... both hockey and this time of year for all sports. No football, no Longhorns in the CWS, the Astros are horrible. For some reason, I remember how I used to love hockey and I had a great idea for the NHL.

The National Hockey League needs to push it's season back so that the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs starts the week after the NBA Finals end. The Stanley Cup Finals would end right before college football starts back up. It would be a great way to reach an audience when there is little else in the way of competition.

College football, the NFL and the NBA dominate the NHL throughout the year. Football is always relevant and the NBA Finals are always right on top of the NHL Finals. Why not seize that time when people seem to be begging for sports on television?

The highlight so far for me is that John Chiles has not had a good day at quarterback. Greg Davis apparently said that Chiles has made great strides as a "quarterback" but it was not evident today. Chiles misfired on the majority of his throws, underthrowing an out route by the running back and a drag route to Dan Buckner. Chiles can still run though.

Deon Beasley had a nice pass breakup. He followed that up with a pass interference call going against Cosby. Real nice throw by McCoy on that play.

McGee was probably the most impressive running back. He lowered his shoulder pads on one run, knocking a defensive back to the ground. McGee really should have gotten credit for a tackle.

Hard to tell anything regarding the offensive and defensive line.

Wow.

The 2008 ink is barely dry and now comes word that Garrett Gilbert, Rival's #2 rated quarterback and #12 player overall for 2009, will announce where he's going to school tomorrow. Geoff Ketchum just announced this on 590 KLBJ during Jeff Ward's show and he said Gilbert will most likely announce he's going to Texas.

Gilbert is the quarterback for state champion Lake Travis. He threw for nearly 5,000 yards this past season.

...according to Fox 7 News in Austin. I love the hire as it's a commitment to an elite defense. I'm sure we'll learn more about him over the next couple days.

I also heard there might be a press conference tomorrow at 10 am but that was off a message board. Not from Fox 7. It will be interesting to hear what Akina's role will be. I assume just defensive backs coach.

T.J. stole the ball and former Florida Gator Al Horford hit him in the face. T.J. landed hard on the floor and his head bounced off the court.

Horford was ejected after the flagrant foul. Most of us know about T.J.'s problems. He missed the 2004-05 season with Milwaukee after neck surgery. Let's hope he's alright.

Still my all-time favorite Longhorn basketball player. Easily. Get well soon.

Al Horford can go to hell.

Undergoing surgery on his wrist. That hurts being that he's an All-American but we all know it's a deep position for the Longhorns. Really disappointing to end like this for him though.

I think we'll always remember him for his huge catch against Ohio State. That touchdown was the highlight of the 2005 season... if you forget that whole Rose Bowl thing. He's supposedly a heck of a blocker out at the wide receiver position and I kind of hope he ends up with the Titans, giving Tennessee a big pass catcher and blocker on the outside for Vince.

Austin American-Statesman also reports, "...defensive end Aaron Lewis fractured his elbow against the Sooners and is out indefinitely. Fullback Luke Tiemann also will undergo wrist surgery, but is expected to miss only two games."

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2007/10/08/sweed_lo st_for.html

"Defensive coordinators have told me this season that Bush may be seen as a superstar to the general public but he is not someone who keeps them awake at night. They say he's not as fast as he looks, can be covered by a linebacker one-on-one and gets shy around contact. That last description is not exactly what you want to hear about your franchise runner."

http://www.sportsline.com/columns/st...

Bumped from the diaries. UN_believable. --PB--

Statesman.com is reporting that an arrest warrant has been issued for freshman defensive tackle Andre Jones. Apparently he was part of the robbery with former Longhorn Robert Joseph.

When will all this end? Doesn't Mack Brown go after "character" guys? This season is not starting out too well.

Update [2007-8-2 16:8:40 by HornsFan]: From the Statesman entry:

The arrest warrant accuses Jones of being with a man known as "N.O." or New Orleans. The warrant said the two broke into an apartment in East Austin, with N.O. pointing a gun at one of the occupants as well as a 14-year-old. N.O. asked for several items, including cell phones and gaming equipment.

I'm beyond stunned at this point. I'm angry. As are a lot of Longhorn fans. We've been able to crow for years about the good kids Mack Brown was bringing through Austin, but this is just pitiful. If the alleged charges are true, Jones needs to be kicked off the team for good, of course. But more than that, Mack Brown has some serious questions to answer. For all the talk of avoiding "red flag" recruits, the Robert Joseph and Andre Jones arrests are particularly stunning. (PB)

Does anyone know what happened to the guys on Austin's ESPN Radio? Looks like their show was cancelled.

About a week ago I was listening and they were going on about some girl that lived upstairs and her "meathead" boyfriend and the noises they'd make. I used to work in radio and I thought some of the things they were saying were dangerously close to crossing the line... maybe they knew they were on the way out. I wish the station can find a mediocre alternate to Craig Way and Chad & Kevin.

Secondly, it looks like the guys from Orangebloods are going to have a show on the station during football season. That should be a good one. I think Jeff Ward & Ed Clements are the best for post-game, but we'll see what kind of show the Rivals guys put together.

Did anyone see the season finale of The Office where Michael screwed up and told Jan she was getting fired. The CFO got mad at Michael and told him that they weren't going to give him the promotion and then Michael said that we was just going to withdraw his name from consideration.

I have a feeling something similar happened here with Robert Joseph.

Observations from the game:

1. I was surprised at how physical KU was with Augustin behind the three-point line. Whenever he crossed in the second half, they just collapsed on him. When Durant went out, he did a hell of a job keeping the team in the game. I've told my friends before that while Durant may be the greatest Longhorn basketball player ever, Augustin is my favorite on this team.
   
2. Depth was the difference. Without Durant, the Horns' main guys seemed to wear down as KU rolled out more All-Americans. Augustin looked tired at the free throw line near the end.
   
3. Allen Fieldhouse really is a tough place to play. When the Jayhawks are playing well, it's about as loud as the Texas/OU football game.
   
4. Obviously, what an amazing first-half for the Horns. It's amazing how far this team has come and learned to play with Durant. Everyone seemed to make KU pay for double teaming KD. Wish that could have been sustained in the second half.
   
5. I can't wait for the NCAA tournament.

I don't think the Titans should release Pacman. He's  a complete mess, but if the Titans release him, they take a $5 million cap hit. Worse, teams will line up for this guy and assume the risk.

Most of the media guys on the radio seem to think the Titans should just get rid of Jones. They don't think about what would happen next. The guy can play and there will always be a roster spot for Pro Bowl potential players with a problem.

Someone will put up with the guy and it might as well be the Titans. I wouldn't kick to him or throw to his side of the field.

We can keep track of the current commitments from UT's Junior Day. For up to the second news and updates on Texas recruiting, be sure to subscribe to Orangebloods:

1. OT Mark Buchanan (6'6" 265 lbs) is the first commit of 2008. He plays for Austin High and ranked 79 in Rivals' Lone Star Recruting Rankings. 2nd Team All-Centex lineman.

2. Brock Fitzhenry (5'9" 172 lbs, 4.42 secs). Ranked 61 in the LSR Rankings. Fitzhenry rushed for 2,800 yards last year as a quarterback. I'd imagine he'd play cornerback in college? I read he was recruited as a wide receiver too.

3. D.J. Monroe (5'9", 165 lbs, 4.4 secs). Number 10 on the LSR Rankings. Projected as a cornerback. Possible five-star prospect.

4. Justin Tucker, kicker from Austin Westlake.

5. David Snow, offensive guard from Gilmer (6'4" 300 lbs). Ranked number nine in the LSR.

6. Jeremy Hills, RB from Alief (5'11" 180 lbs). Number 18 in the LSR. Brother of current UT offensive lineman Tony Hills, Jr.

7. Dan Buckner, WR from Allen (6'5" 200 lbs, 4.5 sec). Number six in the LSR and the top wide receiver in the state. Tom Lemming said recently, "He was the most impressive player of all. He is a tall wide receiver who reminds me of prototypical wide receivers in the NFL today, like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. He is the best in what I consider the best group of wide receivers I've seen in 28 years."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFk2_z1KRDE

8. Aaron Williams, CB from Round Rock (6'1" 175 lbs, 4.4 secs). 17 on the LSR, but he has good size and seemingly good speed. Recruited by Auburn, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State and USC.

9. Ryan Roberson, FB from Brenham (5'10" 210 lbs, 4.4 secs). Number 47 on the LSR. Might be a linebacker?

Update [2007-2-12 14:43:27 by Longhorn13]: 10. Emmanuel Acho, Outside linebacker from Dallas (6'2" 205 lbs).

Vince is replacing Philip Rivers, who was forced to skip the game due to an injury. Tom Brady also had to withdraw. What a tremendous cap to a solid first year for Vince.

I remember reading and hearing training camp reports: most reporters seemed to think that Vince was not coming along, some said he was fine. Everything seemed to conflict. The whole thing with Volek and Collins and Jeff Fisher finally having to go to Vince. After a little bit of experience, he and Pacman almost led the Titans to a playoff game.

Well done Vince. I know everyone here is so proud of you. And... screw you Hoge.

Ryan Perrilloux is under federal criminal investigation according to a New Orleans radio station. I haven't read what the feds are actually looking into and he hasn't been arrested. The only thing that's been confirmed is that he is a giant douche.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/5150407.html

Aaron Ross won't win the Heisman because he doesn't play offense and Troy Smith seems to have the award all wrapped up. However, looking at the statistics from the only defensive player to win the Heisman as compared to Aaron Ross, this year, it's interesting that Ross is having just as good a season.

Woodson's statistics are listed, with Ross' current 2006 statistics in paranthesis:

Charles Woodson
Rushing: 5-41, 1 td (none)
Receiving: 12-238, 2 tds (none)
Punt Returns: 36-301, 1 td (16-196, 1 td)
Tackles: 27 solo, 17 assists (45 solo, 17 assists)
Tackles for loss: 5-23 (3-14)
Sacks: 1-11 (1-10)
Fumble recoveries: 0 (2, 1 td)
Passes broken up: 9 (17)
Interceptions: 8 (5)

Ross also has 3 forced fumbles on the year. I couldn't find a number for Woodson on how many he had in 1997.

Ross will have twice the tackles and passes broken up. He has more fumble recoveries. He could get just as many interceptions by the end of the year with potentially four more games to play. Additionally, he could break the tie in number of sacks and increase his number in tackles for loss by the end of the year.

If he does that, the huge number of pass break ups and tackles should offset the fact that he doesn't play offense. Therefore, an invitation to New York should be in order, even if Troy Smith is the frontrunner for the Heisman.

I pretty fed up with people ripping, not just on Vince, but on athletes for being "dumb." I'm sure texags and baylorfans will take the fact that Vince stumbled on his acceptance speech, mention the Wunderlich test and all have a hearty laugh. Radio will be mentioned. Many times.

If Aggies or anyone else could choose between fielding a team of brain dead, cock eyed, inbred athletes that landed in a BCS bowl game every other year and a team of national merit scholars that maybe made a bowl game once every ten years, they would pick the morons every day of the week. And if they stayed up on their high horse and picked the national merit scholars, I would stab their horse in the face and call them a liar.

So what if Vince isn't the smartest guy. I'm sure there have been dumber guys on everyone's team. He seems to be a hell of a nice guy and, yeah, he's a great football player. Maybe with the money he makes in the NFL, his kids and others will have opportunities in the academic world that Vince didn't have when growing up, unlike the rich kids that think it's funny to rip on athletes for being dumb.

Maybe he was nervous when speaking in front of a large audience. Maybe he isn't that smart. I don't know. I don't care. Judging people by their intelligence is the definition of being a smug asshole.