So I am a huge realignment nerd and am fascinated by the process we are currently seeing and the prospect of joining another league.  Unfortunately with all this talk comes a flood of incredibly ignorant comments about the academic "quality" of various schools.  The san jose article PB linked to being the latest example.  I am writing this post because if I see one more person equate a school's academics to their undergraduate ranking in US News my head will explode (not because US news bothers me so much but instead because undergraduate units are far from the whole story).  Accordingly, i have compiled rankings for 20 or so schools across 12 disciplines.  Most of these schools are athletically or academically relevant in some way or provide a way to frame the group as a whole (hi Cal).  I know the US news rankings have been much maligned but I use them here because 1) they are a decent proxy for the quality of the program and 2) i am merely seeking an estimation of school quality as I think that will suffice for my purposes here.

By way of personal bias I went to UT undergrad (not highly ranked) and Washington U in St. Louis for law school (not considered here) and I did my best to avoid skewing any numbers or picking programs that would benefit Texas (but check the data yourself if you want, and include underwater basket weaving in your analysis if you see fit).  Also of note, the graduate programs selected were chosen because they are "major" areas of study.  I may be missing some big time majors but by and large you cannot call yourself a research university and not have a physics, psych, medical, law etc program.  The "Big 4" average and overall grad average I include require a school to have at least 3 of what I consider the Big 4 programs (med, law, business, engineering) and 8 of the 12 twelve for the overall grad average.  Relatedly, please note that this list focuses on a certain group of schools (research universities) and excludes liberal arts colleges.  This list does not include any of the ivy league, stanford, mit, duke etc etc (basically any of the top 20 undergrad schools) as the academic quality of those institutions is not in question and not usually relevent to a sports / realignment / football issue.  Research expenditures were not included because they are not usually helpful in determining school quality (ie A&M receives more research money than Harvard). 

programs looked at - undergrad, medical (research), law, business, engineering, economics, poli sci, education, psychology, computer science, physics, biology, social work 
GraAVG = average of the 12 prorgrams looked at (min 8)

B4AVG = average of law, med, business, engineering (min 3)

Schools are listed in the order of their overall average (please note these are estimations, i didnt have a calculator so I expect some of this is a bit off)

So here is the Data.  Be warned, formatting this was a major bitch and i have very little skill with computers so my apologies for the alignment issues below.

Continue reading this post »

     Like many of you I have been glued to my seat over the coaching changes taking place in the football program.  That said, I thought a break might be nice to a topic that has been bugging me for a minute.  Basically I am wondering if you guys think that coach G should be fired by the university.  She was a home run hire when Conradt resigned who seemed destined to take Texas women's bball back to the top where it belongs.  Expectations were high and so was her paycheck as I believe she was the first or among the first women's coaches to earn a 7 figure salary.  Since then, things havent exactly worked out that way as UT bball struggles to be competitive with the best teams in the big 12.  By way of disclaimer, I do not pretend to be the world's biggest women's basketball fan so if someone has expertise please speak up.  Year after year I have seen us get stomped by elite teams and I dont see any indications or hear anyone expecting this to change.  I feel that UT should be a mainstay in the top 10 and occasionally challenge the UConns and Tennessees of the world and frankly we are nowhere near that.   
     Thoughts?  Should she stay or go?

     I must confess that I am not used to feeling better about a situation than the rest of you so this is weird.  I really believe the doom and gloom over Muschamp (and potentially Major) leaving is way overblown. 

1 - Muschamp was a good DC, but totally unproven as an HC.

     This point has is well known (and giving pause to many UF fans right this moment).  Muschamp was a good DC, shit he was a great DC.  He has produced some fantastic defenses during his career and he deserves a ton of credit for that.  Now was he the greatest DC of all time?  Was he perfect?  Was he guaranteed to be a good HC?  Uh no, no and no.  Anyone who watched last year's team should be able to acknowledge that the defense was not good.  Despite the incredible efforts to rationalize how the offense actually caused the defense to allow all those points to chump ass teams I believe even the most biased horn fan would admit that Muschamp didnt exactly go out with a bang here.  I am not minimizing his accomplishments as a DC.  I just think the whole Muschamp is god crap that is peddled ad nauseam around here is a joke.  I cringed every time I read "In Boom we trust".  The only thing that should be trusted is the result put on the field, period.  Speaking of results, Muschamp has none as a head a coach.  Zip, zero, zilch, nada.  Could he turn out to be the next lombardi? Sure.  Do any of us know how good he will be as a head coach? NO, and further you could fill warehouses with the number of sure thing athletes and coaches that bombed out.  Before Mack came to Texas, he proved he was the man as an HC by building UNC up from nothing to a damn fine program.  He earned the elite coaching gig he was offered.  Was Mack guaranteed to be a success at Texas? No, but he earned his shot.  Will we NECESSARILY suffer as a result of losing Muschamp as HCIW?  NO ONE KNOWS, and until we do everyone should calm down.  In a few years we could be talking about the bullet we dodged with Muschamp leaving, you never know.     

2 - Major is a nice guy but . . .     

      These same thoughts apply to Major as OC.  He hasnt proven shit yet.  Could he be the next Malzahn?  Sure, but it seems like everyone is giving him credit for that before he's proven it.  The whole "our recruiting will tank without Major and Will" line is laughable.  Everyone who has been saying that deserves ridicule, seriously.  Our recruiting was fine before Will and Major and it will be fine long after them.   We will fill the OC, DC slots with phenomenal coaches and recruiters and our talent level will remain off the charts.  I think USC is a good reference point, what happened to USC when Carrol left, did their recruits run for the hills  like many predicted??? NO, and neither will ours.  This is still Texas and Mack is still at the helm, we will have the talent we need to win.   

       Truthfully, recruiting concerns overlook the fact that talent isnt our problem anyway, it is coaching.  How was the defense last year with all those highly recruited players? the offense?  How was that highly touted Gilbert guy?  Whats that?  Malcolm Brown is going to magically produce a running game?  Is he gonna block for himself?  Is he gonna play QB so we have a credible threat in the passing game? 

3 - What have we really lost?

     In order to be upset with losing Will and potentially Major I would have to be convinced that their replacements will not be as good or better. 

Facts -

The OC next year will necessarily be a huge improvement. 

Mack will hire a badass at DC.  Whether it is Shannon or someone else we all know Mack will fill Will's slot with a stud.  I see little or no loss here.

When Mack retires, he will be replaced by a fantastic candidate.  Muschamp was such a candidate but that doesnt mean whoever now replaces Mack wont also be great.  Seeing as we cant know how Mack's replacement will do (whether it is Muschamp or Peterson or whoever), I see no KNOWN loss here either.  All we can hope for is a fantastic candidate to replace Mack, the rest is unknown.  It is simply wrong to think that Muschamp was the only one who could keep Texas at an elite level.  Frankly, I am a little relieved that we are likely headed towards a proven HC replacing Mack now (seems to me they show a higher chance of success). 

***

For the record, this is not a case of sour grapes.  I literally shrugged when I heard about Muschamp.  The only catastrophe that keeps me up at nights is the one we have under center.  If we cant get him coached up then we are screwed no matter if Saban or Belichik or Jesus Christ Lombardi is our coach. 

     Like many of you I have been addicted to this blog for years.  I enjoy the excellent news, commentary and lively discussion about our beloved horns on this site.  I have been wondering lately, who exactly are you guys? 

    I originally thought I could have more than one poll so I planned on having a bunch of polls asking "are you a texas alum?", "are you a texan?", "where do you now live?", "favorite pro league / team?", "what is your profession?" etc etc etc. but you cant do that or at least I dont know how.  Instead I thought maybe those who are interested could just provide a blurb about themselves.  The general feel I get is an 18-32, predominantly male, mostly Texan, fairly mature but still insane fan vibe but hey if this site is populated by octogenarian grandmothers I'd be interested to know that.

    Obviously nothing super personal or weird I just think it would be interesting to get a snapshot of this community's demographics. 

It is my belief that the worst thing that can happen to the Texas longhorns football team is that they win their remaining game at A&M and then beat some joke of a team in a joke of a bowl.  We all know that this season has been a disaster of historic proportions.  We all have long known that Greg Davis and Mac Mcwhorter are a major (not the only) cause of our on field incompetence.  If we win out I cant help but think that Uncle Mack will take that as a sign that everything will be ok and this year was just a bump in the road and that no major overhaul is needed (no pun intended).  It is obvious to even the most casual fan that Davis has no place coaching our offense and Mcwhorter has no place coaching at all.  I believe that in order for Mack to overcome his loyalty / nepotism / dumbassery and drop these chumps (or be forced to) we need to sit at home this bowl season. 

Thoughts?  Any fans of the greater good im arguing for or would a loss to the aggies not be worth any price? 

     I appreciate all that Mack has done for Texas; incredible recruiting, huge profits and visibility, amazing wins, a national title (with near misses in 08,09).  That said, anyone watching the horror show at Penn State and FSU the past few years knows all too well how a coach overstaying his prime can ruin a program.  Mack has always claimed he wouldnt do that and I hope he follows through.  I am curious about what the BON faithful think would be his ideal exit point.  

So after undergrad at UT I came to St. Louis for law school.  It was here that I encountered the Parkway West High School Longhorns.  Much to my surprise they use the longhorns as their mascot and they use our logo too.  Not just any longhorn logo, our exact logo, the one that is trademarked.  I dont think this is cool at all as I dont want some dumbass high school tainting our brand (that and its kind of against the law, at least I'm almost positive it is, never took IP law).  My question is do you guys think UT should be told about this?  Do you think they already know and dont care?  I am wondering if I've spent too much time in law school  and should let this go or if it would be a dick move to try and get a high school to change their logo.  Thoughts anyone?  Maybe someone who took IP law has an explanation for why the high school is within its rights here.

Heres a pic of Gabbert (yes the 5 star Mizzou QB) in his longhorn gear.

http://www.elitefootball-stl.com/blaine_gabbert_drop.jpg

I've overcome my denial and can now admit three things that have long been obvious.

#1  The defense is bad - this defense had one good performance against one dimensional droptacular NU to go against two inconceivably bad performances against UCLA and ISU.  Todays effort came against one of the worst teams in the big 12 who just got blanked by a mediocre OU team.  Mindblowing is the only way i can think to describe allowing this many yards to the cyclones.  At this point, if you still think this defense is good you are either in denial or just plain dumb. 

#2  The offense has no redeeming qualities and is beyond hope.  Need I even say anything about this collection of incompetents?  Dropped balls, receivers that disappear, running backs who blow, an offensive line that cant open holes, a turnover machine at quarterback and a coordinator who can do less with more than anyone in any field in America.  Whats not to like?  At this point, if you think this offense has hope or heart you are either in denial or just plain dumb. 

#3  As of now, Garret Gilbert is a bad quarterback. He added three more interceptions to his depressing season numbers today, got sacked at horrible times, locks in on receivers and overthrew just about everyone until the very end of the game.  I know that many longhorns out there saw that last quarter and thought "see, GG is actually awesome blah blah longwinded rationalization".  Throwing more picks than touchdowns means you are not good.  There is simply no way around it.  i cannot understand how someone spends their entire life preparing to be a quarterback being trained by top coaches and a dad that played in the NFL and goes on to make the decisions and throws he makes on a regular basis.  Maybe Gale said "son just be big and tall and throw the ball really hard and you'll impress people, who gives a shit about being accurate or diplaying touch with the ball".  I am not saying he will suck forever, hopefully he can learn something this year and improve a bit before next year.  But at this point, if you still think Gilbert is the man you are either in denial or just plain dumb.

thoughts on our prospects (because lets face it, this year is f*cked)

Mack Brown is on a playground with (fill in the blank) coach.  There are 22 offensive and 22 defensive players on the field.  Mack gets to pick the best ten offensive and best ten defensive players before the other coach can pick anyone.  

This is essentially the reality when we play any regular season team not named Oklahoma.  I'm in desperate need of a laugh after watching my beloved team humiliate themselves against a vastly inferior opponent (who lost 35-0 to Stanford people. OMFG).  Accordingly, I thought I would petition those of you who regularly say just about anything to pretend that the Horns are playing football with heart / skill / pride even when they are very clearly not cause I think that would be hilarious at this point.   

Oh and one more thing, could someone explain to me why we have annointed Gilbert as the next John Elway?  He has potential but his numbers are weak and boy does he overthrow / underthrow / throw to receivers about to get blasted / fumble / get intercepted / and hit receivers far short of the sticks on third down with stunning regularity.  I know he is a sophomore so can we all treat him like one and start giving him credit for being a badass when he well umm starts playing badass consistently.    

     I'm wondering how this guy 1) gets a scholarship to Texas? 2) sees the field? 3) sees the field as a starter? and 4) remains a starter after his play on the field?

     I'm asking the BON readers an honest question.  While I have been watching Texas since birth I cant claim to be able to analyze players like some of you on this site.  Chykie is going to send me to the hospital with facepalm injuries and I just cant understand why he is a starter.  Does he have some insane NFL potential I'm missing?  Has he simply made a couple obvious mistakes and is a solid player otherwise?  Am I insane and he is actually a good player?  WTF is going on because Chykie continued presence on the field is making me question my reality. 

You probably heard that Suh donated $2.6M to the University of Nebraska prior to being drafted.  $2M to the conditioning facilities that helped turn Suh into an amazing athlete and $600K to endow an engineering chair (Suh's major).  Suh has set an outstanding example for other soon to be very rich college football players.  Speaking of those very rich former college athletes, what the hell have they been doing with their money???  And just to get this out of the way, I am not referring to the guy who grew up in poverty and gets an $800k payday that he uses to help out his family.  I am talking about athletes that are getting paid (top draft picks, established pros, all stars etc).   

Can you recall even a single instance of a UT athlete giving substantial money back to the school?  What about a former longhorn giving serious money to any charity for that matter?  I cant recall any longhorns giving back a dime.  And volunteering with kids for the day in front of "NBA Cares" cameras to help the leagues image does not count.  What about athletes at other schools?   I remember reading a while back that a Michigan player gave UM $500K, which was the biggest gift to UM from an athlete ever, a mere $500K, let that sink in . . .  that is pathetic.  Please tell me if Im forgetting something. 

I know that these athletes provide tremendous benefits to Texas and other schools in other ways (brand recognition, school spirit, revenues etc).  It just seems to me that Suh's example should not be that unusual.  Shouldnt we have "Vince Young scholars" or "Durant Fellowships"?  If not at Texas what about giving to the Red Cross or medical research or anything for crying out loud.

Michael Jordan is worth over $400M, Tiger is close to a Billion, Durant has to be worth over $50M by now.  I could list examples all day.  Athletes around the country are worth incredible money and Im shocked to see one of them give $2.6M.  That is sad indeed.

Thoughts?  Am I being too harsh?  Am I wrong to assume these athletes should give back at all?

for you not to look back on this year with a mixture of disappointment and disgust? 

     I have been waiting to ask this question for a while but have held back in an attempt to not judge this young team too quickly.  After watching us get our ass kicked by Baylor I am now well beyond the point of calling this year a disaster.  Never have I seen so much talent (young or not) do so little.  Do not mistake me for a results oriented fan only.  Far from it, I am more process oriented and that is exactly why this year's team has been so embarassing.  If our team played together, played anywhere near their potential, showed up at all for road games, could make a free throw consistently or showed reasonable improvement throughout the year I would feel a lot better.  Unfortunately, they have not. 

     To answer my topic question I say the elite eight would leave me feeling rather meh about this year given the embarassment of the last two months and the final four is the only destination that would save this year for me (and yes, i realize the near astronomical unlikelihood of us getting that far).  Anyway, what do you guys think?  What would save this year for you?

     So the post on the husker site the other day reminded me of what I believe is a mischaracterization of big time athletic departments and their budgets.  I personally believe that the benefit of an athletic dept. such as UT is almost beyond measure.

     By way of example, here is my recent experience.  I graduated from Texas in '06 and after taking a year off enrolled in grad school at Washington University at St. Louis.  Washu is a medium sized private school in the midwest that is well regarded academically but only offers a D-3 athletic program.  I love the school but since enrolling I can't even count how many times I have had to explain that it is not in Seattle.  Peer private schools such as Notre Dame, Northwestern, Duke, Vanderbilt and even Rice have a higher profile in (large) part due to athletics.  Name recognition is just one area that benefits.  The benefits are impossible to quantify but I believe the impact in applications, alumni donations, prestige and school branding cannot be underestimated.  Additionally, profitable programs like UT often give back several million dollars a year to the university.  Obviously, there are downsides as well as many just think of UT as a football school and aren't aware of the many outstanding academic departments.  Even still, I believe the benefits far outweigh the negatives.

     I am not in favor of paying every coach a gazillion dollars but I think people should remember all the benefits of a stellar athletic program brings to the academic side of the university and attempt to reframe the issue before they criticize.   Any thoughts on the issue? 

hook em

      So ever since we lost the most heartbreaking, fml game ever to Tech last year I have been eagerly awaiting the beat down we are going to deliver in Austin this year ( I'm aware that assuming a W over Tech is a bit presumptive).  Even still, that game combined with the way everyone's favorite coaches, Stoops and Meyer, ran up the score all the way to the title game has me thinking nice Mack could be headed for a no-show against Tech this year.  The game is early in the year, second week I believe, and it could serve as a statement to the country that we are getting our revenge and we mean business.  Additionally, its possible the so called BCS gurus who came down to Austin might have convinced Mack that running it up might be necessary.

      Generally, I am not in favor of running up the score, I think its bush league.  That type of behavior can stay north of the border for all I care.  However, I am thinking an exception might be in order for Tech.  I'm curious if you guys think we will witness a sea change in how the Longhorns handle the scoreboard next year?  Thoughts? 

    Also, I'm aware that it is hypocritical to be against running up the score and want to do it against x or y team but god damn i just f*cking hate tech so much.

It's halftime of Findlay Prep's game agains 8th ranked national powerhouse Montrose Christian.  The score is 27-13 in favor of Findlay and Bradley is responsible for a whopping 20 of those points.  He is 7 of 12 from the field and has outscored Montrose all by himself.  Additionally Bradley has been solid and sometimes spectacular on defense as usual.  For those of you who saw him in the McD's game maybe you'll agree that on the court he looks so casual, confident that he is capable of scoring at will.  I cannot wait until he gets to campus although the more I see him play the more I wonder if there is any way he wll stay more than a year.  Bradley may be the man to get us that first title. 

Also, I've been reading BON for years now and have appreciated all the great info you guys provide and I finally decided to take the plunge and join myself.