Sunday thoughts after Texas wallops UTSA 56-7

This article was written by Coach V. Before becoming one of the most highly respected members of the Inside Texas community, Coach V. was a highly respected defensive coordinator for decades in the Texas high school football ranks.

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One of the toughest assignments in football is staying mentally strong after a big win the week before. It’s especially hard when the next opponent is on a lower level talent-wise. Despite all the attempts of proper preparation, there will be a few obvious letdowns once the individual battles are established and the scoreboard is ping-ponging for the home team. The best thing about a blowout win is everybody gets a shot and will get the opportunity to watch the video and cheer for the reserves getting their chance to shine. All the hard work from the entire crew is obvious once the smiles are passed around the room. You gotta love it. 

I guess one could spend several hours typing up terrific plays or performances for the deserving individuals but that will probably occur elsewhere enough to choke a horse so I’ll limit my praise to a few thousand thoughts.

I have three players that take the spotlight this week but about a couple of dozen that get supporting actor awards will be mentioned. My choice for best player on the field tonight is Colin Simmons (11) although a certain well known QB placed a razor thin second in his longest stint on the Forty Acres. 

I really can’t tell you how many tackles Simmons made nor can I recite how many pressures he put forth. What I can tell you is this budding super-star is the highest motor and hunger-starved Longhorn since Joseph Ossai recklessly ran down the ball with total dedication. If you want the long version spend twenty minutes watching #11 from start to finish. Those preferring their long-story short should watch the first scrimmage play after Ryan Wingo‘s (11) touchdown catch in the third quarter. Simmons (11) starts a blitz off the edge, pivots to the play action, and sprints back in pursuit of the scrambling QB to make the tackle. Impressive is all that play is. He has several of those type of efforts. There is a better than even chance this guy becomes a big-timer before he’s finished here. 

Okay, Arch Manning (16) finally had his day in the sun. He just might have been impressive in throwing four touchdown passes in about one half (clock time) of action. There is some proof that he can outrun part of San Antonia’s finest athletes before the alumni stripe stopped him. There is little doubt that Arch is probably the best backup QB in college ball today. I really loved the way he served Wingo up—when a receiver is out to practice early (Wingo) you make sure you don’t overthrow and he nailed it. Watching him drop the corner to Johntay Cook (1) illustrates his deft touch in a crowded arena. There is a solid chance this guy becomes a big-timer before he’s finished here. 

The third special mention, thought not in the afore mentioned leagues, is Vernon Broughton (45). I know he screamed talent-heavy for three years and delivered a few penetrating tackles followed by way too many backwards on skates to foresee the first three games he has put on the board up to now. He’s stacking the blocker, disengaging and then pursuit-sprinting to the ball with character building spirit. There must be an unknown reason for such a total change of direction. One just might start thinking that besides this being his money year he might have taken a wife that has encouraged Vern to be all he can be or something along those lines. Who knows? 

Good, bad, and uglies. 

(1) Cook had three catches including his first two td’s. 

Matthew Golden (2) is about a money receiver. 

Anthony Hill (0) has trouble with crossing route decisions but is growing into the Mike backer position. 

Derek Williams (2) had a bad game tackling. 

Quinn Ewers (3) played most of a quarter with ouches that turned into hurts. 

Andrew Mukuba (4) is one of our best portal additions for sure. 

(Studs) our receiving group is better than every single fan thought they could be. Word. 

Wingo (5) will score huge numbers before he goes pro. 

Jahdae Barron‘s (7) move to corner has made our secondary that much better. 

Michael Taaffe (16) is probably coaching Gideon. 

Jerrick Gibson (9) is the real deal—hope he holds up physically. 

Silas Bolden (11) will eventually have an over/under of 1/2 (one half) he will fair catch punts. 

Simmons (11) is not playing like a freshman. 

Manning (16) will someday make his last name famous. 

Liona Lefau (18) flies around—he’s got a hair-quick triggering system in his DNA. 

Aren’t you glad we didn’t give up on Ryan Niblett (21)—he’s more than valuable with all our injuries. 

Ty’Anthony Smith (26) is everything several figured he would be—size and speed still growing. 

I love Tre Wisner (26).

David Gbenda (33) has played well but he flat missed the tackle on their long td run. 

Broughton (45) is our most valuable DL three games into season. 

(studs) our six Oline are good pass blockers, spotty drive blockers, and excellent pull blockers so there’s that. 

DJ Campbell (52) is getting better each week.

Cameron Williams (56) had another false start but just engulfs defenders—he pretty good. 

Cole Hutson (54) is the best sixth man in this opinion. 

Jake Majors (65) is really the glue along with Banks. 

Kelvin Banks (78) worried me when he stayed on the turf one full commercial—thank goodness he only missed one play.

Hayden Conner (76) wasn’t as sharp this week. 

Juan Davis (81) has by far exceeded expectations this year. 

Gunnar Helm (85) will place in the high hurdles this spring for our track team—he’s playing lights out at TE. 

Barryn Sorrell (88) has been good but loses a contained edge once a game. 

Ethan Burke (91) had a pick-six and pressures but lost contain also—emotional.

Colton Vasek (92) had one sack and a lost contain—emotional. 

Alfred Collins (95) wears several different hats for this defense—very good player this season.

Tia Savea (98) is very athletic. 

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Good week to heal up.