Coach V: Texas holds court at the State Fair

From Coach Venable: In some ways, this was another brawl in which the State Fair served as a familiar backdrop for the combatants. I love the hard-hitting intensity that comes from two rivals who truly hate each other with a passion. After 60 minutes of head-to-head racing, you’d think that respect would have to be earned, but the fact is that they still deeply hate each other, regardless of the final result. This is all the best entertainment known to man. Period.

[Join Inside Texas TODAY with code HOOKEM and get 50% off annual memberships!]

We played very well in defense from the start. There were several attacks on justice. We struggled with the familiar failures, but we flew around in three rows with full force. We constantly hear that this is a strong squad and today it was clear on defense but not so much on offense. It’s a real pleasure to watch bodies being thrown aggressively at anything colored red in this environment. The nice thing about the campaign was the direct hits, which were mainly scored in defense. RBs, WRs, TEs and Hutson (54) were the only offensive roster moves today.

It took a few series for our offense to get going, but we gave them three quick sixes before halftime. Our trigger man was a little wild and definitely nervous in the pocket until he figured out we were going to protect him so he could get rid of the nervousness and get back to throwing darts at moving blurs. It didn’t help that these land grabbers knew quite a bit of our playbook and wrung out several button presses right in the teeth of our attack to stall our attempts at advance. We immediately moved on to big games and cashed in big while they oscillated back and forth under the haymaker effect.

I really appreciate our defensive approach. I strongly believe that having a new voice at LB has helped returnees understand the concepts and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. I’m not sure, but I strongly suspect that our current DC and the new voice at LB are collaborating on game plan concepts and there is definitely improvement at all three levels. I think the versatility of the entire defensive group has allowed our brains to switch the entire front lineup without making a substitution. This is invaluable and confusing to our opponents’ offensive attacks. The ability to counter such weapons as movements or reduced formations with our strongest personnel and trusted communications makes for a happy day.

Hits and misses from the film:

Hill (0) had his best game alongside several other dandies. I think it’s fair to say that Hill is fun to watch play – especially because he plays for us.

Lefau (18) is a star in the making. I love watching him fix the line of sight. He is well trained in turning his shoulders and his timing when scratching is extremely proficient. Great hitter who didn’t make many mistakes.

Williams (2) was playing a great game before getting injured in the third quarter. He had five brilliant plays, including a fumble that resulted in a big hit. He’s making strong progress – it’ll be a shame if he misses more time.

Guilbeau (3) had a big tackle hit. Stable and solid.

Mukuba (4) had a quiet game but had a good alley tackle.

Muhammad (5) played well. Barron (7) played well. We have two really good corners and Holmes (9) is not far behind.

Moore (8) had a good game. He missed tackles and assignments but did well – he just needs a breakout game to take the pressure off (Opinion).

Simmons (11) was Simmons. Excellent.

Taaffe (16) is the quarterback and sometimes enforcer for level three. A perfectly timed blitz resulted in a 15-yard sack. Great player.

McDonald (25) is fun to watch. A big, fast, hard-hitting batsman with a great attitude is a future stud.

Smith (26) is no longer on the training wheels and is no longer shooting blanks. We have three outstanding young LBs and more on the way – Hill is still just a raw sophomore.

Gbenda (33) is still a valuable piece. Bad punishment for a rough passer hurt.

Blackwell (37) had a good pursuit attack from the edge. Provides experience at all supporter slots.

Broughton (45) had another great game. It’s worth watching from start to finish. He provides pressure from within and a four-man technique, hitting and sliding with suddenness and rushing every minute until the final whistle. I think he’s been our most consistent defender this season.

Sorrell (88) would have been MVP for many weeks, but this week he has to settle for a very good result again. Great sack (Broughton pressure) and the option played well.

Burke (91) and Vasek (92) are future stallions. Both had sacks, both played with great technique and both delivered excellent snaps and pass rush.

Collins, 95, is a consistent player who always mixes a few wow plays with a big game attitude.

Lole (99) and Norton (15) get the most out of their reps every week. Lole is very active and a big piece is waiting to happen.

Bolden (11) had the biggest play of the game. He’s fun to watch in a heart attack sort of way.

Wisner (26) had his glory days. You have to love your desire to excel and your attitude towards the game is stronger than rent.

Wingo (5) is already a great player. No stage is too big for him. I know I’m old-fashioned and tough, but if I don’t give Ryan 10 touches a game, that’s a felony in my courtroom. Come on Sark – make it happen for the bleacher bums – did anyone else happen to see the block he got on Wisner’s TD run?

Helm (85) had another breakout game. The blocking is good, the catching is really good and the yards after the catch are just great. Sanders who?

Ewers (3) wasn’t as sharp as we expect every week – but he delivered at the right time.

Moore (0) had another good game. It helps in so many ways that it is very valuable.

Bond (7) hurt early.

Manning, 16, appeared ready to play or celebrate, whichever came first.

Niblett (21) – obviously a great teammate – is great when he finds snaps at an unfamiliar position.

Blue (23) had a decent game but lacked standout results.

Campbell (52) had a good game – lost a bull rush bad – good pull block – good GL block.

Hutson (54) gets a few reps in both halves at RG but hasn’t been seen at LG or OC yet.

Williams (56) makes the game look easier – great, he came to Quinn’s aid (everyone did) but he got the penalty.

Majors (65) is the calming influence every week. Good snaps are a given – he’s a great center.

Conner (76) had another good game, but he still lacks penetration in short distances.

Banks (78) is steadily climbing the charts – he is definitely the right man.

Davis (81) had one reception and a few good blocks.

Georgia for all the marbles. We are good enough to win this phase of the game.

[Subscribe to the Inside Texas YouTube channel!]

Just for fun – Over/under, how many times will I see Bevo chasing after this little buddy this week?