I was one of Coach Huff’s detractors following the 2021 season so my apologies to him and congratulations to him and the OL unit. Glad DeBoer and Grubb gave Huff another chance. If that award doesn’t convince someone that coaching matters then nothing will.
Cozy read Christian!! Much like a pass from Penix... I have really enjoyed reading every article and listening to Say Who, Say Pod with you and Danny this year. Fantastic coverage for a truly amazing season!
I would love to sit down with Scott Huff and have him explain why John Donovan's running scheme didn't work. It was a mystery to me. Even when every O-lineman and tight end got his block, there always seemed to be a traffic jam at the point of attack. Was it a non-threatening passing game that let safeties and corners crash the line of scrimmage, or was there a schematic issue? The other team always looked like they had 13-14 guys playing defense.
Plus it seemed like it took a long time for plays to develop. I know a delayed handoff allows the hole to form, but as I recall, it wasn’t only a delayed handoff, but well behind the LOS. The RB needed a five yard run just to lose half a yard. By then, the secondary closed and that was it. Dark times.
It will be a great match-up, but I don't see the Longhorns' DL as being the best in college football. They're good, but I would take (in no particular order) the DLs of Georgia, Alabama, Iowa, Michigan, and Florida St. ahead of Texas.
Their two tackles are monsters. Our two guards are monsters. From what I've seen, Nate Kalepo and Julius Beulow have trouble with smaller, quicker guys, but hold up well against players their own size.
I defended coach Huff when DeBoer decided to keep him. I had several arguments on another site that I no longer am a part of. Huff had some decently graded O lines under Petersen, so it made sense that he didn’t forget how to coach. It had to be unimaginative play design. As others have noted, there always seemed to be too many players in the same place at the same time to create a running lane. This award is the culmination of two years of excellent results. Congratulations Dawgs!
This is the rule: “NCAA rules allow underclassmen to transfer once without having to sit out a year. But an additional transfer as an undergraduate generally requires the NCAA to grant a waiver allowing the athlete to compete immediately. Without it, the athlete would have to sit out for a year at the new school.”
However, on Dec 13 a TRO was issued, stating that the sit rule for multiple transfers broke antitrust laws, and thus opened the doors for eligibility the next season. A hearing is scheduled for Dec 27.
But until that court ruling is decided I can't see many schools wanting to take transfer who then has to sit for a year. Interesting to see what the final decision is by the court...or is it? All these things seem to be appealed.
Isn't it true that if a transfer puts in a waiver based on hardship (mental health etc) it'll almost always be granted.
Who was the QB that transferred like 4 times? I can't remember his name. I think Sark got his verbal when he was 14 years old.
The 14-year-old with a Sark offer was Tate Martell. He went to Ohio State but got beat out, went to Miami but got beat out, went to UNLV but got injured. Retired from football in January 2022. It's a shame. The kid appeared to have plenty of talent -- he was an elusive runner -- but it never worked out for him. Don't know why.
Isiah Vanico….6’8” 345 lbs is a big recruit for Scott Huff and he has a wonderful mom. I met her in the parking lot of the mall in Palm Desert, CA. She saw the big magnet W on the back of my car. She said that her son has UW as one of his final schools along with Michigan, Oregon and Miami. She told me about her son and family. Her oldest son is 6’ 5” and plays for San Diego State. She showed me a family picture and Isiah towers over his older brother. I am telling you this because I do not know Scott Huff, but it would be good to let Scott know that her husband played Rugby when they lived in London for 10 years. She is very concerned about the safety of her children. Chris Peterson was big on teaching the boys to tackle like rugby players with their heads on the side. Just a piece of info for Scott if you could get it to him. I told her she is a great mom and UW would be a good fit!
As I wait for Jake Browning to take on the Steelers today (Saturday, 1:30 pm, NBC), I'm thinking of what Ben Burr-Kervin might have done if he'd gotten a couple of NFL starts. About three years ago, he tore it up when he got extended play in a preseason game. But after a serious injury, and an August release by the Seahawks, he's now a free agent. That guy was/is gifted -- 4.56 40, 21 bench press reps, and an uncanny knack for slipping blocks and hitting the ball carrier. I think Browning and Burr-Kervin both highlight how hard it is for NFL coaches to look past surface traits and see the real player. Browning lacks the gun, Burr-Kervin is only 6 feet on a good day, so they've both battled negative assumptions. If he's healthy, I hope Burr-Kervin takes another shot. Maybe a golden opportunity will present itself -- as it did for Browning.
I’m fascinated by what WSU and OSU will do with the PAC-12. There is value in the brand and the rest of the IP. Far more than the MWC, or any other of the lower conferences. Who can they attract? What are the assets they now own?
I’m pleased to hear that the 12 schools came together so quickly on a decision for allocating revenue. It seems as though cool heads all around prevailed. One has to wonder if better oversight of Pac-12 executives during the last number of years by these university leaders would’ve helped prevent the demise of the conference in the first place. It’s water under the bridge, I know, but one does wonder.
I’m looking forward to taking in a few road games: next season Iowa, and in future campaigns the likes of Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State. However, my sense is that once the novelty of B1G membership wanes, west coast fans and schools will be longing for past, close-quarter rivalries again. Charlie Baker’s recent proposal may bring about changes that permit regional rivalries to re-emerge. Also, Chip Kelley’s recent comments on alignment of the top programs into a single conference, I believe is how he put it, game were very sound.
Huff is a great coach, and he's got that down-to-earth charisma thing going. I wonder if he's ever thought about creating a path for himself that would lead to a head coaching job.
I was one of Coach Huff’s detractors following the 2021 season so my apologies to him and congratulations to him and the OL unit. Glad DeBoer and Grubb gave Huff another chance. If that award doesn’t convince someone that coaching matters then nothing will.
Huff did a great job but like so many things, Coach Deboer evaluated him and saw the talent. We are so fortunate to to be led by this man.
Best O-Line in the business this year with a red shirt freshman center. That is amazing! Well done.
So appreciate your insightful reporting and writing Christian. Have to say I’ve never heard “cozy” describe anything in the game of football! Haha!
Cozy read Christian!! Much like a pass from Penix... I have really enjoyed reading every article and listening to Say Who, Say Pod with you and Danny this year. Fantastic coverage for a truly amazing season!
I concur
I would love to sit down with Scott Huff and have him explain why John Donovan's running scheme didn't work. It was a mystery to me. Even when every O-lineman and tight end got his block, there always seemed to be a traffic jam at the point of attack. Was it a non-threatening passing game that let safeties and corners crash the line of scrimmage, or was there a schematic issue? The other team always looked like they had 13-14 guys playing defense.
Plus it seemed like it took a long time for plays to develop. I know a delayed handoff allows the hole to form, but as I recall, it wasn’t only a delayed handoff, but well behind the LOS. The RB needed a five yard run just to lose half a yard. By then, the secondary closed and that was it. Dark times.
It was predictable. Felt like watching a Bo Schembechler scheme from the ’60s.
Some of out was play calling, too.
Best O-line in the country vs. the best D-line. Classic!
It will be a great match-up, but I don't see the Longhorns' DL as being the best in college football. They're good, but I would take (in no particular order) the DLs of Georgia, Alabama, Iowa, Michigan, and Florida St. ahead of Texas.
Probably, but their two tackles are monsters!
Their two tackles are monsters. Our two guards are monsters. From what I've seen, Nate Kalepo and Julius Beulow have trouble with smaller, quicker guys, but hold up well against players their own size.
Yes, and they played last year in Alamo Bowl. They were blockable.
and O isn’t too shabby either
Look at how these awards continue to pile up...... It's another reason why I believe we're going to win it all this year--
Props to Huff and his OL staff. What an honor.
As good a developer as he is (see: Parker Brailsford), Huff is a great recruiter. I’m sure that’s one of the key reasons DeBoer retained him.
I defended coach Huff when DeBoer decided to keep him. I had several arguments on another site that I no longer am a part of. Huff had some decently graded O lines under Petersen, so it made sense that he didn’t forget how to coach. It had to be unimaginative play design. As others have noted, there always seemed to be too many players in the same place at the same time to create a running lane. This award is the culmination of two years of excellent results. Congratulations Dawgs!
I see that Daniel Heimuli, former 4* UW LB that transferred to AZ in Jan 2023, is back in the portal again.
Can they portal twice? I thought like Durfee a 2nd transfer was a no no unless you're a grad transfer
This is the rule: “NCAA rules allow underclassmen to transfer once without having to sit out a year. But an additional transfer as an undergraduate generally requires the NCAA to grant a waiver allowing the athlete to compete immediately. Without it, the athlete would have to sit out for a year at the new school.”
However, on Dec 13 a TRO was issued, stating that the sit rule for multiple transfers broke antitrust laws, and thus opened the doors for eligibility the next season. A hearing is scheduled for Dec 27.
Durfee was probably the last of his kind.
But until that court ruling is decided I can't see many schools wanting to take transfer who then has to sit for a year. Interesting to see what the final decision is by the court...or is it? All these things seem to be appealed.
Isn't it true that if a transfer puts in a waiver based on hardship (mental health etc) it'll almost always be granted.
Who was the QB that transferred like 4 times? I can't remember his name. I think Sark got his verbal when he was 14 years old.
We'll see where the TRO goes, but Heimuli indicated in his announcement that he has graduated, so he's free to transfer a second time, regardless.
Ahh. Good info. Thanks, Christian
The 14-year-old with a Sark offer was Tate Martell. He went to Ohio State but got beat out, went to Miami but got beat out, went to UNLV but got injured. Retired from football in January 2022. It's a shame. The kid appeared to have plenty of talent -- he was an elusive runner -- but it never worked out for him. Don't know why.
If he’s graduated he can enter the portal at any time and be immediately eligible
Isiah Vanico….6’8” 345 lbs is a big recruit for Scott Huff and he has a wonderful mom. I met her in the parking lot of the mall in Palm Desert, CA. She saw the big magnet W on the back of my car. She said that her son has UW as one of his final schools along with Michigan, Oregon and Miami. She told me about her son and family. Her oldest son is 6’ 5” and plays for San Diego State. She showed me a family picture and Isiah towers over his older brother. I am telling you this because I do not know Scott Huff, but it would be good to let Scott know that her husband played Rugby when they lived in London for 10 years. She is very concerned about the safety of her children. Chris Peterson was big on teaching the boys to tackle like rugby players with their heads on the side. Just a piece of info for Scott if you could get it to him. I told her she is a great mom and UW would be a good fit!
As I wait for Jake Browning to take on the Steelers today (Saturday, 1:30 pm, NBC), I'm thinking of what Ben Burr-Kervin might have done if he'd gotten a couple of NFL starts. About three years ago, he tore it up when he got extended play in a preseason game. But after a serious injury, and an August release by the Seahawks, he's now a free agent. That guy was/is gifted -- 4.56 40, 21 bench press reps, and an uncanny knack for slipping blocks and hitting the ball carrier. I think Browning and Burr-Kervin both highlight how hard it is for NFL coaches to look past surface traits and see the real player. Browning lacks the gun, Burr-Kervin is only 6 feet on a good day, so they've both battled negative assumptions. If he's healthy, I hope Burr-Kervin takes another shot. Maybe a golden opportunity will present itself -- as it did for Browning.
I’m fascinated by what WSU and OSU will do with the PAC-12. There is value in the brand and the rest of the IP. Far more than the MWC, or any other of the lower conferences. Who can they attract? What are the assets they now own?
I’m pleased to hear that the 12 schools came together so quickly on a decision for allocating revenue. It seems as though cool heads all around prevailed. One has to wonder if better oversight of Pac-12 executives during the last number of years by these university leaders would’ve helped prevent the demise of the conference in the first place. It’s water under the bridge, I know, but one does wonder.
I’m looking forward to taking in a few road games: next season Iowa, and in future campaigns the likes of Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State. However, my sense is that once the novelty of B1G membership wanes, west coast fans and schools will be longing for past, close-quarter rivalries again. Charlie Baker’s recent proposal may bring about changes that permit regional rivalries to re-emerge. Also, Chip Kelley’s recent comments on alignment of the top programs into a single conference, I believe is how he put it, game were very sound.
Big ups to the o-line, well deserved. Hope it doesn't make Texas second-guess their overconfidence.
Huff is a great coach, and he's got that down-to-earth charisma thing going. I wonder if he's ever thought about creating a path for himself that would lead to a head coaching job.