Bleacher Report - Articles by Erik Brewer

Utah, Quit Complaining

Erik Brewer — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 21:54:36 -0400

The state of Utah is currently at in a fight with the federal government, trying to press charges on the BCS because it is "unjust," and is leaving out the smaller conferences. Believe me, I am on the band wagon with everyone else pulling for major college football to get a playoff system that gives equal representation. Unfortunately, all the big wig conferences have the final say, and knowing the PAC 10 and Big 10 commissioners, they probably don't feel the same way. Until then, you might just have to accept the fact that you're going to be stuck with the Sugar Bowl and Fiesta Bowl, playing major conference runner-ups. Is that really even a bad thing? There is no way you could look me in the eye, and tell me Utah could have beaten Florida, Texas, or Oklahoma. The Utes did have a very impressive Sugar Bowl performance (don't get me wrong), but I doubt they were worthy of a national championship.

You could be asking me "well, why not at least give us the opportunity?" Well, because nobody wants to see a Boise State and TCU match-up in next year's Rose Bowl. Or in this case, Utah vs. Florida. Now I could see this being a nice Sugar Bowl or Orange Bowl, but to decide who our national champion will be? I don't think so. Trust me, college football fans would much rather see a big time match up between two national powerhouses that have the history and the fans that make the sport what it is. Not a powerhouse going against the WAC's finest.

Now maybe we could work something out. I think that to make the state of Utah, and some of the other small conference states, we should allow the best of the mid-majors to form their own conference, and get their own BCS bid. This would include teams like Utah, Boise State, TCU, BYU, and maybe Hawaii or Fresno State for good measure. You could fill in the rest of the spots with a Wyoming or Louisiana Tech. This could possibly work, because the teams that would make the conference would toughen each other up, and make it to where they would be conditioned enough for the big boys.

Knowing the guys that run college football, this stimulus plan will probably not fly, and we will be stuck with all the little guys complaining about their unfair chances at winning a national title. Just remember this: would you rather have your team cruise to an undefeated season and a BCS bowl win, or maybe lose like Hawaii did, and be embarrassed for a good couple of years? Think about that the next time you're in court.

Texas Football: Better Than the Experts Think

Erik Brewer — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:25:50 -0400

In late July, one month before college football kicked off, I predicted that the University of Texas would have a season better than most people would expect.

Some people failed to agree with me but, to their surprise, I was right.

Texas capped off its best season since 2005, the year they went undefeated and won the National Championship.

Okay, I admit: I did not see them going 12-1 with a win at the Fiesta Bowl last year, so I am in the same boat as you.

But if it weren't for a dropped interception and an incredible catch, they might have gone on to win the National Title again.

In my opinion, this was one of the greatest non-championship winning seasons the Longhorn program has had in its 115-year history.

One of the biggest reasons was the incredible, shocking, and amazing victory that Texas had on the second Saturday of October. Every time I get to watch the highlights of that game, it makes even the worst of days seem incredible.

Sadly, come December, the game was forgotten when it became clear Texas would be left out of the National Title game.

Next year, I feel, could be an even better season.

Texas should have a shot at facing off against Florida in the National Championship if they can go undefeated against the state of Oklahoma. For the first time in years, the shootout in Dallas might not be as important as it has been in the past.

Knowing the Longhorns coaches and players, they will be out for revenge after being shut out of the National Championship by the Sooners, so expect a full-fledged grudge match.

When the Longhorns have to head to Stillwater, expect a scene similar to the one in Lubbock this past season. If the Longhorns can escape these battles, then they should have no problem.

Player-wise, the secondary should be stronger than it has been in the past, even with the previous year's Thorpe winners.

Look for this year's group to be motivated to achieve such status as past safeties and corners.

Earl Thomas, who had an interception for a touchdown in last weekend's scrimmage, should have a break-out season. Chykie Brown, who was a shut-down corner last year, should have an explosive season this year, if he can avoid injuries.

Aaron Williams is expected to make the move to corner, which will be huge because he has the potential to be a crucial part of coordinator Will Muschamp's offensive nightmare.

Two more big moves in the spring were Sergio Kindles, who moved to defensive end where he exploded in high school, and backup quarterback John Chiles, who will be making the move to receiver where he is expected to make an impact similar to the one Michael Crabtree had on Texas Tech's offense this past year.

I will be keeping track of the moves throughout the summer and will keep reporting my opinions on the Longhorns' latest moves and updates. I also might even publish some previews of the Longhorns games.

Thanks for reading.

Why Colt McCoy Is a Heisman Candidate

Erik Brewer — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:49:53 -0400

After a disappointing sophomore season, Colt McCoy, the starting quarterback at the University of Texas, made it his job to come back and have a stellar junior season. McCoy spent the summer working out and focusing on the things that would help make his touchdowns go up and the interceptions go down.

After Saturday's performance against Florida Atlantic, some fans are starting to think all the summer work paid off.

McCoy was 24 for 29 with 222 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. It didn't stop there though—he also ran for 102 yards on 12 carries with one touchdown, including his biggest run of the day of 25 yards.

McCoy most likely won't be considered a true Heisman candidate until after the Longhorns' Week Three showdown with the Arkansas Razorbacks in Austin.

Expect to see his stats get even better next week as the Longhorns face a UTEP team that lost to Buffalo on Saturday 42-17. That game will be played in El Paso at the Sun Bowl. It will be broadcast nationally at 9:15 CDT on ESPN 2.

Texas Longhorns Football: Better Than the Experts Think

Erik Brewer — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:50:39 -0400

If you are a Texas football fan and you are having doubts about this upcoming season, no need to worry. Don't let all of the hype about Oklahoma and Missouri get you down.

Texas will have a great season and let me tell you why. Two words: Will Muschamp.

Muschamp is the second Auburn defensive coordinator Texas has hired in the last four years, the last one was current Iowa State coach Gene Chizik. Look for him to fix a secondary that finished 107th passing yards given up last season.

If you're worried about the running back situation, don't be. Sophomore Vondrell McGee, who is currently slated to take the starting job, was Texas' go-to man in the red zone last year. He accounted for eight touchdowns last season and should do it again. Also, expect to see Forest Whittaker get some carries too on key 3rd downs.

Expect to see Colt McCoy have a breakout year. Coming off a 21 touchdown, 18 interception campaign last year, McCoy has spent the off season working on fixing his Sophomore slump. However, don't be surprised if John Chiles comes in and takes a few snaps. Expect him to pass this season instead of him just running the ball like he did last year.

Mack Brown should work them hard this off season and use more discipline then he has in the past few years. So, don't be surprised if Texas takes home Mack's second Big 12 conference title in 2008.