Coach V: Texas leaves Nashville with a hit song

From – Coach Venable: We had a gutsy win over Vanderbilt yesterday. We were absolutely brilliant at times. We slept at the wheel at times. With our undisciplined play, we damn often find a way to keep the outcome a bit like a lottery. However, as the song goes, there are 1,352 guitar pickers in Nashville, and some of them were focused on the Commodores' defense, particularly in the open field and in pass coverage.

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The difference between the athletes was illustrated multiple times, but the speed aspect was off the charts. We more than made up for the talent advantage by committing a slew of foot penalties that negated big plays and stalled drives. It was the best way to keep the home team in surprise mode until the end of regular time.

Why is it that if you watch enough film study every week, film will never give you an honest assessment of a player's speed? The old boot-scooter Pavia outran our corners on a third pass and went for an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter. We had three defenders come up short. I think it's obvious that Pavia is making the most of his talent – those sprint throws against the grain are extremely difficult to throw – let alone accurate. Our man only managed 17 goals in a row, so we weren't too bad ourselves.

We won the turnover with salty defense. I would like to admit up front that McDonald (25) and Lefau (18) are improving so quickly that both could quickly make a name for themselves. Lole (99) was our best DL yesterday and he was very good. Hill Jr. plays Bad Hombre for three hours every Saturday, while Barron, 7, and Taaffe, 16, just keep playing. Ewers (3) showed a winning performance – when you play against well-trained teams, you lose the ball in the LOS. Moore (0), Helm (85) and Bolden (11) led the receiving teams. Both Blue (23) and Wisner (26) posted good gains on the ground and by air. Campbell (52) and Majors (65) had good performances.

Bolden (11) was outstanding on punt returns, but Roberson (24) had his third possession in two games. We managed a punt at the one-yard line, but our punting was subpar for too long despite the personnel change.

Hill Jr. (0) hit hard, dropped a cinch interception and Bolo knocked a fumble out of bounds. It's fun to watch him.

Moore (0) makes big plays, blocks for his friends and is having a great year as a leader.

Golden (2) had a one-handed touchdown catch among his good plays.

Ewers (3) needs to stop his fakes and should have tried to block his second tip pass – be a complete player, Quinn.

Guilbeau (3) shows big performances every week. With him as a star we are a better defense.

Muhammad (5) had a penalty that he played well – he is a Deckeck deluxe.

Black (6) had a huge TD interception that was negated by a penalty – a good young player with a pick and a strong PBU.

Barron (7) once again showed a strong game.

Moore (8) is about as active as he has been in a long time – restful and fidgety.

Niblack (8) had two catches and two good blocks, but was able to prevent a drive.

Gibson (9) had a good blitz performance.

Bolden (11) is a playmaker period. It must be difficult to target him because he handles the danger with ease.

Simmons (11) is another active edge who loves the game. There were no big games this week, but there was a winning performance.

Norton (15) gave us several good snaps as a nose on early downs.

Taaffe (16) had a great interception and a few tackles in the open field.

Lefau (18) makes good decisions – he is a smart player – interceptions.

Blue (23) had a good performance. strong movements and extra effort.

McDonald (25) is developing into a super football player. It's fun to watch.

Wisner (26) remains reliable, but has problems fending off tackles cleanly. Good player.

Gbenda (33) had a good tackle and missed a run pass in limited action.

Broughton (45) had his least effective game and had a targeted scuffle.

Campbell (52) had a very solid game – good pulls and pass proficiency.

Hutson (54) missed a block and wasn't as solid as usual.

Williams (56) prevailed on the inside forward – two penalties – and didn't play like a first-rounder.

The Majors (65) had another good game – excellent snaps and solid pass pros.

Conner (76) missed a blitz badly, but had a good night overall – one miss.

Banks (78) was average for him – penalty.

Davis (81) had a decent defense on the night.

Helm (85') another good evening when receiving and blocking – penalty.

Sorrell (88) was solid as usual – our most consistent DL who always holds us together.

Burke (91) was very effective in a limited role. We're stacked at his position and more good ones are on the way.

Collins (95) played well in all three lineups.

Lole (99) won the LOS period. Good player who makes good plays. Definitely a great addition to our team.

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Well, another week off to heal and correct mistakes and errors.