By Steve Habel, Senior Editor
AUSTIN, Texas — As much as you might like Texas coach Charlie Strong — and I like him a lot — college football is about winning and when a team is not winning, business is bad.
Surrendering 99 points in back-to-back losses to good-but-not-great teams has prompted Strong to demote defensive coordinator Vance Bedford and take over the responsibility for calling defensive plays, Strong confirmed Monday at his weekly media availability.
Saturday’s 49-31 loss to Oklahoma State marked [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]the first time in school history that a Texas team allowed 45 or more points in three of the first four games of a season and something had to be done.
“It was tough, but I have to do what’s best for the program,” Strong said about removing Bedford. “We know this, we’ve got to get better. We have to show progress as a team.
“I don’t think it’s desperate times for desperate measures. I’ve done it before and I can see where I can help us. Play calling is a rhythm. You’ve got to get on rhythm and you try to keep people off balance. Sometimes when you hear a different voice … you’re trying to give them a shot of energy.”
Through four games, the Longhorns’ defense has allowed a total of 153 points and ranks 116th nationally in scoring defense. In losses to California and Oklahoma State, the UT defense has allowed 1,062 yards, including 555 total yards Saturday to the Cowboys. Texas (2-2) ranks No. 87 in total defense, 105th in passing yards allowed and dead last with just one turnover gained.
“It’s real hard to have fun when you’re giving up 50 points (a game),” Texas linebacker Malik Jefferson said. “My problem is that I’m not playing the best I can play. That’s what hurts me.”
Things could get even worse this week, with the Longhorns in the crosshairs Saturday for an Oklahoma team that is hell-bent on revenge after losing to Texas last season.
The Longhorns are 5-5 since that win in Dallas last season. Strong said he thought that game could have been a turning point for the team, but it wasn’t. He said he hopes it could be this year.
National media reports are rife with comments about the tenuousness of Strong’s future as Texas coach, but if he is feeling the heat to reverse the current trend, he isn’t showing it. He said he doesn’t need reassurances about his job security.
“I told our players, ‘we have eight games left — you go play and let me worry about rest,’” Strong said. “(The rumors) doesn’t matter to me anymore. What’s being said is going to be said.”
Monday’s presser featured a cameo appearance by Texas men’s athletic director Mike Perrin, who stood at the back of the room and listened intently.
“I did not know he was going to be here,” Strong said about Perrin’s appearance. “I guess he’s making sure I’m OK. I haven’t jumped off the stadium yet.”
Other items address by Strong on Monday included:
• Questions were asked concerning the UT program going through eight assistants in Strong’s two-plus years on the 40 Acres. “You can’t ever look back,” he said. “There are decisions that need to be made and you’ve got to make them at the right time. You’ve got to do what you think is best for the program.”
• Strong on the injuries to Texas’ top two running backs: “D’Onta Foreman will be back for OU, but Chris Warren will be out, and we don’t know for how long.”
• Cornerback Hilton Hill, right guard Kent Perkins, strong safety Kevin Vaccaro, fox defensive end Breckyn Hager and free safety Jason Hall all on top of the depth chart for Texas against OU.
• Kickoff for the Longhorns’ Oct. 15 home game versus Iowa State has been set for 6 p.m. and will be televised by the Longhorn Network.
• Strong on his new DC duties: “It won’t be where I completely ignore the offense. I’ll find time. There are 24 hours in a day, and I don’t sleep much anyway.”
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