So about all those calls that Charlie Strong's job was safe...
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A week after taking over the play-calling and scheming duties on defense, Texas suffered a 45-40 loss to Oklahoma in a true Red River Shootout. Obviously giving up 45 points is bad, but that's not even the worst part; Texas also gave up a near-record in total yards, and quarterback Baker Mayfield and running back Samaje Perine just dominated the Longhorn defense.
OU's 672 yards are the 5th-most Texas has ever allowed in a single game (733 vs. Houston in 1992).
— Paul Myerberg (@PaulMyerberg) October 8, 2016
When asked after the game if he felt he needed this win, Strong gave a blunt response: he needs them all at this point.
Asked how badly he needed to win, Strong shrugged and said, "I need 'em all."
— Kirk Bohls (@kbohls) October 8, 2016
I have generally been a supporter of Strong, as firing him just two-and-a-half years in would still be a quick trigger to pull on his firing. However, Strong's calling card is supposed to be on the defensive side of the ball; he took over full duties as the defensive coordinator this week, and there was absolutely no improvement made by Texas.
Losing to Oklahoma alone shouldn't be a reason that Strong gets fired. However, giving up nearly 700 yards while doing it might be just enough of a reason for the Texas administration to do it.
