Sure to be on the highlight reels all season long...

The Longhorns looked pretty mortal yesterday, but a win is a win, I guess. Sergio Kindle showed some flashes of dominance, however, keeping the run in check and giving the quarterback enormous amounts of pressure. And how awesome was this hit on Taylor Potts? I seriously wondered for a split second whether that guy's head was still in that helmet rolling on the ground:

Let's go Tigers!

I guess you've got to give Graham Harrell credit.  Despite playing most of the game without his favorite receiver and with a shattered hand, he still eeked out a win for the Red Raiders.  I can't say I really expected the Baylor Bears to pull off the upset, though.  And because of the Tech win, oddly enough, we all had to root for yet another Landstealer win yesterday.  Now I don't ever wish injury to anyone, but I kind of have to find some hope in the fact that Sam Bradford won't be 100% going into the Big 12 championship game.  Would an OU loss be enough to push Texas back up the BCS poll just enough for a trip to Miami?  

I'm still sickened by all this Sooner support I've had to muster over the past two weeks.  I'm much more comfortable cheering for the Missouri Tigers.  What a relief!

GO MIZZOU!!

Be careful what you wish for...

As every Texas fan Saturday night, I made a deal with the devil and wished for a Sooner win over the Red Raiders.  Alas, as I washed my mouth out with soap the following day, I find the aftermath that the Sooners brought forth with their total domination of Texas Tech.  OU leapfrogs over Texas in both the AP, Harris, and Coaches' polls, and only a hair under Texas in the BCS rankings? With just one week left, there's only a thin shred of hope that the Longhorns will come out on top of the Big 12 South in hopes of competing for what should be a BCS National Championship berth.   I don't have confidence that even Mack Brown could lobby the voters to get Texas back on top, and I fear the devil would own my soul if I asked for too much, such as both Tech and Oklahoma losing next week.  But maybe just Tech?  

Man, to think that the destiny of this years UT football squad could have been determined on one touchdown score at the last second of a game.  I just may be crying by the end of this season--I'm just not sure if it'll be tears of loss or tears of joy.

I think watching Texas this year has taken at least a few years off my life expectancy...

(AP Photo/LM Otero)

Can you believe how close this game was? Crazy that you can chalk up the loss to every part of the Longhorns team. An ice cold start to the offense in the first half, bad special teams play on the last kick off, a horrible defensive effort on the last drive to lose the game--ugh. Maybe I don't give the Red Raiders enough credit, but I think Texas really had the skills to win this game and it's too bad they didn't bring their "A-game" to key parts of this.  

So the three way tie scenario in the Big 12 South is one step closer to reality. I've been worried that the conference was going to beat each other up to the point that no one from the Big 12 gets to the National Championship game. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but one could realistically predict OU beating Tech and winning over OSU, creating a tie between the Longhorns, Sooners, and Red Raiders. I'm not sure what the rules say about how you break this--anyone know?

Vince who?

AP Photo/Eric Gay

C'mon.  Admit it.  You were surprised at how lopsided last night was. Heck, I was amazed at some of the passes Colt McCoy was threading into his receivers. And the Texas defense actually looking dominant? Muschamp must be a defensive coordinating genius.

And now, of course, the top ranking in the initial BCS poll of the season.  I don't know about you, but I'm kind of scared. I'm just waiting for the wheels to fall of this thing. 

Boy, I hope I'm wrong.

It's around 1:30 PM on a Sunday, and guess what?

To think I was expecting this to be sort of a rebuilding year for the 'Horns.  The legend of Colt McCoy will undoubtedly grow after yesterday's win over OU, but I was encouraged to see everyone on the UT squad step-up their game.  That was a pretty impressive team effort.  Who knows how the rest of the season will go--based on the upset win by Oklahoma State over Mizzou last night, it looks like the Big 12 may just beat each other up and right out of a place in the national championship game.  

But lets not think about the future, for now, and savor what was yesterday's awesome Red River Shootout! Hook 'em!

Addendum:  You know, this was almost turning out to be a great weekend.  Texas won and was vaulted into the top spot in the latest college football polls, I saw a relatively good movie (Body of Lies), I filled up on Costco gas at only $2.83/gallon, I had a really good waffle for brunch today.  Then the Cowboys lost...to Ari-freakin'-zona!  And then I had to watch the video from the post above.  Dammit!  

No. 2 in the Country is Not Bad for Now

McCoy is the hottest quarterback in the league as Big 12 play begins. He's completing 80 percent of his passes, which leads the nation. And in a telling sort of stat, he's accounted for almost as many touchdowns (18) as incompletions (20).

Enough said.

For the Longhorns in the audience...

Sometimes baseball at UT seems to take a rather dramatic backseat to football even though you could argue that the baseball team has had more success.

Richard Linklater, of Dazed and Confused fame, will debut his first foray into the documentary genre with Inning by Inning: A Portrait of a Coach which follows Augie Garrido, one of the winningest coaches in NCAA history, and the University of Texas Longhorns baseball team, the winningest team in NCAA history, during their 2005-2006 season.

Set your DVRs to ESPN2 at 10:00 PM EST on Sunday, June 15. Hopefully, no cameo appearances by Matthew McConaughey.

'Horns, meet your new defensive coordinator...

"BOOM!"



From Burnt Orange Nation

Daaaaaaaamn, Jamaal...

(Photo: AP/Eric Gay)

If I ever said bad things about Jamaal Charles, I may take them back (or I'll have to thank the trainer on the sideline putting Super Glue on his gloves). 290 yards against Nebraska, 180 against OSU--quite impressive. Then the 174 yards he ran up on Tech yesterday. Not exactly defensive powerhouses, but still, only one minor flub with the ball this weekend helping to a 59-43 win over the Red Raiders and their cry-baby coach.

And what's up with Colt McCoy? If I looked at the stats alone for the last three games, I'd guess Vince Young was back playing for the Horns with all the rushing yards he's accumulating (55, 106, and 51 yards over the past three games).

This is one wacky season. The only unbeatens are Kansas and Hawaii? Notre Dame has only had one win all year? I'm almost tempted to predict Air Force will be the break out team next season.

At Least I have Fallback

Most of you know I am a pretty big football fan. This use to lead to some significant mood swings on Saturdays and Sundays. The mood swings are mostly long gone, but they still remain for rivalry games like today's Red River Shootout. I will say though that last weeks loss could actually make a loss today much more bearable. I am pleased that we are walking into this game ranked where we are and being the underdog. It helps to ground my expectations and keep my emotions from swinging to far to the negative.

I do have a bright side this season - the Cowboys. I would always look to the Cowboys to ease my pain after a Longhorn loss, which worked well and often during the Mackovic era. It might work well this season too.

When you can't grab 'em by the horns...

I know Texas hasn't looked too sharp this season and they're the underdogs in this year's match up against OU, but I'm hoping something metaphorically similar to what happened to this guy isn't what's in store for the Longhorns on Saturday:

Church Deacon, OU Fan Tears Scrotum Of UT Fan In Bar Fight

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Aggravated assault charges have been filed against a church deacon and University of Oklahoma Sooners fan after officials say he grabbed a University of Texas fan between the legs during a scuffle in an Oklahoma bar.A couple of months before the annual Red River Shootout between the Sooners and Longhorns, words were exchanged at Henry Hudson's Pub between Allen Beckett, 53, and Brian Thomas. Witnesses said it was because Thomas was wearing a UT T-shirt.

Neither Thomas or Beckett chose to comment, but the police report described what happened to the victim, including graphic details about his injuries that included a torn scrotal sack with partially exposed testicles.

Beckett's attorney, Billy Bock, said his client's actions were in self-defense.

"Sure, he's an OU fan. Not necessarily an overboard die-hard OU fan, but he certainly admits he said something in a joking fashion to the guy about his Texas T-shirt. The guy got offended. He said he was sorry," said Bock.

Bock said the apology apparently wasn't enough for the Texas fan and the man then approached his client. He said his client then grabbed the man in self-defense."The guy came over his other shoulder, and basically said, 'I'm getting ready to kick your you-know-what.' He said he felt threatened and he did what he thought he needed to do and grabbed him and left the bar," said Bock.

Bock adds that his client isn't a hardened criminal, but is a church deacon who makes his living as a government auditor who had gone to the bar that night for one reason -- to play darts.

Something tells me this is going to be one of those seasons...

Ralph Barrera (American-Statesman)

I'm still trying to process seeing last weekend's 21-13 final score for the Longhorns' opening game against Arkansas State. Although I didn't get a chance to watch the game, from the post-game analysis I've read, it didn't sound pretty. The defensive secondary still has problems, the offensive play calling was uninspired, and to make matters even worse, Colt McCoy wasn't looking like the redshirt freshman phenom he was last year for the majority of the game. I guess they came out with a win, but it looks like even that might have been helped by an errant call.

I hate to look at next week like this, but TCU has something to prove, and I think they're going to take it out on Texas Saturday. Considering the Indians ran through the Horns for 125 yards of rushing, just imagine what damage the Horned Frogs are capable of. Hey, at least Firecracker George will have something to rib us all about. And to take a little edge of the ensuing hurt, take a look at this Texas tailgater shown on The M Zone blog (NSFW). Perhaps she needs to meet up with that similarly painted up Horned Frog fan.

ESPN's take:

It was over when... Colt McCoy found Antwan Cobb in the end zone with 2:49 remaining in the first quarter. That score was all the lead Texas would need.

Gameball goes to... Jamaal Charles. The junior running back kept Arkansas State's D honest and took the heat off McCoy, rushing for 117 yards and a TD.

Stat of the game... 2-for-13. The Indians had more first downs and total yards and gave up fewer penalty yards and turnovers. But they couldn't convert on third or fourth down.

Road trippin' with VY...

I figured Wild Willie would appreciate this site: Little Vince's Road Trip.

And to spur on Willie's admiration of Vince even more, check this out--the Vince Young pre-paid Visa Card!

Go Team Baby...

I can't remember if I ever posted about this or not, but here goes:

Considering a couple of the Gang are probably subjected to endless viewings of Barney, The Wiggles, and Dora the Explorer, I thought I'd suggest a bit of extra brainwashing for them to ensure they'll be brought up right and rooting for the right team come fall. Behold, BABY LONGHORN!

I know Matthew McConaughey is almost too involved in all things Longhorn, but who knew he was in the baby video business, as well? I'm just impressed he didn't show up in the video with his shirt off. Seems like every picture of him involves the guy being topless.

Follow this link for an extremely annoying song and video clip. It's even complete with a shot of the Hellraisers. Nothing against the Hellraisers, but I'm not sure I'd be telling my babies about them just yet, no offense Fandango and Scratch.

Texas football all across the nation...

I don't know if any of you have XM satellite radio service, but I thought this might interest the Longhorn fans in the Gang scattered across the country in markets outside of the Big 12 conference states. XM and the University of Texas just brokered a deal that will broadcast all of the Longhorn football games and most men's basketball games on a dedicated channel every Saturday beginning this year.

Following a game on the radio is never quite the same as getting to watch it live or on TV, but I guess it's better than nothing.

Remember Ricky?

Ricky Williams will try and return to the NFL next season and resume his position with the Miami Dolphins at running back.

I guess it's easy to forget the accomplishments of Ricky Williams given his two suspensions for marijuana use and his somewhat odd persona. In light of the recent Vince-anity over the past year, I had forgotten he crossed over the border to play for the Argonauts this season. He seems to be an interesting guy, though, when you stop and think about what exactly has been driving him all these years.

I've read a few stories about Ricky Williams. This story in Esquire came out a couple of years ago after his first NFL suspension where the author found him pretty much on walk-a-bout on the beaches of Australia after wandering around the world. Other stories seem to portray him in a similar light as a guy disillusioned by the fame and fortune brought on by his natural athletic gifts, and just looking for the meaning of life. Interestingly, this reminded me of another Texas alum who's been blindsided by the spotlight, Matthew McConaughey. He's also known for these odd trips to exotic locales and even stranger behavior. Lucky for him, weed is pretty prevalent and cool amongst the Hollywood crowd (at least, that's what I've deduced from watching reruns of Entourage on the internet).

Anywho, other than the marijuana, he hasn't really hurt anyone. He hasn't shot anyone, raped anyone, killed anyone. Well, I guess he hasn't killed anyone intentionally. This excerpt from the Esquire article was amusing:

...and for Samoa, where he saw some boys playing with a ball on the beach, and because Ricky is led by instinct, he took the ball and began running with it until a 110-pound kid stood in front of him, and because Ricky is led by instinct, laid the kid out.

Hate to have been that kid.

Nice...

Vince Young is the new AP Offensive Rookie of the Year!

NEW YORK (AP) -- Tennessee quarterback Vince Young won The Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and Houston linebacker DeMeco Ryans was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award on Wednesday.

Young did it in the same fashion he turned around the Titans' season -- running away from the rest of the field.

Young, who led Texas to the 2005 national championship and was the third overall pick in last April's draft, overwhelmed one of the strongest rookie classes in NFL history. He received 23 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league.

(More...)

Pretty darn impressive considering the caliber of rookies he was up against. I think it's time for him to break out that personalized logo to the masses.

I think Dyson should make a commemorative Oklahoma Sooners vacuum model...

Ah, those Sooners. They never lose suction. I actually stopped watching the Fiesta Bowl after Paul Thompson's third interception throw. Apparently, I missed one heck of a crazy finish that I'm only now piecing together with highlights from ESPN Sportcenter and the internet. Not one, not two, but THREE trick plays that worked to perfection? Insanity...



Considering I actually thought Oklahoma deserved that slot against Ohio State in the BCS title game next week, I've gotta argue that Boise State deserves at least to share the National Championship this year. It only seems fitting to end their Cinderella story with a title, new BCS rules be damned.

Yes, all Boise State's Houdini acts of trickery and illusion kind of overshadowed the accomplishments of our beloved Horns this weekend. I kind of feel guilty for giving up on Texas, thinking that a loss to Iowa in the Alamo Bowl was inevitable. Glad I was wrong. What a relief to see that Colt McCoy still has the skills. I was afraid they were putting him back in too early. But 308 yards passing and two touchdowns? Who can argue with that? Not a bad days work for a redshirt freshman. I can only speculate that all the adjustments they needed to develop Colt McCoy are what threw off the running game this entire season. Hopefully, now that they know what this kid can do, they'll fix what's broke and really make this a lethal offense in the next year.

And finally, is it just me, or did anyone think of Scootypuff's Photoshop-ed (or I guess MS Paint-ed) picture of Wild Willie's baby girl with the speech balloon saying "BOOTY, BOOTY, BOOTY!" every time the name of USC's QB John David Booty came up during the Rose Bowl?

Please use your powers for good...

A lot has been said in the press about second-guessing the 2006 NFL draft, but nothing seems to exemplify blunders like the Houston Texans pick of Mario Williams with their number one pick. As they continue their struggle to develop David Carr into a marquee quarterback in his fifth year in the NFL, Vince Young and Matt Leinart are flourishing. As rookies!

Even more amazing about VY to me is the fact that he's this good, and he's still supposed to be in college. Adding to that, his teammates actually rally around this guy. Remember--he's a rookie!

Enjoy reliving his game-winning moves in his hometown of Houston last week. He makes this look like a video game:



And here's another video that's been making the rounds as an answer to VY's critics (or lone critic, it seems):