- Dec 27, 2001
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I suppose the Longhorns have not just the teflon-coated arms of the USC defense to thank for their win. With the Heisman and a place as the #1 pick locked up, it was the spector of Willis McGahee haunting Pete Carroll that kept Reggie Bush on the sidelines on 4th and 1 and countless other running situations. It seems Pete, over the past few weeks, has been in deep contemplation over the true importance of an NCAA national title. Is it worth risking a potentially brilliant pro career and financial security for his star player? To win a college championship?
For 92.5% of the seniors on both USC and Texas, this will be the last organized football game they ever play in their lives. In 10 years they'll be insurance agents and recreational therapists and accountants and if they're still looking back on a championship victory as the highlight of their life then something is very wrong. As Mack Brown the coach of Texas stated.
Well stated, Mack. And well played Pete Carroll for not just saying that, but showing it. By limiting Reggie Bush's touches, he put an overlooked star running back in Lendale White into the spotlight and very likely significantly boosted his status in the eyes of recruits. He also gave Matt Leinart and the receiving corp their chances to show their stuff to a nationwide audience expecting the Reggie Bush Extravaganza. Not that Mack doesn't care about Vince Young, but Vince needed something more than either a championship or healthy stroll to draft day..........respect. He got it, but not in the way he needed it. To Joe and Jane Housewife he looks like the obvious new #1 draft pick. But displaying his typical lackluster passing ability and resorting to exploiting the half step he has on most defensive players--a half step that will instantly disappear upon entrance to the NFL--got him the championship and minor stardome with the laymen but it still won't get him out of the late first round.
Carroll didn't just roll over for Texas, USC had several easy chances to win the game even without their star but gave it to Texas. USC with 4th and 1 and the game on the line chooses not to go with the well-rested Bush. With Texas on the USC 10 on 4th and 5, after two consecutive inaccurate passes, who in the world was expecting anything but a Vince Young keeper? Apparently USC.
For 92.5% of the seniors on both USC and Texas, this will be the last organized football game they ever play in their lives. In 10 years they'll be insurance agents and recreational therapists and accountants and if they're still looking back on a championship victory as the highlight of their life then something is very wrong. As Mack Brown the coach of Texas stated.
Well stated, Mack. And well played Pete Carroll for not just saying that, but showing it. By limiting Reggie Bush's touches, he put an overlooked star running back in Lendale White into the spotlight and very likely significantly boosted his status in the eyes of recruits. He also gave Matt Leinart and the receiving corp their chances to show their stuff to a nationwide audience expecting the Reggie Bush Extravaganza. Not that Mack doesn't care about Vince Young, but Vince needed something more than either a championship or healthy stroll to draft day..........respect. He got it, but not in the way he needed it. To Joe and Jane Housewife he looks like the obvious new #1 draft pick. But displaying his typical lackluster passing ability and resorting to exploiting the half step he has on most defensive players--a half step that will instantly disappear upon entrance to the NFL--got him the championship and minor stardome with the laymen but it still won't get him out of the late first round.
Carroll didn't just roll over for Texas, USC had several easy chances to win the game even without their star but gave it to Texas. USC with 4th and 1 and the game on the line chooses not to go with the well-rested Bush. With Texas on the USC 10 on 4th and 5, after two consecutive inaccurate passes, who in the world was expecting anything but a Vince Young keeper? Apparently USC.
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