SB Nation User Blog: Longhorn in SC

Why do I feel sick this morning?

Longhorn in SC — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:17:28 -0000

It has been exactly one year since I last posted but I have, in no way, stopped paying attention. Last night, as Hunter was iced, I found my heart racing as I sat on my daughters beanbag telling myself, "it's just a game"....right! He made the kick, I jumped up and down, ball game over. And then reality set in. I had a sick feeling in my gut.

1) we played horrible offense but the Huskers played great Defense and I do mean with a capital D.

2) Our defense was awesome last night.

3) Honestly, I could care less if Colt wins the Heisman at this point. I bet he would tell you the same thing. (does my mere mention of this contradict that last statement? It would be nice but not necessary.)

4) Why do I feel like I didn't recognize the team wearing white last night?

5) Where do we go from here?

The game is over now. The Horns and the staff will take a rest and celebrate our Lord's birthday, look at the game tape and fix mistakes, start breaking down Bama, and ultimately move on...but...we played like crap and I will have this taste in my mouth for the next 32 days until kickoff in Pasadena. Maybe that's a good thing.

This morning, I woke up and started reading the bad press about how nothing is for certain, should we go to Pasadena, Colt lost the Heisman, we're gonna get run over, etc, etc.

This leaves me scratching my head and wondering... what now? Suh lived in the Longhorn backfield all night. Colt wasn't bad Colt but he wasn't good Colt either. Kirkendoll shouldn't have dropped that pass...sure... but that's one play, what about the others where we didn't even have a chance. My hat's off to Nebraska Defense they deserve it, but so does our Defense. Tip of the hat to Hunter, without him, we are somewhere else and Mack was right when he said good teams find a way to win. Yes, they do indeed, Coach.

I'm gonna get over this feeling today and move on....we are going to Pasadena and will get a chance to play for the BCS Championship against a great Alabama team. I can't wait for my stomach to feel normal again.

Merry Christmas, God Bless and Hook Em!

Dad, tell me about the not so good ole' days

Longhorn in SC — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:33:12 -0000

About 10 years from now, if not sooner (sucks), my son will be old enough to understand the Tampa 2 defensive scheme, will know when a bubble screen is a good play to call during a game, and will ask me, "Dad, how did the settle who was the national champion in college football before the playoffs?" My answer will be, "Son, they didn't; they only thought they did".

I will never forget how I felt when Major came up short against Colorado in Texas Stadium that December night and how I polar opposite felt in January 2005 seeing VY covered in confetti as we selebrated the National Championship. The truth is, the BCS has gotten more and more attention each year that they have kept this crap around. Is the BCS better than what we had before, unarguably yes but it didn't answer the question: How do we find out the real national champion? My son will play and /or spectate football that operates a post season playoff to determine the champion at the pee wee, middle school, high school, small college football, and professional football league except the largest and most competitive college level if this farce keeps up. I am a firm believer that this will end soon but how soon is my question.

We, as Longhorn fans, can't blame the BCS for what happened to us today. Our student athletes, the athletes at other schools (even you OU), and their competiveness was mortgaged years ago. The BIG XII will most likely revise their 3 way tie scenarios at the end of the year but no matter. What's done is done. We as fans can afford to gripe, cry, moan, cuss and swear, and even point fingers but those kids and coaching staff can't and they shouldn't. I told my wife, (who I think is really looking forward to the season being over so she can get her husband back) if I feel this bad I can't imagine what the kids and coaches back in Austin must be feeling right now. And she agreed.

A fellow Longhorn fan asked me, "John, if you guys played OU again in a playoff situation, would the outcome have been different than Dallas?" My answer, "maybe, but at least it would have been settled on the field." I was so depressed today. I cleaned up my daughters room, cleaned out my old clothes drawers, bagged them up, and put them out on the curb for the Kidney foundations monthly pick up tomorrow morning, and other small stuff just to keep my mind off of what can only be described as election night times 10; waiting for results. This one hurt. This one hurt real bad.

The flip side of the coin:

I have so much to be thankful for: My wife, a strong, beautiful, and wonderful woman; My kids, healthy, strong, curious and mischevious; my freedom, and for my friends who weren't around to see this Thanksgiving because its their turn on watch or for those who never made it back home, and last but not least for a darn good season by a great group of kids from my home state. You guys make me proud as a fan and I like forward to whatever bowl game lies ahead for us; it will be a good one and one that will load up the money coffers for the rest of our sports and the other schools as well.

Back to the other side of the coin:

Dad, you mean to tell me that they settled on who was the champ by computers and votes at the end of each week to see who was rated higher and it changed as the season went on? Yup. In 2003, Auburn was undefeated and didn't play for the whole thing because the votes and computers left them out? Yup. In 2001, Nebraska got trounced by Colorado and still made it to the big game as did Oklahoma in 2002 after they lost to K State? Yup. And than they used this system to determine in 2008 who went to the Big XII championship game even after we beat OU earlier that year? Yup. Dad, the school presidents and the fans actually went along with this system? Yup. Dad, thats bull $#%$! GO TO YOUR ROOM YOUNG MAN, I DIDN'T RAISE YOU TO TALK LIKE THAT EVEN IF YOU ARE RIGHT!

Miami Hotelroom Booked

Longhorn in SC — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:26:18 -0000

PB and the rest of you BONers...want to know where my faith is and how I strongly I feel about this whole thing? I just booked my hotel room in Miami...non-refundable!!! Okay, Okay, I used my HHoners points but still...AND my wife is in too. The LORD works in mysterious ways! So, the hard part will be getting the tickets but my offer stands to anyone who will take me up on this: Not IF but WHEN it becomes official and our boys are going to Miami, I will cover 1 room in a Hilton affiliate hotel (Embassy Suites, Hampton inn, Hilton, Garden Inn, and Homewood Suites) for 2 adults, for 3 nights in the Miami, FL area in exchange for two tickets to the BCS championship game on the TEXAS side baby!!!! any takers?...start getting in line! PB, I'll buy you a beer and watch you drink it seeing as how I am off the sauce but we'll talk football. Maybe even do a live feed from a local watering hole. See you in Miami Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Semper Fidelis and Hook 'Em

Muschamp and the Drumbeat

Longhorn in SC — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:22:16 -0000

Out here in South Cakalaky, this all that is being talked about. Let me give you the rundown:

Dabo Sweeny, the current interim head coach for Clemson is said to be given a hard look and depending how he finishes, ...well you get the picture. That being said, the Sweeny-led Tigers beat the BC eagles for the first time in Chestnut Hill since prohibition. That really got the administartion and the Athletic Director, Mr Terry Don Phillips excited. However, local Columbia sports radio, stipulated/suggested that the Board of Directors/Regents are preparing to draft a package for Coach Muschamp but will wait 'till after bowl bids are out to offer. The main reason is for recruiting purposes but obviously these AD's talk to each other and respect eachother in this regard. Remember folks, Bo was awarded the Nebraska job in principle before the LSU bowl game, (come to think of it, did he actually sign before the bowl game?). He has already vaulted to the top of the list as has Lane Kiffin for Tennessee. Again, as I have stated before on the BON, this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. This is the price that we pay for having a successful program. He would make one hell of a Head Coach, one that would have an immediate impact at programs like Tennessee and Clemson( ironic they were Orange, hmmmm?). The athletes and most of all (yes I said it but ya'll know its true), the money, are already in place. My question for ya'll back in GODs country is what are we doing as a University to retain Coach Boom? Is it realistic to expect that we can keep him? Is anybody throwing cash at him? What are his/his family's feelings about staying in Austin? How long can we expect to hang onto him if he stays? It's gonna be an interesting run from now until the end of the year.

Dear Blake Gideon,

Longhorn in SC — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:49:21 -0000

You are the worst football player to every wear the burnt orange uniform. You didn't deserve to be on that field when that pass came your way. You shouldn't have dropped that EASY interception. If I was the coach I would take you off the starting defense and put you on the practice squad...check that; I would kick you off the team. I cant believe you dropped that pass! Turn in your pads and helmet! What were you thinking kid? You ruined our season! The only reason you are playing is cause' they don't have anyone else to play. Don't show your face in Austin ever again. Quit school now! This is all your fault!!!..............

There.....that's the hardest you will ever hear it! at least it better be...

Young man, you belong on that field now more so than ever. If the worst thing that ever happens to you in your life is dropping a potential interception to win a game, kiddo, you are gonna have a great life and I envy you. You were recruited by Texas because you can play. Didn't you break your back before? You committed to Texas knowing the level that the team competes on and what it takes just to play for Coach Brown. You earned the job as a FRESHMAN! A FRESHMAN!!! You have played above and beyond what anyone could have ever expected from a true freshman at the University of Texas. I am proud of you and I would take you and Earl over any other safety combo anytime!

Your character and courage and intestinal fortitude aren't tested when you are on top of the world; those things are tested when your back is against the wall and when you are at, what you perceive to be, the "bottom" emotionally and maybe even physically. Life is gonna throw you into some pretty tough situations if you're a football player or not. It's real easy for folks like us to criticize you and the other players when they mess up or make a mistake...we aren't playing, we have that luxury. You all don't and that is why you are actually PLAYING and we are not.

I don't need to tell you to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep your head up and do you know why? Because you have already done that and you certainly don't need a Marine to tell you that. You are a warrior and I wish I had your talent when I was your age.

I am the king of failures and I could tell you a thing or two about making a mistake...sometimes the same one over and over again. I am a success because of my failures and you will be too. Money, fame, awards, and admiration will leave as fast as it came but you know what matters to you most of all. You have some great peers and coaches around you but here is something you may not know...you have some darn great fans in your corner too.

As much as I love football and the Texas Longhorns at the end of the day the game gives me a chance to cheer for my team, takes my mind off of my stresses for a little while, and pales in comparison to what really matters in my life; my walk with the LORD, my family, my Marines, and going back into harms way which I am certain will visit me again soon. It's not matter of if, it's a matter of when. I have enjoyed watching you play and will enjoy watching you play like a spotted ape on Saturday. I feel real sorry for Baylor as I have some friends that are alumni and they let out a collective "Crap", when the dust settled and they realized that they are next.

Honor, Courage, and Commitment.....words that read a lot like a young man and a team from Austin that I watch on Saturday's.

Semper Fidelis....Always Faithful

Hook 'Em

Get on the Bus!

Longhorn in SC — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:45:04 -0000

Okay,

I have slept it off, went to church (really struggled to focus but at least I'm honest), wife said everythings gonna be alright, and my 15 month old son is beating his cold which means its time for this Marine and the rest of us BONers to don our "Go Oklahoma (sucks)" hats and t-shirts and get down to business.

Point #1 There is still a lot of football left to play by a lot of different teams. If last year was any indication than the month of November will usher in change ( and not just for the presidency) than hold on for a very bumpy ride. Turkey anyone?

Point #2 We are not out of anything! You better believe that. My HS football coach once said as we were about to get on the bus to play Converse Judson, "If you don't think we can beat these guys than don't get on the bus"! Get out of my way 54b and PB...I'm getting on this bus first!

Point #3 We could easily finish the year 11-1 and in the Big XII Championship with a berth in the BCS Championship waiting for us.

So here I go, feet first... if you're game, come along with me. The water is warm and very clear.

Let's take a look at the who is in front of us in the polls and what I expect to happen. Call me crazy but I do consider myself a borderline addict of college football and not just because of my beloved Horns. I am going to go with worse case scenario here which in this case is the USA Today Nazi poll. (I am pretty sure that the BCS is gonna show our Body of work some respect but we shall see tomorrow). The AP, who I have always trusted more just because they are pretty good at doing this since they have been at it since 1861 A.D., seems to get it right. I'm not sure why the Coaches poll put us so low at #7 but it is what it is. So, in order:

Alabama Still has to play(in order): @LSU, Missisippi State, and Auburn I see the Crimson Tide losing at LSU. They will blast the Bulldogs and the Tigers/War Eagles and they WILL be the SEC West Champion. How do the Longhorns benefit? A loss in November for the Tide drops them a heck of a lot lower than it did us. As we get further into November this is gonna be the case for anyone as you all already know. If they lose at LSU on Saturday, as I predict, they are out of the top 9, the best they can hope for is #10 even in a close loss and assuming they win their last two, which I think they will even with a rival game like Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Mark my words on this. Alabama just hasn't done it for a lot of people and they have been suspect. Even if they win out my money is on them getting BLASTED by a very good Florida team in Atlanta for the SEC Championship.

Penn State Still has to play(in order): @Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan State. I see the Nittany Lions losing one more maybe 2 but I'm not sure where the second one is. At Iowa is a strong possibility but I don't quite see it yet. If they can go into the Horseshoe and win; they can win there. They will paste Indiana but they WILL lose when the host Sparty and Happy Valley will be shocked. You guys want to see a CRY PICTURE, watch that game and you will see plenty! PB, lets put some money on that one. How do the Longhorns benefit? A Penn State loss anywhere means they are out and they fall way past us...PERIOD. The Big 10 is more like the Little 10 this season but they could win out in which case that hurts us big time! This is one of the most important of all these scenarios and teams...WE NEED PENN STATE TO LOSE A GAME!

Texas Tech Still has to play(in order): Oklahoma State, @Oklahoma, and Baylor. I honestly see a 70-30 chance of Tech losing to the Pokes at home next weekend and then, even though they get a bye week, they WILL lose to Oklahoma in Norman. They will blast Baylor but Tech loses at least 1 more. How do the Longhorns benefit? This one is the most talked about simply because our loss is so fresh but it also has the most of our investment. #1, we need Tech to lose twice, which they very could well do which puts us into Kansas City against (most likely) Mizzou. But even if they just lose at Oklahoma, they drop outside the top 5. That game is in 3 weeks. Im not on drugs! They lose to Oklahoma (who still sucks) and they are outside the top 5 maybe even the top seven. Who wants to bet me on that statement? #2, Yes, that would mean they go to KC instead of us but a one loss Tech means they are out of it. They could lose 1 more, go to KC and win the Big XII but not go to the BCS title game. I honestly feel this is a likely scenario if some other things dont play out. They are just starting their gauntlet.

Oklahoma Still has to play(in order): @Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and @Oklahoma State. Oklahoma (sucks) wins against A&M easily, beats Tech, but loses to the Pokes. How do the Longhorns benefit? The Big XII South canablizes itself as expected. The SEC East has been doing this for a while now and its our turn at feasting on each other. I think, even if Oklahoma wins out thats still good for us granted we get to KC. It weighs heavily on the BCS in our favor if they win out. A win against OKST doesn't hurt us nearly as bad vice them not beating Tech. They have to beat Tech! I will say it only once, "Go Sooners". I cant' believe I just wrote that. I feel so cheap and dirty! someone hold me.....sob

Florida Still has to play(in order): @Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Citadel (Go Bulldogs) and @Florida State. Florda blasts everybody and wins the SEC Championship and gets a berth in the BCS game in Miami. They are very good gang as you all have seen for yourself. When they lost to Ole Miss at home I was shocked but I said to the Mrs ("if they dont lose again they go to Miami"). I said it then and I say it now. They win out and they are in. How do the Longhorns benefit? This is who we play for the title! A loss helps, of course because it elimnates them completely but my money says Florida is in the title game. They will beat whoever the West sends to Atlanta. PB? How much cash baby? How much?

USC Still has to play(in order): California, @Stanford, Notre Dame, and @UCLA. They win out hands down. This is my wild card. They aggravate me more than anyone else today. The one thing we have going for us is that they play in the Soft 10 (Pac 10). If they lose they are out of it but that's a BIG IF!!! How do the Longhorns benefit? I'm not real sure. I dont see them winning out as affecting us to bad to begin with simply because their SOS (strength of schedule) is so darn weak! if they win out they are ahead of us in the coaches poll but not the AP which doesnt count for anything in the BCS which is a felony but the BCS does have us ahead of them anyway. I will gladly take a USC loss just to remove them from the room!

SubTotal: We need the OkSt, OU, Tech 3-way shootout to continue in this order: OkSt beats Tech. Tech loses to OU (sucks). OU loses to OKSt. That is what we need the most. Folks, the above scenario has potential for happening just like that. Thats not subjectivity or myopia talking...thats objectivity. If, OU wins out, that still puts us in a good spot with the BCS but not the polls. So, forget the polls. I would however feel safer (BCS Poll) with an OU loss ONLY to OKST.

TOTAL: I know, this could only be written by a Longhorn fan, right? You're right! This is what we need to happen...Hands Down. It very well could. If Tech, Penn State and Alabama lose at any point during the rest of the regular season not only does that help us towards getting to the Big XII Championship we are also back in it for the National Championship!

The Marine predicts: Florida vs. Texas for the BCS National Championship. (we wear white and Florida wears Blue Jersey's with blue Trousers).

Call me Crazy but last year was CRAZY!!! App State beats Michigan in Ann Arbor...Colorado beats OU/KState beats Texas on the same day....Stanford beats USC....South Florida gets as high as #2 and South Carolina gets as high as #6...# 2 West Virgina loses with a berth in the title game waiting for them...come on man, that Crazy!

Semper Fidelis and Hook'Em!

Breathe People!

Longhorn in SC — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:08:16 -0000

I know, I know; I am putting my paperbag down too just to write this. This was a tough one and I feel a lot like I did that night in December when Major was bringing us back against Colorado for a trip to Pasadena. We just ran out of time. And we did tonite again.

We lost...they won. They did a lot of things right and we didn't do enough of the small things right. Colt came back and led the offense down the field to score. I thought we had it but was very concerned with 1 1/2 minutes remaining. My worries were warranted. Its not about the poor tackling at the end or Blake not cathing that easy pick or the dropped passes or the sacks/hurries/knockdowns or losing Osackpo or Cosby.....it was all of it. It really was. We didnt play as good as we could have.

I thought last week we were a little exposed on some things but this is what happens in a tough conference like this. This 4 game stretch is over and we could still very well lose again if we dont fix the little things...the fundamentals. However, we could still win the Big XII South but we need two losses by Tech...which I think could very well happen gang. I am now the biggest Oklahoma State and Oklahoma fan that ever lived because we need those guys to come through for us in a MAJOR way!

Lets regroup here and come back firing on all cylinders. as I wipe my tears and my wife talks me off the edge (of my bed) I realize that I am proud of the guys. They plyaed for it till the end. The coaches never stopped coaching. Colt and the offense did their job when they needed too. The defense played hard. Tech just beat us. There's nothing more to say.

Get ready for Baylor. Semper Fidelis and Hook 'Em.

I've Been Wrong Before

Longhorn in SC — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:41:32 -0000

Here is a portion of my post from Friday, Oct 24.

Texas' body of work is much better up to this point that Oklahoma State's. Yes, they both played weak non-conference schedules but the teams on the Texas schedule were more competitive than Okie States. Texas fans, dont even worry about tomorrow....this one is gonna be sick! You are about to see a better than usual OKST team tommorrow but their best wont even be enough to make a show of it...even if something catastrophic happens to a player or a big play on special teams happens. The Marine predicts, "Texas 52-Oklahoma State 28"

Okay, I was wrong. Big Time. I was so wrong on all counts including special teams play. I even shot off at the mouth to PB about how he was gonna only be able to afford Peanut butter to eat after he lost a side bet with me. I was shocked at the outcome of this game. The truth is, I shouldn't be. We played way too conservatively and we are very fortunate to have walked out of DKR with a win. The Oklahoma State team that showed up was dang impressive. I mentioned in last Friday's post that I felt OKST would rush for over 100 yards but that Zac would be on his back most of the afternoon. My hat (no pun intended) is off to the Cowboys for playing one hell of a game.

Defense wins championships and this is why we will win; because of our defense and the way they played. Yes, we were gashed for a ton on the ground but we kept dez out of action. Yes, it did allow the TE to have a field day but I am confident that Coach Muschamp will make the necessary adjustments for this weeks blockbuster encounter.

Offensively, the usual suspects showed up. The Bromance roommate connection, Quan had a big day, and Colt continues to burn the record books. I know this may sound like a stupid question, but does our running game suck? someone said to me that they have seen enough to be convinced that it does but what about what we did to Missouri and even Oklahoma? We have the talent no doubt but did we struggle on the ground because we suck or becasue OKST rush defense was THAT good? I will make one small prediction for the Tech game....we will have a better outing on the ground than we did against OKST. I have also heard a lot of talk about Colt having a poor outing. I know I am biased but iw ould say the same about Sam or Chase if this was said about them with Colt's numbers on saturday; That's just stupid. He had an awesome day. He made a bad throw and fumbled towards the end but it was because he was trying to make something happen not because he was careless or playing bad.

So my Monday predictions are these:

Texas Running game will be much improved come Saturday night and texas defense will play much tighter. But we need to improve the mindset offensively. It seemed like we played too conservative. any agreements or arguments? Semper Fidelis and Hook em'

Check out my Body!

Longhorn in SC — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:46:56 -0000

Now that I have your attention....

Seriously....

If you compare the body's of work between Okie State and the Longhorns and what they have done up to this point; its not even close. Lets all close our eyes for a second and pretend that we are not Texas fans....PB, focus! and try to do this!

We are all taking an objective, not subjective look at the 7-0 records of both of these teams. You , Mr make believe sportswriter/game analyst, can make the argument that Texas hasn't played anybody save Oklahoma, who still sucks. Okie State; hasnt played anybody. Yes Sir, you in the cheap knock off Stetson with Meth Mouth, "Well man we beat the #3 mizzorouh tigers in their back yard"! Yes you did however those Tigers were and still are a shell of their 2007 self. Oh, by the way, thse types of losses is what Big XII North teams get when they play real teams as opposed to the cream puff schedule they had last year. Yes Ma'am, you the attractive one in the South by Southwest t-shirt and the 'Keep Austin Weird' hat, "Well, I will remind you Sir that not only did we beat Oklahoma but we pasted those Missorouh Tigers in front of a prime time national audience." Yes you did both.....and.

Everyone calm down and let me explain.

Texas beat a very good Oklahoma team. Everything that the Sooners threw at you was answered back until you went ahead for good on the backs of outstanding QB play and championship caliber defense. You then turned around the next week and rode shotgun over the Tigers which did not validate you as a good team, The nation already knew that after the OU win. What that win did was show just how good mizzou is not!

Okie state, you guys are a good ball club and will score some points on saturday and your running back(s) will rush for over 100 yeards combined, but you wont win. You wont even be close. Up to this point you have been able to keep teams like Houston and St Marys mother of the blind off balance because you could run and pass with effectiveness (is that a word). I have heard on ESPN and other news outlets that Texas has never faced a team like ya'll. Will let me say you have never faced a team like Texas. Mr Robinson, I predict, will be throwing off of his back foot for most of the day and he will get a nice view of the Txas sky for most of the day as well. Your EXPLOSIVE offense will become very one dimensional very fast. Mr Dez Bryant is ging to do his best T.O. impression by throwing his helmet in frustration and mouthing in the OC's ear about getting him the ball. He will be tired from running down the field and trying to get open but alas no ball in the Manos (Spanish for hands).

Okie State, you guys have a good football team and us sportswriters love seeing good games but you are not ready to challenge for the Big XII south much less the title. I havent even begun to talk about the Texas offense and i wont here because the scoreboard will speak for itself. I wish I was a gambler tomorrow and less of a family man because I wouldn't count on OKST covering on. Texas will do score and a lot and I would take the overs too. This one is gonna be over quickly and it wont even be close.

SNAP

Okay, hypnosis is over.

Texas' body of work is much better up to this point that Oklahoma State's. Yes, they both played weak non-conference schedules but the teams on the Texas schedule were more competitive than Okie States. Texas fans, dont even worry about tomorrow....this one is gonna be sick! You are about to see a better than usual OKST team tommorrow but their best wont even be enough to make a show of it...even if something catastrophic happens to a player or a big play on special teams happens. The Marine predicts, "Texas 52-Oklahoma State 28"

(editors note: 2 of the OKST touchdowns will come in the 4th quarter. If I am right, Peter Bean is paying for my wife's ticket to Miami. I have already sold my soul for mine so I'm good!)

Semper Fidelis and Hook em'

I'M NOT SURE HOW TO ACT!

Longhorn in SC — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:58:10 -0000

Well, Saturday night's big win over a very good Missouruh football team was a night of vindication, chest thumping, smack talking, and downright fun but it was mostly one to remember for one main reason, I dont know that I ever recall being #1 in the regular season. Which left me asking my wife, "How do I act when it comes to this 2008 Longhorn team and the success that they are having?"

Let me give you a background of where I am coming from. I went to a litlle military college in Charleston, South Carolina called The Citadel. Unique in more ways than one; pulling for your team from back home made the time go by faster. We didnt have the best football team and at the D-II level, it was hard to rally behind the ole' team in the way that we all know and love saturdays and BIG TIME college football. I, having been born and raised in Corpus Christi (which I am sure to this day, everyone still refers to it as the Coast if your from North of Bexar County) , naturally cheered for my team, the Texas Longhorns. I would wear it loud and proud. I remember hearing about Route 66 over the loudspeakers at a football game my Freshman year and just hung my head. The guy next to me asked, "Dude, whats so bad with Texas losing to UCLA like that?" If your like me than you know what I must have felt inside when I heard that.

In 2000, we got routed during OU sucks week. I remember being so fired up in 2001 and I firmly believed we were gonna win in a come from behind winning drive led by Chris Simms. I talked so much crap to my peers from the armpit of the country that week and they actually thought that Texas was gonna win too. It was not to be as I remember Roy Williams leaving his feet, flying in at #2 and just thinking, "thats it...its over". and it was.

I again, talked crap to my peers as we backed ourselves into Dallas that December evening against a surprising Colorado team that we had routed earlier in the season. My wife, (fiance' at the time) and I were in a hotel room in Quantico, VA finding an apartment to rent as I was coming on active duty for the Marine Corps soon. There we sat glued to the TV, her holding on to my arm, saying how nice #2's patent leather shoes looked in which she also added "they better win with shoes like that or he's gonna feel real dumb!" We know what happened. I went to bed that night thinking, if only Major had 2 more minutes I know he could've done it.

Disappointment after disappointment after near fisticuffs with other cadets saying Mack brown sucks and he cant win the big one. My first few years on active duty, all the Longhorn stuff in my office, Marines stopping by and asking, "Sir, what happened this weekend?" I wanted to go POSTAL! I knew we had a good program. Everyone knew we had a good program. But so much frustration over how good. Were we good enough. Heartache. So close. Damn

THEN 2005 BABY

I never talked so much crap in my life in one season. I loved every minute of it. I felt so good...and my wife, a South Carolina southern belle, enjoyed seeing me enjoy that season. (I think she really likes Texas even though she says that August through January she is a football widow). #2 most of the year and then winning the Rose Bowl for all the marbles. It all came together at the end.

this is the part where any one not associated with the program says, dude get a life, how can you be so hooked on this team. But ya'll know!

I have been on a high ever since that season. We have been a contender ever since but were chasing that goal again. Sure we have had issues and ups and downs but we were still in the nations elite as always but with a validation with a recent BCS championship. The one thing that was always there; that bag of bricks that we all toted around for so long; we were never #1 in the regular season. We were always chasing the bouncing ball.

I'm not sure how to act now.

Most of ya'll say dream big. Enjoy it. Celebrate. Keep it calm though. Dont get out of hand. we havent won anything yet. Hold your breathe. "Yes, I will ride this roller coaster ride again, thank you".

I have seen a lot of games and a lot of players. Anybody remember where you were when Shea Morenz was starting at QB? I do. How about when when our receiver got knocked into the Miami Hurricane sideline at the Cotton Bowl and those guys started kicking him as he was down and the cameras caught it but not the officiating crew? Yup, me too

Someone please tell me how to act. These eyes have seen too much. But man, if we run the table. Imagine. The Heisman. The recruiting power. Big XII CHAMPS. The NATIONAL TITLE. The stamp on this decade. My wife wearing burnt orange and smiling with me. My 4 year old daughter singing the eyes of Texas. My son finally having enough coordination in his right hand at 15 months to hook em'.

Here I go again, someone tell me how to act.