Longhorns put the boot to Aggies in series finale.

The 118th meeting Texas and Texas A&M came down to the final seconds, as placekicker Justin Tucker connected on a 40 yard field goal to give the Longhorns a 27-25 victory in the series finale (at least for the foreseeable future).

The Aggies took a 13-0 lead early in the game, but it proved to be too much of a burden, as they imploded; blowing a double digit lead just as they had against Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas State.  Their 4 turnovers helped a Longhorn team depleted by injuries to stay in the game.

There was enough of the injury bug to go around, as the Aggies themselves were without Cyrus Gray, but as long as QB Ryan Tannehill was playing, you liked their chances of winning a little more.  Tannehill however, was responsible for 3 of those turnovers; one of his interceptions was returned for a touchdown by Carrington Byndom, while his other two interceptions were converted for scores on ensuing drives.

He was able to put together what appeared to be a game winning drive, when he found Jeff Fuller on a 16 yard touchdown pass to give the Aggies a 25-24 lead late in the game.  Given that the Longhorns had been unable to sustain a long meaningful drive, all the Aggies needed to do was hold fort, and they would hold the bragging rights until the next time these two adversaries met.

Instead, a "roughing the passer" penalty on Aggies safety Trent Hunter gave Texas free yardage, then Case McCoy - channeling the spirit of his brother, Colt - scrambled for 25 yards, after 3 straight completions, to put the his team in field goal position. 

Given the problems that a number of kickers have had this season, Justin Tucker ought to be considered a "national treasure".  When the moment was at hand, he delivered; just as he did in the 2009 Big 12 title game, when his converted kick from 46 yards out as time expired gave Texas a 13-12 win, punching their tickets to Pasadena to play for the national championship.  He should change his middle name to "Clutch".

Aggies had a case of the McCoys (pun intended)

Along with Tucker, McCoy also has to have his name etched in Longhorn folklore.  Just his older and much more decorated sibling had done during his career, and on that night in Arlington, TX, Case found a way to get it done.  If you're into the "weird coincidence" stuff, then here's something for you to mill about.

Both Case and Colt had their game winning drives aided by a key penalty; in Colt's situation, it was a 15 yard penalty for a "horse collar tackle" that was tacked on to a 19 yard completion to Jordan Shipley.  Both QBs led their team into field goal range of 40 yards or more, and it was Justin Tucker who punctuated both story lines.  So just like his brother, Case only needed to be great when it mattered most.

Along with their imminent move to the SEC, Texas A&M had hoped that the rivalry would continue on an annual basis, but Texas officials cited scheduling conflicts, leaving no room for the showdown in the immediate future.  This rivalry means a lot to the State of Texas (that's an understatement, but you get the point), and officials on both sides should have kept their egos in check, and done the right thing; save the rivalry. 

If Auburn and Alabama can find a way to "co-exist", then by George, these two schools could certainly do the same thing.  Instead, it is the fans who are now left in the cold, forced to adapt with the ever-rapidly changing landscape of college football.

For so long the "little brother", Aggies officials had grown tired of the moniker and always getting "slighted" by Texas.  This was their chance to "go out with a bang", and stick it to "big brother".  Instead, they leave the scene with both eyes blackened.

To quote the words of "Texas Fight", "... and it's goodbye to A&M".  And good luck too.

Smith paces Cowboys win over Texas.

Oklahoma State had yet to win consecutive games against Texas since the formation of the Big 12.  Mack Brown had yet to lose a game the weekend after the Red River Rivalry.  On Saturday, something had to give, and it was Oklahoma State who came out on top, with a 38-26 win to extend its winning streak in the series to 2 games.


Last year, the Cowboys halted a 12 game skid against Texas with a 33-16 in win Austin, marking the first time since 1944 that they had left town with a win.  At the time, the Cowboys were on the rise, while the Longhorns were in free-fall; only a season removed from playing for a national championship.


After getting torched by Oklahoma QB Landry Jones the previous week, the Longhorns secondary had their work cut out for them; having to face a high-octane offense led by 1st team All-Conference QB (Brandon Weeden) and Biletnikoff Award Winner (Justin Blackmon).  The outlook did not seem very good.


Texas opted to play "keep away" by running the football, knowing that it would be impossible to match the Cowboys' firepower.  On paper, the strategy seemed to work rather well, with the Longhorns holding the ball for close to 40 minutes.  However, the lack of a legit passing game, 3 turnovers and the offense getting turned back at crucial times, proved too much to overcome.


With the Texas offense struggling earlier in the season, seemingly a carryover from last year, Mack Brown pulled starting QB Garrett Gilbert in favor of a rotation between Case McCoy and David Ash at the position.  The move rejuvenated the Longhorns offense, but it all came undone at the hands of Oklahoma, with both QBs struggling against a much superior defense.

The Cowboys defense harassed Ash all afternoon

There was a lot of speculation as to whether Brown would keep the rotation, or just stick to one player.  Ash got the nod ahead of his counterpart, who many a Longhorn faithful see as a carbon-copy of his more famous sibling, Colt.  There's no denying that Ash is talented, and while he played like that at times, he was clearly overwhelmed by the Cowboy defense.


The Cowboys' offense spent quite some time on the sidelines, and it wasn't hard to see why they were out of rhythm whenever they got back on.  Brandon Weeden had a rather off day, but still managed to connect with Justin Blackmon for the Pokes only passing TD; breaking a 7-7 tie.


They were able to stay ahead of the Longhorns thanks to 2 big TD runs by Jeremy Smith (30 & 74 yards, respectively), when the game seemed rather too close for comfort.  Smith's first score came only a few minutes before half-time with the Cowboys only ahead by 4; while his second one gave his team an insurmountable 14 point lead.


Normally brought in for short yardage duty as well as goal line situations, Smith was able to showcase not just strength but speed as well, leaving the Longhorn defenders in his wake on both scores.  A highly rated prospect out of powerhouse Tulsa Union, he may be behind Joseph Randle on the depth chart, but is still very valuable when it comes to helping moving the chains.  Smith tallied 140 yards on only 7 carries, to earn game MVP honors (in my book at least).


Defensively, you'd have to commend the Cowboys for their effort; given that they were on the field for what seemed like an eternity.  Despite a few close calls, they kept the Longhorns at bay getting stops when it mattered.  All that being said, they still get a pie in the face after falling victim the infamous Statue of Liberty play that propelled Boise State to an unlikely Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma.  Cowboy fans can no longer "poke" fun at OU fans (it's the best I could come up with) regarding that play.


The performance might have been below par - I'm sure the Cowboys were expecting to play a lot better - but there's a lot of good things to take away from this win.  The offense was effective in generating points given their limited possession, while the defense held their end of the bargain.  


Jeremy Smith and Justin Gilbert (kickoff return for a TD) provided 3 pivotal plays that ensured the Cowboys stay undefeated ahead of their showdown against Mizzou.

Red River Rout.

Prior to the season kickoff, many people speculated that this year's version of the Red River Rivalry would be a mismatch in favor of Oklahoma, who at the time were ranked #1.  


Despite the fact that Texas managed to generate some positive buzz going into the game, casting some doubt on earlier predictions, Oklahoma ran riot in a 55-17 win.  A few things still held true; the game was a mismatch after all, and the Longhorns aren't really that much improved from last season's 5-7 debacle.

Jones had a school record 17th career 300yd passing game

Landry Jones passed for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns; all before halftime.  With the Sooner offense matched up against a young and inexperienced Longhorn secondary, there could really only be one outcome.  


Jones has come a long way since that October day when he had to replace (yet again) Sam Bradford, who re-injured his throwing shoulder following a hit on a blitz by Texas corner Aaron Williams; it was to be Bradford's last ever play for Oklahoma.  


Playing behind a patchwork offensive line and no running game (the Sooners racked up negative yardage), the weight of delivering a victory were placed upon Jones' shoulder.  Even though he had seen some significant playing time, the Longhorns were a whole different monster.  Jones showed occasional flashes of brilliance, but threw 2 costly interceptions late when the game was still within reach for the Sooners.

Flemming returning one of the Sooners 3 defensive TDs

And while the offense will get the credit that's due them, it was the Sooners' defense that had their fingerprints all over this one.  Turning in yet another fine performance - and probably their best in the season yet - the Sooners raked in 8 QB sacks, 15 tackles for lost yardage and 5 turnovers (3 INTs and 2 fumble recoveries); 3 of which were returned for touchdowns.

Besides putting constant pressure on Longhorn QBs Case McCoy and David Ash, the Sooners showed a lot of discipline by staying on their defensive assignments.  Texas tried to run a couple of gadget plays that seemed worked wonders against teams like BYU and Iowa State, but the Sooners weren't taking any mess.

Texas seemed to get a little momentum going when Foswhitt Whittaker returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to cut the margin 27-10.  Oklahoma snatched it right back though, marching 83 yards in 7 plays ending with a Kenny Stills 14 yard touchdown reception.


Ryan Broyles and Kenny Stills played brilliantly, but a worthy mention goes to Jazz Reynolds who finished with 92 yards on 6 receptions.  Reynolds came through making a big catch for a 1st down when it was "3rd & 25".  Jones found Broyles in the end zone a few plays later. 


For those of you who may not remember, Reynolds was dismissed from the team days leading up to this very fixture last year for improper conduct (I'm only putting it lightly).  Given another opportunity, he's definitely making the most it.

Whaley had 117 total yards & 1 TD

The next item up for discussion: what more does Dominique Whaley have to do in order to get a scholarship?  The man appeared from nowhere and has taken the Sooner nation by storm.  He had a game-high 83 yards rushing, most of it coming on a 64 yard sprint.  FOX announcer Gus Johnson has been campaigning hard for Whaley to get a scholarship, and I'm sure he echoes the sentiments of many fans.  I think Whaley has surely paid his dues.


Up next for Oklahoma is a trip to Lawrence to face a Kansas team that is fresh off a 70-28 mauling at the hands of Oklahoma State.  The Jayhawks defense is ranked next to last nationally, and you can understand why most people will be predicting another blowout win for the Sooners.

A measure of revenge.

Last weekend when Nebraska held on to upset Texas 70-67, not only did they ruin the Longhorns chance at reclaiming the #1 ranking, but it also brought another thought to my mind; REVENGE!!! 

Husker fans couldn't bear another loss to Texas

After all that Nebraska has been in the least year (plus a few months give or take), they were finally able to come up with a win against Texas.  Maybe I'm the only who saw it, but I'm sure Husker fans were kind of feeling it too. 

Let's face it, Nebraska isn't exactly known for their basketball prowess; they're a football school.  So to deal a defeat to Texas (and a darn good Texas team too) on the hardwood wasn't really expected by anyone outside of Lincoln, NE.  Nebraska fans, please don't take it personal if nobody thought that you'd win.  For what it's worth, Nebraska has played well down the stretch, and that form really counts for something.

(R-L) Hunter Lawrence nails the game winning fg in the 2009 Big 12
title game, while Garrett Gilbert led Texas to an upset win in Lincoln.

One can only wonder what Kinnie is thinking

Nebraska fans can still remember the 1 second that was added back to the clock at the end of the 2009 Big 12 Title Game; enabling Texas to kick the game winning field goal and advance to the National Championship game.  Then to rub salt onto the wounds, Texas (who were on a 2 game losing streak) beat #5 Nebraska in Lincoln.  What's crazy is that Texas (who are 9-1 against Nebraska in the Big 12 era) only won one more game after that; against Florida Atlantic (from the vaunted Sun Belt Conference).

As if that wasn't enough, there was that game against A&M in College Station, where all the calls just seemed to go against Nebraska.  Big Red couldn't even get any love in the last ever Big 12 Title game; fans preferring the other Big Red (more like crimson, but you get the point).  

Nebraska wanted to leave the Big 12 with a bang!!  Win the last ever title game, then stick it to Texas and Dan Beebe a.k.a the Commish.  That didn't happen.  Their reward for losing?  A second consecutive trip to the Holiday Bowl to play against Washington; a team that Nebraska had torn to shreds earlier in the season.  They couldn't even get Boise State in there??  It didn't matter because when Nebraska lost, they all of a sudden became the punchline to any and every joke.  They just could not catch a break.

So when Nebraska beat Texas in the most unlikeliest of venues, I'm guessing all this stuff must have been running through the minds of the Husker faithful as they stormed the court.  I just got this feeling, that they weren't just celebrating an upset of a highly ranked opponent; it was a lot more than that.  It was for the 1 additional second that cost them a conference championship.  It was making up for failing to exact revenge in their next meeting.  It was for the mistreatment they felt they've received, getting kicked to the curb because Texas wields the power.

This was just more than your ordinary upset; it was a measure of revenge.

So, who really wants to be #1??

Nolan Smith and Duke; back at 1?

Duke's 79-57 win over Georgia Tech saw them regain the #1 spot, and also end an "upset" type of weekend.

#4 ranked Pittsburgh  fell 60-59 to St. John's, who entered the rankings for the first time in what has almost been eternity.  Seriously, can anyone remember the last time St. John's made some noise on the basketball scene?  Besides winning the 2003 post-season NIT, I can't recall anything else.

#7 Notre Dame fell 72-58 to West Virginia, while #16 ranked Louisville beat #12 Connecticut;  another testament to just how brutal the Big East can be.  You can make an argument that it is possibly the best conference in America, even though they haven't produced a national champion since 2004.

Texas was literally held back by Nebraska

Kansas had retaken the top stop, only to get upset by Kansas State a few hours later.  That left the door open for Texas, who looked really good after putting the hurt on Oklahoma State last Wednesday.  The only thing standing between the Longhorns was a trip to Lincoln, NE.  Nebraska managed to hold off them off for 70-67 win.  The fans rushed the court to celebrate the upset win, but I'm thinking that there's probably more to the story.  I'll save that for a later discussion.

E'Twaun Moore and Purdue halted Ohio State.

Following Texas' loss to Nebraska, Ohio State had a great chance to go back to #1, but E'Twaun Moore (38 points) and Purdue had other ideas.  The Boilermakers handed Ohio State the second loss in as many days.

Since nobody wants to be #1, I guess Duke didn't mind skipping up four spots from their previous #5 position.  They started at the top anyway, so I guess they might as well take the reigns.

It's not even March and the madness is already under way.