TEXAS WINS....Still think USC is the best of all time now!

[DUCKIN_TACKLERS]

Looks like Texas was better then people thought and maybe USC wasnt all that after all congrats Texas and Congrats USC for a game well played.

[cal_junior]

Texas was exactly as good as I thought and USC played the terrible defense I expected. The 2004 USC team was one of the greatest of all time, this version was so-so.

[DUCKIN_TACKLERS]

Texas was exactly as good as I thought and USC played the terrible defense I expected. The 2004 USC team was one of the greatest of all time, this version was so-so.
Man I couldnt agree more. I think this year got all the hype because of the amazing play of Bush but last year they where better but i felt really upset that they didnt play Auburn who i thought was probably hands down the next best if not the best team in the nation. The year before as well LSU should have played them.

[whitskins]

USC deserves no disrespect, they were a 4th and inches away from winning this game. They ran into a superhuman effort by Young, one of the greatest single performances of all time, and still almost held on to win. This game shouldn't take anything away from their three year run, they were still an outstanding team this year. Texas just made the key plays when they had to.

And I give Vince Young all the respect in the world for his performance today, but does anyone else think he's the most annoying guy in the world? His Heisman poses and dancing on the sidelines throughout the year and post-game speech just irritated the heck out of me. He'll be even more annoying in the NFL, oh well he won't be as good as Jason Campbell!

[thickskin]

usc was fierce last year, but didn't have to play an au-barn team with 4 first rounders, 3 in the backfield. they were a media darling and therefore a paper champion two years ago, when they would have been crushed by lsu. the way the sports media gave usc a collective reach around was simply disgusting. may and herbstreit lost all cred with that bs 'hisotry in the making' series, where herbstreit said this usc team was the best in the last 25 years save for 2001 miami, and may save for 95 nebraska. these men are either a) morons b) media whores. period. this years usc squad couldn't even beat texas, let alone 88 irish, 2001 miami, 94 pstate, 95 huskers, 79 tide.

[DUCKIN_TACKLERS]

USC deserves no disrespect, they were a 4th and inches away from winning this game. They ran into a superhuman effort by Young, one of the greatest single performances of all time, and still almost held on to win. This game shouldn't take anything away from their three year run, they were still an outstanding team this year. Texas just made the key plays when they had to.

And I give Vince Young all the respect in the world for his performance today, but does anyone else think he's the most annoying guy in the world? His Heisman poses and dancing on the sidelines throughout the year and post-game speech just irritated the heck out of me. He'll be even more annoying in the NFL, oh well he won't be as good as Jason Campbell!
I dont think they deserve disrespect...I just dont think they deserve nearly as much respect as they were getting. On Espn they were rated as the top 5 teams of all time. Now offenses, ok top 5, but as we saw Texas wasnt to shabby on O. I just hate when the media rides highlights and dosent analyze a team. there are 2 sides to every story.

[whitskins]

I dont think they deserve disrespect...I just dont think they deserve nearly as much respect as they were getting. On Espn they were rated as the top 5 teams of all time. Now offenses, ok top 5, but as we saw Texas wasnt to shabby on O. I just hate when the media rides highlights and dosent analyze a team. there are 2 sides to every story.

But there were plenty of media outlets who harped on USC's depleted defense this year and many others who picked Texas to win the game. I saw a Texas player after the game saying he was angry about the blatant disrespect the media gave his team saying it would be a blowout, that guy was full of crap, tons of media people said it would either be a close game or a Texas win.

Maybe some people thought this USC team was one of the best of all time, and maybe ESPN went way overboard (what else is new?) but there was plenty of level headed analysis out there as well. And USC still came within a few inches on 4th down of winning the game, if LenDale had gotten that first down then Vince Young wouldn't be riding the Hype Train all the way back to Austin right now either. If you think USC got overly glorified then just wait til Vince Young becomes ESPN's latest poster boy. If Young stays in school this year then maybe we're having the exact same conversation about Texas next year.

[DUCKIN_TACKLERS]

But there were plenty of media outlets who harped on USC's depleted defense this year and many others who picked Texas to win the game. I saw a Texas player after the game saying he was angry about the blatant disrespect the media gave his team saying it would be a blowout, that guy was full of crap, tons of media people said it would either be a close game or a Texas win.

Maybe some people thought this USC team was one of the best of all time, and maybe ESPN went way overboard (what else is new?) but there was plenty of level headed analysis out there as well. And USC still came within a few inches on 4th down of winning the game, if LenDale had gotten that first down then Vince Young wouldn't be riding the Hype Train all the way back to Austin right now either. If you think USC got overly glorified then just wait til Vince Young becomes ESPN's latest poster boy. If Young stays in school this year then maybe we're having the exact same conversation about Texas next year.
Ill feel the same way next year if someone else is deserving of praise...Seriously the last time I saw a BCS team disrespected so much it was when Miami lost to Ohio State. Same deal there im just more pissed about the media they should start a love boat they can invite Farve, Manning 2, Vick, and the Cowboys. that would cover 3/4ths of the medias conversations on any given sunday.

[Patrick]

Congrats to the LongHorns ............. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't think they (as a team) were that good - at least compared to USC. Proved me wrong though and Vince Young - they keep saying he's the #3 pick IF he comes out. After last night - #1 pick sounds more appropriate to me.

[CarMike]

Looks like Texas was better then people thought and maybe USC wasnt all that after all congrats Texas and Congrats USC for a game well played.
Yes I do. Back to back to runnerup? Yep. That qualifies as one of the best ever. Lets see what MB does after losing a lot of his playmakers this year. And, lets see if he can beat Oklahoma when they get a little older players starting.

Not taking nothing away from Texas. Great win. But come on. You have to give Southern Cal their props.

[CarMike]

How were Texas disrespected? I heard plenty of people picking them to win the game.

Man, i'm getting fed up with the "we're not respected" comments from teams and their fans. Yes, that goes with Redskin fans as well. Its getting old when Tom Brady comes out says the Pats are the most disrespected team in the NFL. Now LongHorn fans too? geeze. lol

[smoak]

How were Texas disrespected? I heard plenty of people picking them to win the game.

Man, i'm getting fed up with the "we're not respected" comments from teams and their fans. Yes, that goes with Redskin fans as well. Its getting old when Tom Brady comes out says the Pats are the most disrespected team in the NFL. Now LongHorn fans too? geeze. lol

I'm with you CM! Even when I feel the Skins aren't getting "respect", I really don't care... I don't want the respect of brain dead sports writers.

[akhhorus]

Like I said before: Congrats to Texas, but the refs won that game for them.

[MONK_in_HOF]

Leinart showed little class in his post game interviews. I realize he just lost a game but other guys on his team were able to suck it up and give Texas credit. I am a USC fan too due to my hatred of Notre Dame. Made Lienart look like a chump IMO.

[smoak]

Like I said before: Congrats to Texas, but the refs won that game for them.

I have to diagree here. Texas won b/c they wore white on white.

:D

[PGiddy18]

I have to diagree here. Texas won b/c they wore white on white.

:D

lol good job smoak!

I was cheering for Texas all night. I guess I was so tired of hearing "USC this" and "USC that" that I wanted somebody to shut them up! I'm not gonna lie, I fell asleep some time during the 3rd quarter, but from what I saw it was a good game. Congrats to the Long Horns!

[RedskinsDave]

lol good job smoak!

I was cheering for Texas all night. I guess I was so tired of hearing "USC this" and "USC that" that I wanted somebody to shut them up! I'm not gonna lie, I fell asleep some time during the 3rd quarter, but from what I saw it was a good game. Congrats to the Long Horns!

That's what I found myself doing. Normally when I have no allegiance, I will pull for a team shooting for greatness. Watching USC blow that lead in the 4th I didn't really care and it reminded me of the Notre Dame game they didn't win.

I'd have to see more game where he throws the ball but Vince Young looks like the real deal, not another Vick.

[CarMike]

If not for Mack Brown, i'd probably pulled for Texas too. But....:D

[chrisbcbu]

Leinart showed little class in his post game interviews. I realize he just lost a game but other guys on his team were able to suck it up and give Texas credit. I am a USC fan too due to my hatred of Notre Dame. Made Lienart look like a chump IMO.

This is exactly what i thought as well. He made himself look like a poor loser. Basically saying that USC is still better. and that they held Vince Young in check except for a couple of plays! The dude had 267 yards passing and 200 yards rushing!! How is that holding someone in check.

He is going to have a fun time in New Orleans. I lost alot of respect for Leinhart after his press conference.

[danny's stogie]

Thinking back on this game the main culprit is USC's arrogance. Carroll and his team came in thinking they were going to blow Texas out of the water. I don't understand why they'd go for it on fourth and short early in the game and not take the points. Also, the offensive play calling was attrocious and arrogant. Carroll's arrogance infected his team and led to stupid plays like Bush's lateral.

Why did they throw deep so many times in the first half? Leinhart hadn't seen safeties that fast all year and his poor, underthrown passes should have been picked 3 times. Carroll finally figured it out after the half and started working the intermediate routes.

Why did they keep giving Bush the ball behind scrimmage? It's a lot different when you play the varsity. Good, fast defenses aren't going to get beat by his dancing. Use him more in the passing game and get him into space. Don't let him get chased down like that.

And most importantly, why did LenDale White only run the ball 20 times? If he had the ball 30 times the Texas defense would have been shot by halftime and USC would have destroyed Texas in time of possession. White was the best player on USC last night and it's pure arrogance, Carroll's desire to blow out his opponent, that caused him to not get the ball more.

Lastly, why would you call a trap on 4th and 2? Good defenses will stop that every time. Texas sent the house after White and the gaps created by the pulling guard were easy fodder for Texas's good defense. So please, stop this USC's offense could beat an NFL defense talk. There's not a chance. They'd get hammered.

[smoak]

Thinking back on this game the main culprit is USC's arrogance. Carroll and his team came in thinking they were going to blow Texas out of the water. I don't understand why they'd go for it on fourth and short early in the game and not take the points. Also, the offensive play calling was attrocious and arrogant. Carroll's arrogance infected his team and led to stupid plays like Bush's lateral.

The play calling was VERY suspect on both sides early on in the game. I HATED Texas' call when they went for it on fourth as well. Stupid.

Why did they keep giving Bush the ball behind scrimmage? It's a lot different when you play the varsity. Good, fast defenses aren't going to get beat by his dancing. Use him more in the passing game and get him into space. Don't let him get chased down like that.

That is probably why White looked better than Bush. He hit the hole like a truck. you have to get the ball to Bush b/c he is a homerun threat, but that first half was sloppy.

Why did they keep giving Bush the ball behind And most importantly, why did LenDale White only run the ball 20 times? If he had the ball 30 times the Texas defense would have been shot by halftime and USC would have destroyed Texas in time of possession. White was the best player on USC last night and it's pure arrogance, Carroll's desire to blow out his opponent, that caused him to not get the ball more.

Now you are talking my game brother! I would love for the Redskins to come out of this next game having thrown 20 passes.

Lastly, why would you call a trap on 4th and 2? Good defenses will stop that every time. Texas sent the house after White and the gaps created by the pulling guard were easy fodder for Texas's good defense. So please, stop this USC's offense could beat an NFL defense talk. There's not a chance. They'd get hammered.

No comment. That must have happened in the second half.

[Ibleedburgundy]

Leinart showed little class in his post game interviews. I realize he just lost a game but other guys on his team were able to suck it up and give Texas credit. I am a USC fan too due to my hatred of Notre Dame. Made Lienart look like a chump IMO.


Yeah, I thought Leinert was a real poor sport after the game. He was pushing media people out of his way, he blamed his defense for the loss by saying they couldn't tackle (he may well be right but you're not supposed to say it) and he said he still thinks his team is better than Texas.

Earth to Leinert: You Lost!

[redskin_rich]

Like I said before: Congrats to Texas, but the refs won that game for them.
I agree that the lateral for a TD should have been called back but Texas would have scored on the next play or two anyways.

And for the conspiracy theorists, even if you took away that TD, USC still wouldn't have covered the spread.


The play calling was VERY suspect on both sides early on in the game. I HATED Texas' call when they went for it on fourth as well. Stupid.

You mean USC. That call lost the game for them.

[chrisbcbu]

You mean USC. That call lost the game for them.

No he is talking about Texas in teh first quarter i believe, but USC went for it also on 4th down and missed it in the first quarter.

[redskin_rich]

No he is talking about Texas in teh first quarter i believe, but USC went for it also on 4th down and missed it in the first quarter.
Oh ok. I still say the USC decision to go for it at the end of the game was what ultimately lost the game for them.

[smoak]

No he is talking about Texas in teh first quarter i believe, but USC went for it also on 4th down and missed it in the first quarter.

Correct. I fell asleep early in the third quarter... I was ok with USC going for it on fourth down and thought it was poor execution. The Texas call (maybe on their first drive?) was moronic IMO.

[akhhorus]

I agree that the lateral for a TD should have been called back but Texas would have scored on the next play or two anyways.

Counter factual. We don't know what would have happened. And the refs were just bad all night. They took a turnover away from each team and they gave Texas a free timeout at the end.

[danny's stogie]

I agree that the lateral for a TD should have been called back but Texas would have scored on the next play or two anyways.

And for the conspiracy theorists, even if you took away that TD, USC still wouldn't have covered the spread.


You mean USC. That call lost the game for them.

Texas also got hosed out of a INT on a drive that USC scored on. Bad calls went both ways. Can't blame the refs on this one.

[redskin_rich]

Counter factual. We don't know what would have happened. And the refs were just bad all night. They took a turnover away from each team and they gave Texas a free timeout at the end.
Isn't saying that USC wouldn't have won without that bad call a counter factual? Not that you said that but you get my point. I agree the officiating was bad both ways but I thought it pretty much evened out. I didn't know about the extra time out.

[akhhorus]

Isn't saying that USC wouldn't have won without that bad call a counter factual? Not that you said that but you get my point. I agree the officiating was bad both ways but I thought it pretty much evened out. I didn't know about the extra time out.

To some extent they're both CFs, but there's a big difference between the one INT called back(which would have given texas the ball at their 20ish) and a TD that swung the game in Texas' favor. Texas wasn't doing that well in RedZone in the first half, so who knows. Texas' free timeout was when they stopped a game with 50 seconds left to review a call that couldn't be reversed(and it wasn't close, the Texas guy clearly didn't fumble until after hewas down for a few seconds).

[chrisbcbu]

To some extent they're both CFs, but there's a big difference between the one INT called back(which would have given texas the ball at their 20ish) and a TD that swung the game in Texas' favor. Texas wasn't doing that well in RedZone in the first half, so who knows. Texas' free timeout was when they stopped a game with 50 seconds left to review a call that couldn't be reversed(and it wasn't close, the Texas guy clearly didn't fumble until after hewas down for a few seconds).

I will agree they Refs were horrible in this game, but i thought they were horrible for both teams. They made enough bad calls to even it out for me to not really complain.

Texas still had 1 time out left i believe at the end of the game, so the free timeout really didnt come into play.

[Santheb]

Matt Leinart is a punk :/

[BurgundyNGold]

USC had no answer for Vince Young. They knew he was coming, yet they still couldn't stop him. Credit to Vince Young and blame to the USC defense. I still don't understand how you only give Reggie Bush 13 carries and expect to beat Texas.

[danny's stogie]

USC had no answer for Vince Young. They knew he was coming, yet they still couldn't stop him. Credit to Vince Young and blame to the USC defense. I still don't understand how you only give Reggie Bush 13 carries and expect to beat Texas.

Bush was ineffective, because Texas's defense is fast and it's the first non-JV defense Bush had played all year. The best player last night on the USC offense was White. If he touched the ball 30 times USC would have won. Even the best Bush run, the 26 yard TD scamper, came after White had softened the Texas defense up.

[The Skinsinator]

Vince Young is a rare talent and totally makes himself along with his teamates believe that they will not lose with him in that game. As happened all season, no one can stop that man runnning the ball. I was going nuts when he ran the ball in the endzone and dethroned the Trojans. Best national championship game I've seen in years.

[BurgundyNGold]

Bush was ineffective, because Texas's defense is fast and it's the first non-JV defense Bush had played all year. The best player last night on the USC offense was White. If he touched the ball 30 times USC would have won. Even the best Bush run, the 26 yard TD scamper, came after White had softened the Texas defense up.
Bush averaged over 6 YPC. That's pretty effective if you stick with it.

[CarMike]

I'm saying it right here and now. If Young comes out this year, he won't be a very good NFL QB. Just like Mike Vick....

[danny's stogie]

Bush averaged over 6 YPC. That's pretty effective if you stick with it.

If you take away the long run by Bush he only averaged 4.5 and the long run came as a direct result of White pounding the ball half way down the field. The Texas defense was dog tired after White got through with them and there was no way Bush turns the corner on that run if Texas wasn't panting. I believe Bush also had another 20 yard run, but most of the game Texas was able to chase him down before he could get into the open field. White was clearly the better runner last night and if he touched the ball 30 times Texas's defense would have never left the field. I do think they should have used Bush more in the passing game though.

[BurgundyNGold]

If you take away the long run by Bush he only averaged 4.5 and the long run came as a direct result of White pounding the ball half way down the field. The Texas defense was dog tired after White got through with them and there was no way Bush turns the corner on that run if Texas wasn't panting. I believe Bush also had another 20 yard run, but most of the game Texas was able to chase him down before he could get into the open field. White was clearly the better runner last night and if he touched the ball 30 times Texas's defense would have never left the field. I do think they should have used Bush more in the passing game though.
Maybe. The thing about Bush though is if he got two 20+ yard runs on 13 carries, he might very well have popped one if he got 20+ carries. Also, White averaged about 4.5 YPC and, if I'm not mistaken, was the one stopped short on that 4th and 2. Don't get me wrong, White had a great game, but to me it is unfathomable that Reggie Bush only gets 13 carries.

[danny's stogie]

Maybe. The thing about Bush though is if he got two 20+ yard runs on 13 carries, he might very well have popped one if he got 20+ carries. Also, White averaged about 4.5 YPC and, if I'm not mistaken, was the one stopped short on that 4th and 2. Don't get me wrong, White had a great game, but to me it is unfathomable that Reggie Bush only gets 13 carries.

No, White was 20 for 124, 6.2 ypc. He was the one stopped short on 4th and 2, but he can't be blamed for that. The problem was calling a trap play on a 4th and 2 against a fast defense that had been blowing up gaps all night. Bush might have broken more big plays, but was uneffective consistently. He had 2 big runs, but when he tried to break outside Texas was there and stopped him for no more than a few yards. White on the other hand was running up the gut and getting a consistent 6-8 yards per carry. If Carroll wasn't too stubborn to not stick with it I guarantee USC would have won. And like I said before, Bush was finally able to break one outside only after Texas's defense had been softened up by a good dose of White.

[dj_stouty]

If you take away the long run by Bush he only averaged 4.5 and the long run came as a direct result of White pounding the ball half way down the field.

You cant' take away runs! If you took away all of Portis' 20+ yard runs, he would be a 3.0 ypc running back this year. Its part of the game...

I find it hard to believe that Bush's stock was diminished last night. Same goes for Leinhart.

If anything, Young's stock increased...

[danny's stogie]

You cant' take away runs! If you took away all of Portis' 20+ yard runs, he would be a 3.0 ypc running back this year. Its part of the game...

I find it hard to believe that Bush's stock was diminished last night. Same goes for Leinhart.

If anything, Young's stock increased...

I know you can't normally do that, but that run came as a direct result of White softening up the defense. He wouldn't have been able to turn the corner like that if the Texas D wasn't already panting.

[smoak]

Maybe. The thing about Bush though is if he got two 20+ yard runs on 13 carries, he might very well have popped one if he got 20+ carries. Also, White averaged about 4.5 YPC and, if I'm not mistaken, was the one stopped short on that 4th and 2. Don't get me wrong, White had a great game, but to me it is unfathomable that Reggie Bush only gets 13 carries.

With Bush, I think you really have to look at "touches". How many catches did he have?

[BurgundyNGold]

No, White was 20 for 124, 6.2 ypc. He was the one stopped short on 4th and 2, but he can't be blamed for that. The problem was calling a trap play on a 4th and 2 against a fast defense that had been blowing up gaps all night. Bush might have broken more big plays, but was uneffective consistently. He had 2 big runs, but when he tried to break outside Texas was there and stopped him for no more than a few yards. White on the other hand was running up the gut and getting a consistent 6-8 yards per carry. If Carroll wasn't too stubborn to not stick with it I guarantee USC would have won. And like I said before, Bush was finally able to break one outside only after Texas's defense had been softened up by a good dose of White.
Thanks. I thought he had 25 carries, which still is closer to 5.0 YPC, but you get where I was driving. Anyway, a paltry 13 carries for the Heisman trophy winner still does not make a lot of sense to me. It was a great game though, especially for someone like me who doesn't really care about either team.

[BurgundyNGold]

With Bush, I think you really have to look at "touches". How many catches did he have?
He had 6 catches to go with 13 carries. Out of 82 offensive plays, I still think that he didn't get tha ball enough.

[Patrick]

I'm saying it right here and now. If Young comes out this year, he won't be a very good NFL QB. Just like Mike Vick....

I don't know Mike - IT will really depend who his QBCoach is. In the right system, Young could be a very effective QB - BUT there is a lot he'll have to learn. ......... I rather have him then JC ;)

[whitskins]

How were Texas disrespected? I heard plenty of people picking them to win the game.

Man, i'm getting fed up with the "we're not respected" comments from teams and their fans. Yes, that goes with Redskin fans as well. Its getting old when Tom Brady comes out says the Pats are the most disrespected team in the NFL. Now LongHorn fans too? geeze. lol

I totally agree, Mike. I think this "disrespected" crap is getting way out of hand. All I could see after the game were Texas players claiming the media blatantly disrespected them all month. They're full of it, there were plenty of media outlets giving them a legit shot in a close game or outright picking them to win. These guys need to wake up.

And yes USC was overhyped, but that's what happens when you have a 34 game win streak and win two straight national championships and are about to play for a third. Hype magnets like Favre, Eli, Vick, the Cowboys, etc have no place alongside USC because USC dominated college football for three years while all those other clowns fell apart and deteriorated this season in the NFL. USC deserved their hype because they were a dominant team for three years.

I don't get why treating USC like the favorite despite their massive win streak and back to back titles (not to mention TWO Heisman winners) is a slap in the face to an excellent Texas team. Sometimes you're gonna be the underdog and if you want the respect then you have to knock off the big boy. I wish these athletes would just stop their crying and savor the victory instead of taking shots at those who picked against them. If the Skins win this Saturday and head to Seattle I pray they don't have this punk attitude because it's really lame.

[chrisbcbu]

I totally agree, Mike. I think this "disrespected" crap is getting way out of hand. All I could see after the game were Texas players claiming the media blatantly disrespected them all month. They're full of it, there were plenty of media outlets giving them a legit shot in a close game or outright picking them to win. These guys need to wake up.

And yes USC was overhyped, but that's what happens when you have a 34 game win streak and win two straight national championships and are about to play for a third. Hype magnets like Favre, Eli, Vick, the Cowboys, etc have no place alongside USC because USC dominated college football for three years while all those other clowns fell apart and deteriorated this season in the NFL. USC deserved their hype because they were a dominant team for three years.

I don't get why treating USC like the favorite despite their massive win streak and back to back titles (not to mention TWO Heisman winners) is a slap in the face to an excellent Texas team. Sometimes you're gonna be the underdog and if you want the respect then you have to knock off the big boy. I wish these athletes would just stop their crying and savor the victory instead of taking shots at those who picked against them. If the Skins win this Saturday and head to Seattle I pray they don't have this punk attitude because it's really lame.

I think ppl are more upset about the media calling this years USC team as one of the top 5 greatests teams. That is way overhyping a team that barely beat Notre Dame and Fresno State.

Now last years team i could see as one of the greatests but this year is just laughable.

[whitskins]

I think ppl are more upset about the media calling this years USC team as one of the top 5 greatests teams. That is way overhyping a team that barely beat Notre Dame and Fresno State.

Now last years team i could see as one of the greatests but this year is just laughable.

I agree that they were overhyped by some, mainly that massive Hype Machine that passes for a television network and goes by the name of ESPN. But otherwise there has been plenty of media that has called SC out for their less than stellar defense, first half stumbles, and many close calls.

I just don't like the sentiment coming from Texas that no one gave them a shot to win the game. That's just not true. And if they want 40 part ESPN specials then they can keep their great 20 game win streak going into the 30s and 40s and win another National Championship or 2. It all comes with the territory of dominating a sport for several years, sure it may have gone way overboard in some regards, but if you want to kill the hype then you have to beat the big boys.

I think for a team that had several close calls itself this year, and matched up against an opponent who destroyed college football for the past three years, Texas got plenty of respect. They were still the underdogs, but they got respect.

[BraveSkin76]

I agree that they were overhyped by some, mainly that massive Hype Machine that passes for a television network and goes by the name of ESPN. But otherwise there has been plenty of media that has called SC out for their less than stellar defense, first half stumbles, and many close calls.

I just don't like the sentiment coming from Texas that no one gave them a shot to win the game. That's just not true. And if they want 40 part ESPN specials then they can keep their great 20 game win streak going into the 30s and 40s and win another National Championship or 2. It all comes with the territory of dominating a sport for several years, sure it may have gone way overboard in some regards, but if you want to kill the hype then you have to beat the big boys.

I think for a team that had several close calls itself this year, and matched up against an opponent who destroyed college football for the past three years, Texas got plenty of respect. They were still the underdogs, but they got respect.

I agree, wholeheartedly. In terms of the media, USA Today had a listing of various members of the media's picks for the game. I counted 44 total picks and only 8 of them were for Texas. Plus, the line for this game opened at Texas +6...By gametime, the line had jumped to +9.5 and 10.

Texas didn't get enough respect...it's the truth. If anything, USC got too much respect for being able to win 67 per cent of the games in their 34-game winning streak in a conference like the PAC-10. I've been waiting for Texas to beat USC for 5 months now and I am happy. I am so tired of Matt Leinart's-the-greatest-thing-since-sliced-bread farce the media potrays. I am so tired of Reggie Bush racking up insane number of yards against the likes of Arizona and Oregon State. I would be shocked if any of you could place the PAC-10 on par with such conferences as the SEC or the Big Ten or the ACC. USC would not have gone unbeaten for three years if they played in the SEC against Georgia or LSU or Auburn...or in the Big ten with the likes of Michigan or Ohio State.

I hate the media. They are lazy and dimwits.

[VTBob]

that game was amazing, Vince Young single handedly won it - that was one of the best college games I've ever seen, period. USC was too cocky at first, with Bush's failed lateral, Carroll going for it on 4th down twice in the game (missed it both times) and it cost them, they could've won it but Vince Young and his supporting cast kept in the game and won it - again, great game!

[DUCKIN_TACKLERS]

I think ppl are more upset about the media calling this years USC team as one of the top 5 greatests teams. That is way overhyping a team that barely beat Notre Dame and Fresno State.

Now last years team i could see as one of the greatests but this year is just laughable.
MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY.... IMO looking at USC as the best College team ever is like looking at the 12-4 record of the Jaguars and the inflated record of Seattle without acknowledging that they play in terrible divisions. Anyone think that Seattle and Jacksonville would have the same records if they played in the East or some other more respectable divisions...See this is my main problem with College football. they get to pick who they play and there is no PLAYOFF. How can you adequately call a team good if you dont see them play anyone of quality. The 2 teams that USC played that i give any shade of respect to was Notre Dame who outplayed them and Oregon who hung close. Yet both of those guys got Waxed in their Bowl games, again against better competition. I just think whoever wont credit Texas on being a better team this Year is way off. Heck im a Tennessee fan but I can admit when i see a good team.

[IHATEDALLAS'82'87'91]

USC is still the best team, but Texas wanted it more.

[GibbsRules!]

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/9720/jr5rbm8wg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[CarMike]

I'll agree that ESPN was sickening. But the lowest point of the lowest point was when they said that this years Southern Cal team could beat the '85 Bears team. Or did they say that this year SC teams defense was better than the '85 Bears defense? Either way, it was wrong on many levels and took away from the Bears defense that year.

[IowaSkinsFan]

I'll agree that ESPN was sickening. But the lowest point of the lowest point was when they said that this years Southern Cal team could beat the '85 Bears team. Or did they say that this year SC teams defense was better than the '85 Bears defense? Either way, it was wrong on many levels and took away from the Bears defense that year.

That is just plain absurd.