Hook Em Horns

Best Performance Ever??

After watching last night's game I can confidently say that I have never seen a performance like the one that Vince Young displayed. He single handedly dominated the Trojans' defense, and as a result, the Longhorns were able to end USC's 34 game winning streak. He had 467 yards by himself!! Every time that it looked like Texas was in trouble, Young would bail them out with a huge scramble or a great throw. I think that he answered any questions of whether or not he is ready for the NFL, and his stock may have even surpassed that of Matt Leinart who was good last night, but he simply cannot take over a game the way that Young can. Texas is the new NCAA Champion, but there were several things that I noticed which helped them over the top:

• The Trojans decided to go for it on 4th and 2 on the Texas 45 with about two minutes to go. Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush was on the sidelines for whatever reason, and the ball went to Lyndell White. He was stopped, and the Longhorns had only 55 yards to go to win the game. I know Pete Carroll was thinking that his defense could not stop Young, and that he did not want Texas to get the ball back. Still, there is no excuse for this extremely dumb decision. Sure they could not stop Vince Young, but wouldn't it make more sense to force him to go 80-90 yards instead of 55? Also, Pete Carroll, you have a Heisman Trophy winning running back. He is the best player on the team. Use him!! He could at least lined him up as a decoy because everyone knew who was getting the ball. Texas wound up scoring with only 19 seconds left, and if they would have been forced to go an extra 25-30 yards, they may not have had enough time. Multiple analysts have defended Carroll's decision all day, but in my opinion, it was indefensible. It is surprising that they have won as many as they have with this guy at the helm.
• The Trojans used their final timeout on the Texas two point conversion play. How can a team not be prepared for this? It also took Texas extra time to get set as they were celebrating Young's touchdown. Despite this, USC did not have the proper personnel on the field. It may have not made any difference, but a timeout on their final drive may have helped them enough to get a field goal.
• Reggie Bush's fumble/lateral cost the Trojans dearly. They could have taken a two score lead early in the game if he did not make that bonehead play. This was a prime example of a big time player trying to do too much.
• Matt Leinart needs to have better clock awareness on the final play of the game. If he makes a quicker decision, they would have at least had time for a chuck into the endzone. He scrambled around and threw a 15 yard out over his receiver's head as time expired. USC needed more out its leader.
• Lastly, why was there no spy on Young?? Carroll had some success with corner blitzes, but he did not put enough men surrounding Young. He needed to contain the line of scrimmage and force Young to beat them deep. Instead, he allowed Young to roam free and have his way with the Trojan defense.

Take nothing away from Texas, they won the game. Vince Young was simply unstoppable, and he was the difference for the second year in a row in the Rose Bowl. USC's streak was very impressive, but they lacked the discipline and defense to get the job done against Texas. Now the countdown begins to see if Young goes pro, and if so, where will he go? If I need a quarterback, I'm taking Vincent as quickly as I can.

Now I remember why your not in the NFL anymore.