Colt McCoy – Quarterback for the Texas Longhorns

Tomorrow's game is all about overcoming obstacles.

Those not of the Burnt Orange persuasion have mentioned a bunch for Texas: it's a road game; the Horns are due for a "let-down;" Zac Robinson is playing for his grandfather; the Cowboys are tired of losing (11 in a row!) to UT and have revenge on their minds; for the first time ever OSU can almost seal the Big 12 South with a win; (and my favorite one) ... it's Halloween.

I have no doubt both Colt McCoy and Robinson are full of confidence and believe in themselves going into this game.

Colt's edge in skills could be neutralized to some degree by the home crowd-fueled frenzy of a Cowboy defense.

But not to the degree the Horns will lose, because this is a very capitalized (and bold-faced) BIG GAME ... and Colt always shines in those and is known as the "Comeback King" in many of them.

It's bigger than the OU game (he's 3-1 in those) or a bowl game (3-0) because it is now the first step to the promised land (Pasadena) and the Big Prize (a crystal football).

If the Texas defense shows up as well, it's a done deal for the visitors.

The only obstacle left will be getting out of Boone Pickens Stadium without being hit by candy corn.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 3:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Colt McCoy was just named a finalist for the Campbell Trophy, which is awarded to the senior football player recognized as a top "scholar-athlete."

Tim Tebow is also one of the 14 finalists, as well as Zavious Robbins from Hardin-Simmons University right here in Abilene.

This National Football Foundation award will be handed out in December. The winner gets $25,000 for "post-graduate studies." I'm thinking Colt's post-graduate pursuits will be in the NFL.

Colt was also named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, of course, for his outing against Missouri last weekend.

A win over the Cowboys on Halloween would no doubt be the catalyst for a host of other considerations for awards.

Speaking of McCoy and Tebow playing for the national championship ... HUH?

Well, speaking of Tebow, he apologized for not making himself available to the press after his less-than-shiny effort last week.

I like Colt's response when someone asked him about showing up for the media:

"If you play good or you don't, you've got to go talk to the media. You're the voice for all the fans, for everybody, to let them know what's going on. That's your job as a quarterback to do that."

Seriously, I hope those two QBs meet for all the marbles.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We seem to always be talking about fast starts these days, but remember that more than 25% of Colt McCoy's 39 victories have been "fast finishes."

That means he's had 11 second-half rallies while at Texas.

The biggest "fast finish" was two years ago up in Stillwater.

If you recall, the Longhorns entered the fourth quarter trailing by 3 TDs (35-14).

To refresh your memory, here's what happened next:

11:40 - UT: Charles, Jamaal 18 yd run (Bailey, Ryan kick)
07:30 - UT: Charles, Jamaal 75 yd run (Bailey, Ryan kick)
03:22 - UT: McGee, Vondrell 1 yd run (Bailey, Ryan kick)
00:00 - UT: Bailey, Ryan 40 yd field goal
Final Score: UT 38, OSU 35

At first glance, that doesn't have much of a Colt flavor to it, but he completed a couple of key passes in the fourth quarter and rushed for a lot of his more than 100 net yards.

Here's a key stat that might help the Horns remember the "fast start" phrase.

The OSU Cowboys have averaged 6.4 points in the first quarter this season, while UT's number is 10 - helped immensely by last week's Missouri game.

The Cowboys have also given up an average of less than 3 points in the first quarter, while the Horns' "D" has limited opponents to a 3.7 average.

Not sure who's going to race out to the fastest start Saturday, but we do know how much Colt likes to finish in style.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 2:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's good to see that Colt McCoy was named a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien award. And even though we don't mention the "H" word anymore, if his team keeps winning, Colt will also be in contention for the Heisman.

Oops, I mentioned it.

Well, back to this week. Colt had a lot to say at the press conference Monday. Below are the comments that have relevance for the game up in Stillwater.

On playing Oklahoma State: The past three years that we have played Oklahoma State have been really good games. They are a really good football team, and we're expecting them to be good this year. They are well coached. They have a lot of good athletes. You've got to factor in that we are going to their place at night, so we have to be prepared and ready.

On this year compared to this time last year: It's the same situation as we were in last year going up to Lubbock. We have to learn from that. Coach Brown challenged us in the team meeting. We are in the same position. Everything is working out where all our goals can still be accomplished if we just take care of business this weekend.

On how the crowd affected the game: There was a sellout crowd. It was a hostile environment, but we were able to execute and play efficient on all three phases of the game. Offense, defense, and special teams really came out in the first half and played lights out and that really took their crowd out of it.

On Zac Robinson: I know Zac is a good guy. He is a great quarterback, and he runs his offense really well, so it is a huge game. For us, it is a big game, too. It is the biggest game of the year. This week compared to last year is very similar. We definitely have to be ready. It is a conference game. What more motivation do you need to know that this a big game for us? I think it means a lot to both teams.

On different confidence on the road and proving yourself mentality: I like both. I really like going on the road and playing well and going as a team. When you're on the road, it's just us. That's all we've got. We lean on each other. When you are here, you can get the crowd into it. You have support. I think this a tough place to play for opposing teams, but at the same time, you have to take care of business in both situations.

On Oklahoma State's defense: I think they have really good players at different positions. They have a really good corner. They have a really good linebacker. Their defensive ends are really good pass rushers, so one thing I can take away from what I have studied so far is that they are well coached. They are going to be in the right places at the right time. They disguise their blitzes. They'll bring it form a lot of depth. They might not get there, but at the same time they are trying to confuse you. You can't really see how good they really are on film because they are going to play like a different team when we are there. Their intensity is going to rise.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We're going to call the game up in Stillwater this Saturday a BIG game, as in big hurdle.

Not the last hurdle, of course, that stands between the Longhorns and Pasadena, but perhaps the biggest.

And after what the Aggies did to Texas Tech (and how A&M almost beat Oklahoma State earlier), you can't exactly rule them out.

But first things first.

The Oklahoma State game will have a lot of pressure attached to it. A win there and that pressure subsides a bit for weeks until the aforementioned regular season finale with the farmers.

The Horns and the Cowboys are a lot alike. And OSU would be even more like UT if not for some fortuitous bounces of the ball for Houston - meaning OSU should be undefeated as well. Offensively, they are almost the same - OSU averages 38.4 points and UT's number is 41.8.
The Burnt Orange defense is a little better in averages, only allowing 13.5 per game, while OSU is giving up 18.5.

And, of course, the two teams have great quarterbacks.

Colt McCoy holds the edge in numbers with a better completion percentage (71.6% to 65%), total yardage (1,806 to 1,547) and TD passes (14 to 12) than Zac Robinson, but the Cowboy hurler has fewer picks (3 to Colt's 8). Plus I have a feeling he's getting a little tired of always being second banana in the publicity surrounding this game.

Texas is better than Oklahoma State, but the better team doesn't always win in college football. The home field is a big advantage. Just see last year's Tech game or the 2007 Aggie game for reference.

The Halloween night game is considered a little scary for the Burnt Orange faithful, but I have a suggestion for the team for it to turn out "treatish" instead of a "trickish."

Just treat it like the Oklahoma game.

That's some big-time pressure as well, for which Colt and other Longhorns seem to answer the call. And this season, the OSU game is actually bigger than the OU one.

So, just pretend they're the Sooners and keep repeating the mantra "we control our own destiny."

Early prediction: UT 33, OSU 17.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Missouri slideshow is on the site now, but remember ... for some reason it's not showing up in Internet Explorer 8. Just use Firefox and you'll be OK.

Ruminations on OSU to come later. ;-)

Posted by Abilene Admin at 10:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fast starts rarely come any faster than the one the Longhorns had against Mizzou.

Three possessions and three TDs. Just what the doctor ordered.

Colt McCoy was doing all the operating, and he was a man possessed. He never saw the fourth quarter, but he didn't need to.

With a 26-of-31 effort for 269 yards and three TDs and only one pick in the first three quarters, he earned a slow finish standing on the sideline watching his team finish off a 41-7 victory.

Now if the "fast start" muscle memory will just stick with the Longhorns for another week until after the Oklahoma State game.

"Experts" probably pegged that one as their "upset special" weeks ago.

And to be sure, Stillwater is a tougher crowd than Columbia, and the Cowboys a much tougher team than the Tigers.

But the key phrase - "control their own destiny" - hasn't lost any of its meaning.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 10:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Before I call it a Friday night (Saturday morning), here's the update on some of Burnt Orange Nation at the prep level.

In Brownwood, two old friends and their teams met Friday night.

Graham, coached by Brad McCoy (Unowho's dad), was undefeated and going to play the Lions who are coached by Bob Shipley (Unowho's dad).

As you recall, the two were roommates at Abilene Christian University, as are their sons all these years later down in Austin.

I wasn't there, but I hear the game was a doozy, decided by a blocked PAT with 2 seconds left in the contest.

Shipley's Brownwood crew beat McCoy's Steers, 28-27, putting unowho's team (that's my No. 3 Abilene Wylie team) in sole possession of first place in District 2-3A.

The two might be sharing transportation to the Mizzou game to see their sons play.

Hmm. I wonder what some topics of conversation might be.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 1:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I like how Mack Brown announced to the world what the UT offense is going to do against Missouri.

And if you believe that, I have some swampland in Tuscola to sell you.

In case you missed it, Colt McCoy's coach has said they are "tinkering" with the O-line, shuffling wide receivers, wanting to use the tight end more and have Colt rely on his legs more.

Of course, Missouri has spent a lot of time going over the OU game film to figure out how to limit Colt and the UT offense. A bad cold and a bum thumb might have had a little something to do with that last Saturday, not just the OU defense, but don't tell Mizzou.

But Brown isn't telling the Tigers anything they don't already know. They saw what worked for the Longhorns and what didn't. Colt was effective the few times he ran against the Sooners. They saw that. They were already looking for it.

I think Mack is just wanting Missouri to concentrate on something other than taking Colt's go-to guy (Shipley) out of the mix.

Of course, Missouri probably knows that's what Mack's up to, and Mack knows they know, and they know Mack knows they know (ad infinitum).

So, what does it boil down to?

I'm going to say a sweet 28-10 Longhorn road victory.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It should be nice and brisk at kickoff Saturday in Columbia at 7 p.m. CST (on ABC).

Not sure if that is the best for Colt McCoy's bruised thumb, but it bodes well for the offensive line, which won't have to huff and puff around in the heat. And really, anything that's good for the offensive line is good for Colt.

A quick start is essential this time. Mizzou has too many players just waiting for an opportune moment. UT's mojo's gotta kick in fast.

It doesn't make any difference that Mizzou hasn't beaten anyone "good," the last two games they stayed in there against Nebraska and Oklahoma State for a while.

Here's the game-at-a-glance from the Associated Press:

No. 3 Texas (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) at Missouri (4-2, 0-2), 7 p.m. Saturday CDT (ABC)

Line: Texas by 13½

Series Record: Texas leads 16-5 and has won 6 of 7 since beginning Big 12 play in 1996

Last Meeting: 2008, Texas won 56-31.

What's at Stake

Texas is 6-0 for a second straight season and chasing a national title again. Texas is 30-4 vs. Big 12 North since 1998. Missouri is two-time defending champion in Big 12 North but coming off consecutive defeats to start conference play headed into homecoming game. Tigers were shut out in second half of 33-17 loss at Oklahoma State last week, dragged down by four turnovers.

Key Matchup

Missouri offense vs. Texas defense: Sophomore QB Blaine Gabbert was hobbled by a sprained ankle the last two weeks and Tigers have faltered in both games. Missouri had 393 yards total offense against Oklahoma State, but only 80 in the second half.

Players to Watch

Texas: QB Colt McCoy cleared to play Monday despite bruised right thumb that will likely lose nail. D.J. Monroe leads nation with 42.7-yard kickoff return average. S Earl Thomas leads nation with five interceptions.

Missouri: WR Danario Alexander coming off career-best nine receptions for 180 yards.

Facts and Figures

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel is 0-4 against Texas while Longhorns' Mack Brown is 5-0 against Missouri. ... Missouri's lone victory over Longhorns in Big 12 play was 37-29 on homecoming in 1997. ...Texas won last meeting in Columbia, Mo., 51-20, on Oct. 1, 2005. ... Texas has won at least four straight games following Red River Rivalry game vs. Oklahoma in nine of last 10 years.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 9:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't know if you remember last year's game against Missouri in Austin.

It was Colt McCoy's first time to face the Tigers. He ran for 2 TDs and tossed 2 more. The Longhorns built up a 25-3 halftime advantage before Mizzou started making it interesting. The final score was 56-31, and it was a very entertaining game.

Look for it to be even more entertaining up in Columbia, one of the nation's great college towns.

Here are some comments from Colt from the press conference earlier in the week:

On improving for the next week: We just have to play more completely. The defense is playing lights out. You know when your defense gets you turnovers and a short field; you have to take advantage of them. We have to do that. We have to play more complete. Obviously our running game came along, but it had to because they took completely everything away in the passing game, so our running came along. But we can be better. There are so many ways and so many areas that we can be better in and just keep plugging along.

On being sick and compared to this week: Just frustrating. I was just really frustrated. I had the flu against Texas Tech, probably our biggest game prior to this one, and then Wednesday night, I just started feeling bad again. It is just frustrating. Maybe I got all that bad stuff out of the way; I need good luck after this. It's okay.

On third in the BCS: It doesn't really matter to me.We don't care about that. We care about beating Missouri this week. Other than that, it doesn't matter.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 1:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thomas Metthe, an Abilene Reporter-News photographer, went to the Red River Rivalry. The photo above is just one of 40 great ones he took and included in a great slideshow. See them HERE.

Also, to tell you the truth, Missouri worries me a little more than Oklahoma State does at this point in the season. Everyone knows the Cowboys' potential, but the Tigers aren't getting their just props.

So with that in mind and going into the Mizzou game and the rest of the season, I leave the fine words from The Eagles with Colt McCoy and the rest of the senior Longhorns: "We may lose and we may win, but we will never be here again ..."

It's great to have your destiny in your own hands.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 2:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

NOTICE: The slideshow page is updated with the OU game, but you need to know it doesn't show up properly in Internet Explorer 8, but fine on earlier versions or in Firefox. Looking into that gremlin now.

UPDATE: The two main stories on the wire today with Colt McCoy in them: 1) talk about how he and Tebow faltered in the Heisman race; and 2) talk about how Texas now dominates OU. The Horns are now called the Red River Rivalry Kings.

To the first one I say: "Like Colt cares. His team is undefeated and he just beat OU for the third time. To the second one, here's my impression of Colt doing an impression of the King himself: "Thank yuh. Thankyuhveramuch!"

Seriously, do you think any serious college player would seriously trade a Heisman for a National Championship? Seriously?

And one more thing. Sitting in third spot in the BCS Standings is right where Mack Brown wants to be. At this stage in the season, that bodes well for a full column of Ws at the end.

ONE LAST THING: For those of you who wondered about Colt's passing Saturday, not only did he have a cold, he injured his thumb on his throwing hand in the second quarter against the Sooners. It'll be fine for Missouri, but he said today he's been told he'll eventually lose his thumbnail.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 1:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The accompanying photo is actually from the Colorado win last week.

Don't have one from today yet, but a victory smile is a victory smile, and Colt McCoy IS 3-1 in Red River Rivalry games.

Man, that was a first half I wouldn't have predicted in a million years.

For those who didn't see it, let me sum it up for you in six words: "The previous play is under review."

Colt was knocked to the ground 14 times before halftime. Going into the game, I didn't think the OU "D" was that good.

After a combined 5 turnovers in the first half, the two teams kinda woke up in the third quarter, remembered they were top tier schools and actually crossed the goal line, setting up a 13-13 tie ... which always means a nail-biting fourth period.

Which it was until Colt, who had been sick most of the week, ran for a first down on 3rd and 5 with 2:35 left in the game.

16-13 isn't what anyone expected, but the Burnt Orange Nation will take it - especially since No. 12 on the field and No. 1 in their hearts wasn't completely healthy.

Like everyone else, I thought it was going to be an offensive shootout, but the Horns were able to win a defensive "shootdown."

The guys in Burnt Orange didn't seem to be clicking on all cylinders here and there, but it's the finish line that counts.

I hate it that Bradford was injured again because I was looking forward to comparing his stats against Colt's. But the only stats in the first half to really compare were lost yards - over a 100 for the Sooners and almost a 100 for the Horns. The defenses stepped up big time.

But I love it that the fourth quarter in the RRR is always crazy.

The next two weeks won't be that easy, with consecutive road games against Missouri and Oklahoma State (beware the Cowboys).

Yes, that's right. Hard for me to believe, too, but there are other games after the Red River Rivalry.

And for one more week, the big prize still awaits in Pasadena.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 3:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

That's what a good friend is for.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lots being talked about on the Internet tubes about Saturday's game (ABC telecast starts at 11 a.m. CST).

Some say it's the game that could put Colt McCoy back at the top of the Heisman hopefuls. Some say, if he has another great game like last week, Jordan Shipley could become a serious contender for that cool trophy as well.

Some say it's the Sooners' chance to salvage the season, win another Big 12 title and thwart the Longhorns' national championship hopes again. They like to do that, the dirty-birds.

Mack Brown says it was "outside sources" that had OU going to the game at the end of the season UT should've played in, so forget the "revenge factor."

Here's what I say: 45-35 is old news. Leave your signs at home, people.

I think that all adds up to a great game. And the official line is that Texas is favored by 3-and-a-half points.

Here's my prediction: Colt will have a great game (remember, he's completed 81 percent of his passes in the past two games), and the maturing Texas secondary will live up to its billing and pick Bradford 2 or 3 times. That equals a victory for those in burnt orange.

And for you "facts" people, Texas leads the series 58-40-5, having won three of the last four (thanks in part to Colt). The winner of this rivalry since 1999 has gone on to win the Big 12 South seven times.

And here's the fact that bodes well. Since 1936, the higher ranked team going into this game has a 44-14-3 record - meaning they win 72 percent of the time.

Let's hear it for facts.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Talked to Brad McCoy this morning, and he confirms that Colt really enjoys the Red River Rivalry.

"He loves the game," said Brad. "The atmosphere, the state fair, so many people from Texas and Oklahoma. He thinks it's a neat setting and he has a great mindset going into it. It doesn't make him nervous."

I also asked Brad to rate his son this season as any other coach would. Forget for a moment that he's a son.

At this point in the season, he rates Colt higher than he did last year at this time.

Surprised? You just can't look at the stats, because they don't tell that story.

Brad points out that Jordan Shipley is the only receiver back whom Colt has a real familiarity with - and he's changed position.

With injuries to tight ends in the past two years, another receiver lost to eligibility, no definitive running back to consistently take the pressure off and just too many guys blitzing, Colt gets the high rating because of all the adjustments he's had to make to stay successful.

"He has six interceptions, but four of those were in the receivers' hands before they bounced out," said Brad.

He also answered any critics who might say there are too many short passes.

"With the blitzes, he has to check down to the third or fourth receiver. He doesn't have a lot of time."

I think coach makes a lot of good points there.

Brad also feels Colt's maturity level has increased. That would be something indeed.

If you recall, Colt sprinted onto the field as a freshman and never looked back.
No deer-in-the-headlights for that young man for almost four years now.

Don't expect any this Saturday either in the RRR. Just a "down-to-business" glare like the one in that photo up there.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Colt McCoy is 2-1 in Red River Rivalries. Even in his one loss, it was a heckuva game.

Colt obviously likes that game. Who wouldn't? It's everything college football should be. Texas vs. Oklahoma slobber-knockin' football, with state pride on the line.

A lot will be made this week about Colt and Sam Bradford's friendship. That's always a great story in sports, but thinking back to your own competitive instincts, didn't you always want to best your friend at anything - from checkers to sometimes even football?

So, let me start the hype with great Associated Press photos of the two by Matt Slocum (Colt) and John Froschauer (Sam). Let the best friend (clad in burnt orange) win!

Posted by Abilene Admin at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just now, while watching part of the broadcast of last year's Red River Rivalry game, I still think Colt McCoy has OU's number.

Sure the Longhorns fell in the poll today and they looked anything but sharp against Colorado and Sam Bradford put up the same gaudy numbers on his return to the field after a couple of weeks off.

But even though the UT offense looked less than national championship-esque against the Buffs, Colt still managed 32-of-39 for 265 yards and a TD. That's not chopped liver, and in fact, it's very close to what he had in the Cotton Bowl victory last year.

And the talking heads are right - if you can find a way to win when you're not playing all that well, then you're still a pretty good team.

Well, at least UT won't have to contend with some huge "favored by" number someone plucked out his kazoo this week. They'll even be underdogs in a lot of people's books.

Saturday was another day of "slow-start-itis" for the 'Horns. Colorado had a lot to do with that (told you they didn't suck), but I think those days of low battery on offense are over with because the pressure is off.

What pressure? The pressure of being undefeated going into the Corny Dog game. I doubt if anyone will admit it, but I think that has affected the play of much of the team this season. Evidently not Jordan Shipley, judging by his day against CU, but the focus has appeared elsewhere on some of the earlier games against second-tier opponents.

But Texas measures its season against Oklahoma. And vice versa. That's the way it should be - Texas against "North" Texas. And as I mentioned before, why peak before that game? Doesn't do you much good, because the other side of a peak is always downhill.

By moving Alabama ahead of the Longhorns, the voters were basically telling Mack Brown's charges that "you know what, you haven't actually played a 'real' team yet." The closest was Texas Tech, which at the time looked very real indeed. But OU and Alabama have played a couple of "real" teams. And, of course, Florida beat the "realest" of teams (LSU) Saturday.

Watching last year's game again - one of the best in the history of that series - made me hungry for another come-from-behind victory like that. And for Colt's team to be considered a real contender for the national crown. And, of course, for another Sooner loss.

I bet Colt is hungry for another game like that as well. Maybe he was watching ESPN Classic, too, thinking how nice it would be to have one more crack at that national crown.

And the road to that coronation always goes through a line of mean and ugly red-clad football players who want beef on the menu, not just corny dogs.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 7:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This story is going around this week. I vaguely remember it, since I was sports editor at the time in Abilene.

When Colt McCoy was a sophomore in high school and playing both ways for the Jim Ned Indians, he tried to tackle Bangs running back Jacoby Jones. Jones was more than 200 pounds of rock-hard muscle who went on to play college ball for Baylor. This was way before Burnt Orange Nation for Colt - pre-40 pounds of extra muscle time. More like String Bean Nation.

Colt supposedly didn't wake up until later that evening when he was in the hospital, and because of the powerful concussion, he didn't play anymore that season. Of course, his junior and senior years were remarkable and caught the eye of Mack Brown and associates.

Anyway, back to the story - that was the last time his dad let him play defense. I'm pretty sure that's right, but I try not to bother Brad McCoy on game day. He has a tough Snyder crew on his hands tonight. I told Brad that his team would be undefeated up until Oct. 30 when his team plays "my" team (Abilene Wylie). The way Colt's younger brother Case has been playing quarterback this year, I'm sure he's caught the eye of more coaches as well.

ALSO: In his Texas Notebook, the Associated Press' Jim Vertuno reminds us that the month of October has been good to Texas in recent years. The Longhorns are 16-1 in October dating back to the 2005 season, with the only loss coming to Oklahoma in 2007. He also shared this recent quote: "After watching football all day, I figured out I don't like watching football all day." -- McCoy on what he did with his free time when Texas didn't have a game last week.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 2:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, let's don't look past this weekend anymore.

Texas (4-0) hosts Colorado (a deceiving 1-3) at 6:15 p.m. Saturday. The game will be on ESPN for those of you unable to be at DKR.

The Longhorns are favored by 31.5 points. If I were a CU Buff, I'd find that highly insulting.

If you recall, UT beat CU, 38-14, last season to take a 10-7 series lead. This is actually the first Big 12 game for Colorado, and the 'Horns are looking to go 2-0 in "games that count."

Some say the Buffaloes have a kick coverage team that is right up the return alley of Jordan Shipley and D.J. Monroe. That would be nice, but I bet the CU special teams have seen enough film to have Shipley and Monroe nightmares.

Texas is averaging just shy of 50 points a game (a nation-leading 49.5) and have averaged 45 a game over the past four meetings against Colorado.

Here are a couple of quotes by Colt McCoy from the latest press conference.

On the team focusing on one game at a time: That's the good thing about our team. I walked through the locker room yesterday and everyone was talking about Colorado and what we have to do to beat Colorado. That shows you the leadership on our team from coach Brown all the way to the whole staff and the seniors. Just to understand that it is one at a time and that's what we're focused on, we've got to take care of business.

On the team's chemistry: It's grown. It is coming along each and every week. We understand that we have a chance to be really good. We don't want to blow it either. We've got to take care of business each week and this week is all about Colorado. We had a good practice this morning and we'll have some meetings this afternoon, but we just are really focusing this week on what we have to do to be the best we can be. Offensively, we want to play consistently again. We want to come out there and develop the tempo, play fast and to our standard and play for four quarters.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I know when it's less than two weeks away from the Oklahoma game.

Colt McCoy's second cousin James is always giving me a flu shot (tomorrow).

Also, we start hearing about Colt being nominated for various awards - most recently the William V. Campbell Trophy semi-finalist announcement.

If you recall, last year he was second in Heisman voting, was the Walter Camp Football Foundation Player of the Year, first-team All-American, the Archie Griffin Award winner, Chevrolet NCAA Offensive Player of the Year ... and a bunch of other "lesser" awards, including breaking the single-season record for completion percentage (76.7%).

I'm sure there will be more hardware to add to his trophy case this year.

I don't know if there's a trophy involved in this one, but with 7 more wins, Colt breaks the NCAA all-time record, getting 43 to nudge out Georgia's David Greene (42).

I bet that would mean a lot to him. Victories are all about team.

Of course, there are 8 more games left in the regular season, and at least one and no doubt two (and maybe 3?) in the post ... so I'm betting he does it.

Here's today's question: Do you think the loss by OU to Miami is going to make them harder to beat or easier to beat?

Personally, I could take either side in that argument.

With two losses there just can't be a way they get into the national championship game any more. Hence, less motivation.

Of course, it's Texas, so how much more motivation could there be, right?

I just hope Sam Bradford is healthy and playing. Talk about motivation, Colt really arrives with his "A" game when he's playing against Bradford.

This year, I do believe the UT "A" game can beat the OU "A" game.

Not that I'm overlooking Colorado, of course (ahem).

Posted by Abilene Admin at 1:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I saw a lot of the Colorado/West Virginia game last night.

Despite the fact that the Buffs couldn't capitalize on a bunch of Mountaineer turnovers in the first half, they appeared to be a lot better than they were when they got that 54-38 whipping at the hands of Toledo a few weeks ago.

Playing in Morgantown, West Virginia, is not exactly like playing at DKR in Austin, but CU didn't look too over-whelmed last night. They just might show up and put up a real fight on Oct. 10.

The Longhorns defense will be tested a little more than what people originally thought, but Colt McCoy just might have another break-out game against their secondary. The Buffs gave up 257 yards on the ground last night. So the potential for a blow-out is on the horizon.

Especially since the Buffs are allowing an average of 28 points a game and the 'Horns are scoring an average of 49.5 points a game.

However, here's my point as Friday night football looms - don't catch the upset bug that has been going around lately.

Posted by Abilene Admin at 3:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)