THE TEXAS SCRIBBLER

The El Paso Miners are not a good football team, but when Texas teams play Goliath, i.e. the Longhorns, they sometimes surprise themselves and win. They play hard, anyhow. So while I expect Texas to win, it might be close. Definitely closer than last week against Florida International. Again, Burnt Orange Nation's forum is the best place to visit if you like to follow Longhorn fan commentary, with an occasional troll.

UPDATE:  No, winning by 42-13 is not very close, but still closer than the 54-10 last week. Should nevertheless be respectable enough for the Top Ten. I got bored after the first half and stopping watching. I'm sure next week's game with Arkansas will not be boring, because it is bound to be tougher. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Not the Rice Owls, they come later in the season. But the Florida Atlantic University Owls, champs of the Sun Belt Conference in 2007. Should be interesting, this first game of the Horns' season which starts at six local time. The Owls' coach thinks the Horns are soft. He may be right; we're going to find out. Game's here in town, so we had to get pay-per-view, or go sit in the nosebleed section for the same price. Nicer at home. Looks like rain, anyhow. Burnt Orange Nation's forum is a good way to follow it.

UPDATE:  Good Horns win at 52-10. Sure didn't look soft to me, at over 500 yards of total offense. Colt is running better, passes better, too. Has good receivers in Shipley, Cosby, etc. Vondrell McGee running well. Could be an interesting season. Hope Charlie Tanner's ankle is okay.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 05:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Oklahoma seems to be the favorite of the betting line, both to win the Big Twelve South this year and, less so, the Big Twelve itself. The Longhorns may not even be up in the pre-season Top Ten--which will be released soon The daily's Kirk Bohl's says what the Horns do this year depends on whether Coach Mack Brown keeps the growl he acquired before last season's Holiday Bowl win. We might be able to bet on Burnt Orange Nation coming up with an optimistic prediction when they get around to it.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 08:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

No, the Longhorns QB was not putting up books in bubblewrap for early shipment on free delivery.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Two alcohol-related arrests in five weeks for former Longhorns star running back Cedric Benson was too much for the Chicago Bears who cut him from the team today.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 04:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Chicago Bears already were down on RB Cedric Benson for a pitiful average of 3.4 yards per carry--a product of chronic injuries since leaving Texas in 2005 as its only running back to gain a thousand yards in four consecutive seasons. Now his pro career is in doubt after his third arrest (but first pepper-spraying) since 2002. This time it was at Lake Travis' hard-partyin', drunk-on-the-water Devil's Hollow (Cove)--charged with boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 08:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There isn't often cause these days to recall the time when men's collars still turned up instead of down. Nor Edward House, of Galveston, who President Woodrow Wilson referred to as his "second personality." But it all came together this morning, for the old kingmaker of Texas gubernatorial politics, as workers began to cover the colonel's old horse pasture with Astro Turf. It was the latest facelift for the field that, in 1937, became House Park, a celebrated Austin stadium for the Friday Night Lights of high school football.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 08:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Good for you, cornerback Aaron Ross, former Texas Longhorn on the 2005 National Championship team's win in the Rose Bowl, now a Super Bowl champ in his first, rookie season in the National Football League. You started most of the season, even played with a dislocated shoulder against the Cowboys, and were a first-teamer against the Patriots last night. Congratulations.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Not his most glorious AP photo, but it's nice to see former Longhorn Aaron Ross, of San Antonio, (No. 31) the Giants' rookie cornerback, get a trip to the Super Bowl in his first year in the pros. Hook Em, Aaron! 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 11:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That was just one of the prominent signs of similar sentiments directed at Longhorns QB Major Applewhite that often appeared in the stands at Texas home games from 1998 to 2001. Now Major's coming back as a running backs (huh?) coach. He did so well as offensive coordinator at Rice that I'd have supposed he'd want to try another year of his luck with the Crimson Tide's offense before coming home to Austin. But the daily's Kirk Bohls says (sort of) that the skinny guy with the funny name--whose popularity with alumni is second only to Vince--was just ready to return.

MORE:  Burnt Orange Nation brings some conventional reporting to the news and concludes Major was hamstrung and unhappy in Al'abam, and will be a lot more than the RB coach at Texas. Sounds logical. Good to have you back, Major, and good luck!

Posted by Dick Stanley at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Cowboys just couldn't get that last touchdown and lost 21 to 17. I guess QB Tony Romo will now be battered for being distracted by his celebrity girlfriend, although it looked to me like his offensive line failed him when it counted.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 06:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Looking good so far, Titans 6 and San Diego 0 at the half. Rob Brionas is an incredible field goal kicker.

UPDATE Then the Titans folded, Vince choked and the Chargers caught fire, making it 17 to 6 with 4 minutes to play. Not good, VY, not good at all. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 04:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I don't ever cry over Oklahoma's spilt milk. I couldn't care less whether they lose a football game. But their 48-28 loss to West Virginia last night still leaves a bad taste. The Sooners may have been the only team to have a DT arrested for shoplifting, but I don't think I've ever seen so many fouls in a college football game. And not all of them were called. Fox kept replaying video of one play showing a WVA player punching an OK receiver in the crotch after he fumbled a pass and was already down. No flag on that one. Gang tackling by WVA was the norm, late hits, pass interference, face masks, punches thrown, words exchanged. WVA clearly was the faster team, keeping the Sooner's pimply-faced QB running for his life all night, but they didn't have to play dirty. Except, I guess, they're used to playing dirty. Shame on them and shame on their coaches. And on the MSM whose stories after the game proved, once again, that what you can see is what you don't get.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Oh good grief. The Longhorns are going to lose their outstanding RB Jamal Charles:

"Jamaal Charles, who said only a week ago he was staying at Texas, has decided to leave school early for the NFL."

Not good. Simultaneous departure of defensive backs coach Larry MacDuff is a lot less worrisome. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Been an eclectic day around the rancho. Mr. B. and I enjoyed Oklahoma State's defeat of Indiana, followed by watching his latest Laurel & Hardy flick, "Flying Deuces." New Year's eves are restful when you're too old and your son is too young for parties. He read a new picture book on gladiators while I read the latest Dortmunder burglary escapade, "Watch Your Back." And, while thinking of an OCS classmate's ongoing return to Viet Nam this week, I found myself contemplating the tours offered by this San Antonio outfit that specializes in old battlefields in northern and southern I Corps. One of these days...

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Beating the Colts 16 to 10 did it, and Vince's right quad injury apparently ain't serious. Good on ya, VY!

Posted by Dick Stanley at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After complaining about the intermittant audio for the Holiday Bowl, I should say that ESPN360.com is working perfectly for tonight's Alamo Bowl, audio and video. Quite a service. The Ags, however, ain't doing so well, as QB McGee runs for his life from the Penn State defense.

UPDATE:  Mr. B., a Patriots fan, enjoyed their comeback win over the Giants, while I watched the hapless Aggies fail to duplicate their regular season victory over the Longhorns and fall 24-17 to PSU. He came in occasionally to watch, but found the Patriots 38-35 game too compelling to stay for long. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 08:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Watching the game on ESPN360.com is disconcerting. It's about seven minutes behind the game on the Longhorn Sports Radio Network, and the Web game audio is hard to understand because it keeps cutting in and out. But the halftime score, 28 to 10, Longhorns, is easily understandable. Texas is threatening to walk away with it. If Arizona State keeps up the turnovers and Texas keeps on sacking their QB, this is going to be a rout.

UPDATE:  It pretty much was, Texas winning 52 to 34. Only wish they'd played like that all season--which they ended 10-3. Losses to Oklahoma and A&M in the same season really stung.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

He's struggling this season, they say. Not unusual for a young quarterback in his second season in the NFL, they say. But, despite interceptions and fumbles, the former Longhorn is looking good, holding the Titans in a 10-6 lead over the New York Jets and a shot at the playoffs. Good luck VY!

UPDATE: They did it! Now, on to Indiandapolis, an altogether tougher proposition. But who knows? 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 05:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Mr. B. and I are awaiting the big Big 12 championship game tonight which will decide whether Missouri plays for the national championship. We are pulling for Missouri and their Heisman-candidate QB Chase Daniel, who is from the Dallas area. The bookies favor the Okies, who have already beaten Mizzou once this year. Hopefully CD & Co. have figured out how to prevent a repeat of that.

UPDATE:  With eleven minutes to play, it's OU 35 and Mizzou just 17. Bye, bye Missouri. Daniel keeps making faces. He's a Texan. He's seen the Sooner steamroller before. Now he's under it. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Good games today at 2:30 and 7 p.m. I'll be happy if OK State knocks off Zero U, but I'd be happy with either a Mizzou or a Kansas win. Just so long as the Big 12 is in the title game. Texas, outplayed and outcoached yesterday by Texas A&M looks to be well out of it no matter what happens. Their only bright spot: RB Jamaal Charles, who deserves a better team behind him.

UPDATE: The Okies won and so did Mizzou. Only bad thing now is that Mizzou has to beat Oklahoma for the Big 12 title, or the Big 12 is out of the National Title game. I think. It's all a little confusing, as usual, after several upsets. Strange season, this one. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's Aggies QB Stephen McGee, the junior from Burnet (just west of Austin) leading the Big 12's No. 2 rushing offense, vs. Texas QB Colt McCoy, the Tuscola Kid (also call the "pistolas," or pistols, by Spanish-language sportscasters) who could break 3,000 yards passing for the season today and help his team get its seventh consecutive 10-win season, the longest such streak in the country. Hook 'Em!

UPDATE: The Horns are really stinkin' up the joint. Three and out, three and out, three and out. Meanwhile, the Ags have become a successful passing team. Which makes sense. Pass defense is Texas' worst characteristric this season. So it's 17-3 Ags. Fortunately, there's still another half for the Horns to figure out how to play football.

FINAL: They almost did, but it wasn't enough. Ags win, 38-30, for the second year in a row. Another disappointing season for Texas, but this time without an injured Colt for an excuse.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 01:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's a pleasure to see Kansas and Missouri in the BCS' top five, because they're bringing back the early overall credibility of the Big 12 conference, which has fallen on hard times in recent years. Only Oklahoma and Texas, in the South division, were playing tough and ranking high. So, after Texas whoops the Aggies tomorrow, and Oklahoma holds off (maybe) their in-state rival Oklahoma State on Saturday, we will settle in to watch Kansas and Missouri go at it that night. I'm rooting for Kansas, since their QB, Todd Reesing, is a local talent. Besides, I'd really like to see the Big 12 in the national championship game and Kansas has to win for that to happen.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's a shame to see the former Texas star retire forever from football, but I suppose after his 2005 injuries and two years needed for recuperation, it was to be expected. Now, I wonder if we'll be seeing him return to Texas like other former Longhorns have, or at least to his hometown of San Antonio.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 01:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Former Longhorn Aaron Ross thoughtfully lives just two minutes away from practice with his team, the New York Giants, and already is third in the league on interceptions. Sanya's beau is doing good.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Vince Young's former Longhorns' roommate, Selvin Young, set a Bronco's record Sunday of 100 yards against Kansas City. The low-priced free agent is Denver's No. 1 RB and looks to stay there.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nice to see the hardworking Jamaal Charles, No. 25, finally coming into his own as an RB, with 170 or more yards in his last three games. Nice, also, that the coaches' poll moved Texas up to No. 11. They certainly played up to their old standards yesterday. Remains to be seen if the BCS computers agree, or better. Or worse.

UPDATE:  BCS is worse, No. 13. Oh, well. At least two more games to play to finish the season. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 02:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is the old Texas, scoring on just about every possession, going into the half 28 to 20 against Texas Tech. RB Jamaal Charles is one of the reasons, bringing his great play of the fourth quarters of the last two games into the first half of this one. The "pistolas" (pistols) Colt McCoy, as they call him on Spanish station KNWX-AM, helped by having only one interception, for a change.

UPDATE: The old Texas, indeed, with their most dominant performance this year, including a spectacular touchdown run by McCoy breaking two tackles. Texas wins 59-43. If they play like this next week, Texas A&M will go down easily to give the Horns a 10-win season.

MORE: Tech coach Mike Leach, the pirate from the prairie, spouts off. Big surprise. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 04:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Going to spend the afternoon after school with Mr. B. in finishing his Pinewood Derby car for next weekend's race, but meanwhile I keep wondering if the Red Raiders will roll over the Longhorns tomorrow. Probably not, unless Texas plays the game the way they did the first three quarters last week against Okie State. With this 2007 Texas team you never can be sure, as BON points out: "Same as last week: who knows?"

Posted by Dick Stanley at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Second grade boys are like first grade boys and kindergarteners. They go with the winners. They don't waste effort being loyal when a team is losing. Thus Mr. B. decided at the end of the third quarter of the Texas-Oklahoma State game that he'd had enough. Texas was losing 35 to 14 and he had better things to do, like play his Harry Potter computer game. I was still hoping for the comeback, but admitted I was getting less confident by the minute. You'll miss the end of the game, I said. Dad, he said, I think they're going to lose. When they won he made me describe how they did it, and I tried, but better descriptions are here and here.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, it's 28-14 at the half, with Oklahoma State ahead. But as the daily said this morning, we've been here before. The Horns have been behind by much more in this series and still come back to win. So there's no sweat yet. Plus Charles and McGee have broken loose for some nice rushes in the first half, one of them a touchdown for Charles, so we've probably got more from them to look forward to before the games ends. Keep with the BON'ers.

UPDATE: Texas wins 38 to 35, in the biggest (certainly the most dramatic) comeback yet, starting with a Jamaal Charles 75-yard TD. What a sparkplug #25 has become this year. Some older highlights of JC.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 04:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Burnt Orange Nation thinks the game tomorrow against Oklahoma State will be a defining moment for the Longhorns. An above average opponent, for one thing, the kind they've lost to twice already this season--including one, Kansas State, which OK State beat. Win tomorrow and the Horns look to win out and, possibly, get a BCS bowl invite. Lose and they underline what a stinkeroo of a year 2007 has been.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Texas is struggling again, as always this season. Texas fans got spoiled the last few years, used to a quick lede. No more. It's Huskers 17, Longhorns 9 in the FOURTH quarter. Yipes. Even if we pull this one out, it won't erase the O line collapse, Colt's geting hammered, and Charles' mediocre rushing.

UPDATE: Then Charles redeemed himself with three of his best runs of the season and Texas won, 28 to 25. They sure didn't make it look easy. But they finally blew it up and made it.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 05:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

"I could have driven my car through the holes the line was giving me today," Jorvorskie Lane, tailback, Texas Aggies, on Saturday's 36-14 victory over Nebraska. The 270-pound Lane rushed for 130 yards and four touchdowns.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 08:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I can't remember the last time I paid attention to a Longhorns game at Baylor. I stayed tuned to the one yesterday because it wasn't clear Texas was going to beat the hapless Bears until near the end. Yipes. If the Aggies can whup Nebraska, the Longhorns ought to be able to this week. But, the way this season's been going, you never know.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 07:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Guess the voters were sufficiently impressed with how the Longhorns fought yesterday, despite losing to Oklahoma, to keep them ranked, if just barely. The AP has them ranked at 23 and the coaches' poll has them at 22.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 06:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Too many questions surround the Longhorns to have much confidence in their beating Oklahoma today, though I would never bet against them. If the defense can get to OU QB Sam Bradford as much as KState's defense got to Colt McCoy, the OU juggernaut certainly could be slowed, perhaps even stopped.

But it's really a question of whether the UT O line can give Colt time to work, and if not, whether the Texas coaches shift hard to the running game, which Colorado used so effectively against the Sooners. Of course if McCoy is knocked out early (and let us pray, sports fans, that his concussion isn't aggravated, which could endanger his young life), then backup QB John Chiles will have to take over, and his strong suit is the run. Like I say, just too many questions to have confidence in the outcome. But we shall see.

The Horns, at least, are confident. Hook 'Em!

UPDATE: Great game, rare readers! Tied at the half at 14 all. Texas has a chance to pull this out! 

FINAL: It just wasn't to be. Oklahoma wins 28-21, and Texas falls out of the Top 25 for the first time since, uh, 2000, I think. This time, though, they won't likely get back in. Good try, though. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

It's here. Well, almost, and here's a little razz-a-ma-tazz to get into the spirit of what to expect.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

After a "mild concussion" on Saturday, Colt McCoy announces two days later that he will play against Oklahoma this weekend. Believe I've read it takes a week to get over even a "mild concussion," which I keep putting in quotes because that's what we're told the team doctors called the injury that had McCoy reportedly vomiting on the sidelines in the fourth quarter

"He's tough," head coach Mack Brown said. "Most kids would have come out at halftime."

He plainly isn't tough. This was his second debilitating injury at the hands of a K-State tackler in less than a year. Oklahoma is tough. Let's hope Colt is not throwing his life away to make his coaches happy. And fer crissakes, Brown, will you stop calling your players "kids." Of all the dopey coach-speak routines, that is the sorriest.

UPDATE: Someone else who thinks Colt needs to sit this one out, for his own health. On the other hand, UT legend Major Applewhite had a concussion in 1998 and played the next weekend, too. But Major had this little trick of sliding to the ground when a tackler was about to grab him.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Good discussion over at Burnt Orange Nation on what, if anything, can be done to help the Longhorns.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I wouldn't normally give ten cents for CBS News. But they caught my eye with a lengthy interview with the Longhorn that every Longhorn fan misses: VY. It's only unfortunate that we are left with the impression that Vince can't speak grammatical English. That's never the case in print where it is common practice to clean up a speaker's words. Nevertheless, it's obvious he's a paragon of self-confidence and esprit, something the current team certainly could use.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Win, lose, or draw (and it'll probably be a loss) it's Oklahoma Hate Week. Might as well hate 'em since we're not very likely to be able to beat 'em. That was so before Colt McCoy got his "mild concussion" from Kansas State. With untested John Chiles taking his place, the chances will not improve. So enjoy the hate. The game is likely to be ugly.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 08:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's been a wild college football season so far, so it's hard to be sure whether the new Top 25 rankings will hold for long. But they've taken the wind out of Texas' sails, plunging the Longhorns from No. 7 to No. 19 in the new AP poll, and 16 in the new USA Today coaches' poll.

Nebraska (25 in AP and 23 in USAT) looks to be the last ranked team Texas will play this season, after almost certainly losing to No. 10 Oklahoma this Saturday. So even if they beat Nebraska, it won't raise their ranking much, assuming they're still ranked after Oklahoma. I expect they won't be.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 07:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Not too surprising, considering how his offensive line was unable to protect him for most of the game. But it could also be that he's just not tough enough to play college football.

UPDATE: Indeed, he suffered a "mild concussion," and may not play next week. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 07:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's McCoy's return today to playing Kansas State, the team that knocked him out last season and sent the Longhorns to the Alamo Bowl. That's not expected to happen today, but we're going to find out.

UPDATE: Did we ever. History repeats: Colt is hurt, again, and the half ends at 24-14 Kansas State. I'd like to be there for Vince's halftime locker room pep talk. If Colt can't play, I hope his backup John Chiles can throw.

2nd UPDATE: Colt came back, only to throw more interceptions and get sacked and blown up repeatedly, and with about eight minutes to play it's obvious K State, at 41-21 so far, is going to win this game for the second year in a row. It's heresy to say so, but, in addition to an O line, we need a new QB. Trouble is, we don't really have one. It's going to be a looong season.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 02:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The fans at Burnt Orange Nation, well 21 of 22 anyhow, think it'll be Texas in a walk tomorrow. I tend to think so, too. It can't hurt if, as expected, Vince Young is on the sidelines. We shall see.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The daily's Cedric Golden reveals that Longhorns reserve running back and special teams player James Henry's arrest on two felonies was predictable from his glamorizing of the thug life on his MySpace page, which has been taken down. Ced says Coach Mack Brown needs to follow Penn State Coach Joe Paterno, whose troubled (and well-behaved) Nittany Lions are all cleaning out the stadium after home games this year because six of them were arrested in the preseason.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fortunately, James Henry is a not a starter. Unfortunately, his charges are two 3rd degree felonies. The fact that he is the sixth player arrested since last June may reveal a larger, coaching problem, as well.

UPDATE: Sounds bad for Henry, whose playing will be missed. He set up the go-ahead touchdown against TCU. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 03:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

It was depressing reading the daily's takes on the Texas-UCF 35-32 squeaker. BurntOrangeNation isn't much more optimistic. Amazing that Texas only fell to No. 7 in the AP poll and held on to No. 6 in the USA Today one. Rice next week could be the last win for the Longhorns for quite a while. Or maybe a miracle will happen. And pigs might fly.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 06:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Longhorns seem to struggle more as this season progresses. For the third time they have a tight game against an insignificant opponent. With the first half almost over, it would have been a 10-all tie with Central Florida if not for a pick by Brandon Foster making it 13-10 Texas. Central who? The Oklahoma game is going to be murder this year. Not to mention Nebraska, Tech, and A&M.

UPDATE: They done better, in the last minute of the half, with a Colt to Jones TD, making it 20-10. But why not some quick dominance? Why all this sluggish struggle against relatively puny competition? Arrrgh.

MORE: And then it got worse. Texas won 35-32, but, but, but.... 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 04:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Longhorns finally showed up in the second half, just fashionably late. And Colt redeemed himself. Goodnight horny toads. Good wrapup here.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm on pins and needles awaiting kickoff at 6 p.m. or so between Texas and Texas Christian. I'm just trying not to show it. You can also read this. I will go mow the back forty to try and take my mind off it.

UPDATE: 10-0 TCU at the half. Scary. Both scores on Colt's two interceptions. The Texas offense looks worse than last week. This looks to be an awful season. Oklahoma will eat us for lunch, just to mention one Big 12 opponent.

MORE:  10-10 at end of third quarter. Texas is coming back! Heck yeah, 17-10 Texas at start of fourth quarter. About time.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Did you know that Texas Christian has won five straight against the Big 12? That's why the Longhorns better fix what happened against Arkansas State, in a hurry. BON thinks they will. Hopes, anyhow. We'll find out Saturday. Meanwhile, the Tuscola Kid's fans have a nice new site to visit.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unnecessary penalties, unnecessary injuries and Colt McCoy's two interceptions in the first half, with the Horns leading Arkansas State just 14 to 3. Not much of a tune-up game, so far.

UPDATE: A shocking game, actually. Horns winning their buy-a-win by only 21-13. Their new offensive line is shaky, the inexperienced secondary is, well, something not much better than last year's 99th in the nation on pass defense. And McCoy could have had five total picks, if the ASU defenders hadn't dropped three of them. The daily's Kirk Bohls predicted Friday they could lose two games this year and only go to the Cotton Bowl. I thought, then, that was pessimistic. But not now. They might lose even more. Texas Christian certainly will have a chance next week. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 07:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Tennessee Titan's dynamic QB's new Web site. For once, don't skip the intro. Good highlights.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Longhorns ex Selvin Young, undrafted by the NFL, is now the No. 2 tailback of the Denver Broncos!

Posted by Dick Stanley at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That's the prediction of sportswriter Ced Golden, in the daily, predicting a loss to Nebraska or Texas Tech. Mostly likely, he concludes, to Nebraska. Some of his colleagues are even more pessimistic, forecasting up to four losses and even another season-ending injury for the Tuscola Kid, QB Colt McCoy. Ced's more optimistic, and I certainly am, but I wish he'd take back that loss to Nebraska.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Three days to the Longhorns season opener Saturday night against Arkansas State. It will be little more than an exhibition game, but still...

Posted by Dick Stanley at 02:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just twelve days to Arkansas State. Now, if those hot receivers Limas Sweed, Billy Pittman, and Jordan Shipley can just recover from their pre-season injuries...

Posted by Dick Stanley at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It isn't even college football season yet, and the starting lineup of the Texas Longhorns already may have shrunk by one player, 2006 top recruit and linebacker Sergio Kindle, 19, who is faced with a DWI charge. Meanwhile ex-safety Robert Joseph, who was suspended in June after being charged with burglary of a vehicle, has now been charged in a new incident with aggravated robbery--a first degree felony. Defensive end Henry Melton, 20, also was charged with DWI in June. Please, guys, let the attrition stop here, OK?

Posted by Dick Stanley at 05:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That's 45 days to kickoff for Longhorns football. I know I can hardly wait. Same for BurntOrangeNation.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 01:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Countdown to Texas football, via Burnt Orange Nation, including photographs, one of which is Vince's winning dive into the end zone against USC in the Rose Bowl. Here's to Colt's good health this year.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's great to see so many Longhorns get picked for the NFL: Aaron Ross, Michael Griffin, Tarell Brown, Kasey Studdard, Brian Robison, Justin Blalock and Tim Crowder. Nice also to set a school record.

Posted by Dick Stanley at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Maybe, according to the Statesman's sportswriter Kirk Bohls. The Titans need to replace Pacman Jones. But the Bears might draft Ross if Tennessee doesn't. Either way, Aaron will still be bringing water to Sanya.

UPDATE  He was the first round pick of the Giants! Smooth move, New York. 

Posted by Dick Stanley at 08:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't normally get worked up over the Super Bowl. Might next year if Vince takes his Titans there. Also I have friends in Indiana and Illinois, and so hesitate to root for one team or the other. Except for a real good former Longhorn, Nathan Vasher, who plays for the Bears. Vasher was outstanding for Texas, and he's a good player for the Bears, despite being one of their lowest paid. So I'll go for the Bears, and hope Nate has a goo