***OFFICIAL*** USC v Texas GameThread (2 Viewers)

[Couch Potato]

It's games like these that make me so glad I'm a football fan. What a game.Folks watching whatever was on NBC or CBS or anywhere else tonight are impossible for me to understand.

 

[toxicbees]

2 turning points in the game:

- The non-review of the TD lateral toss. He was down and the refs had lots of time to review the play. Also I think the lateral went forward. It was a horrible non-call.

- Going for it on 4th and 1. They should have punted, and put Texas on the 5 yard line. I mean why go for it when you've got the lead?

Are you referring to the TD that Young had earlier in the game, the one where he was down. No doubt he was down.However, let's also think about this. Looking at this game, I think we can say there's a very realistic shot that Texas would have scored a TD anyway. It wasn't like the last play of the half and if they called him down, then they weren't getting any points of the drive. It would have been 1st and 10 from the 11 or 12 yard line. Maybe they wouldn't have scored a TD, but the odds were pretty good that they would score............and because they were rushing, trying to get the play in, they missed the XP.

Also, it was only the 2nd Qtr and timeouts aren't as important........why didn't USC's coaching staff call a timeout to force more time for the refs to look at the play. Call a freaken timeout.......then they would have reviewed it!

Yeah another screw up by Pete. He should have called a timeout.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

2 turning points in the game:

- The non-review of the TD lateral toss.  He was down and the refs had lots of time to review the play.  Also I think the lateral went forward.  It was a horrible non-call.

- Going for it on 4th and 1.  They should have punted, and put Texas on the 5 yard line.  I mean why go for it when you've got the lead?

They didn't have that option, it's not available as far as I know. I'm sure if Pete Carroll were offered that he would have taken it. The ball just as easily could have bounced into the endzone giving Texas the ball at the 20, plenty of time for Young still to score.If you're needing a good play, why not just end the game. Tell me this, what was the best player in college football supposedly doing on the sideline with the National Chamipionsip on the line??? That to me is the biggest mystery.

Really? C'mon. White has been the short yardage back his entire career. He was dominant tonight, a monster who scored 3TD's. Forget about that?. Bush should have been on the sideline. What's with all the hyperbole, folks? If you want to knock Bush, knock him. But enough of this "what's the best player in football doing on the sideline" crap..

That's how I feel, when the chips are on the line, I believe in having your best players in.Who carried Texas down the field.....you didn't see one play, not one play go out of Vince's hands. He either snapped it and thru it or ran himself. No way was someone else getting the ball.

The RB who scored those 3 TD's did do a great job and had a great evening........but on 4th and 2 why did it HAVE to be a fullback lead. Why not spread the defensive, have Bush in there and do something creative. Again, I'm just a big believer in having your best players in the game in those situations.

You telling me that having the Heisman Trophy winner not in the game with the National Championship game on the line doesn't sound a little strange. At least use him as a decoy, something. I don't agree.

 

[clint_c]

I am just so glad that Texas gets to stick in the face of USC and ESPN for their comparing the 2005 Trojans to the best teams in college football history.they weren't even the best team in 2005.

 

[toxicbees]

I am just so glad that Texas gets to stick in the face of USC and ESPN for their comparing the 2005 Trojans to the best teams in college football history.

they weren't even the best team in 2005.

I guess the last 2 NC's didn't mean anything right? I still give USC props for what it did. Even though Texas won tonight, I think it was one of those games where there weren't any winners. Just a great overall game. I mean how many times did the lead change hands? Like 6 times?

 

[bobspruill]

I am just so glad that Texas gets to stick in the face of USC and ESPN for their comparing the 2005 Trojans to the best teams in college football history.

they weren't even the best team in 2005.

I guess the last 2 NC's didn't mean anything right? I still give USC props for what it did. Even though Texas won tonight, I think it was one of those games where there weren't any winners. Just a great overall game. I mean how many times did the lead change hands? Like 6 times?

One of my favorite Lombardi quotes: "We didn't lose. We ran out of time."

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

2 turning points in the game:

- The non-review of the TD lateral toss.  He was down and the refs had lots of time to review the play.  Also I think the lateral went forward.  It was a horrible non-call.

- Going for it on 4th and 1.  They should have punted, and put Texas on the 5 yard line.  I mean why go for it when you've got the lead?

They didn't have that option, it's not available as far as I know. I'm sure if Pete Carroll were offered that he would have taken it. The ball just as easily could have bounced into the endzone giving Texas the ball at the 20, plenty of time for Young still to score.If you're needing a good play, why not just end the game. Tell me this, what was the best player in college football supposedly doing on the sideline with the National Chamipionsip on the line??? That to me is the biggest mystery.

Two great points. I guess Lindell White is the power / short yardage guy. As for the not punting. USC has awesome special teams. Making Young go 90 or 80 yards is better than putting him on the 50 yard line. I think that was a horrible decision by Pete Carroll.

That's certainly debateable......but let me say this.Last year in the Rose Bowl Michigan was down by 2 points with about 2 mins to go. They had the ball at the Texas 30 yard line, it was 3rd and 3. I kept saying before the play.........run the freaken ball, run it. They haven't stopped the run all night, and if they do keep them a little short, go for it on 4th. There's just to much time.

Michigan passes, it goes incomplete.......and on 4th and 3, a long 3 Michingan kicks the field goal and goes up. Now, there's around 2 mins and Vince Young just marches down the field like he did tonight and wins the game and he's the hereo.

For a year now, I've said around my Michigan buddies that on that 3rd and 3 they should have ran that ball..........basically playing to keep the ball out of that guys hands, you CANNOT give him the ball back.

The reason for this story is because Carroll had the balls to attempt it. He knew that yes, 80 yards is longer than 55 yards or whatever, but he also knew that if he got 2 freaken yards, the game was over. Personally I would have done the same thing but would have had the Heisman Trophy winner in the game on that play.

 

[bobspruill]

2 turning points in the game:

- The non-review of the TD lateral toss.  He was down and the refs had lots of time to review the play.  Also I think the lateral went forward.  It was a horrible non-call.

- Going for it on 4th and 1.  They should have punted, and put Texas on the 5 yard line.  I mean why go for it when you've got the lead?

They didn't have that option, it's not available as far as I know. I'm sure if Pete Carroll were offered that he would have taken it. The ball just as easily could have bounced into the endzone giving Texas the ball at the 20, plenty of time for Young still to score.If you're needing a good play, why not just end the game. Tell me this, what was the best player in college football supposedly doing on the sideline with the National Chamipionsip on the line??? That to me is the biggest mystery.

Two great points. I guess Lindell White is the power / short yardage guy. As for the not punting. USC has awesome special teams. Making Young go 90 or 80 yards is better than putting him on the 50 yard line. I think that was a horrible decision by Pete Carroll.

That's certainly debateable......but let me say this.Last year in the Rose Bowl Michigan was down by 2 points with about 2 mins to go. They had the ball at the Texas 30 yard line, it was 3rd and 3. I kept saying before the play.........run the freaken ball, run it. They haven't stopped the run all night, and if they do keep them a little short, go for it on 4th. There's just to much time.

Michigan passes, it goes incomplete.......and on 4th and 3, a long 3 Michingan kicks the field goal and goes up. Now, there's around 2 mins and Vince Young just marches down the field like he did tonight and wins the game and he's the hereo.

For a year now, I've said around my Michigan buddies that on that 3rd and 3 they should have ran that ball..........basically playing to keep the ball out of that guys hands, you CANNOT give him the ball back.

The reason for this story is because Carroll had the balls to attempt it. He knew that yes, 80 yards is longer than 55 yards or whatever, but he also knew that if he got 2 freaken yards, the game was over. Personally I would have done the same thing but would have had the Heisman Trophy winner in the game on that play.

It's the same problem two-back teams (like Denver, say) have: no matter which one you put in, the defense knows what's coming. I'm not an OC, but it seems to me that if you have a team with that kind of personnel, you have at least a couple plays in the bag where both guys are in and the defense isn't sure which way it's going to go.

 

[Kemosabe]

Vince was Deff. down on that latteral play but they would've most likely scored anyway. Also that int that they called an incomplete pass was obviosuly a blown call which led to 3 points for USC.

 

[Judge Smails]

2 turning points in the game:

- The non-review of the TD lateral toss.  He was down and the refs had lots of time to review the play.  Also I think the lateral went forward.  It was a horrible non-call.

- Going for it on 4th and 1.  They should have punted, and put Texas on the 5 yard line.  I mean why go for it when you've got the lead?

They didn't have that option, it's not available as far as I know. I'm sure if Pete Carroll were offered that he would have taken it. The ball just as easily could have bounced into the endzone giving Texas the ball at the 20, plenty of time for Young still to score.If you're needing a good play, why not just end the game. Tell me this, what was the best player in college football supposedly doing on the sideline with the National Chamipionsip on the line??? That to me is the biggest mystery.

Really? C'mon. White has been the short yardage back his entire career. He was dominant tonight, a monster who scored 3TD's. Forget about that?. Bush should have been on the sideline. What's with all the hyperbole, folks? If you want to knock Bush, knock him. But enough of this "what's the best player in football doing on the sideline" crap..

That's how I feel, when the chips are on the line, I believe in having your best players in.Who carried Texas down the field.....you didn't see one play, not one play go out of Vince's hands. He either snapped it and thru it or ran himself. No way was someone else getting the ball.

The RB who scored those 3 TD's did do a great job and had a great evening........but on 4th and 2 why did it HAVE to be a fullback lead. Why not spread the defensive, have Bush in there and do something creative. Again, I'm just a big believer in having your best players in the game in those situations.

You telling me that having the Heisman Trophy winner not in the game with the National Championship game on the line doesn't sound a little strange. At least use him as a decoy, something. I don't agree.

I hear you. I've watched every game, and I don't consider Bush the #1 and White the #2. It's 1A and 1B. White is that good, and he was the right guy for the play. Hindsight is 20-20. If White gets that first down, game is over and everyone says what a genius Carroll is.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

2 turning points in the game:

- The non-review of the TD lateral toss.  He was down and the refs had lots of time to review the play.  Also I think the lateral went forward.  It was a horrible non-call.

- Going for it on 4th and 1.  They should have punted, and put Texas on the 5 yard line.  I mean why go for it when you've got the lead?

They didn't have that option, it's not available as far as I know. I'm sure if Pete Carroll were offered that he would have taken it. The ball just as easily could have bounced into the endzone giving Texas the ball at the 20, plenty of time for Young still to score.If you're needing a good play, why not just end the game. Tell me this, what was the best player in college football supposedly doing on the sideline with the National Chamipionsip on the line??? That to me is the biggest mystery.

Two great points. I guess Lindell White is the power / short yardage guy. As for the not punting. USC has awesome special teams. Making Young go 90 or 80 yards is better than putting him on the 50 yard line. I think that was a horrible decision by Pete Carroll.

That's certainly debateable......but let me say this.Last year in the Rose Bowl Michigan was down by 2 points with about 2 mins to go. They had the ball at the Texas 30 yard line, it was 3rd and 3. I kept saying before the play.........run the freaken ball, run it. They haven't stopped the run all night, and if they do keep them a little short, go for it on 4th. There's just to much time.

Michigan passes, it goes incomplete.......and on 4th and 3, a long 3 Michingan kicks the field goal and goes up. Now, there's around 2 mins and Vince Young just marches down the field like he did tonight and wins the game and he's the hereo.

For a year now, I've said around my Michigan buddies that on that 3rd and 3 they should have ran that ball..........basically playing to keep the ball out of that guys hands, you CANNOT give him the ball back.

The reason for this story is because Carroll had the balls to attempt it. He knew that yes, 80 yards is longer than 55 yards or whatever, but he also knew that if he got 2 freaken yards, the game was over. Personally I would have done the same thing but would have had the Heisman Trophy winner in the game on that play.

It's the same problem two-back teams (like Denver, say) have: no matter which one you put in, the defense knows what's coming. I'm not an OC, but it seems to me that if you have a team with that kind of personnel, you have at least a couple plays in the bag where both guys are in and the defense isn't sure which way it's going to go.

Yes, it's a tough call........but I think just about everyone in the world knew with that big RB in the game, that it was going to be a run, which is why Texas was able to load up and stop it short.With Bush in there, I think it makes the defense think more, whether it's a run, a screen, a play action to a WR or TE or even a bootleg. I'm sure Coach Carroll will agonize over it himself the enitre offseason.

 

[mektarus]

What a terrible interview....

Leinart says it was a great win for them, and then the interviewer signs off with saying good game Vince to Leinart. LOL

The whole broadcast was a joke. Keith Jackson seriously needs to re-retire. He's completely lost, like a deep-voiced Sumerall. He is hands down the worst play by play caller in sprts today. Absolutely clueless.

Sad...but true.

 

[saintfool]

Yes, it's a tough call........but I think just about everyone in the world knew with that big RB in the game, that it was going to be a run, which is why Texas was able to load up and stop it short.

With Bush in there, I think it makes the defense think more, whether it's a run, a screen, a play action to a WR or TE or even a bootleg. I'm sure Coach Carroll will agonize over it himself the enitre offseason.

That and White had been killing them up the middle on runs much of the game. It was a gutsy call which backfired.

 

[denver90]

2 turning points in the game:

- The non-review of the TD lateral toss. He was down and the refs had lots of time to review the play. Also I think the lateral went forward. It was a horrible non-call.

- Going for it on 4th and 1. They should have punted, and put Texas on the 5 yard line. I mean why go for it when you've got the lead?

I think the more critical error was the 2nd down play call the resulted in stopping the clock and saving Texas a TO before the 4th down decision, then a punt even resulting in a touchback would probably kill Texas' hopes.1 TO and 80 yards would be much tougher than 2 TOs and 55 yards.

Add to that the wasted TO for USC on the 2-pt coversion virtually killed any miracle finish for them.

 

[Big]

I am just so glad that Texas gets to stick in the face of USC and ESPN for their comparing the 2005 Trojans to the best teams in college football history.

they weren't even the best team in 2005.

I guess the last 2 NC's didn't mean anything right? I still give USC props for what it did. Even though Texas won tonight, I think it was one of those games where there weren't any winners. Just a great overall game. I mean how many times did the lead change hands? Like 6 times?

Last two? last time I checked, Texas, USC, and LSU are tied with 1 Crystal Football each. How can USC fan gush over last years Crystal football while at the same time not acknowledging they didnt win it the year before? Three years, three champions.

 

[Big]

...and theres Bama fan counting mythical "Opies Counsins Garage Committee" national titles from the stone ages again......

 

[cosmonaut]

Leinart:  "I think we're the better team.  They just made the plays at the end."  Weak.

Typical SoCal whiny little beeatch.

Sounds like something Brady would say

Sounds like something Brady's never had to say in the playoffs.

 

[tombonneau]

Pete the Poodle's biggest mistake was burning that TO after the final TD bc he wasn't prepared for 2. Classic Carroll.If they had the TO, they had 8 secs. to move the ball about 20yds after the Bush catch, and would have had the whole field to work with. Just dumb.And I think its safe to say Vince Young with be a Saint.

 

[2112]

I'm a huge SC homer, and we have no excuses.  Tip my hat to Texas, espcially Young.  Man among boys.  The only glaring mistake was blowing timeouts by USC in the 2nd half.  Carroll was 100% right going for that on 4th down.  He knew if hew got it, game over.  If he punted, Young would beat him anyway, and that's what happened.

I'm with you there, although I'm not going to give Carroll a free pass. The play calling was terrible tonight. White was running through Texas, but they didn't stick with him and rarely gave him carries on back-to-back plays. That botched 2nd and 7 screen attempt to Hancock cost them the game. If they hand it to White on that play and on third down then they win the game. Nevertheless, a loss is a loss. USC had no answer for Young all night long.

Absolutely! Coming into this game, my buddies & I were worried more about what Lendale would do than Bush. The weak spot in the Texas defense is right up the gut -- we knew it here in Austin, and I thank Lord Almighty that USC didn't exploit that more tonight. Because they certainly should have.That said - I'll take the "W" baby. I'm sure hoping Vince returns for 06, but I'm doubting it lately. With the returning skill players, we might be looking at a repeat if he stays in school. C'mon Mama Young - get him the insurance policy & tell him to stay in school.

HOOK 'EM

 

[tombonneau]

Leinart: "I think we're the better team. They just made the plays at the end." Weak.

Typical SoCal whiny little beeatch.

Sounds like something Brady would say

Sounds like something Brady's never had to say in the playoffs.

Sounds like something a bitter Brady Hater would unsubstantially spout. 100% baseless. If you can find Brady saying anything remotely like that after one of his 19 NFL losses I'll kiss my mother.

 

[Big]

Pete the Poodle's biggest mistake was burning that TO after the final TD bc he wasn't prepared for 2. Classic Carroll.

If they had the TO, they had 8 secs. to move the ball about 20yds after the Bush catch, and would have had the whole field to work with. Just dumb.

And I think its safe to say Vince Young with be a Saint.

GOD I HOPE SO. Them drafting Lienary scares me to death.

 

[saintfool]

Pete the Poodle's biggest mistake was burning that TO after the final TD bc he wasn't prepared for 2. Classic Carroll.

If they had the TO, they had 8 secs. to move the ball about 20yds after the Bush catch, and would have had the whole field to work with. Just dumb.

And I think its safe to say Vince Young with be a Saint.

GOD I HOPE SO. Them drafting Lienary scares me to death.

how so?

 

[tombonneau]

Pete the Poodle's biggest mistake was burning that TO after the final TD bc he wasn't prepared for 2. Classic Carroll.

If they had the TO, they had 8 secs. to move the ball about 20yds after the Bush catch, and would have had the whole field to work with. Just dumb.

And I think its safe to say Vince Young with be a Saint.

GOD I HOPE SO. Them drafting Lienary scares me to death.

how so?

I actually think Leinhart would be good with the Saints. He needs to go somewhere with a few cogs in place at the skill positions, whereas Young is the kind of Instant Offense who can make things happen regardless of supporting cast (a la McNabb in his early days in Philly).

 

[Big]

Pete the Poodle's biggest mistake was burning that TO after the final TD bc he wasn't prepared for 2. Classic Carroll.

If they had the TO, they had 8 secs. to move the ball about 20yds after the Bush catch, and would have had the whole field to work with. Just dumb.

And I think its safe to say Vince Young with be a Saint.

GOD I HOPE SO. Them drafting Lienary scares me to death.

how so?

I discussed it here.http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=219184

 

[mad sweeney]

Vince was Deff. down on that latteral play but they would've most likely scored anyway. Also that int that they called an incomplete pass was obviosuly a blown call which led to 3 points for USC.

If that "blown call" was a pick, then the catch then fumble recovered by SC was also a blown call. They evened out.

 

[Ray]

2 turning points in the game:

- The non-review of the TD lateral toss. He was down and the refs had lots of time to review the play. Also I think the lateral went forward. It was a horrible non-call.

- Going for it on 4th and 1. They should have punted, and put Texas on the 5 yard line. I mean why go for it when you've got the lead?

Umm...what about Bush's insane lateral/fumble?It's funny to me that the 'next gayle sayers' made the worst mistake of the game, and was on the sideline or in motion to the sideline on the most pivotal plays of the game.

 

[Tom Servo]

2 turning points in the game:

- The non-review of the TD lateral toss.  He was down and the refs had lots of time to review the play.  Also I think the lateral went forward.  It was a horrible non-call.

- Going for it on 4th and 1.  They should have punted, and put Texas on the 5 yard line.  I mean why go for it when you've got the lead?

They didn't have that option, it's not available as far as I know. I'm sure if Pete Carroll were offered that he would have taken it. The ball just as easily could have bounced into the endzone giving Texas the ball at the 20, plenty of time for Young still to score.If you're needing a good play, why not just end the game. Tell me this, what was the best player in college football supposedly doing on the sideline with the National Chamipionsip on the line??? That to me is the biggest mystery.

Really? C'mon. White has been the short yardage back his entire career. He was dominant tonight, a monster who scored 3TD's. Forget about that?. Bush should have been on the sideline. What's with all the hyperbole, folks? If you want to knock Bush, knock him. But enough of this "what's the best player in football doing on the sideline" crap..

I'm not sure about "best player", but on ESPN Radio's "All Night" program, the UT players Jason Smith talked to said that when they saw Bush on the sideline, they knew what was coming -- Lendale White. FWIW.

 

[Tau837]

I am just so glad that Texas gets to stick in the face of USC and ESPN for their comparing the 2005 Trojans to the best teams in college football history.

they weren't even the best team in 2005.

I guess the last 2 NC's didn't mean anything right? I still give USC props for what it did. Even though Texas won tonight, I think it was one of those games where there weren't any winners. Just a great overall game. I mean how many times did the lead change hands? Like 6 times?

Last two? last time I checked, Texas, USC, and LSU are tied with 1 Crystal Football each. How can USC fan gush over last years Crystal football while at the same time not acknowledging they didnt win it the year before? Three years, three champions.

 

[GiantsRule]

Vince was Deff. down on that latteral play but they would've most likely scored anyway. Also that int that they called an incomplete pass was obviosuly a blown call which led to 3 points for USC.

What a completely unbiased and fair statement!

 

[MelvinTScupper]

great game, and congrats to Vince Young for winning that game for Texas. Awesome football.Bush let USC down with that boneheaded lateral.

 

[Joe T]

great game, and congrats to Vince Young for winning that game for Texas. Awesome football.

Bush let USC down with that boneheaded lateral.

Mr. Rearview> hiI said this 4 weeks ago.

 

[MelvinTScupper]

great game, and congrats to Vince Young for winning that game for Texas. Awesome football.

Bush let USC down with that boneheaded lateral.

Mr. Rearview> hiI said this 4 weeks ago.

You said Bush would lateral?Mr. 20/20 thanks for the insight post-game.

 

[Big]

great game, and congrats to Vince Young for winning that game for Texas.  Awesome football.

Bush let USC down with that boneheaded lateral.

Mr. Rearview> hiI said this 4 weeks ago.

You said Bush would lateral?Mr. 20/20 thanks for the insight post-game.

 

[Spike]

My observations from last night's game (for what they're worth):1. I still really like to hear Keith Jackson's voice in the games, it's just too bad that he's past his prime.2. LenDale White's stock is much higher than it was 24 hours ago. He probably made himself 5 million dollars last night.3. Unfortunately for the Pittsburg Steelers, you'll now have no chance at getting White.4. Vince Young is amazing!5. USC's defense is SO inferior to that of Texas.6. Michael Huff has got lots of game.7. Has Vince Young ever taken a snap directly from center?8. Does anyone on the USC defense know how to tackle?9. I wish the game had started earlier so I could have caught the end!10. I cannot even imagine how the hype machine is going in Houston now - Reggie Bush or Vince Young? (Assuming Young declares.)