Roses for Texas

As I watched Texas kicker Dusty Mangum's 37-yard field goal split the arms of Michigan blockers and clear the line of scrimmage, I knew it was good. Sure enough, the ball slipped in for three points with no time left to give Texas a 38-37 win over Michigan. What an amazing game.

For three weeks college football analysts complained that Texas stole Cal's place in the Rose Bowl, which traditionally hosts the champions of the Big Ten and Pac-10 conferences. Cal complained that Texas classlessly campaigned for votes to move them into place for a BCS bowl bid on the final poll of the season. Cal said they got snubbed.

Yet it was Cal who lost - no, who got blown out - by Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl. On the other hand Texas, who finished its season 11-1, beat 9-3 Michigan to prove wrong the doubters of not only head coach Mack Brown but quarterback Vince Young.


photo courtesy of ESPN.com
Texas quarterback Vince Young was runnin runnin and runnin runnin past Michigan to the tune of 21 carries, 193 yards and four trips into the endzone.
-- CLICK PHOTO FOR VIDEO OF YOUNG AND GAME HIGHLIGHTS --

While Mangum's field goal gave the Longhorns the win, the legs of Young carried the team the whole night. Michigan's game plan to stop Texas running back Cedric Benson (23 carries, 70 yards) worked against them as Young exploited the defense making Michael Vick-like plays and making defenders miss en route to the end zone. Despite only passing for one touchdown, he scored four on the ground.

He scored four rushing touchdowns. Say what you will, but Vince Young - or any player who can do that on a stage like the Rose Bowl - is special.

"That's why they play the games." Every week some football announcer will say this, and after this game surely they are shouting it out. This was an amazing game that pitted to storied football schools against each other leaving all who watched it amazed and astounded. And don't call me Shirley.