ESPN College Football

ESPN the Magazine had a fascinating feature looking back at the past 25 No. 1 high school recruits, where they are now and what the ranking meant to them. With apologies to Vince Young, there aren't a ton of Big 12 talents on the list, but there have been plenty of great recruits to come through the Big 12. We took a look on Thursday at how the All-Big 12 team stacked up as recruits, and you saw quite a mixed bag.

Well, it's the same for the recruits who came to campus with high rankings and high profiles. Going back to 2006, here's how every Big 12 commit from the ESPNU 150 turned out. We'll look at 2006 in this post before eventually reaching 2010 and the current class, 2011, by signing day.

2006

No. 6: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma. Murray set the school records for touchdowns (64) and all-purpose yards (6,498) as a Sooner. He's projected to be drafted on the first day of this year's NFL Draft.

No. 7: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas. Kindle was a finalist for the Butkus and Hendricks Awards and was a two-time All-Big 12 performer with 176 career tackles. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round last year's NFL Draft, but missed his rookie season after fracturing his skull in a fall on the stairs at his home.

No. 13: Jevan Snead, QB, Texas. Lost a quarterback battle to Colt McCoy following the 2005 season. Played sparingly as a freshman before transferring to Ole Miss. Went undrafted in 2010. Now plays for Arena League's Tampa Bay Storm.

No. 21: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. McCoy was a Lombardi finalist, a three-time All-Big 12 performer, a two-time All-American who left Oklahoma after his junior season and was selected No. 3 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2010 NFL Draft.

No. 22: Eddie Jones, DE, Texas. Jones just finished his career at Texas with an All-Big 12 honorable mention year in 2010. Finished his career with 111 tackles and 13.5 sacks.

No. 34: J'Marcus Webb, OT, Texas. Webb played one year at Texas before transferring to Navarro College and eventually West Texas A&M. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2010 draft and spent the season with the Chicago Bears.

No. 36: Adron Tennell, WR, Oklahoma. Tennell finished his four-year career at Oklahoma with 40 catches, 505 yards and five touchdowns.

No. 42: Dustin Earnest, LB, Texas. Earnest finished his career in 2010 with 84 tackles and a sack for the Longhorns.

No. 45: Mike Goodson, RB, Texas A&M. Goodson was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2006 with his career high 847 yards. He finished with 1,966 yards and 13 TDs in three seasons before being drafted in the fourth round by the Carolina Panthers.

No. 67: Phillip Payne, WR, Texas. Caught his first career pass in 2009, his third year at UT, before transferring after the season.

No. 75: Derek Burton, DE, Oklahoma State. Started 15 games in four years for the Cowboys, recording 67 career tackles.

No. 82: Ben Alexander, DT, Texas. Made four career starts, with 51 tackles and half a sack in 38 career appearances.

No. 104: Terrance Anderson, CB, Oklahoma State. Made 96 tackles in four years with the Cowboys. Had four career interceptions.

No. 110: Jonathan Nelson, CB, Oklahoma. Started all 14 games in 2010 for the Sooners after earning All-Big 12 honorable mention as a junior in 2009. Finished career with 155 tackles and five interceptions.

No. 111: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. Caught 111 passes for 1,629 yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons, including an All-American season in 2008. Missed all of 2009 with knee injury. Drafted No. 21 overall in the 2010 draft by Cincinnati Bengals.

No. 137: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma. Had 224 tackles, 58.5 tackles for loss, and 29 sacks in four seasons, including three All-Big 12 seasons, an All-American season and was a Hendricks Award finalist in 2009. Projects as middle-round pick in 2011 NFL Draft.

No. 141: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Threw for 8,078 yards and 44 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in 35 career games. Also ran for 404 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. Drafted No. 17 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2010 NFL Draft.

We're only a few hours away from tonight's first round of the NFL draft, one that could be unprecedented for the conference.

As many as five of the first six picks could come from the Big 12.

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford is the assumed first pick. Defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy should follow. As will offensive tackles Trent Williams (Oklahoma) and Russell Okung (Oklahoma State).

Considering where the conference has been in recent years, that's not a surprise to the coaches sending those players to the next level.

"I don’t think there’s any question it’s been excellent, evidenced by what, us and Texas in the last couple national championship games," said Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who was forced to play most of 2009 without Bradford, the 2008 Heisman winner. "And year in and year out we’ve been there. I’ve known that for a long time and it’s obvious the talent in this league is second to none and its throughout the league and it’s exciting."

Texas coach Mack Brown could also have a pair of Longhorns go in the first round: defensive back Earl Thomas and defensive end/linebacker Sergio Kindle. Both are Texas natives, with Thomas hailing from Orange and Kindle from Dallas.

"More of the kids are staying at home and wanting to play in the Big 12 area, where one of our schools is traditionally playing for the national championship, so we’re in the mix each year," Brown said. "And I also feel like since we’ve won in this league and we’ve been in the final game more often, that more national kids are starting to look at our schools more readily than before."

Missouri's program has reached new heights in the last few years, winning 12 games in 2007 and another 10 in 2008. Missouri's two first-round draft picks last season, receiver Jeremy Maclin and defensive tackle Ziggy Hood, helped make those seasons possible. The Tigers also had safety William Moore drafted in the second round of last year's draft.

"I remember Don James, my mentor who I worked for at Washington, he told me about three or four years ago, he says, ‘When you start getting more players drafted, a lot more high draft choices, you’re going to win a lot more games.’ And at this level, as it was at Washington, that’s the way it is," Pinkel said. "You’re not going to get six drafted every year, but certainly, if you’re going to win at this level, you’re going to get more players that go on and play in the NFL."

He could add another first-round pick, his third in two seasons, tonight in linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, giving the Big 12 as many as 10 selections among the first 32 picks.

"It shows schools are recruiting quality young men and good football players," said Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.

Texas Longhorns

Total class: 25

ESPN 150: 15

By position: WR 5, DE 3, DT 3, OLB 3, ATH 2, QB 2, CB 2, G 1, RB 1, C 1, S 1, K 1.

By state: Texas 22, Ohio 1, Oklahoma 1, Louisiana 1.

Already enrolled in school: 3.

The big ones: Jackson Jeffcoat, the nation’s top player at his position and No. 2 player overall, is a dominant speed rusher who should only get better as he fills out. Jordan Hicks, the nation’s top outside linebacker and No. 4 player overall, shows the kind of burst and tackling ability that leads me to think he could win a college Butkus Award to go along with the high school version he picked up last season.

Sleeper: DE Greg Daniels might get lost amongst all of the publicity surrounding Jeffcoat, Hicks and the others on the defense. But he’s a strong, active pass rusher who should challenge for playing time while with the Longhorns.

Needs met: With Sergio Kindle departing and Eddie Jones and Sam Acho both entering their senior seasons, the Longhorns needed defensive ends. They addressed the deficiency by attracting three of the nation’s top 23 defensive ends. Texas coaches were specific about their offensive line needs and attracted Army All-Americans in center Dominic Espinosa and guard Trey Hopkins. And with Garrett Gilbert seemingly entrenched as the starting quarterback, the Longhorns attracted Case McCoy and Connor Wood to battle for depth at the position. Both graduated from high school early and will begin practice with the Longhorns later this month.

Analysis: Texas won the mythical Big 12 recruiting title with a typical strong early spurt and two monster late additions in Jeffcoat and Hicks. It should give Will Muschamp a lot of defensive building blocks to tinker with for the next several seasons. Help was needed at wide receiver and the Longhorns addressed those needs with five players, including potential standouts Mike Davis and Darius White. And look for Demarco Cobbs to challenge for playing time at running back. All of these elements help to make it one of Mack Brown’s top two recruiting classes, ranking with his 2002 class for his very best group.

What Mack Brown said: “I've been asked over the last couple of days, 'Is this the best class that we've ever had?' We feel like it definitely has the potential to be because from top to bottom it covers every position and that's a very difficult thing to do." … On Texas' consistent recruiting success: “Obviously, we had 25 official visits and we got 25 kids. We're not into offering guys that we don't want. We're really not into recruiting guys that don't have interest.”

Scouts Inc. grade/rankings: A-plus, first in Big 12.

Jackson Jeffcoat's decision to attend Texas wasn't surprising.

Texas coach Mack Brown has rarely lost a commitment from an in-state Texas player that he really wanted. And Jeffcoat's announcement Friday morning continued that trend.

Texas' history of nurturing top pass-rushing defensive ends played a big part in Jeffcoat's decision. He only had to look at the work of Brian Orakpo and Sergio Kindle to imagine his possibilities thriving in Will Muschamp's defense.

Orakpo spent one season with Muschamp's defense and developed into a first-round pick for the Washington Redskins. He later became a Pro Bowl selection for the Redskins after his rookie NFL season.

And Kindle also is expected to be a first-round draft pick when the NFL conducts its 2010 draft in April.

At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Jeffcoat will report to college with the same lanky frame that both Kindle and Orakpo had when they arrived at college. But it's not a stretch to imagine him filling out to more than 250 pounds like both of his predecessors did before they left college.

By making his decision, Jeffcoat turned his back on family relationships at finalists Oklahoma and Houston. His twin sister Jacqueline will play basketball with the Lady Sooners starting next season. And his father, former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jim Jeffcoat, is Houston's defensive line coach on the staff of Kevin Sumlin.

Despite those strong ties at the other schools, the decision to attend Texas was what Jeffcoat thought he needed to make.

"This decision took so long because I felt comfortable at all of the schools,” Jeffcoat told the Austin American-Statesman.

In the end, he helped separate the schools by looking at which one had done the best job recently of developing players for the NFL draft at his position.

Mack Brown revived the glory at Texas in the last decade, claiming at least 10 victories in each of the last nine seasons, including a 25-2 record in the last two seasons. The Longhorns have finished in the top 10 in five of the last six seasons.

Darrell K. Royal/Texas Memorial Stadium now has more than 100,00 seats. The Longhorns have a designated successor for Brown in place with rising star Will Muschamp. And that pesky problem with Bob Stoops has been alleviated recently with four victories in the last five seasons over the Sooners.

Times are good for Brown.

Here's a look at the Longhorns’ all-decade team during that time.

OFFENSE

QB: Vince Young

RB: Jamaal Charles

RB: Cedric Benson

WR: Jordan Shipley

WR: Roy Williams

TE: David Thomas

OL: Justin Blalock

OL: Jonathan Scott

OL: Derrick Dockery

OL: Leonard Davis

C: Lyle Sendlein

DEFENSE

DL: Brian Orakpo

DL: Cory Redding

DL: Shaun Rogers

DL: Casey Hampton

LB: Sergio Kindle

LB: Derrick Johnson

LB: Roddrick Muckelroy

DB: Earl Thomas

DB: Michael Huff

DB: Nathan Vasher

DB: Aaron Ross

P: Richmond McGee

K: Hunter Lawrence

KR: Quan Cosby

Offensive player of the decade: QB Vince Young. The most electrifying player of the decade capped his career by scoring the game-winning touchdown to lead his team to the national championship in his final drive. Brown finished with a 30-2 record, 6.040 passing yards and 3,127 rushing yards.

Defensive player of the decade: LB Derrick Johnson. He wasn’t around when the Longhorns won the national championship, but was perhaps the best player at his position at the school since Tommy Nobis. He capped his career with the Nagurski and Butkus Awards after earning All-America honors in each of his last two seasons.

Coach of the decade: Mack Brown. Remember when people used to joke about his inability to win big games or how he coddled his players. That all changed as the decade progressed. Brown got tougher and made some astute moves at defensive coordinator to help his program take the next step with the addition of coaches like Gene Chizik and Will Muschamp.

Moment of the decade: Vince Young’s run leads comeback victory to the 2005 national championship. Young’s game-winning 8-yard TD run with 19 seconds left boosted the Longhorns to a 41-38 victory over USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl, providing the margin of victory in one of the greatest college football games in history. Michael Huff’s fourth-down stop of LenDale White on the preceding drive set up Young’s heroics to snap the Trojans’ 34-game winning streak.

The Big 12 had two national championship teams and five others that played in the BCS title game in the decade.

The two championship teams were the best of the conference's last 10 years. Some of the other BCS title participants were good, but not necessarily among the very best teams during the conference's recent history.

Here's how I rank the Big 12's top 10 teams over the last decade.

1. 2005 Texas: A star-studded team paced by All-Americans Michael Huff, Jonathan Scott, Rodrique Wright and Vince Young ran off 13 straight victories, capping the season with a BCS title-game victory over USC. The team averaged 50.2 points per game en route to a then-NCAA record 652 total points, earning Texas’ first undisputed national championship since 1969. It was the greatest team that Mack Brown ever coached and arguably the best team in the rich football history of Texas.

2. 2000 Oklahoma: Bob Stoops claimed a national championship in his second season coaching the Trojans behind Josh Heupel, who finished second in the Heisman race that season. All-Americans Heupel, linebacker Rocky Calmus and J.T. Thatcher helped the Sooners notch the first undefeated season and national championship in Big 12 history. After winning three of their final four regular-season games by less than five points, the Sooners dominated Florida State in a 13-2 triumph in the Orange Bowl for the national championship.

3. 2008 Oklahoma: Sam Bradford won the Heisman Trophy with this team, which overcame a midseason loss to Texas and still claimed the Big 12 title in a 12-2 season that was marred by a 24-14 loss to Florida in the national championship game. The Sooners rolled-up a record 702 points as Bradford passed for 50 touchdowns, Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray each rushed for 1,000 yards and Juaquin Iglesias topped 1,000 yards receiving. The Sooners scored 35 points in each regular-season game and finished the regular season with five straight games of at least 60 points before the BCS title-game loss.

4. 2004 Oklahoma: The Sooners charged to 12 straight victories before a dropping a 55-19 decision to USC in the Orange Bowl for the national title. Freshman running back Adrian Peterson rushed for an NCAA freshman record 1,925 yards to finish second in the Heisman. Jason White claimed the Heisman the previous season and his numbers were down with Peterson's arrival, but he still passed for 3,205 yards and 35 touchdowns. This group had strength in the trenches with All-Americans like Vince Carter, Dan Cody, Jammal Brown and Mark Clayton as it claimed Bob Stoops’ third Big 12 title.

5. 2009 Texas: After streaking to a school-record 13-0 mark through the Big 12 title game, the Longhorns dropped a 37-21 decision to Alabama in the national title game in a contest that changed when Colt McCoy was hurt on the fifth play of the game. McCoy became the winningest quarterback in NCAA history during this season, repeatedly hooking up with favorite target Jordan Shipley, who snagged a school-record 116 receptions, 1,485 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Longhorns led the nation in rush defense, and All-American safety Earl Thomas tied a school record with eight interceptions. Lamarr Houston and Sergio Kindle also added playmaking abilities to the defense.

6. 2004 Texas: The Longhorns overcame a midseason 12-0 loss to Oklahoma to finish the season with seven straight victories in a season capped by a dramatic 38-37 victory over Michigan in the Rose Bowl. The Longhorns ranked second nationally in rushing offense and seventh in total offense as Young gradually found his confidence as a passer late in the season. Cedric Benson rushed for 1,834 yards and 19 touchdowns, and Young chipped in with 1,079 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. This team showed a knack for comebacks, overcoming an early 35-7 deficit against Oklahoma State and also coming from behind in an early-season victory at Arkansas.

7. 2007 Oklahoma: Bradford led the first of two consecutive Big 12 championships on a team that enabled the Sooners to become the first Big 12 school to win back-to-back titles. The Sooners dropped road games to Colorado and Texas Tech but still overcame Missouri in the Big 12 title game behind a huge defensive effort keyed by Big 12 defensive player of the year Rufus Alexander. Bradford led the nation in passing efficiency, but the Sooners' bowl struggles continued in an embarrassing 48-28 loss to West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.

8. 2003 Kansas State: Don’t let the Wildcats’ 11-4 record fool you. After an early three-game losing streak to Marshall, Texas and Oklahoma State (by a combined margin of 15 points), Bill Snyder’s team won its final seven regular-season games by a combined margin of 271-66. That streak was culminated by a stunning 35-7 upset victory over Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game -- the last victory by a North Division team in the title game. The Wildcats ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing, scoring, total defense, scoring defense and pass defense as Darren Sproles rushed for 1,986 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Wildcats dropped a 35-28 Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State in a game they fell into an early 21-0 deficit and had a chance to tie on the final play of the game after a frantic comeback directed by Ell Roberson.

9. 2007 Missouri: Chase Daniel led Missouri into the Big 12 title game for the first time in school history, taking the team to No. 1 nationally heading into the conference championship game. The Tigers lost twice to Oklahoma during a 12-2 season that was capped by 38-7 beatdown over Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. Tony Temple made that game memorable by rushing for a record 281 yards and four TDs that pushed Missouri to No. 4 nationally at the end of the season. A star-studded collection of talent including Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, Chase Coffman, Martin Rucker and Sean Weatherspoon helped the Tigers rank among the top-10 teams nationally in passing, total offense and scoring and 11th in turnover margin.

10. 2007 Kansas: The Jayhawks earned Mark Mangino the national coach of the year award by running to an 11-0 start before losing to Missouri in the regular-season finale. The Jayhawks rebounded for a 24-21 victory over Virginia Tech in their first BCS bowl appearance in school history, finishing a 12-1 season that set a school record for victories. Todd Reesing passed for 33 touchdowns to highlight a high-powered offense that scored 76 points against Nebraska and scored at least 43 points in eight games. The Jayhawks were a balanced team that ranked second nationally in scoring offense, fourth in scoring defense and in the top 10 nationally in eight different team statistics. Anthony Collins and Aqib Talib earned consensus All-America honors.

It was a forgettable bowl season for much of the Big 12.

But there were still enough top producers to fill out a team of top performers from the conference's 4-4 bowl season.

Here's a look at my top performers:

OFFENSE

QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Passed for career-best 418 yards and added three passing TDs to direct Sooners’ Sun Bowl victory over Stanford.

RB Alexander Robinson, Iowa State: Rushed for 137 yards -- his sixth 100-yard game of the season -- to pace Cyclones’ victory over Minnesota in the Insight Bowl.

RB Baron Batch, Texas Tech: Rushed for 100 yards, scored two TDs and produced six receptions for 85 yards in Red Raiders’ comeback victory in the Alamo Bowl over Michigan State.

WR Jordan Shipley, Texas: Overcame slow start to produce 10 catches for 122 yards and two TDs against Alabama, becoming Texas’ leading career receiver.

WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma: Produced career-best totals of 13 receptions, 156 receiving yards and also matched career high with three TD receptions to help beat Stanford in the Sun Bowl.

TE Trent Ratterree, Oklahoma: Grabbed three receptions for 86 yards, including pivotal 38-yard catch that was Jones’ longest pass of game in Sun Bowl victory over Stanford.

OL Ricky Henry, Nebraska: Helped Cornhuskers dominate in the trenches in biggest Cornhuskers' bowl victory since 2000.

OL Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State: Dominant effort helped Cyclones claim first bowl victory since 2004 and only third bowl victory in school history.

OL Jacob Hickman, Nebraska: Cornhuskers’ center set the tone for easy victory over Arizona.

OL Brandon Carter, Texas Tech: Colorful lineman helped Tech roll up school bowl-record 31 first downs, 579 total yards against Michigan State.

OL Trent Williams, Oklahoma: All-American moved from tackle to center and didn’t miss a beat in the Sooners’ Sun Bowl triumph.

DEFENSE

DL Sergio Kindle, Texas: Had his best game of the season with eight tackles, 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for losses against Alabama.

DL Pierre Allen, Nebraska: Set the tone for Nebraska’s pass rush with two sacks, four tackles, forced a fumble and notched a quarterback hurry in the Cornhuskers’ shutout over Arizona -- first for a Big 12 team in a bowl game in conference history.

DL Christopher Lyle, Iowa State: Insight Bowl defensive MVP produced five tackles, including two for losses and one sack to lead Cyclones’ victory over Minnesota.

DL Rajon Henley, Texas Tech: Four tackles, four quarterback hurries, one sack against Michigan State.

LB Phillip Dillard, Nebraska: Produced team-high seven stops, broke up one pass in Cornhuskers’ shutout over Arizona.

LB Ryan Reynolds, Oklahoma: Produced 12 tackles (three solo, nine assists), two quarterback hurries and one tackle for loss against Stanford.

LB Andre Sexton, Oklahoma State: Produced 10 tackles, two interceptions and one tackle for a loss in Cotton Bowl loss to Mississippi.

DB Matt O’Hanlon, Nebraska: Earned Holiday Bowl defensive MVP honors with five stops, a 37-yard interception and a pass broken up against Arizona.

DB Ter’ran Benton, Iowa State: In his first game back after recovering from mid-season broken leg, notched five tackles and game-clinching fumble recovery in Cyclones’ Insight Bowl victory over Minnesota.

DB Jamar Wall, Texas Tech: Produced six tackles, broke up two passes and one interception against Michigan State.

DB Quinton Carter, Oklahoma: Notched eight stops (five tackles, three assists) and added an interception in Sun Bowl victory over Stanford.

SPECIALISTS

P Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State: Averaged 50.2 yards per punt on his eight punts, including four punts inside 20 in Cotton Bowl.

K Alex Henery, Nebraska: Converted all four field goals of 47, 50, 43 and 22 yards to set the Holiday Bowl record. His big night gave him a Nebraska single-season record of 24 for the season.

RET Niles Paul, Nebraska: The Holiday Bowl offensive MVP amassed 94 yards in returns, including a 49-yard kickoff return and a 28-yard punt return. He also added four catches for 123 yards, including a clinching 74-yard TD grab from Zac Lee.

PASADENA, Calif. -- The wear and tear was noticeable on their faces. Tired Texas players like Lamarr Houston and Roddrick Muckelroy showed the effects of trying to contain bruising Alabama running backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson during a long night at the Rose Bowl.

The Longhorns’ No. 1 national defense was gashed for a season-worst 205 rushing yards as Ingram rushed for 116 yards and Richardson added 109 in Alabama’s 37-21 victory in the Citi BCS National Championship game.

But despite those numbers, Texas made adjustments in the second half and the defense was one of the key reasons the Longhorns had a chance to win. Texas allowed only 57 rushing yards after the break, and continually came up with the key plays that were missing in the first half.

"The defense was out there a lot with (quarterback) Colt McCoy being gone,” Houston said. “We were playing tough and played through a lot of adversity all night long. And we were right there.”

The Longhorns’ defense came up with three, three-and-out possessions to start the second half, and Alabama's only two scores of the second half came off late turnovers. The Texas defense gave the Longhorns a chance to pull back into the game when the offense finally started clicking behind freshman quarterback Garrett Gilbert.

“We did all we could do to keep the game close,” Muckelroy said. “The defense stepped up and made some plays. They got us early, but in the end, about four plays killed us.”

Richardson’s 49-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter sliced through the middle of the Texas defense. It was one of four rushing touchdowns the Longhorns allowed Thursday night after giving up five rushing TDs in the 13 previous games.

“It was disappointing they got to us like that,” Houston said. “But we bounced back and did what we could to make adjustments to get back in the game.”

It was the second-most rushing yards against a Texas defense since Will Muschamp arrived last season. Only Oklahoma State's 217-yard effort last season surpassed the title game.

While Texas struggled containing the running game, Muschamp cooked up a pressure-heavy defensive front that sacked Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy five times.

The ringleader of the Texas pass rush was Sergio Kindle, who had his best game of the season with eight tackles, 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for losses.

“Our game plan was to get pressure on their quarterback,” Kindle said. “We thought their lineman were good in run blocking but might have slip-ups in pass coverage. We tried to get speed off the edge and middle. And those plays started coming for us as the game went on.”

But there weren’t enough of those big plays for the Longhorns to overcome the way the Tide won the battle in the trenches, using a methodical offensive philosophy.

“I’m not disappointed at all,” Houston said. “I’m proud of the team and our players for stepping up and almost winning this game. It was a good effort, but in the end it just wasn’t good enough.”

PASADENA, Calif. -- It was the kind of game that left Texas players feeling empty, wondering if they could have beaten Alabama under some different circumstances.

Like having a healthy starting quarterback. Or without a botched shovel pass late in the first half that cost them a touchdown, a touchdown that proved to be pivotal at the end of a 37-21 loss to the Crimson Tide.

“Who knows?” Texas senior defensive end Sergio Kindle said. “If Colt hadn’t gotten hurt, things might have been a little different. It’s something we’ll never know.”

The Longhorns were already in a huge hole after McCoy’s injury occurred only five plays into the game. But Alabama was able to cruise into a 24-6 halftime lead after a bizarre call. Backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert's shovel pass for D.J. Monroe was intercepted by Marcell Dareus for a 28-yard touchdown with three seconds left in the half.

Texas coach Mack Brown initially considered letting the clock run out. But the Longhorns got greedy, thinking they could hit a big play and get some points.

“We knew it would be a struggle with points and we felt that with 15 seconds left we had the safest thing,” Brown said. “We called a little shovel pass that had never been intercepted before and I certainly never had seen it intercepted for a touchdown. We were trying to run down 10 or 15 yards and then take a shot in the end zone.”

Instead Brown’s gamble backfired and gave the Crimson Tide a huge surge of momentum before the break.

“They tried to shovel pass and my first reaction was to grab the ball,” Dareus said. “Then I blanked out and all I could do was think about Mark Ingram and Javier (Arenas), and making all the moves I didn’t think I could do. I saw the lineman coming for my legs and my first reaction was to spin. I looked to my left and I saw Eryk Anders and I knew it was a touchdown. I could not wait to get into the end zone.”

Brown didn’t show the moxie Thursday that led to eight bowl victories in the past nine seasons, and a 3-0 record in BCS games. The Longhorns battled to overcome mistakes for much of the night.

But Brown said he was proud of what his team accomplished during a 17-game winning streak that stretched back to a October 2008 loss at Texas Tech.

“I told the guys they had a great run,” Brown said. “I thought they were prepared and had worked really hard. Losing is tough. We’re proud to be in the national championship game, and it’s still equally hard to lose it.”

PASADENA, Calif. -- No. 1 Alabama won its first college football national championship since 1992, beating No. 2 Texas 37-21 in the Citi BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl on Thursday night.

Here’s how the game was played:

How the game was won: Alabama used its stingy defense and explosive running game to overcome a couple of mind-boggling mistakes on special teams in the game’s opening moments, then held on for dear life in the fourth quarter.

After Texas quarterback Colt McCoy injured his right shoulder after only five plays and never returned, Alabama took control of the game in the first half with its running attack and defense. The Tide carried an 18-point lead into halftime, but played so poorly in the second half that the Longhorns nearly came all the way back.

Texas freshman Garrett Gilbert threw two touchdowns to Jordan Shipley and nearly led the Longhorns to one of the most improbable comebacks in recent college football history. The Crimson Tide didn’t put Texas away for good until linebacker Eryk Anders hit Gilbert from behind, forcing a fumble that Courtney Upshaw recovered at the Longhorns’ 3-yard line with 3:07 to play. Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram scored a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:01 left to put Alabama ahead, 31-21.

Turning point: Alabama’s defense knocked McCoy out of the game on defensive end Marcell Dareus’ jarring tackle with 10:54 to play in the first quarter. McCoy injured his right shoulder and never returned. Gilbert, who had attempted only 26 passes in nine games, seemed overwhelmed during the first three quarters, but finally found his rhythm late in the game.

Player of the game: Dareus, a sophomore from Huffman, Ala., turned in the game’s two biggest plays. Along with knocking McCoy out of the game on a clean hit, Dareus returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown to give the Crimson Tide a 24-6 lead with 15 seconds to go in the first half. Trailing 17-6 with 29 seconds left, the Longhorns were backed up and inexplicably used a timeout before Gilbert’s shovel pass was bobbled by D.J. Monroe and picked off by Dareus.

Unsung hero of the game: Texas defensive end Sergio Kindle was a monster in his final college game, finishing with 8 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He rattled Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy for most of the night. McElroy looked uncomfortable from the start, and Alabama’s celebrated offensive line wasn’t able to provide him with much protection.

Best call: Trailing 6-0 late in the first quarter, Alabama finally decided to get Ingram involved in its offense. Starting at the Bama 43, Ingram carried the ball on five of seven plays in the touchdown drive. After the Tide reached the Texas 12, he carried three consecutive times and walked into the end zone on first-and-goal from the 2.

Second guessing I: In the early moments, Alabama coach Nick Saban gambled and lost. On the opening possession, the Crimson Tide attempted a fake punt -- from their 20-yard line. Punter P.J. Fitzgerald’s pass was intercepted by safety Blake Gideon, setting up a Texas field goal (after the Longhorns failed to score on three plays from inside the Bama 5). Alabama failed to cover the ensuing kickoff, and Texas recovered at the Tide’s 30. But the Longhorns were again unable to score a touchdown, and they settled for another field goal and 6-0 lead.

Second guessing II: Texas’ decision to call a timeout with 15 seconds left in the half will be debated in the Lone Star State for a long time. The Longhorns were backed up at their 37-yard line and had an inexperienced quarterback on the field. After the timeout, Dareus intercepted the pass and returned it for a touchdown to give the Tide an 18-point lead at the half.

What it means: An SEC team (and third different one) won a BCS national championship for the fourth consecutive season. By beating the Longhorns, Alabama replaces Florida as the SEC’s hot program and could very well start the 2010 season ranked No. 1 in many polls. Saban also cements his place among the game’s greatest coaches, after leading two schools to BCS titles (he also led LSU to the 2003 championship).

PASADENA, Calif. -- Freshman quarterback Garrett Gilbert orchestrated a scoring drive, pulling Texas within 24-13 after three quarters.

You can see the Longhorns gaining confidence. Gilbert fired a 44-yard TD pass to Jordan Shipley to account for the only points since the break.

Alabama didn't produce a first down in the third quarter as the Longhorns outgained the Tide, 116-3.

Texas defensive end/linebacker Sergio Kindle has had a monster game with seven tackles, 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for losses.

The Longhorns have Alabama pinned deep in its own territory. They need a big play to capitalize.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. –- Texas freshman kick returner D.J. Monroe isn’t sure if he’ll see any action in Thursday’s Citi BCS National Championship game.

Monroe missed the final three games of the season after he was arrested on Nov. 15 on charges of driving while intoxicated. Those charges eventually were dismissed, possibly paving the return for the nation’s No. 2 kickoff returner back onto the Longhorns’ team.

While playing in Texas’ first 10 games, Monroe returned 14 kickoffs for a 35.8 yard-per-return average and two touchdowns.

Despite that breakaway ability, Monroe has not been told if he’ll play Thursday night against Alabama, a team that has struggled in kickoff coverage this season. The Tide rank 116th nationally, allowing an average of 25.6 yards per return with two touchdowns.

“I’m not sure where he (coach Mack Brown) wants to put me right now,” Monroe said. “He hasn’t said the final word. I catch balls every day, but I’m not sure about where I’ll be used.”

Monroe’s departure was a wrenching one for him. Since his return, he has leaned on senior leaders like Lamarr Houston, Jordan Shipley and Sergio Kindle to get back in the good graces of the rest of the team.

“What I did was a bone-headed mistake. It was very hard and took a little toll not to be with my brothers who were there every day,” Monroe said. “But it’s a stepping stone I’ll learn from.”

Marquise Goodwin has emerged as a prime returner since Monroe’s departure. Goodwin's 95-yard return against Texas A&M was the clinching fourth-quarter touchdown in that wild 49-39 triumph.

We’ll have to wait to see if Brown will return Monroe to the kick return rotation or if he’s satisfied with Goodwin and Shipley in the returning roles.

For his part, Monroe says he is ready if called upon.

“I’m never rusty in football,” Monroe said. “I think I’ll do fine if I have a chance to play.”

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- The first time that Lamarr Houston saw a scale reading starting with a “3” was a little unsettling.

Houston came to Texas as a super-sized 260-pound linebacker/running back prospect. He has kept growing during his career, transforming himself from a defensive end to a 300-pound defensive tackle.

“It was a little strange when it happened, but you just have to kind of accept being a 3-bill guy,” Houston said.

His change also has thrown him into the middle of the scrum at the line of scrimmage on most plays, doing the dirty work tying up blockers while other defenders around him make tackles.

That aspect of his job took some getting used to. But Houston has gradually progressed into one of the Longhorns’ top players and a defensive force who will be important in their hopes of containing Alabama’s fearsome running game Thursday night at the Rose Bowl.

Earlier in his career, Houston dreamed of being a running back who broke long runs and scored touchdowns after rushing for 3,325 yards and scoring 49 touchdowns during his high school career at Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. But he outgrew those hopes as he kept getting bigger and found himself moving from defensive end to tackle before his junior season.

“Obviously, it’s not a glory position,” Houston said. “A lot of guys don’t want to buy into playing defensive tackle. It’s just a whole different style of technique.”

And one where Houston has persevered despite getting pounded every play.

“Playing outside isn’t a physical in what you face on a constant basis,” Houston said. “You just have to change your mind frame to get used to it. It’s taken me some time to get used to it.”

Another change has been that he no longer can concentrate on the field play. Houston’s focus is usually riveted to the man across the line of scrimmage rather than the field as when he was a defensive end.

“I do kind of miss seeing that,” Houston said. “But it’s a habit I had to break because I don’t want to be too high when I’m coming out of my stance. It’s neat when you have guys in front of you and make a tackle. But it does take some getting used to after playing at tackle.”

(Read full post)

ESPN’s Chris Connelly reports on a bond Texas’ Sergio Kindle developed in high school that has brought solace to a shattered family.

ARLINGTON, Texas – After being embarrassed in its worst performance of the season last week, Texas’ defense was determined to make amends.

Good thing, because the Longhorns needed a sterling defensive performance to eke out a 13-12 victory over Nebraska in the Big 12 title game.

After allowing season-worst totals in points and total yards last week against Texas A&M, the Longhorns’ defense was charged up about their chance at redemption.

“We did remember that game, because it just wasn’t us,” Texas safety Blake Gideon said. “You’re supposed to have a short memory as a defensive back and a defense. But we did remember that game, the mistakes we made and how we were exposed. We wanted to prove that was the real Texas.”

Playing against a Nebraska offense that seemed to be playing directly into Texas’ strength, the Longhorns stoned Nebraska throughout the game.

The Cornhuskers were limited to season lows of five first downs and 106 yards of total offense as they produced a season-worst 1.93 yards per snap.

Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson seemed content to try to run the ball inside against Texas’ strong interior -- a group that led the nation in rush defense. The Cornhuskers were limited to 67 rushing yards, including no runs by a running back of more than 7 yards.

Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp called it the best effort of the season.

“In a big-time atmosphere, that was a big game, to rise up and make the stops we did” Muschamp said. “They aren’t a dynamic throwing team, but they are a good running team and they are physical and tough up front. I was proud of how the guys played.”

At one point, Texas limited the Cornhuskers without a first down for more than 32 minutes as they either forced a turnover or a three-and-out on eight consecutive possessions.

After the struggles last week, Muschamp said he hardly needed to remind his players of their struggles against the Aggies.

“We have a real prideful group,” Muschamp said. “They know they didn’t play well. I didn’t need to say anything to them. We gave them examples of what they did that had been right and wrong. And that’s how we approached it.”

On a day when Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh waged a one-man crusade for the Heisman Trophy, the Longhorns played some pretty good defense, too.

“Looking back at our game against A&M, we knew that wasn’t our standard,” Texas defensive end Sergio Kindle said. “We have played pretty good on defense. We got back to our standards and we came out here and played like it. Practice paid off, as you can see.”

Four Alex Henery field goals accounted for all of Nebraska’s scoring. It was the first time the Cornhuskers had been held without a touchdown since their loss at Virginia Tech earlier this season.

“We just couldn’t get any movement up front,” Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said. “They limited our running game. They’re a good defense, a formidable group that is very talented and well coached.”

And in the process, the Longhorns’ defense was able to exorcise some bad memories as many of them left the field with roses as they prepare for their upcoming trip to the BCS title game at the Rose Bowl.

"We were trying to make a point that last week wasn’t how we prepare and perform as a defense,” Gideon said. “It was big for us to remember what happened and then come back out here and play like we know how to do."