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Cedric Benson made his debut for the Bengals

Another good week for Michael Griffin and a big day for Cedric Griffin but the biggest news was a couple of former Horns returning to the field. Titans’ QB Vince Young returned to the practice field and RB Cedric Benson hit the field for the Cincinnati Bengals for the first time since his signing earlier in the week.

Read on to see how the Texas Exes performed this Sunday:

Cedric Benson - Benson made his Cincinnati Bengal debut this weekend verse the Cowboys. His first run went for seven yards, but he didn’t get much done after that finishing the day with 30 yards on 10 carries.

Justin Blalock - Blalock is going to become one of the better inside lineman in the NFL. His Atlanta Falcons pulled an upset over Green Bay, and the offensive line play has been a good surprise for the up and coming team.

Jamaal Charles - The rookie played well when he got the chance but the combination of playing behind Larry Johnson and his team being down big limited his snaps. He had four carries and four receptions for a total of 40 yards.

Leonard Davis - It appears getting out of Arizona was just what the big man needed. He is not alone in that regard. Davis is still the biggest man I’ve ever met in person, and appears to engulf most defensive players unfortunate enough to lock up with him.

Cedric Griffin - Griffin played his best game of the season in the victory over New Orleans on Monday Night Football compiling 10 tackles. The highlight of the game came when Griffin laid out a Saints tight end late in the game.

Michael Griffin - Michael Griffin had an interception in the Titans win over the Ravens. His play has helped Tennessee move to 5-0 on the young season.

Ahmard Hall - Ahmard is playing at a high level even though the Titans struggled on the ground against a stout Baltimore defense. Tennessee even gave him a touch on an eight yard reception.

Quentin Jammer - Jammer had a quiet day as his Chargers lost to the Dolphins. Teams seem to be avoiding his side of the field which is a huge compliment in the NFL. He recorded four tackles on the day.

Derrick Johnson - The light has finally come on for DJ in the NFL. He backed up last week’s stellar performance with a nine tackle day. His team is awful and I hope he doesn’t have to play there his whole career because it will be a waste.

Brian Robison - Robison didn’t record any stats Monday night, but was on the field more than he had been in previous weeks. He is stuck behind All-Pro Jared Allen.

Bo Scaife - Scaife finally seems to be getting on the same page as new quarterback Kerry Collins. Scaife had a huge day, catching seven balls for 72 yards in a Titan win.

Ricky Williams - Ricky is now the clear number two back in Miami behind Ronnie Brown. The Heisman trophy winner finished the game with 39 yards on 13 carries.

Roy Williams - Roy had a good day when it comes to stats, catching a team high seven passes for 96 yards. However, his antics on the sideline rubbed a few fans and teammates the wrong way. Williams could be acting out to help get out of Detroit and avoid the franchise tag in the off season. If that is the case, I say God bless him. Would you want to play anything in Detroit?

Selvin Young - Selvin finished the game with 38 yards on 10 carries, adding one reception. The Broncos play musical chairs with their tailbacks so it is no surprise Young’s production has dropped each week.

Vince Young - Back at practice but still not full strength and not starting. He was the backup to Kerry Collins in Sunday’s game against Baltimore.

Derrick Johnson forces a fumble

A few players on bye weeks plus a few more injured made it a slow week for the ex Texas Longhorns in the NFL. The biggest performance this week came from Kansas City linebacker Derrick Johnson who did a little of everything in the Chiefs win over the Broncos. Here is a look at how those who played faired:

Justin Blalock - The former Texas tackle has been a fixture for the Atlanta Falcons this year at left guard. Running back Michael Turner continues to be very impressive this year, and a lot of his runs come behind the ex UT star.

Jamaal Charles - The rookie continues to be a third down back for the Chiefs. Charles had 7 yards on 2 carries while adding 2 receptions for only a yard. His team won their first game of the season.

Phil Dawson - The Browns kicker helped win them win their first game by going 2 for 2 on field goals and extra points.

Cedric Griffin - Cedric got picked on all night by a weak Tennessee Titan wide receiver group. Offenses have continued to choose to pick on Cedric every week and will continue to until he makes some plays.

Michael Griffin - Michael is quickly becoming the best player out of the great secondary on UT’s 2005 championship team. Griffin’s defense continues to be one of the best in the league. He contributed 3 tackles and a pass break up in the Titan win over the Vikings.

Ahmard Hall - One of the only true fullbacks left in the league. The ex Marine had a great block on a touchdown run by rookie Chris Johnson.

Quentin Jammer - Jammer had 3 tackles and 2 pass breakups against a weak Oakland passing attack.

Derrick Johnson - The former Longhorn star was the defensive MVP for the Chiefs adding 6 tackles and interception while being all over the field. As he did frequently while at Texas he also had a forced fumble that led to a one-play scoring drive for KC’s first win of the season.

Brian Robison - In his second game back, Robison recorded 2 tackles in a reserve role.

Shaun Rogers - Rogers was at his all pro level on Sunday, compiling a sack and clogging up the middle in a Cleveland win.

Bo Scaife - Scaife has been slow to build chemistry with replacement quarterback Kerry Collins. He had 3 catches for only 17 yards in the game.

Nathan Vasher - “ESPN” 3 had three tackles and three pass breakups in the Bears big win over the Eagles.

Selvin Young - Selvin had an average day, rushing 11 times for 49 yards. The Broncos never got anything going in the upset loss to the Chiefs.

Great week for Duane Akina’s former proteges in the NFL as Tarell Brown, Michael Griffin, and Nathan Vasher all had interceptions in week three. Ricky Williams also had his best performance of the year as he and backfield mate Ronnie Brown ran all over the New England Patriots. Meanwhile wide receiver Limas Sweed is still waiting to see the field for the first time as a pro out in Pittsburgh. Read on to see how the rest of the Longhorns in the NFL performed last week:

Tarell Brown - Two tackles and an interception in the loss to the Chargers.

Jamaal Charles - Seven carries for 38 yards rushing plus three catches for 24 yards. Jamaal also had his first NFL kickoff return for 21 yards.

Phil Dawson - 1/1 on field goals and on extra points.

Jermichael Finley - Finally saw the field for the Packers against the Cowboys but had no catches. He got in on special teams and managed to pick up an unsportsmanlike penalty in a brush with Martellus Bennett.

Cedric Griffin - Two tackles against Carolina.

Michael Griffin - Big game against the Texans with two interceptions. Also added two tackles.

Ahmard Hall - One carry for one yard.

Casey Hampton - No stats against Philly. Will miss the next game against Baltimore with an injured groin.

Michael Huff - Three tackles, two of them solos, against Buffalo.

Quentin Jammer - Recovered a fumble and returned it 23 yards, broke up two passes, and added three tackles in the Chargers blowout of the Fightin’ Brett Favres.

Derrick Johnson - One tackle in what may be one of 16 losses this season for the Chiefs.

Cory Redding - Two solo tackles for the lowly Lions against the 48ers.

Shaun Rogers - Had a solid game against Baltimore posting four tackles.

Aaron Ross - Five solo tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage.

Bo Scaife - Three catches for 26 yards including a touchdown.

Limas Sweed - Still no playing time.

David Thomas - One catch for four yards in what will hopefully be one of many losses for the Patriots.

Nathan Vasher - Good performance for Nate versus Tampa Bay. Three passes defended including an interception, with four solo tackles added on.

Ricky Williams - Great game for Ricky and his counterpart Ronnie Brown as the Dolphins went back to the college game to get a little offensive firepower. He had 16 carries for 98 yards (6.1 average) and two catches for 21 more yards.

Roy Williams - Two catches for 18 yards in a loss to San Francisco. Roy has to be frustrated and already looking forward to 2009 somewhere other than Detroit.

Selvin Young - Very efficient game against New Orleans with 11 carries for 65 yards.

With Vince Young injured it wasn’t a very exciting week for ex-Longhorns in the NFL. Quentin Jammer and Selvin Young probably had the best weeks, while the complete absence of Jermichael Finley and Limas Sweed continues. Here’s how all the former Horns did in week two of the NFL season:

Jamaal Charles - Less busy after a good week one, only three carries for seven yards. The Chiefs only rushed the ball 19 times all game as a team. Charles also had a 15 yard catch and hurt Larry Johnson’s feelings.

Phil Dawson - Two of two on field goals with a long of 38 yards in a loss.

Jermichael Finley - Still looking for his first career catch. I’m not sure if he’s getting any snaps at all.

Cedric Griffin - Six tackles and one pass breakup against Peyton Manning and the Colts.

Michael Griffin - Picked up his first interception of the year off a tipped pass. Also added six tackles from his safety spot.

Ahmard Hall - Three carries for nine yards.

Casey Hampton - One tackle.

Michael Huff - Four tackles against KC and two passes defended.

Quentin Jammer - Posted 11 tackles and had a forced fumble in the Chargers’ controversial loss to the Broncos.

Derrick Johnson - Eight tackles, seven of them solo.

Cullen Loeffler - Inspired me to teach my kids to deep snap.

Cory Redding - Three solo tackles against the Packers.

Shaun Rogers - First sack of the 2008 season and added six tackles.

Aaron Ross - Four tackles.

Bo Scaife - Without Vince Young, just one catch for six yards.

Limas Sweed - Still no catches in his NFL career. Like Finley, looking at his game logs it appears he’s not even playing.

David Thomas - Picked up his first catch of the year against the Jets, a 14-yarder from Matt Cassel.

Nathan Vasher - Returned punts for the first time in a long while. Had three returns for a total of 21 yards. Added two tackles.

Ricky Williams - After an exciting preseason another ho hum game for Ricky. He had 11 rushes for 28 yards in the Dolphins’ blowout loss to Arizona.

Roy Williams - Just about the same performance as week one: three catches for 48 yards. Looks like Calvin Johnson has become the clear number one target in Detroit, maybe Roy can head down to Tennessee next year as a free agent.

Selvin Young - Was the Broncos’ leading rusher with eight carries for 78 yards, including a big 49-yarder. Also added one catch for eight yards.

Topps held a photo shoot recently to get shots of all the NFL rookies in their new uniforms. Former Longhorn running back Jamaal Charles was one of the players on hand. It’s the first time I’ve seen Jamaal in a Kansas City Chiefs jersey.

They’ve posted a ton of interviews from the event on YouTube, many of which are disappointingly uninteresting. This age group just didn’t collect cards like mine did, plus football cards were never as popular as baseball.

Watch the interview with JC below:

Jamaal still isn’t exactly the world’s best public speaker but he’s gotten much more comfortable in interviews than when he first came to Texas.

Those can’t be regular sized shoulder pads by the way. He looks tiny.

ESPN is ranking the top running backs in the NFL and three former Longhorns made their list. Unfortunately, all three made it on the third tier of rankings of 41-64. Cedric Benson was backed up by Selvin Young who was backed up by Jamaal Charles, and they’re all now playing in the league. All three guys will have a chance to prove themselves this season and move up in the rankings.

47. Cedric Benson, Chicago Bears

Superpower - Benson has the physical size and athletic ability to be a productive starter. He has good vision combined with good pad level and good balance for running inside. He can read blocks and show patience, then accelerate with good burst for his size. He also is a capable receiver out of the backfield.

Kryptonite - He has not produced up to his potential during his first three seasons, and he has failed to prove to management and his teammates that he can be “the guy.” His overall passion for the game and desire to be a dominant player have been questioned.

My Thoughts - The comments on Benson are not far off. Though he hasn’t reached his potential I think in the right atmosphere he could excel, but that may not be in Chicago. The most laughable part of their rankings is that they have rookie Matt Forte six spots higher than Benson.

60. Selvin Young, Denver Broncos

Superpower - He is coming off an impressive rookie season in which he provided excellent depth in the Broncos’ backfield. Young was a pleasant surprise for the Denver staff after being acquired as a college free agent in 2007. He showed deceptive power for his size, as he runs with conviction and great body lean. He has excellent vision and instincts with the lateral quickness and agility to find a crease.

Kryptonite - Young has had durability concerns in the past, and it remains to be seen how well he can handle the pounding with more playing time. He lacks great elusiveness in space and is more of a straight-line runner. He will need to develop in the passing game, especially in blitz-pickup situations.

My Thoughts - There’s some scrubs ranked higher than Selvin that don’t deserve to be but he’s going to have to do it for more than one season to be moved any higher. With the release of Travis Henry he’ll get that chance this year and could have a great season if he stays healthy for 16 games.

64. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

Superpower - He will be coming into the league to complement the Chiefs’ featured running back. He is a good combination of athleticism and instincts. He has excellent speed and burst both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He is football player who has outstanding track speed. He should give the Chiefs an explosive threat on the perimeter as well as after the catch.

Kryptonite - He doesn’t have great power as an inside runner. He needs to gain weight and strength to become a complete back. Charles isn’t always a patient runner and needs to mature as a between-the-tackles ball carrier. Charles also needs to improve his blitz-pickup and develop his route running. He is somewhat of a one-dimensional player, lacking inside, short-yardage and goal-line effectiveness.

My Thoughts - I think Charles is an underrated inside runner. They’re right that he’s often impatient but he’s not afraid to run inside and if he sees a small crease he’ll take it. Also has better power than he’s given credit for and rarely goes down on first contact.

Jamaal Charles in the 3rd round was one of Peter King’s favorite draft selections. Thinks he’s a great fit in Kansas City.

Texas running back Jamaal Charles has been selected with the 10th pick of the 3rd round (73rd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs. A decent place for Jamaal, he’ll have a chance to back up Larry Johnson and provide a gamebreaking threat for the Chiefs. The Chiefs need to relieve some of Johnson’s workload to keep him healthy, so there should be carries available.

Congrats to Jamaal and good luck with the Chiefs. We’ll be watching you and Derrick Johnson on Sundays.

Update: The official Chiefs’ website has a Q&A up with Jamaal.

Most NFL mock drafts only include a round or maybe two, but just like last year ESPN’s Todd McShay has released his seven-round mock draft for your perusal (if you’re an ESPN Insider.) Getting one round is tough enough, but McShay actually did a decent job last year and even nailed Justin Blalock to Atlanta and Brian Robison to Minnesota last year.

Below is where McShay believes the Longhorns in the draft will go followed by my my thoughts on the picks:

Round 1

24. Tennessee Titans - Limas Sweed
This is best possible scenario for Texas fans. Titans need wide receiver help desperately and Sweed may be the best one in the draft. Getting him at #24 would be great for the Titans VY.

Round 2

43. Carolina Panthers - Jamaal Charles
Charles is the first running back taken in the second round. He’d actually have a chance to start for Carolina to, only has to beat out DeAngelo Williams.

Round 3

115. Philadelphia Eagles - Marcus Griffin
Nice spot for Marcus, interesting to see him going so high. I’ll be surprised if Griffin goes before Finley and Hills, simply because I believe those two have much higher ceilings. Great to see a former walk-on work his way into a mid-round NFL Draft pick.

127. Indianapolis Colts - Jermichael Finley
Jermichael might be a little disappointed by how far he falls but he’d be ecstatic to be picked up by the Colts. Pretty much the perfect situation for him. They use their tight end a lot, Peyton Manning to throw him the ball, they split the tight end out wide frequently, and most importantly the Colts throw work out of the shotgun a ton and Finley wouldn’t be asked to be down on the line run blocking much.

129. New England Patriots - Tony Hills
Another good situation. Hills would be given time with New England to develop and wouldn’t be asked to start right away. At the same time, there’s no young, highly regarded tackles on their roster so he’s got a chance to compete by year two.

Round 5

154. Washington Redskins - Frank Okam
Much lower slot than people expected out of Okam a few years ago but McShay may actually have him higher than the current opinion. I’m not sure what I think, I have a feeling he might go as early the fourth round if a team makes a pick based on potential but then I wouldn’t be shocked to see him go undrafted either.

Round 7

215. Baltimore Ravens - Derek Lokey
Imagine if Lokey had Okam’s build, the kid would be a first round pick. But he’s 6-foot-1 and a light 290 pounds which is considered very undersized for an NFL defensive tackle. I’d love to see Derek go to a team and be utilized as a goal line fullback and deep snapper as well as a defensive tackle who can give 15 - 20 snaps a game.

Longhorn pipeline may continue to flow for Titans. I’d love to see them pick up Sweed in the first and Charles and the second or third.

Position: Running Back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 200 pounds
Hometown: Port Arthur, TX

Strengths: Good quickness and incredible speed. Football player with track star speed. Runs well inside the tackles, doesn’t go down on first contact, and can take it to the house if he gets the edge. Charles is a big play waiting to happen. Never had a ton of receptions as a Longhorn but catches the ball well out of the backfield and is dangerous once he has it in his hands.

Weaknesses: Durability and ball security are Charles’ two biggest issues affecting where he’ll be picked. He never had a serious injury but he also never seemed to be at 100%. Because of his size and his history, NFL teams will be concerned about if he can stay on the field for 16 games per year. Jamaal’s fumbling issues limited his carries for a stretch during the 2007 season, that is another huge red flag that will scare off some teams in a deep draft for running backs.

Projection: 2nd or 3rd round

Related Links

• Jamaal Charles archives
• Draft Countdown profile
• ESPN draft profile
• NFL Combine profile
• NFL Draft Dog profile
• NFL Draft Scout profile

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Rick Gosselin’s latest NFL mock draft (4/18) has Jamaal Charles going incredibly high at #20. Also has Limas Sweed in the first round.

Battle to replace RB Charles highlights Texas’ spring practice. I thought Fozzy Whittaker looked great going against the other twos.

Pro day, or pro timing day, is an NFL Draft prospect’s chance to show scouts what he’s got in a comfortable environment. They’re on their own campus, in their own gym, working out with their teammates and coaches. It also is a chance for the guys who weren’t invited to the NFL Combine to show their stuff. At Texas’ pro day Wednesday, sixteen players were weighed, measured, timed, and did position drills for 75 NFL personnel people.

Most of this information is cribbed from NFL.com, Orangebloods, and the Austin-American Statesman blog post on UT’s pro day. The numbers are inconsistent because they always are, everybody gets their times from a different source. Here’s how some of the Horns performed:

• Cornerback Brandon Foster - 5-7 5/8, 185, 10-8 broadjump. Ran a blazing 4.28 time in the 40-yard dash. He also showed athleticism with a 38-inch vertical jump. His performance might offset the fact that Foster was measured at 5-7.
• Running back Jamaal Charles - 5-11, 199 pounds. Elected not to run, allowing his 4.38 time that he posted at the combine to stand. Ran position workouts and looked good catching the football.
• Receiver Limas Sweed - 6-4 1/8, 210, 37 vertical. Ran a 4.40, shaving nearly a tenth of a second off of the time he ran at the NFL combine last month. 4.33 short shuttle, 7.14 cone drill. Ran position drills and looked good catching the ball.
• Tight end Jermichael Finley - 6-4 3/4, 240 pounds. Ran a 4.62, dropping his time from the combine by .24. His time is now the second fastest run by a tight end in workouts leading up to next month’s draft.
• Backup safety Drew Kelson - 6-0 1/2, 216, 10-9 broad jump. Posted a 41.5-inch vertical jump and ran a 4.45. We’re checking to see if any other player in the country has jumped higher in draft workouts.
• Defensive tackle Derek Lokey - 6-1 3/8, 293, 33.5 vert. Did 38 reps on the 225-pound bench press. He also worked out at fullback and deep snapper. 9-foot, 4-inch long jump, 4.37 short shuttle, 7.57 cone drill, 38 reps in the bench press, and ran position drills.
• Linebacker Scott Derry - 6-2 1/2, 221
• Tackle Tony Hills - 6-5, 307 lbs. 24 reps in the bench press, but could not run or do other drills due to an injury.
• Defensive tackle Frank Okam - 6-4 7/8, 27.5 vertical. Dropped 12 pounds since his weigh-in at the combine. He is weighing 335 right now.
• Safety Marcus Griffin - 5-10, 196, 37.5 vert. Ran a 4.5 40.
• Wide receiver Billy Pittman - 5-11, 195. Ran a 4.56.
• Also participated: safety Erick Jackson, wide receiver Nate Jones, linebacker Robert Killebrew, defensive tackle Thomas Marshall, punter Justin Moore, and former Longhorn safety Lee Jackson.

Related Links

• UT press release
• The Longhorn family
• Player quotes
• Photo gallery

Biggest question for the Texas offense is who will replace Charles. Vondrell McGee, Fozzy Whittaker and Chris Ogbonnaya are main options.

Replacing The 2008 NFL Draft Early Entries. Vondrell McGee replaces Charles and Blaine Irby has to step up for Finley.

Texas junior running back Jamaal Charles announced today he will skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.

This isn’t surprising news but it is definitely disappointing. I was looking for a huge season out of Jamaal next year and thought he might break out as a Heisman contender. It looked like he (and just as importantly Greg Davis) had finally figured things out late in the season and he was really tearing it up. Charles finished with 897 yards and 10 touchdowns in the Longhorns’ final five games.

In just three seasons, including two in which he split time with Selvin Young, Charles was able to climb into the top 5 all time in both career rushing and career TDs. His big play ability will be sorely missed next season.

From his official statement:

“I can’t thank Coach Brown, Coach Rucker, everyone at UT and all of the fans enough,” Charles said. “They gave me a great opportunity and supported me so much. UT is a wonderful place and everyone has been so good to me. But playing in the NFL has always been my dream and when the NFL report came back I was happy with the grade and felt like it was best for me to enter the draft.”

“I had fun playing with a lot of great players and winning a bunch of games. I have so many friends at UT and everyone is close, like a family, so it’s really hard to leave. But, after finishing the season strong, I think I’m ready. I’ve worked really hard and the coaches have done a great job preparing me. I had a lot of success this year but I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything if it wasn’t for the great job the offensive line and all of the coaches did. We got better every game and it showed in how we played so I can’t thank them, especially my O-line, enough.”

“Now, it’s my job to get ready for all of the NFL workouts and make everyone proud. I may be going to the NFL but I’ll always be a Longhorn. I’m definitely going to continue working towards my degree. Finishing school is really important to me because I want to have a good life after football.”

Charles’ draft prospects probably couldn’t get much higher than they are now. The NFL Draft is all about potential and forty times and Jamaal is off the charts in both those categories. After Arkansas‘ Darren McFadden this isn’t a particularly deep draft for running backs and in my opinion Charles is easily one of the top five guys available. Depending on team needs and what other underclassmen declare I can’t see him falling further than the middle of the second round.

Looking forward to next year for the Horns, young Vondrell McGee will have to grow up fast. He showed potential this year in limited time but he’s going to be expected to carry the load next year and we haven’t seen enough yet to know if he can do it. Maybe the newly wide open running back depth chart will entice 5-star Darrell Scott to come to Austin and show his stuff?

What will be the outcome of the UT/OU game?

• Texas wins by 20+
• Texas wins
• Oklahoma wins
• Oklahoma wins by 20+

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It featured one of the wildest and weirdest plays in recent memory, but the 2007 Holiday Bowl ended up being an easier Texas win than anyone expected. The Horns came out fired up and got up on the Arizona State early before finishing with a 52-34 victory.

Here’s how the team did with my keys for the game:

1. Pressure Rudy Carpenter.

The Longhorns not only pressured Carpenter but they eventually knocked him out of the game. Carpenter was rattled early and did not perform well when the Horns were able to hurry him. The team finished the night with four sacks but more importantly was in the quarterback’s face all game long. Defensive coordinator Duane Akina brought blitzes from every direction and every position. Defensive end Brian Orakpo had a heck of a game (two sacks, tons of pressure) was named the game’s defensive MVP. Verdict: Passed.

2. Don’t turn the ball over.

Colt McCoy didn’t throw any interceptions but did put the ball on the turf with alarming frequency. McCoy fumbled the football four times, but only lost a critical one on a boneheaded play at the end of the first half that could have cost Texas dearly. He also botched two snaps and was bailed out big time (after a great long scramble) when Jermichael Finley fell on his fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. The Horns didn’t protect the football very well but they only turned it over once, so… Verdict: Passed.

3. Don’t forget about the run game.

I don’t think the coaches gave the ball enough to Jamaal Charles early in the game, but as the game wore on he ended up getting more than his share of touches. Thanks to the big second half lead Charles finished the game with 27 carries and 161 yards. Colt McCoy did what he’s been doing this season, finding a way to make big plays with his feet. The team also went to freshman quarterback John Chiles early to spark the offense and he carried the ran the ball very successfully. Overall the team ran the ball 54 times for a whopping 300 yards in the game. Verdict: Passed.

After Holiday Bowl, Jamaal Charles reiterates that he plans to be back next season. I’m sure he believes that now, let’s hope he sticks to it.

I’ll be posting periodic updates, comments, and vulgarity as the game goes on. It’s kickoff time and I’m as fired up as I’ve been since early on in the season. Let’s see how the Horns respond to a little adversity.

First Quarter

• 2 seconds in to the game and it’s clear Brent Musberger didn’t do any preparation. Brutally mispronounces Chris Ogbonnaya’s name and then calls Lamarr Houston the name of some random walk on. Houston takes the very short pooch kick off and the Horns start the game off with the ball out at the 50.
• Looked like a bad read by Colt McCoy on the zone read. Picks up close to 10 yards though and the Horns have a 3rd and 3. Big play as the team really needs to get going early.
• 3rd and short run that the line did a terrible job blocking on but Jamaal Charles breaks it for a 15 yard game.
• Mack Brown is right. Charles was hit out of bounds down low and that should have been a penalty.
• Bad awareness by Nate Jones. He was wide open but let himself drift out of the back of the end zone. Announcers have good comment though about how the design of the end zone in the stadium could be confusing.
• Greg Davis is a gosh damn genius!!!!!!! WoooOoo! Touchdown Derek Lokey for the touchdown!!! That a boy! Bill Belichick would be proud.

Arizona State 0, Texas 7

• The team really looks fired up. Let’s hope that results in some inspired play, and no let down once that energy wears off.
• Jared Norton, Roddrick Muckelroy, and Scott Derry are the starters at linebacker. That might shut some Internet coaches up (for a few minutes.)
• And Norton is already hurt. Damnit.
• Defensive package on 3rd and long includes only 3 down lineman, Drew Kelson and Deon Beasley in there as extra pass defenders. Nice new look.
• Designed QB draw play. I don’t mind McCoy scrambling (in fact he’s been darn good at it this season) but not sure we should be calling too many first quarter QB runs in the huddle.
• As Musberger talks about Chris Hall I just noticed that freshman Kyle Hix is getting the start at right tackle and they’ve moved Adam Ulatoski to the left side.
• Quan Cosby on the reverse pass. Not really anybody open and Cosby does the smart thing and just throws it away. Or maybe it twas just a terrible throw. The play wasn’t blocked well and the receivers were all covered as well.
• Sergio Kindle in there on this series. Norton back in there as well.
• Fumble! Maybe. They called it a fumble on the field at least as corner Brandon Foster appears to rip the ball out as the ASU running back falls to the ground. Looks like he had it out before his knee was down and doesn’t look like there’s 100% evidence of the contrary. Replay confirms, Texas ball!
• Hot damn! Hey there John Chiles, I vaguely remember you buddy. The young dual threat QB is in there and on the first play Charles takes the zone read hand off close to 50 yards. On the very Next play Chiles keeps it on the same play off the left end for the touchdown! (Psst… where has this been all year?)

Arizona State 0, Texas 14

• In case you hadn’t noticed, yes I’m about 5 minutes behind live on the DVR. I’ll be caught up after one or two commercial breaks.
• Wonder what the wind situation is like. Hunter Lawrence’s kickoffs have all been pretty short.
• Has Roger Clemens hired investigator to “discredit Brian McNamee” or two prove that he didn’t take steroids? Those are two very different things.
• Not only did senior Robert Killebrew not get the start at linebacker but I haven’t seen him in on defense at all yet tonight. Two series in a row where it’s nothing but the young guys and Derry is off the field as well.
• Erick Jackson got really burned on a deep pass but gets back just in time because of the underthrown ball (and maybe a little early) and the ball is tipped up and safety Marcus Griffin has the ball come right to him for the interception.
• I like the fair catch trash talk by the ASU punt returner. “Did you see the way I waved my arm and caught the ball. You can’t handle this!”
• Killebrew, Derry, and Rashad Bobino in there for this series.
• Can Musberger get anyone’s name right? It’s Dick Tomey, not Toomey. Dufus.
• Finally. McCoy scrambles and throws deep on the run and get its to his open receiver Cosby for a huge 55 yard gain. That a boy Colt.
• And Charles runs tough and right through the Sun Devils’ defense for the 15-yard TD run. Heck of a run and refusal to get tackled by one guy. The Horns are now up 3 scores and it’s still the first quarter. Come on guys keep this up, don’t let an ASU score or anything swing this momentum.

Arizona State 0, Texas 21

• Veteran linebackers in for second series in a row. Henry Melton getting some early playing time at defensive end.
• Bobino shaken up. Now both middle linebackers have needed to be helped up by the medical staff but both were able to walk off on their own power.
• We’re bring multiple linebackers on every play and if we don’t start getting to Carpenter a step quicker we could be in trouble.

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2007 Holiday Bowl
	#11 Arizona State (10-2) vs. #19 Texas (9-3) Dec. 27, 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)

One of the biggest games of the 2007-08 bowl season, the Holiday Bowl features the 19th ranked Texas Longhorns facing off against the 11th ranked Arizona State Sun Devils. Each of the two teams are capable of putting up big time points and neither defense may be able to say anything about it. Like Holiday Bowls in years past, this game has all the makings of a high scoring, close game that will come down to a wild finish.

When Texas is on offense things will fall on Colt McCoy’s still young shoulders. The team can still win when the sophomore quarterback doesn’t play his best, but it will be up to McCoy to manage the game, protect the football, and convert a few big third downs if the Horns are going to come out on top. Running back Jamaal Charles may be the Horns biggest weapon, but has disappeared at times this season due to scheme and playcalling. Get Charles rolling early and the Horns could roll as well.

Arizona State’s offense is equally potent and QB Rudy Carpenter is one of the nation’s most skilled passers. If the offensive line can give him time to throw the Texas secondary can be exploited. The Longhorns will need defensive tackle Frank Okam and his line mates to get pressure on the QB without help from the linebackers. If the linebackers can help out with pass coverage then cornerback Deon Beasley and the rest of the secondary might stand a chance.

Players to Watch: ASU QB Rudy Carpenter, ASU LB Robert James, ASU S Troy Nolan, UT QB Colt McCoy, UT RB Jamaal Charles, UT DT Frank Okam, UT CB Deon Beasley

Prediction: Arizona State 31, Texas 41

Despite being ranked eight spots lower in the polls the Texas Longhorns head into their their bowl game against Arizona State as a 2.5 point favorite. Year after year the Holiday Bowl is one of most exciting bowl games and this year should be no different.

Here are the keys for Texas to come out on top:

1. Pressure Rudy Carpenter.

Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter has spent a lot of time on the turf this season. He was sacked 51 times this year, more than any other QB in Division 1A college football. The Texas front four has gotten virtually no pressure and no defensive lineman has more than Frank Okam’s five sacks, that’s a big reason the pass defense is one of the worst in the country. If those guys can’t pressure and hurry Carpenter Thursday night he’ll have a huge game and it’ll be a very long night for Texas fans.

2. Don’t turn the ball over.

This one is kind of obvious but if Colt McCoy and the Texas offense don’t protect the football better they’ll fail to reach 10 wins for the first time since 2000 ended with a Holiday Bowl loss to Oregon. After throwing only 7 interceptions last year McCoy made enough bad decisions and bad throws that he’s thrown 18 this season. He has to get rid of the ball before taking the big hit and not continue to force passes into coverage. If Colt finishes the game with no fumbles and no interceptions Texas beats the Sun Devils.

3. Don’t forget about the run game.

Despite the game never being out of reach and Jamaal Charles having good success running the football, the Longhorns went away from the run early in the November loss to the Aggies. Charles averaged 5.4 yards on only 17 carries in that game. To beat Arizona State the Horns can’t make that mistake again. A heavy dose of Charles on the ground would also have the added benefit of keeping the ASU offense off the field. Even if Texas gets behind early there’s no need to abandon the gameplan.

Sources say Jamaal Charles & Jermichael Finley file NFL draft paperwork. Doesn’t mean they won’t be back, just that they want to see what the scouts think.

Frank Okam and Jamaal Charles earn All-America honors. Third team and honorable mention respectively.