Texas Marching toward BCS Title Game

Going into this college football season, there were plenty of questions surrounding the Texas Longhorns team. First, could they win their big intersectional showdown in September at Ohio State? They ansered tha with an exciting 25-22 victory. Then, could they get that 800-pound gorilla off their back by beating Oklahoma. The Longhorns plowed through the Sooners 45-12. This week, Texas had to show the nation that it could handle upstart Texas Tech and Mike Leach's dangerous spread offense.

Tech came into this matchup leading the nation in scoring (53.7 points per game) and passing (493 yards per game). It doesn't seem to matter who Leach puts in at quarterback, they throw often and throw well. This year's model, Cody Hodges, is no exception. Even yesterday, despite his team getting pummled, he threw for 369 yards and two touchdowns.

Texas' 52-17 win was not about piling up numbers, it was about making plays and taking advantage of the Red Raiders' mistakes. The game clearly turned when Tech mishandled a punt in their own territory in the second quarter. This gave the Longhorns' a short field to work with only moments after Texas had taken a 17-10 lead on an 80-yard drive. The Horns scored two plays after regaining possession and once more before halftime to take an imsurmountable 31-10 lead.

Vince Young wasn't as flawless as last week, but was still Heismanesque in his performance, throwing for two touchdowns and running for two more. He shook off two early interceptions to make big plays later in the game and guide his team to in impressive victory.

If I had a vote, Young would be my #2 behind USC's Matt Leinart and ahead of USC's Reggie Bush, but that could change. Young and his Longhorns still have three Big 12 road games to get through, including their finale at Texas A&M, and the Big 12 Championship. It looks like those games will just be more chances for Young to accumulate Heisman votes and Texas to strengthen their claim to a berth in the BCS title game January 4.