Because it's required.
Far be it from me to question sports journalism deep-thinkers like Ivan Maisel and Richard Justice but I'm having trouble finding enough points in UT-Austin's arsenal to give them the nod over Alabama in tonight's game.
Sure, I understand that Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley are the best couple since Torville & Dean, and yes I understand Mack Brown is the bestest, hippest, coach in since like...ever, but I still have a problem getting past that 'Bama defense. More accuately, I have a problem seeing McCoy, Shipley and company getting past that 'Bama defense.
Much is being made of Terrance Cody, and rightfully so, but their LB's and DB's aren't anything to sniff at either. Javier Arenas could be the best cornerback you've never heard of, Cory Reamer & Orlando McClain are big linebackers with speed, something that Big xII teams rarely have to deal with. Plus, it's hard to get the Texas aTm & Nebraska games out of my memory when evaluating Texas, nevermind the Wyoming game. For all of the hype, Texas O-line have been average this year, their running game is abysmal, and Colt McCoy inexplicably took the first half of the season off.
Contrast that with Alabama's offense, anchored by a sound running game and possessing a tall, speedy WR corps, I expect them to run the ball often and turn loose Maze and Jones on Texas' undersized DB's. One twist: I expect that Texas will key on Mark Ingram, and I predict he will struggle. Where Alabama will stun Texas is with Trent Richardson, who is probably more talented than is Ingram. He's faster and runs heavier as well. Look for big things from him.
The kicking games are about even, as much as is made of Texas fine kicker Hunter Lawrence, Leigh Tiffen is just as decorated, and just as accurate. Shipley is a fine punt returner, as is Arenas. Both Fitzgerald and Tucker are quality punters.
To me, the key to this game is the play of McElroy, the Alabama QB. Does he do a good enough job managing the game to put Alabama in a position to win? Does he protect the ball?
I say he does, and Alabama has a big game offensively as Sergio Kendall and Co. struggle to get any meaningful pressure on the pass game, or penetration on the run game.
Not a blowout (Texas is too good for that), but not terribly close either. Say....
Alabama 24 Texas 10
And Boise State sits on the sideline with a legitimate case that it's a better team than both of them. Enjoy the game.
