USC vs. Texas Rose Bowl - Live Blogging
I had intentioned to blog the Rose Bowl live but did not get going at the start. Anyway here goes from 12:54 second quarter:
Bush Fumble: That was only the second fumble of the year for the Bush - White RB team all year and this one came because of an attempted lateral. It is looking like a big mistake that might lead to a Texas TD instead of USC going up 14 - 0. Texas is driving and at the USC 10 after the turn-over...............
Texas Fumble - Again: they got this one back but lost 20 yards and critical field position. It's a FG and 3 points instead of a TD and 7 points. 7 - 3 USC. (for two teams that are suppose to be the very best three fumbles in the first quarter and few minutes of the second quarter is not a great statement - Also both coaches going for it on fourth down the first few minutes of the game and not making it?)
USC Driving: Texas however just intercepted at the goal line. Ref called it incomplete but they are reviewing it now. No doubt a Texas int and should be Texas ball on the 20 yard line...........The ref got it right after the replay and there was indisputable evidence that Texas intercepted the ball. Texas ball at the 20 yard line. Without the Bush fumble and this take away, could very well be 21 - 0 USC at this point, but instead it's 7-3 USC.
Texas Driving: two first downs after the int from a combo of running and passing, and running the no huddle................Texas TE #18 Thomas is the go to guy thus far for Texas receiving............Texas Young just attempted a lateral at the 10 yard line and it worked for a Texas TD............Wait he was down, but no replay before the PAT so the TD stands. The PAT however is "wide right"............Texas 9 - USC 7........Young's knee was down and it should have been called dead at the 10 yard line......................
Texas Forces Punt: first really good defensive series of the game for either team with Texas forcing USC 3 and out...................low punt and a good Texas return to the 50 yard line..............Texas has the MoJo going right now and great field position............
Texas Drive: long bomb that hits off the USC DB's helmet and falls incomplete but almost caught by second Texas receiver...............Young just ran up the middle for 7 yards.........Texas converts first down with pass to TE #16 Thomas (over 50 yards receiving thus far).............Texas RB #25 Taylor just ran thirty yards through sloppy USC missed tackles for a TD.........Texas 16 - USC 7.............Texas is taking over just before half time...............................
USC Drive: 2:27 left first half.....Bush short pass and 7 yards...........Texas int but ruled incomplete (second missed call)..........Bush runs for 15 yards.......2:02 left.........Texas Defense already cramping in the first half - not a good sign..............Bush five yards and over the 50 yard line...........USC First down on best pass of the night by USC.................Leinart runs for 11 yards and first down - big hit on Leinart and time out USC..........Bush 10 yard reception pick up and out at the 13.........40 seconds left.............Leinart sacked at the 21 - timeout Texas 32 seconds left - timeout USC......Another sack this one a coverage sack...........17 seconds left.......last time-out..........USC FG attempt..................43 yard attempt...............It's good...................Texas 16 - USC 10...................2 seconds.........Half Time.............
1st Half Summary: A big let down so far............it's more like just a decent game between two top 10 teams played with a real sloppy edge................
Biggest USC Moment: TD after Texas went for it at the 50 on fourth down and did not make it....................
Biggest Texas Moment: Griffin int at the goal line to prevent USC from going up 14 - 3 and the Young TD lateral to Selvin Young after 80 yard drive........
Lowest USC Moment: Bush lateral - fumble that ended a USC drive to take a 14 - 3 lead.........................
Lowest Texas Moment: Brown going for it on fourth down at mid-field and not making it................lead to only USC TD of half................
Texas has the edge at the end of the first half because Bush has not gotten off on a big play (except the lateral fumble) and Leinart is not completing passes (13/21 148 yards, no TD's, 1 int). Texas could win this one inspite of Mack Brown.....
Worst Uniforms: Texas Band - good God those orange band uniforms with white cowboy fringe are a bit dated.........Did I really comment on Band Uniforms???? Well that tells you how good of a game it has been this far..........not a very good one...............
Hope it gets a whole lot better in the second half cause this has not been close to a great game so far...........................
Second Half
Texas 3 and out, Young went deep and missed a wide open receiver on a deep throw.............Texas punt and USC penalty put USC on the 38 yard line......
Second Half
Texas 3 and out, Young went deep and missed a wide open receiver on a deep throw.............Texas punt and USC penalty put USC on the 38 yard line......
USC Drive: USC converts 1st down across the 50 yard line...........big pass down to the 20 yard line by Leinart to White......if they get the passing game going then the MoJo will turn back to USC...........White strong stiff arm run down to the 3 yard line - good hard run..........White puts it into the end zone............USC 17 - Texas 16...........White has been the best overall player for USC so far, but Leinart is also starting to click. If that happens look out for Mr. Bush....................The MoJo has turned a bit......
Texas Drive: Young runs 7 yards with ease........No huddle = defensive subs..........Charles breaks a good 15 yard run...........Vince Young runs for 15 yards.......passes for 15 yards.......breaks a run off for 15 into the end zone for a TD..........a powerful run over USC defenders..........Texas back on top 23 - 17 and takes the MoJo right back.....
USC Drive: Bush returns KO to the 26 yard line...........Bird 10 yard reception 1st down on driving run after catch effort.......Ross Texas DB hammers USC WR - no gain......Davis 15 yard reception, first down at the Texas 45 yard line......25 yard pass puts the ball on the 25 yard line.......Bird another driving yards after catch to the 20 yard line ..........going for it on 4th down........White converts first down and scores from 20 yards................Now we have the game going I expected...........USC 24 - Texas 23..............
Texas Drive: David Thomas #16 makes another catch for 1st down at the 35 yard line - he is having a great game.......Young breaks off a 45 yard run to the 20 yard line - huge run and Young is a freak of nature with speed - size - arm.................10 yard pass 3rd and 5 to go..........# 16 Thomas makes catch but short of the first down......31 FG try from left hash..........missed it wide right - FSU & Penn State kickers are shaking their heads as well...............A very wasted drive after Young's efforts.....Young has 149 rushing yards with an average of 11.5 yards per carry.........White of USC is second in that category right now with 72 yards and an average of 6.5 yards per carry. He does however have 3 TD's......................
More cramp problems for Texas entering the 4th quarter...........Sounds like it is becoming a REALLY BIG Problem for the Texas Defense....We will have to see what role it plays in the 4th quarter..................
USC Drive: 1st pass play USC........13.19 after 8 yard pass play...........This is a BIG drive for both teams................White picks up 1st down on power fun.......LB #39 down but walking off..........Watch and see if defensive plays start dropping out on this drive for Texas............White runs for 8 more on a power run, ball on the Texas 40................12:05 left......White AGAIN for 15 more POWER yards, right up the middle in a huge hole, White just went over 100 yards.....................Bush just took it outside and broke it off for a 25 yard TD....................Power with White up the gut, wearing the Texas defense out, then lightening in a bottle got loose and highlight TD......................That might break Texas.....................USC 31 - Texas 23...............11:19 remaining.............
Texas Drive: Texas just had a instant review go their way on a fumble...............as close as it gets and could have gone either way.............keep it the call made on the field I say and the right call on a very close play.........Texas dodged a big bullet on that near fumble........................Big pass from Young to Pittman down to the 35 yard line............Texas is answering.....3rd and 5 with 9:49 left........Young runs it fumbles and Texas recovers............FG attempt upcoming............34 yards from left hash is good................Not what they wanted but puts Texas closer USC 31 - Texas 26......................USC did not break Texas on that series, we have another 9 minutes to play in a game that is still either teams to win...................................
USC Big Drive: 8:40 left.............Big pass for 33 yards to Kirtman plus a 15 yard roughing the passer penalty put it on the Texas 30 yard line..........strong run up the middle for White again for 9 yards..............Leinart TD pass 22 yards to Jarrett............Texas players are hurt but walking off...............the Texas defense is looking beaten down and really to fall....................USC 38 - Texas 26.......6:42 left...............USC can smell it and Texas is starting to look convinced that they are going to lose from the body language I'm seeing................Young has to lead them to a quick TD now or this one is over.......................
Texas Do or Die Time: USC is playing zone, big mistake I think......................Texas a couple passes and down to the USC 47............USC blitzed and should have intercepted Young's pass under pressure......................Thomas #16 has his 10th catch and puts the ball on the 23 yard line......Young runs it in for a 17 yard TD...........A big, fast, strong, elusive QB who has the Texas team on his back right now.............Texas won't break and Young is the reason why..............USC 38 - Texas 33...................Young has 182 yards rushing.................
USC 3:56 Left: run for 5 then pass for 10, run for another 5 then its over the 50 yard line with a 4th and 1 now with 2:13 left from the 44 and Texas held...................Turned over on downs................Texas has 2:09 for Vince Young to take them 55 yards for the winning TD...................
Destiny Drive for Texas & Young?: 3rd & 12 from the 42 yard line............face mask after Texas came up short on 3rd down and keeps the drive alive......First down Texas on the 45 with 1:20 remaining..........57 seconds remaining from the 37 yard line 2nd down.............Young runs to the 30 and gets out of bounds with 53 seconds left.................Pass to the 14 yard line with the receiver getting out of bounds with 45 seconds left..............Young rushes to the 9 yard line with 30 seconds left.........time-out Texas............9 yards when you have Young with 30 seconds left seems like a short piece of real estate....................3rd and 5 yards.....incomplete pass in the end zone.................4th down and 5 yards 26 seconds left..................Young runs it in on the right side for the go ahead TD, untouched...............Texas going for 2 points................what could be better? Young runs the 2 point conversion up the middle and converts..................Texas 41 - USC 38.........19 seconds left.....
USC 16 Seconds: it's over...............
Texas wins in a game that Young carried Texas on his back and Texas refused to quit when it looked like they were about to on defense but instead stopped USC on 4th and 1 at the Texas 44 yard line and gave Young the chance to win the game..........................Young's stats: passing 30/40 for 267 yards no TD's or INTs, rushing 20 attempts for 200 yards, total yards 467 yards,
Congratulation to Vince Young and the Texas Long Horns, they played a great game and refused to give in. It was a great college football season and I think the game just keeps getting better. Man I Love This Game..........................
Bush Fumble: That was only the second fumble of the year for the Bush - White RB team all year and this one came because of an attempted lateral. It is looking like a big mistake that might lead to a Texas TD instead of USC going up 14 - 0. Texas is driving and at the USC 10 after the turn-over...............
Texas Fumble - Again: they got this one back but lost 20 yards and critical field position. It's a FG and 3 points instead of a TD and 7 points. 7 - 3 USC. (for two teams that are suppose to be the very best three fumbles in the first quarter and few minutes of the second quarter is not a great statement - Also both coaches going for it on fourth down the first few minutes of the game and not making it?)
USC Driving: Texas however just intercepted at the goal line. Ref called it incomplete but they are reviewing it now. No doubt a Texas int and should be Texas ball on the 20 yard line...........The ref got it right after the replay and there was indisputable evidence that Texas intercepted the ball. Texas ball at the 20 yard line. Without the Bush fumble and this take away, could very well be 21 - 0 USC at this point, but instead it's 7-3 USC.
Texas Driving: two first downs after the int from a combo of running and passing, and running the no huddle................Texas TE #18 Thomas is the go to guy thus far for Texas receiving............Texas Young just attempted a lateral at the 10 yard line and it worked for a Texas TD............Wait he was down, but no replay before the PAT so the TD stands. The PAT however is "wide right"............Texas 9 - USC 7........Young's knee was down and it should have been called dead at the 10 yard line......................
Texas Forces Punt: first really good defensive series of the game for either team with Texas forcing USC 3 and out...................low punt and a good Texas return to the 50 yard line..............Texas has the MoJo going right now and great field position............
Texas Drive: long bomb that hits off the USC DB's helmet and falls incomplete but almost caught by second Texas receiver...............Young just ran up the middle for 7 yards.........Texas converts first down with pass to TE #16 Thomas (over 50 yards receiving thus far).............Texas RB #25 Taylor just ran thirty yards through sloppy USC missed tackles for a TD.........Texas 16 - USC 7.............Texas is taking over just before half time...............................
USC Drive: 2:27 left first half.....Bush short pass and 7 yards...........Texas int but ruled incomplete (second missed call)..........Bush runs for 15 yards.......2:02 left.........Texas Defense already cramping in the first half - not a good sign..............Bush five yards and over the 50 yard line...........USC First down on best pass of the night by USC.................Leinart runs for 11 yards and first down - big hit on Leinart and time out USC..........Bush 10 yard reception pick up and out at the 13.........40 seconds left.............Leinart sacked at the 21 - timeout Texas 32 seconds left - timeout USC......Another sack this one a coverage sack...........17 seconds left.......last time-out..........USC FG attempt..................43 yard attempt...............It's good...................Texas 16 - USC 10...................2 seconds.........Half Time.............
1st Half Summary: A big let down so far............it's more like just a decent game between two top 10 teams played with a real sloppy edge................
Biggest USC Moment: TD after Texas went for it at the 50 on fourth down and did not make it....................
Biggest Texas Moment: Griffin int at the goal line to prevent USC from going up 14 - 3 and the Young TD lateral to Selvin Young after 80 yard drive........
Lowest USC Moment: Bush lateral - fumble that ended a USC drive to take a 14 - 3 lead.........................
Lowest Texas Moment: Brown going for it on fourth down at mid-field and not making it................lead to only USC TD of half................
Texas has the edge at the end of the first half because Bush has not gotten off on a big play (except the lateral fumble) and Leinart is not completing passes (13/21 148 yards, no TD's, 1 int). Texas could win this one inspite of Mack Brown.....
Worst Uniforms: Texas Band - good God those orange band uniforms with white cowboy fringe are a bit dated.........Did I really comment on Band Uniforms???? Well that tells you how good of a game it has been this far..........not a very good one...............
Hope it gets a whole lot better in the second half cause this has not been close to a great game so far...........................
Second Half
Texas 3 and out, Young went deep and missed a wide open receiver on a deep throw.............Texas punt and USC penalty put USC on the 38 yard line......
Second Half
Texas 3 and out, Young went deep and missed a wide open receiver on a deep throw.............Texas punt and USC penalty put USC on the 38 yard line......
USC Drive: USC converts 1st down across the 50 yard line...........big pass down to the 20 yard line by Leinart to White......if they get the passing game going then the MoJo will turn back to USC...........White strong stiff arm run down to the 3 yard line - good hard run..........White puts it into the end zone............USC 17 - Texas 16...........White has been the best overall player for USC so far, but Leinart is also starting to click. If that happens look out for Mr. Bush....................The MoJo has turned a bit......
Texas Drive: Young runs 7 yards with ease........No huddle = defensive subs..........Charles breaks a good 15 yard run...........Vince Young runs for 15 yards.......passes for 15 yards.......breaks a run off for 15 into the end zone for a TD..........a powerful run over USC defenders..........Texas back on top 23 - 17 and takes the MoJo right back.....
USC Drive: Bush returns KO to the 26 yard line...........Bird 10 yard reception 1st down on driving run after catch effort.......Ross Texas DB hammers USC WR - no gain......Davis 15 yard reception, first down at the Texas 45 yard line......25 yard pass puts the ball on the 25 yard line.......Bird another driving yards after catch to the 20 yard line ..........going for it on 4th down........White converts first down and scores from 20 yards................Now we have the game going I expected...........USC 24 - Texas 23..............
Texas Drive: David Thomas #16 makes another catch for 1st down at the 35 yard line - he is having a great game.......Young breaks off a 45 yard run to the 20 yard line - huge run and Young is a freak of nature with speed - size - arm.................10 yard pass 3rd and 5 to go..........# 16 Thomas makes catch but short of the first down......31 FG try from left hash..........missed it wide right - FSU & Penn State kickers are shaking their heads as well...............A very wasted drive after Young's efforts.....Young has 149 rushing yards with an average of 11.5 yards per carry.........White of USC is second in that category right now with 72 yards and an average of 6.5 yards per carry. He does however have 3 TD's......................
More cramp problems for Texas entering the 4th quarter...........Sounds like it is becoming a REALLY BIG Problem for the Texas Defense....We will have to see what role it plays in the 4th quarter..................
USC Drive: 1st pass play USC........13.19 after 8 yard pass play...........This is a BIG drive for both teams................White picks up 1st down on power fun.......LB #39 down but walking off..........Watch and see if defensive plays start dropping out on this drive for Texas............White runs for 8 more on a power run, ball on the Texas 40................12:05 left......White AGAIN for 15 more POWER yards, right up the middle in a huge hole, White just went over 100 yards.....................Bush just took it outside and broke it off for a 25 yard TD....................Power with White up the gut, wearing the Texas defense out, then lightening in a bottle got loose and highlight TD......................That might break Texas.....................USC 31 - Texas 23...............11:19 remaining.............
Texas Drive: Texas just had a instant review go their way on a fumble...............as close as it gets and could have gone either way.............keep it the call made on the field I say and the right call on a very close play.........Texas dodged a big bullet on that near fumble........................Big pass from Young to Pittman down to the 35 yard line............Texas is answering.....3rd and 5 with 9:49 left........Young runs it fumbles and Texas recovers............FG attempt upcoming............34 yards from left hash is good................Not what they wanted but puts Texas closer USC 31 - Texas 26......................USC did not break Texas on that series, we have another 9 minutes to play in a game that is still either teams to win...................................
USC Big Drive: 8:40 left.............Big pass for 33 yards to Kirtman plus a 15 yard roughing the passer penalty put it on the Texas 30 yard line..........strong run up the middle for White again for 9 yards..............Leinart TD pass 22 yards to Jarrett............Texas players are hurt but walking off...............the Texas defense is looking beaten down and really to fall....................USC 38 - Texas 26.......6:42 left...............USC can smell it and Texas is starting to look convinced that they are going to lose from the body language I'm seeing................Young has to lead them to a quick TD now or this one is over.......................
Texas Do or Die Time: USC is playing zone, big mistake I think......................Texas a couple passes and down to the USC 47............USC blitzed and should have intercepted Young's pass under pressure......................Thomas #16 has his 10th catch and puts the ball on the 23 yard line......Young runs it in for a 17 yard TD...........A big, fast, strong, elusive QB who has the Texas team on his back right now.............Texas won't break and Young is the reason why..............USC 38 - Texas 33...................Young has 182 yards rushing.................
USC 3:56 Left: run for 5 then pass for 10, run for another 5 then its over the 50 yard line with a 4th and 1 now with 2:13 left from the 44 and Texas held...................Turned over on downs................Texas has 2:09 for Vince Young to take them 55 yards for the winning TD...................
Destiny Drive for Texas & Young?: 3rd & 12 from the 42 yard line............face mask after Texas came up short on 3rd down and keeps the drive alive......First down Texas on the 45 with 1:20 remaining..........57 seconds remaining from the 37 yard line 2nd down.............Young runs to the 30 and gets out of bounds with 53 seconds left.................Pass to the 14 yard line with the receiver getting out of bounds with 45 seconds left..............Young rushes to the 9 yard line with 30 seconds left.........time-out Texas............9 yards when you have Young with 30 seconds left seems like a short piece of real estate....................3rd and 5 yards.....incomplete pass in the end zone.................4th down and 5 yards 26 seconds left..................Young runs it in on the right side for the go ahead TD, untouched...............Texas going for 2 points................what could be better? Young runs the 2 point conversion up the middle and converts..................Texas 41 - USC 38.........19 seconds left.....
USC 16 Seconds: it's over...............
Texas wins in a game that Young carried Texas on his back and Texas refused to quit when it looked like they were about to on defense but instead stopped USC on 4th and 1 at the Texas 44 yard line and gave Young the chance to win the game..........................Young's stats: passing 30/40 for 267 yards no TD's or INTs, rushing 20 attempts for 200 yards, total yards 467 yards,
Congratulation to Vince Young and the Texas Long Horns, they played a great game and refused to give in. It was a great college football season and I think the game just keeps getting better. Man I Love This Game..........................
posted by Steve at 6:17 PM
