In 2009 it was almost like Texas got closer and closer to defeat as the season went on. They started the season with multiple blowouts over lesser teams. They continued to roll through Big 12 play unscathed, but were firmly tested in their final regular season game against Texas A&M. Some could possibly write off that close test as a rivalry game on an opponents' field where the rival played inspired football. In the Big 12 title game the Longhorns needed a replay review to set up a final, game winning field goal, but Texas survived to play in the National Championship game. Once there, fate finally caught up with the Longhorns. An injury to starting quarterback Colts McCoy cost them a chance at the National Championship as they fell to Alabama with a freshman playing most of the game. It was a cruel fate for a team that deserved better after the system denied them a chance at the title in 2008. It was also a cruel fate for McCoy, who may have been one of the best college quarterbacks ever, but never got the awards to prove it.
McCoy was a true talent from the moment he came to Texas. A four year start, he showed poise beyond his years and accepted the mantle given to him by previous starter Vince Young. Young has won a National Title in his senior season, and with the way McCoy played as a freshman many Longhorn fans felt that it would only be a matter of time until McCoy won a title or more. Unfortunately, he would only get one chance to do so. In 2008 Texas found themselves in a three way tie for the Big 12 south crown with Texas Tech and Oklahoma. Texas had beaten Oklahoma by 10, but lost to Texas Tech on the game's final play. Oklahoma had destroyed Texas Tech, but with the Red Raiders' win over Texas there was no clear separation among the three. The BCS computers rated Oklahoma higher, so the Sooners got to go to the Big 12 championship and subsequent national championship game. McCoy, who was a Heisman Finalist, led his team to a Fiesta bowl win over Ohio State, but he felt it should have been more.
In 2009 there was no such controversy. McCoy was once again a Heisman Finalist, but instead of losing to Oklahoma's Sam Bradford again he lost to Alabama's Mark Ingram. Late in the Big 12 championship with his team trailing by two he threw an incomplete pass that appeared to land as the clock expired. The officials reviewed the play and ruled that one second should remain on the clock. That one second allowed Texas to kick the winning field goal over Nebraska, sending them tot the tile game. Once there, they struggled mightily when McCoy suffered an injured shoulder in the opening quarter. A pinched nerve in that shoulder which caused numbness prevented McCoy from returning and possibly winning his long awaited national title. It was also a bittersweet ending to a fantastic career.
Writer and editor, Freddie Brister, is a former high school football coach of 25 years. His love of the game of football is reflected in his words and memories of growing up in the South and playing football in the back yard with his brother, cousins and neighborhood friends. His biggest thrill is watching former high school players he has coached play at the college level. His favorite pastime is watching college football on tv and attending the games in person every chance he gets. Freddie Brister is a huge fan of the SEC and college football.
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