Like A Runaway Cattle Stampede

I have a lot of respect for the University of Texas. Solid program, great fans, and three classic games with the Buckeyes over the last half decade or so.

When Ohio athletes like Jordan Hicks choose to go to Austin instead of Texas, I understand and wish them well, even if begrudgingly so.

That being said- What a year for Longhorn faithful. They go from being in a punchers duel with Alabama for the national title to having their All American quarterback injured and their hopes dashed.

Over the summer, rumors swirl about a move into the Big or Pac Tens as a part of the national realignment madness that swept the nation. They end up with a sweetheart deal- rumors of their own television contract and a conference filled with members who have completely acquiesced to their every demand.

Fall arrives, and they kick off a season that sees them go from playing in the National Championship Game to not even being bowl eligible; including 5 losses at home in front of the burnt orange faithful.

And today, their “head coach in waiting” and defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has accepted the position as the new head coach at the University of Florida. Rumors have Major Applewhite leaving Austin to be Muschamp’s offensive coordinator– he excels, though, at recruiting, which may impact the Buckeyes as well.

Yeah, it’s been a tough year to be a Longhorn…

So, if you’ve got any UT fans on your Christmas list, it might be wise to take “cutlery” and “ropes” off their stocking stuffer possibilities, and only consider buying them electric ovens rather than gas. Also, move the New Year’s Eve party to a location on the first or second floors, just to be safe.

Just one more reason to be thankful for Jim Tressel.

Other Thoughts:

• It was great of Florida to release this information for this information to be released right during the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
• All the stuff about Gator defensive recruits favoring/considering the Buckeyes (Shazier, Gorman) just got real interesting, given Muschamp’s defensive resume.
• Think Fickle will be a candidate for Texas’ open defensive coordinator position? God, I hope not… How about Randy Shannon instead?
• Muschamp was a defensive standout at the University of Georgia. Imagine Chris Speilman getting the job in Ann Arbor for implications…
• Elsewheres in Florida, rumors of a Canadian football coach headed to Da’ U.