Double Coverage 2012-12-07

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the daily texan presents

december 7, 2012

Vol. 7, issue 14

Ash’s last stand page 6

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friday, december 7, 2012

thelineup

No. 27 Daje Johnson | Elisabeth Dillon | Daily Texan Staff No. 14 David Ash | Cover photo by Elisabeth Dillon | Daily Texan Staff

previews&Notebooks 7 12 13 14

Players to watch

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Only the rugged survive

5

Luck of the Draw

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A Not too distant future

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in the rear view

Oregon State is just one year removed from a three-win season, but now the Beavers are a win away from a 10-win campaign.

Had the Longhorns pulled off an upset of the Wildcats last week they could have played in the Cotton Bowl against former rival Texas A&M.

If Texas is to get back to its winning ways, it will have to figure out its puzzling quarterback situation first. Can David Ash put the pieces in place for the Longhorns to succeed?

Beat writers Chris Hummer and Lauren Giudice have followed the Longhorns all season and now they take a look back at some of the season’s most memorable moments.

national notebook

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bowl games to watch keys to the game

the daily texan presents

december 7, 2012

Vol. 7, issue 14

Double Coverage Editor............Nick Cremona Design Editor............................Natasha Smith Photo Editor.............................Elisabeth Dillon Copy Editor........................................Trey Scott Writers...................................Christian Corona ..................................................Lauren Giudice .....................................................Ryan Haddox ...................................................Chris Hummer ....................................................Wes Maulsby ...............................................Peter Sblendorio ................................................Sara Beth Purdy .......................................................Hank South ....................................................Matt Warden

good times bad times

Texas endured plenty of ups-and-downs throughout the year and there’s no shortage of powerful images that tell the Longhorns’ story.

Case McCoy wasn’t able to pull another rabbit out of his helmet last week against Kansas State, and now Texas finds itself home for Christmas and playing in the Alamo Bowl just four days later. Oregon State has overcome injuries at the quarterback position and still presents a challenge for an underachieving Longhorns team.

My prediction is the Beavers pull out a close, possibly crazy affair by a score of 34 to 33. Double Coverage thanks you for reading and wishes everyone a Happy Holiday season.

3 friday, december 7, 2012

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Bright future ahead for linebackers

By Christian Corona Sports Editor

For a guy who was in high school this time last year, Peter Jinkens spent a lot of time in the Kansas State backfield over the weekend.

And he should be spending plenty of time as a starting linebacker as part of a unit that could lead a resurgent Longhorns defense in 2013.

He starred at Dallas Skyline, where junior wide receiver Mike Davis also went to high school, before signing with Texas this February. Now, with Jordan Hicks missing the last nine regular season games with a hip injury, Jinkens is seeing significant playing time and making the most of it.

“He is a very emotional player,” head coach Mack Brown said of Jinkens on Signing Day this year. “He is really fast. He could even play some nickel, outside backer. Great blitzer.

Loves to play the game. Very bright young man. Really good in space.”

A day after tweeting “guess who’s starting tomorrow ... ”, Jinkens made six tackles in his first career start during the Longhorns’ 33-7 win over Iowa State. He made four more stops in a 20-13 loss to TCU before making his presence early in Texas’ regular season finale in Manhattan against Kansas State.

On the Wildcats’ first possession, they had a five-yard run by tailback John Hubert and a four-yard run between the tackles by quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Collin Klein. That set up a 3rd-and-1. Klein handed off to 6-foot-4, 256-pound fullback Braden Wilson. Jenkins met

him behind the line of scrimmage, forcing Kansas State to go three-andout on its opening drive.

Jinkens made five tackles, one of them a sack of Klein, in the 4224 defeat. At 8-4, Texas has a lot of work to do before trying to bounce back next year. And Jinkens has proven that he can be a piece of a championship puzzle.

Sophomore Tevin Jackson, like Jenkins, began this season as a backup linebacker before cracking the starting lineup. Juniors Demarco Cobbs and Hicks, along with sophomore Steve Edmond, started at linebacker in Texas’ season opener this year. Because of injury, only Edmond starts now.

Jackson has made 23 tackles this year, seven, including a sack, in his last two games.

“Tevin can make a play,” defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said. “That’s kind of what’s shown up over the last couple weeks. He’s been able to make some big plays, sacks, tackles for losses. We’re at a point [where] we’re experiencing injuries throughout the year [and] don’t have a lot of linebackers. We have to have a role for everybody.”

Hicks hasn’t played since September and won’t play again until next August. Depending on whether he’s granted a medical redshirt, he could still have two years of eligibility left.

Regardless, he’ll be leading a vastly improved group of linebackers next year and be one of the most experienced members of a defense that will be trying to redeem itself from, statistically, one of its worst years in program history.

The future is bright for Texas linebackers.

TOP: No. 19 Peter Jinkens, MIDDLE: No. 33 Steve Edmond, BOTTOM: No. 11 Tevin Jackson Photos by Elisabeth Dillon and Lawrence Peart | Daily Texan Staff

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friday, december 7, 2012

Beavers ready for battle at Alamo A bowl victory would mark just third season with 10 wins for OSU

By Sara Beth Purdy The Beavers were productive this season. After an embarrassing 3-9 record in 2011, a bowl victory against Texas would make the perfect end to their turn-around season.

Oregon State wrapped up their season with a 77-3 rout of Nicholls State at home to finish the season 9-3 with a 6-3 Pac-12 conference record. Several records were set against an overmatched Nicholls State team, including total points scored and margin of victory.

“It was really big,” sophomore quarterback Sean Mannion said of the win against Nicholls State. “I know that everyone wanted to come out strong and play our best football and I think we came close to that. We came out and executed well from start to finish and that is just about all you can ask for.”

The Beavers finished third in the Pac-12 behind Stanford and Oregon. Oregon State lost to Washington on the road by three points and Stanford by four on the road. They only lost one game at home, a 48-24 defeat at the hands of Oregon who finished at the top of the Pac-12.

Now the Beavers are starting off as slight favorites in the Alamo Bowl. They don’t have history on their side, having lost the only two matchups ever against the Longhorns, but they do have a season under their belts to be proud of.

Don Ryan | Associated Press Oregon State wide receiver Obum Gwachum, right, celebrates his touchdown with teammate Roman Sapolu during the second half of a game in Corvallis, Ore., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. Oregon State defeated Nicholls State 77-3.

“Last year we were done by now,” said senior cornerback Jordan Poyer. “We were hanging out and not doing anything. Now we are getting ready to play a bowl game, a respectable bowl game, too.

It shows the amount of work we put in, in the offseason paid off.”

They finished the regular season ranked No. 13 with

one of the best regular season records in program history.

If they come away with the victory at the end of December, it will be the third 10win season in Oregon State School history.

Head coach Mike Riley is entering his 12th season with the Beavers and with 72 victories is two shy of becoming the winningest coach in

Oregon State history. He was recently named the American Football Coaches Association Region 5 Football Bowl Subdivision Coach of the Year.

“It just feels good to be with a bunch of people who turned it around,” Riley said. “It was fun to see our players develop.

That’s hard to do entering a season coming off a 3-9.”

Last year we were done by now.

We were hanging out and not doing anything. Now we are getting ready to play a bowl game, a respectable bowl game, too. It shows the amount of work we put in, in the offseason paid off.

—Jordan Poyer, senior cornerback

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Dave Einsel | Associated Press Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel (2) runs around Sam Houston State’s Robert Shaw (23) for a touchdown during the second quarter of a game, Saturday, Nov. 17 in College Station. The Aggies will face Oklahoma Jan. 4 in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

Longhorns lucky to avoid A&M in bowl

By Lauren Giudice Daily Texan Columnist

Oklahoma being left out of the BCS was the best thing that could have happened to Texas. Northern Illinois, with a 12-1 record, will head to the Orange Bowl and the Sooners will take on former Big 12 member Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.

The Longhorns are lucky they won’t be taking on Johnny Manziel and the Aggies.

It’s a one-two punch for the Longhorns. It was expected the Aggies would struggle in the SEC and instead they are having a far better season than Texas. On top of that, Manziel’s success has caused serious questioning of Texas’ recruiting decisions. He reached out Texas and showed interest in the program but he was recruited only as a defensive back.

Now, he is a Heisman finalist as a redshirt freshman.

All the while, Texas is again immersed in a quarterback struggle with David Ash and Case McCoy competing for the starting spot.

While the Longhorns defeated the Aggies in their last meeting, Kevin Sumlin’s program has taken much larger steps forward than Mack Brown’s. With a new conference, a new coach and a dazzling quarterback, the Aggies have risen above the status of the Longhorns.

While A&M is thriving in the best conference in the country, the Texas football program has become stagnant.

Texas’ losses have come at the hands of Oklahoma, West Virginia, TCU and Kansas State. Only the Sooners and Wildcats are ranked. Texas A&M now sits in third in the SEC West with a 10-2 record, defeating thenNo. 1 Alabama along the way. The Aggies’ only losses came to Florida and LSU, both

were by lost by less than four points and both teams are still ranked.

Yes, rebuilding after a 5-7 season takes time. But Texas’ losses to West Virginia and TCU should not be acceptable at a program with so much money and resources. In addition, getting stomped by Bob Stoops’ squad is a trend that isn’t going to be acceptable for much longer. Texas needs one more win to top last year’s win total. But Oregon State will likely be favored in the Alamo Bowl, potentially concluding this season with the same average record as the last.

Each week on Monday media availability, it is a pretty safe bet that Mack Brown will tell the press that Texas is improving. Manny Diaz, Brian Harsin and the players echo that same tune.

But, in college football, the win column is all that matters.

The wins aren’t there this year. They weren’t

there the previous two years, either.

During Texas’ loss to Kansas State last Saturday, fans were chanting “We own Texas.”

The Wildcats defeated the Longhorns for the fifth straight time and clinched the Big 12 title that night. The last time Texas saw that trophy was in 2009. Since that season, Texas is 21-16.

If the two former rivals were to play in the Cotton Bowl, the Aggie fans would likely have the right to a similar chant.

“We handled those guys [Texas A&M] already,” said Jeremy Hills before Texas’ loss to TCU. “We won the first, the most and the last.

That’s all that matters.”

While a Big 12 rivalry rematch between the Longhorns and Aggies would be exciting, Texas should be glad they aren’t taking on the in-state rival.

Mack Brown and his staff should be the most relieved of all.

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friday, december 7, 2012

Elisabeth Dillon | Daily Texan Staff

who should wear the helmet?

By Chris Hummer Daily Texan Columnist

There’s an old saying, “two heads are better than one.”

But that’s certainly not the case with quarterbacks. A fact that Mack Brown and Texas’ coaching staff must realize before this program spirals completely into an abyss.

The best teams in the country are led by outstanding signal callers, and each member of the BCS Top 10 is led by a firmly established starting quarterback. From a battle-hardened veteran in Kansas State’s Colin Klein to Texas A&M’s freshman sensation, Johnny Manziel.

These schools are successful for a reason. There is no doubt about their direction

under center.

For years the Longhorns were in that situation. Major Applewhite, then Chris Simms, followed by Vince Young and capped off by Colt McCoy. But after McCoy stepped off the 40 Acres the Longhorns’ record and standing has plummeted.

Not coincidentally, Texas’ quarterback situation has been sticky during this three-

year stretch.

Garrett Gilbert flopped as McCoy’s successor. And it didn’t get much better after, as David Ash and Case McCoy have battled back in forth in a bout of mediocrity for the starting job.

In all, the Longhorns have switched starting quarterbacks six times in their last 25 games, good for a winning percentage of 64. To put that number in

perspective, the Longhorns had an 85-percent mark from 2006-2009 with Case’s older brother at the helm, and never finished worse than 13th in the final AP poll.

Top 10 finishes and Big 12 titles are the standard Texas is held to, not the minor bowl games and brief flashes of excitement this team has produced the last three seasons.

The Texas program is on

a downtrodden path, and the quickest way to alleviate its issues would be to find steady quarterback play. The only thing is, no one is sure if that player is on the roster.

Ash, who had been the Longhorns starter for every game in 2012 until Texas’ loss to Kansas State last weekend, certainly didn’t earn a

ASH continues on page 13

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players to watch

friday, december 7, 2012

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matt warden daily texan staff

markus wheaton senior wide receiver

Wheaton is an undersized receiver at 6-foot-1 and 184 pounds, but his numbers on the year have proven his ability. The senior has compiled 1,207 yards on 88 receptions, including 11 touchdowns. Wheaton possesses a great ability to run after the catch, evidenced by his 13.7 yards per reception. The Longhorns have been undone by small, quick slot receivers this season and if they don’t play Wheaton physically, bumping him at the line and hitting him hard,it will be a long day in San Antonio.

sean mannion sophomore quarterback No player the Longhorns have faced so far in the season is as hot and cold as the Beavers’ sophomore quarterback. Mannion has played in nine games as the starter for Oregon State, passing for 2,446 yards with 15 touchdowns. Mannion’s tall, standing 6-foot-5 in the pocket, which allows him to see clearly when throwing the football. Mannion had a big game against the Arizona Wildcats in week 4 when he threw for 433 yards and three touchdowns.

While the game showed that Mannion is capable of handling the pressure in big moments, his four interceptions against highly touted Oregon tell the story of his tendency to choke under that same pressure. His 13 interceptions are a statistic that the Longhorns should look to exploit, as he has proven he will throw the ball into the wrong hands if effectively pressured. However, Mannion has enough size and has showed enough poise and ability to give the Longhorns a hard time in this game. Look for Mannion to show up as he leads the Beavers into the Alamo for battle.

Associated Press

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Ash saves Texas with clutch drive in Stillwater Texas was down by two points with less than three minutes left in Stillwater. On fourth-and-six from the Texas 29, David Ash threw the ball to tight end D.J. Grant for a 29-yard gain.

Two plays later, Ash’s 32-yard pass gave Texas a first and goal. Joe Bergeron put the Longhorns ahead and sealed Texas’ first Big 12 win with his two-yard touchdown.

reviewing the season story by lauren giudice and chris hummer photos by elisabeth dillon and lawrence peart

WYOMING W 37-17

NEW MEXICO W 45-0

OLE MISS W 66-31

OKLAHOMA STATE W 41-36

WEST VIRGINIA L 48-45

Sooners dominate in Dallas Hicks injures hip during Ole Miss win Texas’ 66-31 win over Ole Miss was a significant victory for the offense.

But the game would haunt the defense for the rest of the season. Linebacker Jordan Hicks injured his hip and was sidelined for the rest of the season. Before his injury, he was leading Texas in tackles. The young linebackers struggled in his absence throughout the season.

After losing to the Mountaineers in a close matchup, the Longhorns headed to the Cotton Bowl and were pounded by the Sooners, 63-21. The Sooners had a 677-289 advantage over the Longhorns in total yardage. Over 300 of those yards were on the ground. The offense was stifled by the Sooners as Ash threw two interceptions and had 113 yards through the air. Defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat suffered a season-ending pectoral injury during the game.

OKLAHOMA L 63-21

Home crowd carries Horns to victory Only days after the death of Darrell K Royal, the Longhorns played their most complete game of the season against Iowa State. They began the game in the wishbone formation to honor Royal, which went for a 47-yard gain, and after that about everything else went smoothly in the 33-7 win.

TCU takes over on Thanksgiving The Longhorns had BCS hopes: win their final two games and they would likely earn a berth. Spirits were high entering the Turkey Day game, but were quickly dashed thanks to an anemic offensive performance. The Longhorns produced only 300 yards of offense, were 3-for-11 on third downs and had four turnovers in the 20-13 loss.

Texas did not produce a touchdown until the last four minutes of the contest, when McCoy entered in relief of Ash. The loss ended the Longhorns’ Big 12 title hopes and nullified any potential BCS dreams.

Longhorns leave Lubbock with win Lubbock has never been friendly to the Longhorns. But Ash rallied after being benched in Lawrence to throw for 264 yards and three touchdowns during Texas’ 31-22 win while the defense contained Seth Doege and the Red Raiders’ offense in the win.

BAYLOR W 56-50

KANSAS W 21-17

TEXAS TECH W 31-22

IOWA STATE W 33-7

TCU L 20-13

KANSAS STATE L 42-24

Texas squeaks by Kansas Texas was down 17-14 with less than 2:30 left in the game and it looked like Mack Brown was going to have the most embarrassing loss of his tenure at Texas.

Brown replaced Ash with Case McCoy for the last two drives.

McCoy hit D.J. Grant in the end zone with 12 seconds left in the game to give the Longhorns the win.

McCoy named starter

Loss to Kansas State caps pedestrian season

Following the Longhorns’ loss to TCU, Case McCoy was named the starting quarterback for Kansas State. David Ash exited the game against the Horned Frogs with a rib injury, but was still available to play the following week. When Mack Brown was asked about the Ash’s future as his starting QB, he was non-committal, leaving the door open for yet another quarterback controversy in the offseason.

Texas played one of its best halves of the season against Kansas State, but turnovers derailed the team in the second half. The No. 6 Wildcats capitalized on a pair of fourth quarter turnovers – a botched punt return by Quandre Diggs and an interception by McCoy – to swing the momentum in their favor. Texas lost 42-24, its fourth loss of the season, and sent the Longhorns to the Alamo Bowl. An unimpressive capstone on what was a pedestrian season.

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matchups

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friday, december 7, 2012

PETER SBLENDORIO daily texan staff

QUARTERBACK David Ash did not play in the Longhorns’ season finale against Kansas State, but he is considered day-to-day and should be ready for the Alamo Bowl.

The sophomore had a much improved second season, throwing for 2,458 yards and 17 touchdowns for an efficiency rating of 154.9. Case McCoy looked good at times in limited action, but Texas would be better off should Ash be able to play.

Oregon State also benefitted from strong quarterback play, with Sean Mannion seeing the majority of the reps. Mannion threw for 2,446 yards and 15 touchdowns, but his 13 interceptions and efficiency rating of 138.8 left something to be desired. Assuming Ash takes the field for Texas, the Longhorns will have the edge under center.

advantage

DEFENSIVE LINE Both teams had success in bringing down the opposing quarterback during the regular season, with Oregon State recording 26 sacks and Texas earning 25.

The Longhorns had the significant edge in tackles for loss however, registering 101 compared to the Beavers’ 75. Texas’ strong effort in providing pressure in the backfield begins with defensive end Alex Okafor, who led the team with eight sacks and 12 tackles for a loss. The senior continued to wreak havoc even after fellow end Jackson Jeffcoat was lost for the season and should receive considerable attention in the 2013 NFL Draft.

advantage

RUNNING BACK Texas’ balanced rushing unit was a major part of the Longhorns’ improved offense in 2012, as the team earned 2,112 yards and 31 touchdowns on the ground.

Big seasons from freshman Johnathan Gray, who led the team with 683 rushing yards, and sophomore Joe Bergeron, who paced Texas with 16 scores, greatly contributed to a run game that averaged 4.6 yards per carry. The Beavers did not display as much depth at the running back position, as freshman Storm Woods received the majority of the carries and led the team with 822 yards and 11 touchdowns. No other back reached the 400 rushing yard mark, however, and as a whole Oregon State ran for just 1,514 and averaged a pedestrian 3.8 yards per carry.

wide RECEIVERS Oregon State had one of the better receiving corps in college football, and this is due primarily to the standout duo of Markus Wheaton and Brandin Cooks.

Wheaton led the Beavers in all of the major receiving categories, hauling in 88 passes for 1,207 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cooks had a breakout campaign as well, making 64 receptions for 1,120 yards and five scores. Texas also received strong production from its wideouts, especially junior Mike Davis, who led the team with 54 receptions, 909 yards and seven touchdowns. Jaxon Shipley had a nice season as well with 51 catches and six touchdowns, but overall Texas did not have a receiver match the statistics of either Oregon State starter.

advantage

advantage

LINEBACKERS Overall, opponents have averaged 199.6 rushing yards per game against Texas and earned 4.8 yards per carry.

Tackling has been an issue all year for the Longhorns’ linebackers, and the unit was never able to replace the production of Jordan Hicks after the junior’s injury in the third game of the season. The Beavers have been much better at stopping the run, holding opponents to just 4.0 yards per carry and an average of 130.5 rushing yards per game. Linebacker Michael Doctor is a significant reason for this, as he leads the team with 72 tackles and is second with 10.5 tackles for a loss.

advantage

SECONDARY

OFFENSIVE LINE Texas’ offensive line has been a strength all season, providing consistent protection for Ash and running lanes for the Longhorns’ running backs. The line has helped the Longhorns become one of the most balanced and efficient offenses in the Big 12, as they averaged 4.6 yards per rush and 12.9 yards per reception during the regular season. In addition, they allowed just 14 sacks. Oregon State was not quite as efficient on offense, earning 3.8 yards per carry and 12.7 yards per catch, and his was due in part to a line that sometimes struggled to stop opposing pressure. The Beavers’ line relinquished 23 sacks, resulting in 167 yards lost.

advantage

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Longhorns did a nice job in pass defense during the regular season, as they limited opponents to 213.5 yards per game through the air and allowed just 16 passing touchdowns in 12 games.

In addition, Texas picked off 13 passes and returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns. Oregon State was even better in limiting opposing quarterbacks in 2012. The Beavers allowed just 12 passing touchdowns in the regular season, and opponents gained just 6.1 yards per pass. They also intercepted 19 passes in 12 games and returned them for a total of 282 yards and a touchdown.

advantage

The Beavers have been steady yet unspectacular on special teams, averaging 18.3 yards on kick returns and 5.3 yards on punts. Texas put up superior averages in 12 games, gaining 23.9 yards on kickoffs and 8.1 yards on punt returns.

Oregon State has been the better kicking team, as kicker Trevor Romaine nailed 14 of 16 field goal attempts, but he did fail to convert three extra point attempts.

The Longhorns, too, missed on three extra point tries and went just 10-of-17 on field goal attempts, but they did connect on 9-of-11 tries inside of 39 yards.

Despite the inconsistency of the kicking game, Texas’ superior return ability gives the Longhorns the edge.

advantage

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national notebook

12

friday, december 7, 2012

Malzahn takes over at Auburn, Rutgers appeals fine

By Hank South College football will take a bye week before it returns with the New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 15. The season that saw a near-non-SEC national championship game lacked no excitement, which will undoubtedly continue into bowl season. Let’s take a look at some of the notes around the nation.

• Texas A&M and Kansas

State quarterbacks Johnny Manziel and Collin Klein, and Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o, have been invited to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony on Saturday night. If Manziel were to win the award, he would become the first freshman to take home the trophy. If Te’o were to win he would become the second defensive player next to Michigan’s Charles Woodson to claim the award.

• Arkansas has hired Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema away from Madison.

Bielema has turned the Badgers into a national power, leading the program to three straight Rose Bowls. The unexpected hire came as a surprise to many due to the elite program Wisconsin is.

• Auburn has tabbed its former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn as its next head coach after firing Gene Chizik. Malzahn called plays

for the 2010 BCS Champion Tigers before accepting the head coaching job at Arkansas State. Malzahn led ASU to a 9-3 record and the Sunbelt Conference Championship.

• Purdue has hired Kent State head coach Darrell Hazell to the same position.

Hazell led Kent State to its first winning season since 2001 and an overtime touchdown away from a potential BCS berth. Hazell will receive a significant raise with

his six-year, $12 million deal compared to his $300,000 salary as the Golden Flashes’ front man.

• Louisville is doing everything in its power to keep head coach Charlie Strong in Louisville. The Cardinals are reportedly working on an extension on top of his current five year, $11.5 million contract. On Tuesday it was reported Strong is likely to stay at Louisville, who will join the Atlantic Coast

Conference in 2014. The Cardinals will play Florida in the Sugar Bowl.

• Rutgers has filed a lawsuit against the Big East in regards to the $10 million, 27-month notification in order for the University to head to the Big Ten. Rutgers claims the same fines and waiting period are not the same for all Big East schools and that the conference is solely trying to punish the University for exiting.

heisman watch

wes maulsby daily texan staff

Manti Te’o Senior LB, Notre Dame

Johnny Manziel RS Freshman QB, Texas A&M

Last Week: 32-for-44 (73 percent) for 372 yards three TDs and one interception. 12 rushes for 67 yards (5.6 yards per rush) and two TDs. Season: 273-for-400 (68 percent) for 3419 yards 24 TDs and eight interceptions. 184 rushes for 1181 yards (6.4 yards per carry) and 19 TDs. Manziel has done what no one else has done since Adrian Peterson in 2004. He is almost assured to become one of the top two in the final Heisman ballot as a freshman. The Heisman Trophy goes to the most outstanding player in the country, but there have always been some unwritten rules. No one besides Archie Griffin has won it twice, freshmen and sophomores don’t win it and defenders aren’t eligible. One of those taboos was snapped five years ago when Time Tebow won the award in his first season as a starter as a sophomore on a 7-5 team. Since then, two additional sophomores have won the award. Manziel could take that one step further to become the first freshman to win the award. If he does, people will then be waiting to see who becomes the first true freshman to win the award.

Associated Press

Last Week: Five tackles and one interception Season: 101 tackles and seven interceptions Another taboo could be snapped Saturday. Charles Woodson won the award in 1997 as a defensive back who also saw playing time on special teams. No other player playing exclusively as a defender has won the Heisman. Te’o could change that. While Manziel will be bringing flashiness to the award, Te’o will bring all the values you could want from a collegiate athlete. He is a senior leader of an undefeated team who plays for all the right reasons and represents the game as a high-character guy. Were he the quarterback at Notre Dame, this wouldn’t even be close.

Manziel and Klein have put together nice seasons, but Te’o being the complete leader of Notre Dame, one of the most storied programs in the nation, would give him the edge. Why should the fact that he is a linebacker make this any different?

Collin Klein Senior QB, Kansas State

Last Week: 8-for-14 (57 percent) for 184 yards for one TD and one interception. 23 rushes for 103 yards (4.5 yards per rush) and two TDs. Season: 180-for-272 (66 percent) for 2490 yards 15 TDs and seven interceptions. 194 rushes for 890 yards (4.6 yards per rush) and 22 TDs. The one-time Heisman leader has seen his position be split by a freshman and a linebacker. He may be a finalist, but he seems to have fallen to those two as the award ceremony has gotten closer and closer. He led his team to the Fiesta Bowl as Big 12 champions.

But he did not lead his team to the national championship. Manziel did not do that either, but he beat one of the teams in it (after appearing to stop them from being in it) and doing it with much more impressive plays. Klein is reliable and has proven his abilities over the past two seasons. But being reliable isn’t enough. He had to be oustanding. And while the team performances often were, he wasn’t. Manziel has been making more exciting highlight plays while Klein has been rushing for two-yard touchdowns. That loss to Baylor put his campaign in a hole that he could not rush out of.

13

games to watch

friday, december 7, 2012

13

peter sblendorio daily texan staff

no. 2 alabma vs. no. 1 notre dame Overall 12-1 SEC 7-1

Overall 12-0 Away 4-0

no. 4 oregon vs. no. 5 kansas state Overall 11-1 Pac-12 8-1

Overall 11-1 Big 12 8-1

no. 9 texas a&M vs. no. 11 oklahoma Overall 10-2 SEC 6-2

wisconsin vs. no. 6 stanford Overall 8-5 Big Ten 4-4

Overall 10-2 Big 12 8-1

Overall 11-2 Pac-12 8-1

Discover BCS National Championship Monday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Thursday, January 3 at 7:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

AT&T Cotton Bowl Friday, January 4 at 7 p.m.

TV: FOX

Rose Bowl Game Tuesday, January 1 at 4 p.m.

TV: ESPN

The Crimson Tide enter the game as winners of two of the past three FBS championships, while the Fighting Irish return to the sport’s biggest stage for the first time since 1988. Offense will be at a premium, as Notre Dame and Alabama had the top two defenses in terms of opponent scoring in the regular season. Alabama is the stronger offensive team, led by the dynamic rushing attack of Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon. Running the ball will be tough for the Crimson Tide against a strong Irish front seven led by Heisman hopeful Manti Te’o. This matchup between two of college football’s prominent teams is likely to command considerable attention, and this should make for one of the most evenly matched national championship games in recent memory.

The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl will feature two of the more prolific offensive teams in the nation, as both the Ducks and the Wildcats averaged more than 40 points per game during the regular season. Oregon’s Kenjon Barner was arguably the most impressive running back in college football, as the senior turned 248 carries into 1,624 yards and 21 touchdowns. Marcus Mariota was just as efficient passing the ball, completing 69.9 percent of his passes for 2,511 yards and 30 touchdowns against just six interceptions. The most dynamic player on the field will suit up for the Wildcats, as Heisman finalist Collin Klein threw for 2,490 yards and 15 touchdowns and ran for 890 yards and 22 scores. The game won’t lack for scoring.

The Sooners were snubbed for a BCS at-large bid, but their berth in the Cotton Bowl ensured they will face one of the nation’s toughest teams. Texas A&M enjoyed a breakout campaign in its first season in the SEC, going 10-2 behind freshman sensation Johnny Manziel. The Heisman hopeful set the conference mark for total yardage, throwing for 3,419 yards along with 24 touchdowns and rushing for 1,181 yards and 19 scores. His Aggies will be opposed by an equally potent Oklahoma offense led by Landry Jones, who turned in a strong senior season with 3,989 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. Each team will have plenty of supporters at Cowboys Stadium, and they will both be eager to claim victory against a former conference rival.

After its 70-31 drubbing of Nebraska, Wisconsin has become one of the bowl season’s most enticing teams. Montee Ball is in the middle of a tremendous streak of four games with at least 111 yards rushing and a touchdown. Stanford has been playing well of late, winning four consecutive games against ranked opponents and seven straight overall. Freshman quarterback Kevin Hogan has improved the Cardinal’s offense since being inserted into the starting lineup, and running back Stepfan Taylor enjoyed a fine season with 1,442 rushing yards and 12 scores. Of note: Wisconsin coach Brett Bielema left for Arkansas and current Wisconsin AD and former coach Barry Alvarez will man the sidelines for the Badgers.

ASH continues from page 6 ringing endorsement from Mack Brown as to his future under center. And the Longhorns this week reached out to two JUCO signal-callers.

“I see David being a good player in the future,” Brown said for the second time when asked if Ash was his starter in the future, days before the Kansas State contest.

Ash has shown a high ceiling as Texas’ starter this year. He’s passed for 2,458 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions, not to mention the nation’s 20th best passer rating. However, those positives have been overshadowed because of his shoddy performances against Oklahoma, Kansas and TCU. In those games Ash completed 47 percent of his passes for 280 yards, zero touchdowns and six interceptions.

In each of those contests McCoy replaced Ash as the starter in the fourth quarter, immediately providing a spark. He marched Texas down the field against Kansas to secure a victory and almost provided a miraculous Thanksgiving comeback for the second year in a row. He played well in his starting opportunity against Kansas State, where he went 26-of-32 for 312 yards and two touchdowns.

However, McCoy did throw a pair of interceptions which resulted in a pair of touchdowns for the Wildcats. Turnovers have been McCoy’s bugaboo.

He’s brilliant for stretches, but then his spastic-like play results in interceptions.

Add that to his below-average arm strength and its hard to envision him in

Calm before the storm more than his previous role – a competent backup capable of providing immediate energy in a pinch. A relief pitcher, essentially.

This leaves the Longhorns with an issue. They can either start a potentially great quarterback, who is marred by inconsistency issues, or a backup-level quarterback masquerading in a starter’s role.

Neither option is particularly great, but the Longhorns must choose. Alternating quarterbacks is not a recipe for success. It only results in locker room rifts and a poor win-loss record.

The Big 12 is a quarterback driven league, and without an unquestioned standout at the position, the Longhorns won’t compete for championships any time soon.

Elisabeth Dillon | Daily Texan Staff Junior wide receiver Mike Davis, shown wearing No. 5 to honor injured teammate Jeremy Hills, takes a moment to collect himself in the endzone before Texas’ game against Kansas State.

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friday, december 7, 2012

Baylor holds on to Briles, Gundy inks extension

By Hank South

Third place in the Big 12 isn’t the outcome Texas had hoped for, but it’s what it got entering the Alamo Bowl contest with Oregon State.

The Longhorns have shown a lot of good things this season despite losing big games against their rivals and should look to maximize their strengths to beat Oregon State. The game plan will be simple.

run effectively When Texas runs the football well it usually wins. Likewise, when it doesn’t run the ball well, it doesn’t win. This has been the story all season long for the Longhorns and the Alamo Bowl should be no different. Oregon State ranks No. 22 in total defense but has shown a weakness against teams who can run the ball effectively. In their 48-24 loss to rival Oregon, the Beavers gave up an astounding 430 yards and six touchdowns. While it might not take this kind of production to get the Longhorns a victory, they should look to put the ball in Johnathan Gray’s hands to pick up yards in the open field, feed Malcolm Brown between the tackles and pound the ball into the end zone with Joe Bergeron.

Running the ball effectively has to be the biggest key in the Longhorns’ game plan against the Beavers.

pressure the quarterback Although Oregon State ranks No. 15 in passing yards, its starting signal-caller has 13 interceptions on the season. Sean Mannion has proven the ability to make big throws as the Beavers rank highly in passing, but his four interceptions against Oregon reveal a flaw the Longhorns must look to exploit. The defensive line of Texas needs to rush Mannion relentlessly to force him into more errors.

While the Longhorns should be cautious of his ability to throw the ball effectively at times, constant pressure will be the answer to shutting down his effect on the game. Oregon State has receivers who can make up for a few bad throws on Mannion’s part, but minimizing the time and window he has to throw will help the Longhorns put the Beavers away.

After a long, hard fought season, Kansas State claimed the Big 12 Championship with its win over Texas last Saturday night.

The Wildcats have reigned supreme over the Conference since their late September victory over the Sooners in Norman. However, this season saw nine of the 10 teams in the Big 12 claim bowl eligibility, reinforcing the conference as one of the country’s elite.

Let’s take a look at some of the notes heading into the postseason.

• Following speculation that Baylor head coach Art Briles would leave Waco for a bigger name program, like Arkansas, rumors were squashed Tuesday when Briles agreed to a longterm deal to remain the Bears’ coach. Baylor will face UCLA in the Holiday Bowl, the Bears’ third

straight bowl game.

• In similar fashion, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy will remain in Stillwater after speaking with Arkansas and Tennessee about their head coaching positions.

Gundy received a fouryear extension to remain at his alma mater after last years’ Fiesta Bowl victory.

The Cowboys will play Purdue in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

• Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder received the Chuck Neinas Coach of the Year award from the Big 12, along with the Associated Press’ Coach of the Year title. Snyder coached the Wildcats to their first BCS Bowl since the 2003 season.

• To go along with the Wildcats’ return to the upper echelon of college football, the University will begin a $75 million dollar renovation on the west side of Bill Snyder

Family Stadium in an effort to expand. The renovations will include a Wildcat Hall of Honor, ticket offices, a new press box and almost double the number of luxury suites, club boxes and club-level seats. There have been ongoing renovations on the north and south portions of the stadium throughout the season; the renovations of the west side will complete the project.

• Former West Virginia head coach Don Nehlen believes utility man Tavon Austin is the best player to hit Morgantown since 1980. It’s high praise from a coach that spent 21 years at West Virginia leading the Mountaineers to a 14993-4 record. When asked about Austin’s skill, Nehlen responded, “That kid will be a No. 1 draft pick. He’s a dynamic football player. He’s the best I’ve seen around here or anywhere with his talent and speed.”

don’t rush throws The quarterback situation at Texas has been a tumultuous one in the final weeks of the season, which does it no favors entering the Alamo Bowl. The Beavers, who have 19 interceptions this season, tied for No. 6 in the nation, are dangerous. Whether it’s David Ash or Case McCoy that is behind center come Dec. 29, the Longhorns must be wary of the Beavers’ ability to capitalize on mistakes. Texas should take its time in the pocket and set up the passing game with short passes and runs. If the Longhorns come out throwing deep passes to start the game, the Beavers will eat them alive. If Texas can find a way to open up the passing game by being patient and not trying to force the issue, it should have a good shot at marginalizing the stout defense of Oregon State.

LM Otero | Associated Press Baylor head coach Art Briles walks off the field after a game against Oklahoma State, Saturday, Dec. 1, in Waco. Baylor won 41-34.

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15

texan staff picks

friday, december 7, 2012

15

nick cremona

lauren giudice

chris hummer

christian corona

sara beth purdy

PETER SBLENDORIO

wes maulsby

hank south

matt warden

8-2

8-2

7-3

7-3

9-1

8-2

5-5

7-3

9-1

70-45

83-32

75-40

83-32

77-38

77-38

76-39

78-37

72-43

Valero Alamo Bowl Oregon State vs. Texas

Oregon State

Oregon State

Texas

Oregon State

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Oregon State

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl Baylor vs. UCLA

UCLA

UCLA

UCLA

UCLA

Baylor

UCLA

UCLA

Baylor

Baylor

Meineke Car Care Bowl Minnesota vs. Texas Tech

Texas Tech

Texas Tech

Texas Tech

Texas Tech

Texas Tech

Texas Tech

Texas Tech

Texas Tech

Texas Tech

New Era Pinstripe Bowl West Virginia vs. Syracuse

West Virginia

West Virginia

West Virginia

West Virginia

West Virginia

West Virginia

Syracuse

West Virginia

West Virginia

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl TCU vs. Michigan State

Michigan St.

Michigan St.

TCU

TCU

TCU

TCU

Michigan St.

Michigan St.

Michigan St.

Tulsa

Iowa State

Iowa State

Iowa State

Tulsa

Tulsa

Iowa State

Iowa State

Iowa State

Oklahoma St.

Oklahoma St.

Oklahoma St.

Oklahoma St.

Oklahoma St.

Oklahoma St.

Oklahoma St.

Oklahoma St.

Oklahoma St.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Kansas State vs. Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Kansas State

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

AT&T Cotton Bowl Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M

Oklahoma

Texas A&M

Texas A&M

Texas A&M

Oklahoma

Texas A&M

Oklahoma

Texas A&M

Oklahoma

National Championship Alabama vs. Notre Dame

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Alabama

Notre Dame

Alabama

Alabama

Last Week’s Record

Overall Record

Autozone Liberty Bowl Iowa State vs. Tulsa

Heart of Dallas Bowl Purdue vs. Oklahoma State

16

RIGHT: The Texas offense jogs onto the field at Bill Snyder Family Stadium during the Longhorns’ regular season finale in Manhattan, Kan. BOTTOM RIGHT: Joe Bergeron (24) and Jaxon Shipley (8) share and embrace in the season opener against Wyoming.

BELOW: D.J. Monroe (26) finds the endzone against Wyoming on a seven-yard run.

Elisabeth Dillon Daily Texan Staff

RIGHT: Sophomore defensive end Cedric Reed (88) and senior safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) attempt to wrap up TCU freshman running back B.J. Catalon (23).

Andrew Torrey Daily Texan file photo

a wild season