“I didn’t want anybody to touch me. I had some bad luck. I had Bible class on Friday, and I knew I was going to get tested. But the next step you take will be a blessing.” – Texas QB Colt McCoy, as quoted in Sunday’s Austin American-Statesman following the Longhorns’ 34-13 win over TCU.
Without meaning to mock anyone’s faith, McCoy’s had a miserable start to the 2007 season. He was extremely lucky to escape last week’s narrow win over lowly Arkansas State with fewer than 5 interceptions, and his pair of first half passes thrown into the hands of guys wearing purple jerseys put Texas behind the eight ball.
That said, the sophmore passer has crazy weapons at his disposal, and the combined athleticism and cunning of Nate Jones (8 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD), Quan Crosby, Jermichael Finley and Limas Sweed was far more than the overmatched Horned Frogs secondary could contain for two halves. The formidable quartet continues, naturally, to open things up for RB Jamal Charles (22 carries, 134 yards, 1 TD), who for the time being, is the offensive star of the team. At least until McCoy shows something close to the poise he demonstrated through much of 2006.
2 guys who might be reconsidering their recent career choices : NC State’s Tom O’Brien (0-2 after being whacked by his old employer, BC, yesterday) and Iowa State’s Gene Chizik (a 24-13 loser to Northern Iowa). However, both coaches will probably be afforded greater patience than say, Syracuse’s 3rd year chief Greg Robinson, who presided over a 35-0 loss at Iowa. For those of a certain vintage, it’s kind of amazing to consider Rutgers’ rise to national prominence compared to Syracuse’s precipitous slide to irrelevancy.