 "Photo: Bruno Morlan/The Daily Texan")
STILLWATER, Okla. — It was almost the same scenario as last year for Texas: the last hurdle of the season against a highly ranked team on the road, at night, in a hostile environment. It was a chance to make a statement to America.
The Longhorns did just that Saturday night.
The team displayed a championship-caliber defense, picking off quarterback Zac Robinson four times, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Colt McCoy looked like a Heisman-winner — a completely different quarterback than the one that played against Texas Tech and Oklahoma.
It was total domination, and the win likely books Texas a spot in the National Championship game.
This Oklahoma State team isn’t the same without Kendall Hunter and Dez Bryant, and showed it on the field Saturday night. But the win over Oklahoma is still probably Texas’ most significant win.
The win in a similar situation where Texas faltered last year shows just how far this team has come. People wondered where the 2008 team was at the beginning of the season. That team is gone, and the 2009 team is probably better all-around with improved defense and special teams.
“Our defense is continuing to score, and we didn’t score on special teams tonight, but we usually do,” said Texas coach Mack Brown. “Scoring in all three phases is something that gives you a chance to be really, really good, and we’ve just got to keep that hammer down and keep pressing in those areas.”
Some new wrinkles on offense help the team, with Malcolm Williams emerging as a deep threat down the field. The offense also has the luxury of speed threats Marquise Goodwin and D.J. Monroe, something it hasn’t had before. In the last two games, Texas has scored 82 points.
“It took a while for everything to come together, but it’s clicking now,” McCoy said.
The secondary, a weakness for the team last year, has turned into what could be its biggest strength. If you throw on this secondary, chances are pretty good that they will not only pick it off, but also return it for a touchdown. Earl Thomas has six interceptions, two returned for touchdowns. When Aaron Williams left the game with a knee injury on Saturday, Chykie Brown and Curtis Brown both stepped up at corner, each recording interceptions.
“We just try to put it in the end zone as much as possible and create turnovers,” Thomas said. “Our goal is three a game, and it’s just falling our way.”
Something is different about this team now compared to the beginning of the season. Senior Sergio Kindle had the team wear dog tags this week for motivation to play with a swagger.
Right now, the team is playing with the swagger of a champion. A year ago, the team was at its lowest point following a loss to Texas Tech. Now, the Horns are at the other end of the spectrum, and it seems like nothing or no one is getting in the way.
“We have a chance to be really good here at the end,” Brown said. “We want to be the best team in the country.”
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