Bodog Week 10 College Football Preview

After Vince Young brushed off the Rose Bowl confetti and declared for the NFL draft, redshirt freshman Colt McCoy was supposed to be the "aftermath" quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.

The “Brian Griese” after John Elway, the “Quincy Carter” after Troy Aikman, the “Aaron Rodgers” whenever Brett Favre decides to retire. Texas fans weren’t expecting an AP Poll fall off of Miami or Florida State proportions, but the word “repeat” wasn’t entering their vocabulary either. McCoy had never seen game action, and coaches and fans were simply hoping for him to keep the Longhorns respectable.

Little did they know this freshman was ready to make a mark of his own.

"If we're being honest with each other, you knew there had to be some questions about Colt," Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis said to the Austin American-Statesman. "He's shown so much poise and toughness. There comes a point when the proof's in the pudding. At some point, he had to go out there and do it with the lights on."

Under McCoy the Longhorns reign atop the Big 12, their only loss coming against the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes. Their offense - expected to have a dramatic drop-off after the loss of Young - is still averaging 39.6 points per game, and most of the kudos should go to the freshman. McCoy has passed for 1,705 yards and 24 touchdowns, only two shy of the school-record 26 shared by Young and Chris Simms. The impressive numbers have garnered McCoy mention for the All-Big 12 Conference squad.

"This talk has caught me off guard, because nine weeks ago, I was trying to figure out who to start," Texas coach Mack Brown told the American-Statesman. "But he has to be on the [honor] watch lists."

What has been most surprising about McCoy's performances is that he has already demonstrated some of the same clutch play that Texas fans thought dead after their 2006 championship. He kept steady in the fourth quarter at Nebraska, setting up a 22-yard field goal for a 22-20 victory. And he helped erase a 21-point deficit to lead the 'Horns over Texas Tech 35-31, the second biggest comeback in school history.

“I think a lot of his success is due to his ability to stay calm,” Texas receiver Limas Sweed said in the team’s Monday news conference.” The older guys see that and respond to it – not hitting the panic button and remaining calm. It’s the game of football; there are ups and downs, momentum [is going to shift]. It’s all about who can remain calm and execute their assignments.”

With a No. 4 ranking and beatable squads like Oklahoma State, Kansas State and No. 21 Texas A&M coming in November, McCoy could lead Texas to a prominent BCS bowl game.

“I just think he is the perfect guy for quarterback,” Texas receiver Quan Cosby said. “I think he is a gamer. He doesn't hit the panic button, he just continues to work and stay positive and be a leader.”

Quick Hits

SEC survival and respect is on the line for the No. 8 Volunteers, as they've opened as home dogs versus the lower-ranked Tigers. Anyone looking for reasons why need only look at the LSU defense, which gives up a paltry 8.3 points per game, second only to Ohio State in the NCAA.

"I think, top to bottom, they are the best defensive team we've faced," Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said. "They have great safeties, outstanding linebackers and the best defensive front, which is saying a lot, considering who we have played."

Despite the solid defensive packages on both sides, this could end up being a shootout. Both SEC squads put up over 30 points per game and average more than 250 yards through the air.

The Razorbacks have shot themselves up the AP Top 25, but they'll need to stay sharp when they face a Steve Spurrier-coached team for the first time.

South Carolina has played nearly every opponent tough, losing by only seven points to powerhouses like Auburn and Tennessee.

With one of the top backfield tandems in the country - sophomores Darren McFadden and Felix Jones - the Razorbacks will be hoping to exploit a run defense that gives up more than 130 yards per game.

PHOTO: Colt McCoy has established himself as the next superstar QB in Texas. (AP Photo)

Note: All NCAA football lines subject to change.

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