I actually believed UCLA would give USC a better game, and win. But UCLA made a basic error in not developing a defensive game plan to take away one aspect of the USC offense -- and where the UCLA defense is weakest -- the running game. Meanwhile, tickets are already going for about $500 each.
Rose Bowl's Hype Balloon Could Burst on Game Day
Chris Dufresne - LA Times
People are saying USC versus Texas is like a heavyweight fight and it feels that way if only because they announced the contestants Sunday for an event that won't take place until next month.
College football, see, is the only sport that makes you wait for a playoff and the payoff.
Four weeks until the Jan. 4 Rose Bowl is way too much time between games for everyone except Texas Coach Mack Brown, who may ask the bowl championship series high court for more time to prepare his defense for V. Young vs. USC.
"I'm not sure there is enough time," Brown joked Sunday of the prospect of facing the Trojans' almost point-a-minute brigade.
Brown's primary concern is that the "619" tailback Reggie Bush has stenciled on his eye-glare patches might be his total yardage output Jan. 4.
Not trying to be a wet sock here, but nothing short of your wedding deserves a four-week buildup.
The temptation is going to be to hype USC-Texas into something more than what it really is: a really good Wednesday night game two days after the Rose Parade.
ABC analyst John Saunders started the hyperventilation Sunday when he asked USC Coach Pete Carroll if he could ever remember a game that was more anticipated.
"Last year was pretty close," he deadpanned.
Oh yeah, last season.
Remember that one?
USC versus Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl was hailed as one of the greatest games in college football history, a battle of 12-0 schools with storied traditions.
It was 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart versus 2003 winner Jason White.
It was Pete Carroll versus Bob Stoops.
It was over before Ashlee Simpson butchered the halftime show, with USC romping to a 55-19 win as Oklahoma fans receded from the stadium like a red sea at low tide.
So is this here we go again, with sort of the same setup: Big 12 champion to face USC in the biggest thing since sliced Bevo?
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For some reason, I don't think Texas will suffer the same outcome as Oklahoma. They're too fast.
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