by J. Mesa

So I was all set to write about how the juggernaut of the south, the Alabama Crimson Tide was the best and most worthy No. 1 team in the land. They are stacked at all the best positions and blow opposing linemen off the ball as if they were playing Pop Warner.

That was until two weeks ago when the tide started to change and an in–the-weeds team ranked No. 11 stampeded into this season’s Red River rivalry and stomped the then No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners 45-35. I’m talkin’ Texas, baby, and the Longhorn’s junior QB Colt McCoy, who can flat-out wing the pig like nobody’s business is a big part of why I’m “hooked.”

Sure, Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford had the “better” day that day in The River. Bradford threw for 387 yards, five touchdowns but also threw to opposite-teamed jerseys twice while McCoy threw none in the all-important turnover category. Even McCoy’s 277 yards passing and just one TD seemed meager compared to Bradford’s chalk, but in the only category that can get you to the BCS Championship game – wins, McCoy ruled.

Underrated Texas receivers Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley also outshined the Sooners’ dynamic duo of Manuel Johnson and Juaquin Iglesias. Shipley grabbed 11 balls for 112 yards and a score while Cosby has nine catches for 122 yards.

When the red-dust had settled it was McCoy and the Longhorns leaving with the No. 1 ranking firmly in their grasp, an unblemished record and a convincing win over a conference opponent.

Despite getting scratched by Oklahoma State 28-23, the Missouri Tigers were the next ranked, conference opponent for the ‘Horns. Then Heisman front-runner Chase Daniel was thoroughly out-played by OSU QB Zac Robinson and the Tigers were looking to rebound against the Longhorns. “uh, I’ll take ‘It Ain’t Gonna Happen’ for $200, Alex.”

All the Longhorns did was defend their No. 1 ranking by thrashing the kitties 56-31, and solidifying their position as the top dog in the meat-grinder Big 12 conference. In the Missouri game McCoy was 29/32 for 337 yards, two TDs and zero interceptions. Is there any doubt that he is now numero uno in the chase for the Heisman?

Texas’ road to the BCS isn’t getting any easier over the next three games as Colt and his 81% completion rate against No. 7 OSU at home on Saturday, followed by a date at the No. 8 ranked (AP) Texas Tech Red Raiders. If the Longhorns can hold serve over these two games, their schedule thins out a little as they host Baylor, at No. 19 Kansas and finish up at home Texas A&M - all very winnable games.

The Big 12 has surpassed the SEC as the toughest conference in college football. Should Texas survive the shedule unbeaten and come out of the even tougher Big 12 Conference Championship unscathed, theres is a chance that I will get to write about Alabam after all, but it may not be unitl after the tide has turned again, this time form Crimson to Burnt Orange.

PUT ME IN COACH – It’s no secret to those that follow college football that Texas Tech University has had their share of woes in kicking department. Enter soon-to-be walk-on Matt Williams. Williams, a Tarleton State transfer won a contest last month that earned him the chance to live every college football fan’s dream: to walk out of the stands, impress the coaching staff and win a spot on the team.

Last month, Williams won a month’s free rent when he kicked a 30-yard field goal. But before Williams could even return to his seat, he was flagged down by the coaching staff to gauge his interest in joining the Red Raiders as the team’s new PK. Tech’s kicking staff has already seen six missed PATs and miss half of their field goals, so maybe an unknown, walk-on, with little experience is just what the Dr. ordered. Anyone ever seen The Waterboy?

Click for the best college football picks and free college football picks.