Here’s how the team did with my keys for the game:

1. Pressure Rudy Carpenter.

The Longhorns not only pressured Carpenter but they eventually knocked him out of the game. Carpenter was rattled early and did not perform well when the Horns were able to hurry him. The team finished the night with four sacks but more importantly was in the quarterback’s face all game long. Defensive coordinator brought blitzes from every direction and every position. Defensive end had a heck of a game (two sacks, tons of pressure) was named the game’s defensive MVP. Verdict: Passed.

2. Don’t turn the ball over.

didn’t throw any interceptions but did put the ball on the turf with alarming frequency. McCoy fumbled the football four times, but only lost a critical one on a boneheaded play at the end of the first half that could have cost Texas dearly. He also botched two snaps and was bailed out big time (after a great long scramble) when Jermichael Finley fell on his fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. The Horns didn’t protect the football very well but they only turned it over once, so… Verdict: Passed.

3. Don’t forget about the run game.

I don’t think the coaches gave the ball enough to early in the game, but as the game wore on he ended up getting more than his share of touches. Thanks to the big second half lead Charles finished the game with 27 carries and 161 yards. Colt McCoy did what he’s been doing this season, finding a way to make big plays with his feet. The team also went to freshman quarterback early to spark the offense and he carried the ran the ball very successfully. Overall the team ran the ball 54 times for a whopping 300 yards in the game. Verdict: Passed.

After Texas’ big victory over in Thursday night’s , was making the most of the news. That’s not the only thing people were talking about as the Longhorns win impressed many of the doubters the team had earned over the course of the season. Check out all the reports on the game from around the Web below. The Austin American-Statesman in particular has several good articles on the game, be sure to check their stuff out.

Here you go:

Austin American-Statesman

• Texas wins wild Holiday Bowl
• Game photos
• Solid win shows what Longhorns could’ve been.
• Is the best yet to come for Horns?
• Holiday Bowl notebook
• The (sometimes warped) view from the press box
• Brown’s stepson made bizarre appearance

Bevo Sports

• Live: Holiday Bowl versus Arizona State
• Video: Chris Jessee wants to get away
• Chris Jessee: I Did Not Touch the Ball

Dallas News

• Longhorns handle Arizona State
• Longhorns playing their best at end
• Texas’ Lokey finds the gravy in grunt work

Blogosphere

• Texas Dominates Holiday Bowl and Arizona State, 52-34
• Texas Staffer Getting the Bartman Treatment
• The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – Holiday Bowl Version
• Texas’ Out-of-Control Sideline
• On Those Frauds at Arizona State

Other Media

• Instant Analysis: Holiday Bowl
• McCoy, Charles rush Texas past Arizona State
• McCoy shines at Holiday, gaining momentum for 2008
• UT uses Holiday for push into 2008
• Identities revealed in wild Holiday Bowl
• Texas overcomes bizarre interference by Brown’s stepson in 52-34 victory
• Texas starts fast, finishes big
• Un-Holiday Bowl end as ‘Horns hook, line, sink ‘em
• McCoy and Orakpo take MVP trophies
• Texas dominates ASU
• Texas is good, but ASU hurt itself

Check out video of the play below:

The look on his face after the replay ruling and the explanation is so pained. He’s definitely a candidate for those Southwest Airlines commercials, “Want to get away?” Chris certainly did after turned his blunder into seven points. Put a logo at the end of that YouTube video and send a check to Chris and boom we’ve got ourselves a commercial.

The number of non-players on the sideline is definitely something that should be looked at in the offseason for Texas and I’m sure other teams as well. Most of those guys have no true purpose for being down there and the more people you have around the harder it is to keep everyone where they should be. Safety is an issue as well here, both the players on the field and the sideline are more vulnerable to injuries when there’s people all over the place.

I’m glad it worked out the way it did because this could have been real bad for Chris and Mack. He (and about 4 other guys) should not have been on the field at all, but (not) touching the ball was an honest mistake. He thought it had been a forward pass and so did the ref who briefly called intentional grounding. Enjoy the moment Chris and don’t feel too bad.

It’s awful close but I think he doesn’t touch the ball. What do you think?

Slightly better and much longer video is below. Watch the top one first unless you really want to watch a ton of the same replay and see the refs stumble back and forth on where to place the ball after the penalty.

Thanks to Awful Announcing for the videos. If I find a higher quality replay I’ll post it. ESPN also had a brief interview with Chris after the game and I’ll throw that up if they post or someone YouTubes it.

Update: I’ve changed the spelling of “Chris Jesse” to “Chris Jessee” as both ESPN.com and SportsCenter use that spelling. Still not 100% sure that’s right.

Update: Video of the the Chris Jessee interview has now been posted.

First Quarter

• 2 seconds in to the game and it’s clear Brent Musberger didn’t do any preparation. Brutally mispronounces ‘s name and then calls the name of some random walk on. Houston takes the very short pooch kick off and the Horns start the game off with the ball out at the 50.
• Looked like a bad read by on the zone read. Picks up close to 10 yards though and the Horns have a 3rd and 3. Big play as the team really needs to get going early.
• 3rd and short run that the line did a terrible job blocking on but breaks it for a 15 yard game.
• is right. Charles was hit out of bounds down low and that should have been a penalty.
• Bad awareness by . He was wide open but let himself drift out of the back of the end zone. Announcers have good comment though about how the design of the end zone in the stadium could be confusing.
• is a gosh damn genius!!!!!!! WoooOoo! Touchdown for the touchdown!!! That a boy! Bill Belichick would be proud.

Arizona State 0, Texas 7

• The team really looks fired up. Let’s hope that results in some inspired play, and no let down once that energy wears off.
• , , and are the starters at linebacker. That might shut some Internet coaches up (for a few minutes.)
• And Norton is already hurt. Damnit.
• Defensive package on 3rd and long includes only 3 down lineman, and in there as extra pass defenders. Nice new look.
• Designed QB draw play. I don’t mind McCoy scrambling (in fact he’s been darn good at it this season) but not sure we should be calling too many first quarter QB runs in the huddle.
• As Musberger talks about I just noticed that freshman is getting the start at right tackle and they’ve moved to the left side.
• on the reverse pass. Not really anybody open and Cosby does the smart thing and just throws it away. Or maybe it twas just a terrible throw. The play wasn’t blocked well and the receivers were all covered as well.
• in there on this series. Norton back in there as well.
• Fumble! Maybe. They called it a fumble on the field at least as corner appears to rip the ball out as the ASU running back falls to the ground. Looks like he had it out before his knee was down and doesn’t look like there’s 100% evidence of the contrary. Replay confirms, Texas ball!
• Hot damn! Hey there , I vaguely remember you buddy. The young dual threat QB is in there and on the first play Charles takes the zone read hand off close to 50 yards. On the very Next play Chiles keeps it on the same play off the left end for the touchdown! (Psst… where has this been all year?)

Arizona State 0, Texas 14

• In case you hadn’t noticed, yes I’m about 5 minutes behind live on the DVR. I’ll be caught up after one or two commercial breaks.
• Wonder what the wind situation is like. ‘s kickoffs have all been pretty short.
• Has Roger Clemens hired investigator to “discredit Brian McNamee” or two prove that he didn’t take steroids? Those are two very different things.
• Not only did senior not get the start at linebacker but I haven’t seen him in on defense at all yet tonight. Two series in a row where it’s nothing but the young guys and Derry is off the field as well.
• got really burned on a deep pass but gets back just in time because of the underthrown ball (and maybe a little early) and the ball is tipped up and safety has the ball come right to him for the interception.
• I like the fair catch trash talk by the ASU punt returner. “Did you see the way I waved my arm and caught the ball. You can’t handle this!”
• Killebrew, Derry, and in there for this series.
• Can Musberger get anyone’s name right? It’s Dick Tomey, not Toomey. Dufus.
• Finally. McCoy scrambles and throws deep on the run and get its to his open receiver Cosby for a huge 55 yard gain. That a boy Colt.
• And Charles runs tough and right through the Sun Devils’ defense for the 15-yard TD run. Heck of a run and refusal to get tackled by one guy. The Horns are now up 3 scores and it’s still the first quarter. Come on guys keep this up, don’t let an ASU score or anything swing this momentum.

Arizona State 0, Texas 21

• Veteran linebackers in for second series in a row. getting some early playing time at defensive end.
• Bobino shaken up. Now both middle linebackers have needed to be helped up by the medical staff but both were able to walk off on their own power.
• We’re bring multiple linebackers on every play and if we don’t start getting to Carpenter a step quicker we could be in trouble.

Second Quarter

• That was probably the play that was the least of a pass interference but the first one that officials called.
• Rudy Carpenter throws an ugly deep ball. High and with the point straight up in the air.
• What a wild play. Did the ball boy touch that? Finally the guys get quick pressure and the Horns get the football. Nope, he didn’t touch it but damn that was close. It was also close if Roy Miller was able to save that before it went out of bounds. He doesn’t try to recover the fumble he intentionally tossed it back into the field. This has been a long replay. I’m scared.
• Guy looked too old to be a ball boy. Maybe a trainer or graduate assistant?
• That’s a possibly game changing TERRIBLE call by the replay both. THERE WAS NOT INDISPUTABLE EVIDENCE THAT HE TOUCHED THE BALL. That is an awful call. Why on Earth does the play go back to the previous spot?
• If I’m that guy I’m vomiting behind the bench. And hiding so none of the coaches kill me. That’s enough air time for that poor SOB.
• The refs have no clue what the down should be. Everyone is so confused, including me. Arizona State is going for it?
• Bad call and incredible blunder means at least a 7-point swing for the Horns. The Horns were in great shape too on offense. Need the offense to jump back again with a touchdown.

Arizona State 7, Texas 21

• Stupid block in the back by Sergio Kindle way away from the return and obviously in the back. That wasn’t even close. Costs the Horns 30+ yards. Ugh. Come on guys get it back on track.
• Don’t get conservative now Davis. Come on keep playing to win damnit. A busted play and then two screen calls. Crap.
• And now a short punt. Crikeys, we’re up 14 and ALL the momentim seems to be the other way.
• Mack Brown’s step son? Are you kidding me? That makes it even funnier. Ha.
• Erick Jackson beat again on a huge fourth down but Carpenter overthrows his tight end and the Horns take over on downs. Whew.
• Dear Brent Musberger, the zone read and option look nothing alike. Please suck less. Signed, Everyone.
• Like that we put Chiles in there but on 3rd and 4 I wish we’d have gone back to McCoy. Chiles almost converts on the option play.
• Some trickeration for the Horns. Direct snap to Bobino and he takes it up the middle for the 2 yard gain and a first down. That a boy Mack.
• Jesus Colt. That didn’t look intentional. He just launched that out route about 12 yards out of bounds. Third and long.
• Horns are bailed out by a dead ball personal foul on ASU. Would have been a 4th and 3 and a big decision to make but the penalty gives Texas a first and goal.
• Not as pretty as when Chiles does it but McCoy makes a good decision on the zone read and “scoots” ten yards for the score. The defensive end was flying after Charles and Colt kept and beat him to the goal line.

Arizona State 7, Texas 28

• Horns have the momentum again and are back up 21. Great drive and a really important one in the outcome of this game.
• Not a deep kick by Lawrence going this way either.
• Big stop on 3rd and two by the defense. Think they’ll go for it again?
• Colt doesn’t run the option very well. Maybe none of our QBs do. They keep the ball way too much.
• Even on the touchdown drive the offense has looked out of sync this entire quarter. Come on Colt get your guys on the same page. No screen here on 3rd and long Greg Davis.
• Geez, I’m starting to think all these sacks are Carpenter’s fault. Two plays in a row the Horns get to him but he had enough time and knew the blitz was coming, he just froze and holds on to the ball too long.
• Holy cow Colt. If there was one thing you can’t do that was it. Wow.
• Wow Musberger really is a dolt. Two minutes left and you’re at midfeild and he thinks that’s a “gamble”? Why don’t the Horns never pass again, it’s too risky.

Arizona State 10, Texas 28

Halftime Thoughts

• didn’t touch that football. And it certainly shouldn’t have been overturned by replay.
• Nine carries for Jamaal Charles is way too few. He’s gotten most of his yardage on two or three big carries but he’s still average nearly 10 yards per carry.
• We’ve got the lead but that doesn’t mean it’s time to get conservative. Don’t be stupid but spread the ball around, get players free in open space, and let John Chiles get on the field a few more times.
• The defense is getting good, but not great pressure on the quarterback but they’re having to bring six or seven players to do it. We need the blitzers to get there quicker or we need to get there with just four rushers.
• Long halftime. Texas needs to come back and play good defense and then get a quick score to start the half to take back the momentum.
• Don’t want to jinx anything but man is Carpenter inconsistent if you get just a little pressure on him. Texas just needs to geth

Third Quarter

• After the youngsters played linebacker the first two series we’ve had a good mix of all six guys since then. This is what we should have been doing all year long. Muck, Norton, and Killebrew to start the half.
• Third and long converted by Arizona St. because Carpenter has all day to throw.
• No pressure and ASU is moving easily down the field.
• Don’t want to jinx us but Carpenter is not good when you get just a little bit of pressure on him. If the Horns’ pass rush can get there just a split second quicker than their offense is not going to be consistent enough to come back in this game.

Arizona State 13, Texas 28

• Time for the offense and Greg Davis to prove that first quarter wasn’t a fluke. Need to execute and open things up a little here.
• Colt has put the ball on the grass 3 or 4 times in the last 3 series. Having trouble with snaps for Pete’s sake.
• 4th and 28. Yikes. Can’t blame that on Davis, that series is all on Colt. ASU starts with incredible field position now, only 40 yards from the end zone.
• Despite the lead, Texas is almost desperate for a 3 and out or a turnover right here from the defense.
• And just what the doctor ordered. On the first play Brandon Foster gets a hand in there and then Marcus Griffin is able to snare it off his shoe tops and grab the interception. Offense needs to at least get 2 or 3 first downs and turn this field position around.
• And Charles nearly turns the ball over. Recovered his own fumble. Third and long again for the Horns.
• F***ing delay of game. Is Colt’s head on straight? He’s looked a little woozy a couple of times tonight.
• Just as I say that great throw by Colt and even nicer catch by .
• Offensive line is getting beat right now. The big runs have come because Charles is able to hang just long enough or break a tackle to squirt through for big gains.
• Some national love for Mack and the story. I had no idea there was any thought whatsoever about him making a comeback.
• Meanwhile Colt scrambles for the second conversion of a 3rd and long of the drive. Was awful close to a late hit as well.
• No points but Horns move the ball enough and have changed the field position back in their favor.
• Muff! The ASU punt returned muffs the fair catch for the second time tonight and this time Texas is able to fall on the football. Is the wind crazy?
• After a great and crazy scramble by McCoy that ends with a fumble into the end zone. Either Nate Jones or (first time I’ve mentioned him tonight) end up with the football after the scrum. Touchdown Horns! McCoy bailed out big time.
• I love whichever player (or coach or fan) it was who the mic picks up saying, “Throw you hands up, ref. Throw your hands up!” Has a nice beat to it.

Arizona State 13, Texas 35

• Is anyone really still using dial up? PeoplePC?? Seriously? What year is this, 1996?
• Horns are up by three TDs again but this game is far from over. Can’t relax yet guys, just one more quarter. Finish strong.
• clearly gets held but the Horns still get pressure on Carpenter. He throws it up and Jackson makes a bad adjustment on the ball and the big ASU receiver is able to pull the ball in for six. Now just a two score game.

Arizona State 20, Texas 35

• What the heck else is Dennis Erickson’s mom going to do? Why wouldn’t she go to all the bowl games? This really has been a family affair tonight. Erickson’s mom, Mack’s step son, and the third string ASU deep snapper’s dad (Bob Davie) are all here tonight. I can’t wait for the interview with Colt McCoy’s cousin’s high school teacher.
• Two big runs for McCoy in a run. Hold onto the football big boy. McCoy’s scrambling has seemed like the only offense this quarter.

Fourth Quarter

• Based on ghosts of Holiday Bowls past, I’m almost more nervous because the team is up by two scores right now.
• Solid drive all around for the offense. Good play calling, good execution by McCoy and they put points on the scoreboard. It’s now a three score game.

Arizona State 20, Texas 38

• Good pressure on the quarterback and another lateral/fumble by Carpenter. This time none of Mack Brown’s family is there to touch the ball and it turns out to be a 16 yard loss.
• And on the very next play Carpenter does almost the exact same thing again. That one was ruled an incompletion but it was awfully close to being a fumble again.
• Shanked punt and the Horns are 40 yards away from possibly putting this game away. A touchdown here might be enough to just start running JC every play.
• WTF is the entire second team offense doing in there? This game is not over yet. I’ve got no problem mixing it up with Chiles but why is the second team line in there as well?
• Like I said, great decision to have the second teamers in there… Great option from Chiles to and he burns for the 28-yard score. McGee looked super quick there. Finally a nice option decision by our QB and it results in a great looking play. That may be the nail in the coffin.

Arizona State 20, Texas 45

• If Rudy Carpenter isn’t hurt then this is a bad move by ASU to replace him. Texas is up big but if they score quick on this drive this is still very much a football game.
• Ahhh! Brandon Foster just whiffed on the blitz… could have been a big loss and is instead a 7-yard gain for the Sun Devils. Defense better wake the heck up here.
• Just what the Texas defense couldn’t let happen. ASU flies down the field for a score and makes this a two score game again with still nine minutes left.

Arizona State 27, Texas 45

• Correction. I was a business major not a math major. The lead is still 18 which is of course a three score margin.
• I think Jamaal Charles is probably an early second rounder in the NFL Draft. If he runs a lightning quick 40 time he could easily creep into the first. But if he comes back and shows he can hold onto the football, carry 20+ times per game, and get a little move involved in the passing game he could be one of the top couple backs in the 2009 draft.
• Dennis Erickson is the Larry Brown of college football because he cheats everywhere he goes and its harder to get caught if you keep moving.
• Jermichael Finley was the other guy that was rumored to be headed to the NFL early. Not very involved tonight, not sure if it was the game plan or what.
• Fourth down for Arizona St. and they have to go for it. If Texas gets the stop, now they can go to the backups.
• But they don’t get the stop. Nice play by but the ASU WR made a better catch and then fought for just enough yards to get the first.
• Another bad pass interference call. Called it on Beasley but that looked uncatchable. The two they’ve called tonight on Texas were the two that shouldn’t have been called of all the close ones.
• If that’s not a holding penalty then no player has ever held in a football game in the history of man. Wow. Muck is grabbed, molested, tackled, touched, and finally held on the play right in the open in front of the ref and he doesn’t make the call. If you’re going to continue to call ticky tacky interference calls then you have too call that. BS.
• Not good tackling/effort on these last few plays by the defense. If you’re tired raise your hand and get your butt on the sideline. With our depth there’s no reason someone not giving 100% should ever be out there.

Arizona State 34, Texas 45

• Only an 11-point game with four minutes left and a possibly recovered onside kick by Arizona State and f***ing Musberger and Kirk Herbstreit barely f***ing notice. ASU gets that ball and suddenly this damn game is in serious doubt again. Truly subpar work by the announcers and ESPN in general tonight. If they’d rather be doing something else, get somebody else in the booth.
• Okay, maybe that’s the real nail in the coffin. Charles breaks through on an ASU defense that looks like it has given up for a 32-yard touchdown run. He was barely touched.

Final score: Arizona State 34, Texas 51

One of the biggest games of the 2007-08 bowl season, the features the 19th ranked Texas Longhorns facing off against the 11th ranked Sun Devils. Each of the two teams are capable of putting up big time points and neither defense may be able to say anything about it. Like Holiday Bowls in years past, this game has all the makings of a high scoring, close game that will come down to a wild finish.

When Texas is on offense things will fall on ‘s still young shoulders. The team can still win when the sophomore quarterback doesn’t play his best, but it will be up to McCoy to manage the game, protect the football, and convert a few big third downs if the Horns are going to come out on top. Running back may be the Horns biggest weapon, but has disappeared at times this season due to scheme and playcalling. Get Charles rolling early and the Horns could roll as well.

Arizona State’s offense is equally potent and QB Rudy Carpenter is one of the nation’s most skilled passers. If the offensive line can give him time to throw the Texas secondary can be exploited. The Longhorns will need defensive tackle and his line mates to get pressure on the QB without help from the linebackers. If the linebackers can help out with pass coverage then cornerback and the rest of the secondary might stand a chance.

Players to Watch: ASU QB Rudy Carpenter, ASU LB Robert James, ASU S Troy Nolan, UT QB Colt McCoy, UT RB Jamaal Charles, UT DT Frank Okam, UT CB Deon Beasley

Prediction: Arizona State 31, Texas 41

Here are the keys for Texas to come out on top:

1. Pressure Rudy Carpenter.

Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter has spent a lot of time on the turf this season. He was sacked 51 times this year, more than any other QB in Division 1A college football. The Texas front four has gotten virtually no pressure and no defensive lineman has more than Frank Okam‘s five sacks, that’s a big reason the pass defense is one of the worst in the country. If those guys can’t pressure and hurry Carpenter Thursday night he’ll have a huge game and it’ll be a very long night for Texas fans.

2. Don’t turn the ball over.

This one is kind of obvious but if and the Texas offense don’t protect the football better they’ll fail to reach 10 wins for the first time since 2000 ended with a Holiday Bowl loss to Oregon. After throwing only 7 interceptions last year McCoy made enough bad decisions and bad throws that he’s thrown 18 this season. He has to get rid of the ball before taking the big hit and not continue to force passes into coverage. If Colt finishes the game with no fumbles and no interceptions Texas beats the Sun Devils.

3. Don’t forget about the run game.

Despite the game never being out of reach and having good success running the football, the Longhorns went away from the run early in the November loss to the Aggies. Charles averaged 5.4 yards on only 17 carries in that game. To beat Arizona State the Horns can’t make that mistake again. A heavy dose of Charles on the ground would also have the added benefit of keeping the ASU offense off the field. Even if Texas gets behind early there’s no need to abandon the gameplan.

Video is below:

Texas’ 2007 season will end with another trip to San Diego to play in the Pacific Life (tickets) on December 27th. There the Horns will face a tough match-up with the eleventh ranked Sun Devils out of the Pac-10. The defense will definitely have it’s hands full with ASU’s offense and their excellent QB Rudy Carpenter. On paper it looks like this one could be another wild, high scoring Holiday Bowl.

Keep your browser tuned in to Bevo Sports as we’ll be providing further analysis on the game and covering all the latest news right up until kickoff.