Congratulations to what appears to be a level-headed young man on choosing the good guys. Welcome to the 40 Acres.

Add another one to the incredible 2010 Texas commit list.

Feel free to leave comments and questions using the live tool, but not all comments will be published. Read below for more notes on comments and how the live blog will work. Hook ‘em!

From Jeffcoat’s announcement…

9:39	Brian:  Weclome. Jeffcoat announcement coming up soon. Stay tuned… Friday January 29, 2010 9:39 Brian

9:40	Brian:  Please share any live TV or radio sources covering the commits that you find so others can join in. Friday January 29, 2010 9:40 Brian

9:44	[Comment From treytrey: ]  what time? Friday January 29, 2010 9:44 trey

9:44	[Comment From MattMatt: ]  Thoughts on the SI report that he is a Horn? Friday January 29, 2010 9:44 Matt

9:44	[Comment From MalcolmMalcolm: ]  Thanks for providing this service—it’s all very exciting! Friday January 29, 2010 9:44 Malcolm

9:44	KenGoe:  RT @slmandel: RT @SI_24Seven: Elite DE jeffcoat to pick Texas over Oklahoma http://bit.ly/bwXAv0 Friday January 29, 2010 9:44 KenGoe

9:44	sammybjr79:  RT @UT_Longhorns: Official >> Plano West DE Jackson jeffcoat will announce college choice this morning: http://bit.ly/ccmCy1 Friday January 29, 2010 9:44 sammybjr79

9:45	Brian:  @Trey: Jeffcoat press conf starts at 10 central. Hicks is at 11:30am CST Friday January 29, 2010 9:45 Brian

9:45	[Comment From ClarkeClarke: ]  boomer sooner Friday January 29, 2010 9:45 Clarke

9:45	Brian:  Welcome Clarke. It’s 9:45 and OU STILL SUCKS! Friday January 29, 2010 9:45 Brian

9:46	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  i hope both jeffcoast and hicks p!!ick Texas Friday January 29, 2010 9:46 Guest

9:46	[Comment From ClarkeClarke: ]  except when stealing texas’s top players Friday January 29, 2010 9:46 Clarke

9:47	[Comment From MattMatt: ]  I hope they both come to Texas and become stars. Friday January 29, 2010 9:47 Matt

9:47	Brian:  @Clarke. OU has actually really struggled in Texas this year. Good class nationally but they need Texas kids to compete. Friday January 29, 2010 9:47 Brian

9:47	[Comment From ClarkeClarke: ]  did you hear we got nelson from a@m… aww those poor suckas Friday January 29, 2010 9:47 Clarke

9:47	Brian:  haha. Yeah I heard rumor about NElson. Also heard he is visiting USC soon. Friday January 29, 2010 9:47 Brian

9:47	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  hell yeah!!! OU still sucks!!!!! Friday January 29, 2010 9:47 Guest

9:49	Matt:  Lane will buy him a new car and he will be a Trojan! Friday January 29, 2010 9:49 Matt

9:49	Brian:  Live video: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/subindex/community/chat Friday January 29, 2010 9:49 Brian

9:49	[Comment From The RobFatherThe RobFather: ]  This is a insane class!!! OMG! It has to go down as one of Mack’s finest! Friday January 29, 2010 9:49 The RobFather

9:49	[Comment From ClarkeClarke: ]  i agree brian not great in texas this yr but still top 5… I was really surprised with darius white committing to you guys Friday January 29, 2010 9:49 Clarke

9:49	[Comment From ClarkeClarke: ]  espn already has nelson committed to ou Friday January 29, 2010 9:49 Clarke

9:51	[Comment From ChrisChris: ]  Do Hiocks and Jeffcoat know each other? Would JJ coming attract Hicks? Friday January 29, 2010 9:51 Chris

9:51	Brian:  I imagine Hicks has already made up his mind. Too late to flip now but rumors are already strong for Texas. Friday January 29, 2010 9:51 Brian

9:51	Brian:  Though I’m sure Hicks and Jeffcoat met somewhere on recruiting trail Friday January 29, 2010 9:51 Brian

9:52	Matt:  I think they want this to be a Longhorn recruiting Christmas Friday January 29, 2010 9:52 Matt

9:53	Friday January 29, 2010 9:53

9:53	Brian:  Eeek… Dallas Fox having trouble iwth live feed Friday January 29, 2010 9:53 Brian

9:53	[Comment From The RobFatherThe RobFather: ]  He and his family handled the whole process with complete class…..we are very lucky!! Friday January 29, 2010 9:53 The RobFather

9:53	[Comment From ClarkeClarke: ]  brian i went to thatlink but only hear sound.. is that what you are getting Friday January 29, 2010 9:53 Clarke

9:53	[Comment From ClarkeClarke: ]  oh there we go Friday January 29, 2010 9:53 Clarke

9:55	[Comment From ChrisChris: ]  F. I’M ON A MAC. CAN’T GET IT Friday January 29, 2010 9:55 Chris

9:55	Brian:  We’ll keep you in the loop Chris. Friday January 29, 2010 9:55 Brian

9:56	Brian:  The setup in the Plano West gym is ready… Friday January 29, 2010 9:56 Brian

9:56	Friday January 29, 2010 9:56

9:57	[Comment From The RobFatherThe RobFather: ]  Even though he is listed as a DE….Madd Dog and his genetics could move him a little more inside… Friday January 29, 2010 9:57 The RobFather

9:57	shea_dog:  Huge recruiting day for Texas as 5 star DE Jackson jeffcoat and 5 star LB Jordan Hicks announce soon! Hook ‘em. Friday January 29, 2010 9:57 shea_dog

9:57	DavidKoger:  Getting ready to watch the jeffcoat announcement….starting to think I’m too interested in recruiting. Friday January 29, 2010 9:57 DavidKoger

9:57	j_lantz:  I am a dork. Thank you @aTrubow for the link to watch the livestream of the jeffcoat signing! Friday January 29, 2010 9:57 j_lantz

9:57	VypeDFW:  @ jeffcoat announcement Friday January 29, 2010 9:57 VypeDFW

9:57	[Comment From ChrisChris: ]  thanks Friday January 29, 2010 9:57 Chris

9:57	[Comment From MikeMike: ]  Feels like Christmas Eve and ready to unwrap a present:) Friday January 29, 2010 9:57 Mike

9:57	Brian:  Jeffcoat and his family have arrived. Friday January 29, 2010 9:57 Brian

9:58	[Comment From The RobFatherThe RobFather: ]  He has the Hat trick!!!…. Friday January 29, 2010 9:58 The RobFather

9:58	Friday January 29, 2010 9:58

9:59	texasbuzztap:  Bevo Beat >> First jeffcoat, then Hicks http://bit.ly/9E2baj Friday January 29, 2010 9:59 texasbuzztap

9:59	texasbuzztap:  Bevo Beat >> jeffcoat to Texas? http://bit.ly/cMbm5w Friday January 29, 2010 9:59 texasbuzztap

9:59	radiohelmet:  c’mon jeffcoat. choose the good guys Friday January 29, 2010 9:59 radiohelmet

9:59	[Comment From lueyluey: ]  nervous Friday January 29, 2010 9:59 luey

9:59	Brian:  Yep. I’m nervous too. Despite the rumors. Friday January 29, 2010 9:59 Brian

9:59	Brian:  Jackson has picked up the mic.Thanking his parents. Friday January 29, 2010 9:59 Brian

10:00

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]  this whol hat thing is out of control. what happened to the days when they just called the coach and that was it? Friday January 29, 2010 10:00 Chris

10:00

Brian:  @Chris. He reportedly has already called the coaches. Friday January 29, 2010 10:00 Brian

10:00

Brian:  @Chris. As long as you don’t do the fake out thing I don’t mind. Friday January 29, 2010 10:00 Brian

10:00

[Comment From MykletMyklet: ]  Any way anyone know that we can watch it Friday January 29, 2010 10:00 Myklet

10:00

Brian:  http://www.myfoxdfw.com/subindex/community/chat Friday January 29, 2010 10:00 Brian

10:01

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]  I guess I’m just surpirsed a kid who comes from such a grounded background would put on a show, that’s all. Maybe I’m just nervous. Friday January 29, 2010 10:01 Chris

10:01

Brian:  Not a show at all Chris. He’s very quietly thanking people right now. Friday January 29, 2010 10:01 Brian

10:01

Brian:  In fact, I’m not sure the people in the gym can even hear him. Friday January 29, 2010 10:01 Brian

10:02

[Comment From KendallKendall: ]  I have a mac and it wont even let me download anything to watch it. Any Ideas? Friday January 29, 2010 10:02 Kendall

10:02

[Comment From BenBen: ]  The kid hasn’t said anything for months. This is nothing compared to some of the other crazy commitments. Friday January 29, 2010 10:02 Ben

10:02

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]  this will be awesome Friday January 29, 2010 10:02 Chris

10:02

Brian:  Jackson getting the crowd fired up with a Wolfpack chant. Friday January 29, 2010 10:02 Brian

10:02

[Comment From MountainJewMountainJew: ]  The fox video isn’t working at all. I think that everyone has overloaded it. Thanks for keeping us updated Friday January 29, 2010 10:02 MountainJew

10:03

Brian:  It’s working for me. Barely. Friday January 29, 2010 10:03 Brian

10:03

Brian:  Here it comes… Friday January 29, 2010 10:03 Brian

10:03

Brian:  He is thanking UH and Oklahoma. Friday January 29, 2010 10:03 Brian

10:03

Brian:  Jackson is going to be a longhorn!!! Friday January 29, 2010 10:03 Brian

10:04

[Comment From mykletmyklet: ]  NIIIIIIIIICCCCCCCCCCCEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Friday January 29, 2010 10:04 myklet

10:04

[Comment From CrawforceCrawforce: ]  Is his pick official? Friday January 29, 2010 10:04 Crawforce

10:04

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Score Friday January 29, 2010 10:04 Guest

10:04

[Comment From lueyluey: ]  HOOK EM! Friday January 29, 2010 10:04 luey

10:04

Friday January 29, 2010 10:04

10:04

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]  Thanks for the updates guys Friday January 29, 2010 10:04 Chris

10:04

[Comment From CallieCallie: ]  WE GOT HIM!!!! ITS OFFICIAL!! HOOK EM! Friday January 29, 2010 10:04 Callie

10:05

brianlosoya:  JACKSON jeffcoat CHOSE TEXAS!!!!!! TEXAS FIGHT!!!!! I can smell the National Championships already! Next to Jordan Hicks! Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 brianlosoya

10:05

jdturnerTX:  Former Dallas Cowboy Jim jeffcoat‘s son, Jackson jeffcoat, 5* DE from Plano West, has committed to Texas. Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 jdturnerTX

10:05

IsabellaFerraro:  Just announced at Plano West Senior High: Jackson jeffcoat will be playing football for UT in the fall!!! Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 IsabellaFerraro

10:05

aphares210:  RT @InsideTexas: Jackson jeffcoat commits to Texas! Horns land No. 2 national prospect on ESPNU 150. Jordan Hicks announcement coming at 11:30 CST. Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 aphares210

10:05

randysumner:  RT @InsideTexas: Jackson jeffcoat commits to Texas! Horns land #2 national prospect on ESPNU 150. Jordan Hicks announcement coming at 11:30. Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 randysumner

10:05

cwhite04:  RT @thatsean: RT @gkketch: Plano West five-star DE Jackson jeffcoat has announced that he has committed to play for #Texas. Next up, Jordan Hicks… Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 cwhite04

10:05

wfullerton:  RT: @40acressports: Jackson jeffcoat is going to be a Longhorn!! #UT Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 wfullerton

10:05

ericlatcham:  RT @InsideTexas: Jackson jeffcoat commits to Texas! Horns land No. 2 national prospect on ESPNU 150. Jordan Hicks announcement coming at 11:30 CST. Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 ericlatcham

10:05

MMeltonUT:  RT @gkketch Plano West five-star DE Jackson jeffcoat has announced that he has committed to play for #Texas. Next up, Jordan Hicks… Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 MMeltonUT

10:05

CraigKirby:  @slmandel Yep, jeffcoat to texas.. just watched the video. I guess he wants to be a loser for life. Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 CraigKirby

10:05

dctf:  Jackson jeffcoat, the #1 DE in nation will wear the Burnt Orange in his college career. Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 dctf

10:05

skhanjr:  RT @texashsfootball: Plano West DE Jackson jeffcoat, #1 Defensive recuit in the country commits to… the Texas Longhorns Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 skhanjr

10:05

jfoster640:  Yes! (sorry but this is a big one for my #Horns!)RT @40acressports: Jackson jeffcoat is going to be a Longhorn!! #UT Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 jfoster640

10:05

davidgiesberg:  RT @40acressports: Jackson jeffcoat is going to be a Longhorn!! #UT Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 davidgiesberg

10:05

speedye:  Jackson jeffcoat to TEXAS! Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 speedye

10:05

Brian:  Jackson now answering questions from the media. Friday January 29, 2010 10:05 Brian

10:06

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  yayay!!!!!!!! hook em horns!!!!! Friday January 29, 2010 10:06 Guest

10:07

Brian:  Jackson says he felt most comfortable at Texas Friday January 29, 2010 10:07 Brian

10:07

[Comment From guestguest: ]  F YA! Friday January 29, 2010 10:07 guest

10:08

Brian:  Coaches did not promise him any playing time but told him he should be able to come in and contribute right away. Friday January 29, 2010 10:08 Brian

10:09

Friday January 29, 2010 10:09

10:09

[Comment From MikeMike: ]  Welcome to the 40 Acres Mr. Jeffcoat! You will join a long line of great DL at UT. Friday January 29, 2010 10:09 Mike

10:10

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  whats the news on Hicks? Friday January 29, 2010 10:10 Guest

10:10

Brian:  Jackson is done answering questions. Now it’s photo time. Friday January 29, 2010 10:10 Brian

10:10

[Comment From JoshJosh: ]  Isn’t Hicks supposed to announce at 10:30 CST? Friday January 29, 2010 10:10 Josh

10:10

[Comment From HenryHenry: ]  great news!!! Friday January 29, 2010 10:10 Henry

10:10

[Comment From JoshJosh: ]  anyone know where to watch hicks decision online? Friday January 29, 2010 10:10 Josh

10:11

nichepro99:  Jackson jeffcoat to play college football for Texas: The announcement comes just days before National Signing Day … http://bit.ly/8XOHJq Friday January 29, 2010 10:11 nichepro99

10:11

Brian:  @Josh: Hicks is at 11:30 CST Friday January 29, 2010 10:11 Brian

10:11

Clarke:  well should be a good ou texas match up next yr Friday January 29, 2010 10:11 Clarke

10:11

[Comment From TMCTMC: ]  awesome…Hook’em Horns Friday January 29, 2010 10:11 TMC

10:12

Brian:  Rumors are very good surrounding Hicks. Orangebloods’ Geoff Ketchum was more confident about Hicks than Jeffcoat last night. Friday January 29, 2010 10:12 Brian

10:12

[Comment From AaronAaron: ]  One down one to go!!! Hook’em from Denver. Friday January 29, 2010 10:12 Aaron

10:12

[Comment From HenryHenry: ]  yeah, next year should be pretty interesting for UT Friday January 29, 2010 10:12 Henry

10:12

Clarke:  have to give ou the nod with experience at qb Friday January 29, 2010 10:12 Clarke

10:12

Brian:  Fox live feed has switched back to the cold and rain. Friday January 29, 2010 10:12 Brian

10:12

[Comment From HenryHenry: ]  thats great to hear. Hook ‘Em from Macau China! Friday January 29, 2010 10:12 Henry

10:13

nathantevans:  @tweetlesswonder Mack and Muschamp out-wooed the Coogs and Sooners for 5-star recruit, Jackson jeffcoat. Congrats. #texasobliterate Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 nathantevans

10:13

N2theizzO:  JACKSON jeffcoat! HELL YEAH!! #hookem #Texas Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 N2theizzO

10:13

StarLocalSports:  Jackson jeffcoat commits to Texas: Plano West senior defensive end Jackson jeffcoat put months of speculation to r… http://bit.ly/c3EPS6 Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 StarLocalSports

10:13

SeseRocks:  @ChrisObie Jackson jeffcoat is a Longhorn!!! Bring on Hicks……Hook Em!! #ut Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 SeseRocks

10:13

JesseNgoo:  Embarrassment of riches. RT @HookEmFans: Jackson jeffcoat is coming to UT! Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 JesseNgoo

10:13

bspinn:  RT @InsideTexas: Jackson jeffcoat commits to Texas! Horns land No. 2 nat’l prospect on ESPNU 150. Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 bspinn

10:13

HHornets:  RT @InsideTexas: Jackson jeffcoat commits to Texas! Horns land No. 2 nat’l prospect on ESPNU 150. Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 HHornets

10:13

MartinGarza:  Jackson jeffcoat to become a Longhorn! Big addition to incoming class (and loss for sooners) #Hookem Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 MartinGarza

10:13

hockeynightdoc:  RT @40acressports: Jackson jeffcoat puts on the burnt orange cap and flashes the Horns: #UT http://yfrog.com/4i8abp Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 hockeynightdoc

10:13

RossLucksinger:  Texas lands jeffcoat. Instead of trashing the other school, jeffcoat‘s twin sister takes OU hat (she’s going to play hoops for them). Class. Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 RossLucksinger

10:13

aTrubow:  As reported, Jackson jeffcoat, the No. 1 recruit in the Statesma’s Fabulous 55, committed to #ut. http://tinyurl.com/oomcsa #horns #hookem Friday January 29, 2010 10:13 aTrubow

10:17

Brian:  Thanks guys for joining us… We’ll be back for another one around 11:30 this morning for the Jordan Hicks press conference. Friday January 29, 2010 10:17 Brian

10:19

From Hicks’ announcement…

11:08

Brian:  Site is having trouble right now. Be sure to tune in to are twitter feed at http://twitter.com/40acressports Friday January 29, 2010 11:08 Brian

11:10

[Comment From ryanryan: ]  does anyone have a video link for this announcement? Friday January 29, 2010 11:10 ryan

11:10

[Comment From RickTexRickTex: ]  Where can I watch the video of the Jackson Jeffcoat committ? Friday January 29, 2010 11:10 RickTex

11:10

Brian:  @Rick. If I find something I’ll post it. I’m sure Fox DFW will have it or someone will post it on YouTube soon enough. Friday January 29, 2010 11:10 Brian

11:10

[Comment From RolandRoland: ]  so is it at 11:30 or 12? there are conflictng reports? Friday January 29, 2010 11:10 Roland

11:11

Brian:  @Roland: Originally reported as 11:30. Friday January 29, 2010 11:11 Brian

11:11

[Comment From RickTexRickTex: ]  cool, thanks Brian Friday January 29, 2010 11:11 RickTex

11:11

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  I hope Hicks Commits to Texas!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:11 Jason

11:11

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Any clue? I hope its not UF Hicks could grow into the Kindle role. Friday January 29, 2010 11:11 Guest

11:12

Brian:  UT people were VERY confident on Hicks last night. Hope they’re right. We’ll find out soon. He reportedly LOVES Muschamp as much as we do. Friday January 29, 2010 11:12 Brian

11:12

[Comment From RickTexRickTex: ]  If I played his position I would want to be coached by Muschamp Friday January 29, 2010 11:12 RickTex

11:14

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  Hicks would be a good player to play the role that Kindle did. Friday January 29, 2010 11:14 Jason

11:14

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  I know but read something that OSU insiders were confident UF would get him!!! Cant take these things are too close to call. Friday January 29, 2010 11:14 Guest

11:14

Brian:  Yep. With out of state guys I’m never confident. Friday January 29, 2010 11:14 Brian

11:16

[Comment From RustyRusty: ]  is there no video feed of the announcement? Friday January 29, 2010 11:16 Rusty

11:16

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Agree especially if the home team made the final three. Typically location wins out regardless we have a stud class Friday January 29, 2010 11:16 Guest

11:18

[Comment From ryanryan: ]  hey, if we dont get Hicks, we could always call C.Nelson, I heard he is jumping back and forth to different schools (maybe back at a&m now) Friday January 29, 2010 11:18 ryan

11:18

Brian:  @Ryan: What did you hear about Nelson. Last night rumor was that he’d flipped to OU. Friday January 29, 2010 11:18 Brian

11:20

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  Rumors are saying he switching to OU. Friday January 29, 2010 11:20 Jason

11:20

[Comment From ryanryan: ]  sounds like his “official” commitment last night was not as firm as the OU site thought, and that although he may be leaning that way, he has not made anything official Friday January 29, 2010 11:20 ryan

11:20

[Comment From ryanryan: ]  http://www.ouinsider.com/news/story.php?article=4166 Friday January 29, 2010 11:20 ryan

11:20

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Brain is your prediction UT for Hicks? I know what was said last night but sometimes these kids tell coaches what they want to hear. Friday January 29, 2010 11:20 Guest

11:21

Brian:  Yeah I think Hicks is headed to Texas. I’m sure UF and Ohio State have been working him all day though so you never know. Friday January 29, 2010 11:21 Brian

11:24

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  If Hicks commits to Texas, when will he enroll. I remember hearing something while back that he was talking to all 3 schools about enrolling early. Friday January 29, 2010 11:24 Jason

11:24

Brian:  @Jason: THe only school Hicks can still be an early enrollee at is OSU. Too late for either Texas or Florida. Friday January 29, 2010 11:24 Brian

11:24

memereview:  jordan hicks http://bit.ly/95lV1p Friday January 29, 2010 11:24 memereview

11:24

40acressports:  Our site is chugging right now, try this link for our live open thread on hicks commitment announcement: http://bit.ly/ayLJ7q #UT Friday January 29, 2010 11:24 40acressports

11:25

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  Any Video links? Friday January 29, 2010 11:25 Matt

11:26

gkketch:  Recruiting dominance like I’ve never seen before: Texas has 8 of the top 10 prospects in the state and the entire top five.Mack is rolling. Friday January 29, 2010 11:26 gkketch

11:27

Brian:  Direct link to this thread guys since the site is chugging: http://bit.ly/ayLJ7q please share Friday January 29, 2010 11:27 Brian

11:27

[Comment From jasonjason: ]  what do you think Ketch? Friday January 29, 2010 11:27 jason

11:27

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  I have a odd feeling that he’s going to stay close to home. I still hope he commits to TEXAS Friday January 29, 2010 11:27 Jason

11:28

Brian:  @Jason: Ketch was more confident last night on Hicks than Jeffcoat. Called Hicks 99% sure. Friday January 29, 2010 11:28 Brian

11:29

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  Thanks Friday January 29, 2010 11:29 Jason

11:29

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  Is the announcement streaming live any where? Friday January 29, 2010 11:29 Matt

11:29

[Comment From KnapperKnapper: ]  Will the Jeffcoat signing affect Hicks? Friday January 29, 2010 11:29 Knapper

11:30

Brian:  Haven’t found any links Matt. Friday January 29, 2010 11:30 Brian

11:31

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  Thanks Brian Friday January 29, 2010 11:31 Matt

11:31

[Comment From Kyle in AustinKyle in Austin: ]  It MAY have affected Hicks a week ago, but if Hicks didn’t know where he was going he wouldn’t have called a press conference today. What Jeffcoat did TODAY had no impact. Friday January 29, 2010 11:31 Kyle in Austin

11:31

[Comment From CallieCallie: ]  I like these thoughts. http://www.burntorangenation.com/2010/1/29/1283088/jordan-hicks-announcement-thread Friday January 29, 2010 11:31 Callie

11:31

[Comment From HornDominationHornDomination: ]  Guys, have we got a true confirmed time on Hicks’ commitment proceedings? ESPN is reporting a different time than what we see here at the 40, and elsewhere. Friday January 29, 2010 11:31 HornDomination

11:32

Brian:  @HornDomination: His mom and sis are already in the gym. Can’t be too long for now. Friday January 29, 2010 11:32 Brian

11:32

[Comment From GatorGator: ]  Hicks = Gator Friday January 29, 2010 11:32 Gator

11:33

Brian:  So you’re saying you’re Hicks? Friday January 29, 2010 11:33 Brian

11:33

[Comment From ryanryan: ]  reporter live at the announcement with tweets – http://twitter.com/MikeDyer Friday January 29, 2010 11:33 ryan

11:33

[Comment From EddieEddie: ]  12:30ET seems pretty universal Friday January 29, 2010 11:33 Eddie

11:33

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Gator=dumbass Friday January 29, 2010 11:33 Guest

11:34

Brian:  Ohio State reporter saying it’ll be Texas: http://twitter.com/marcushartman/status/8376434644 Friday January 29, 2010 11:34 Brian

11:34

[Comment From HornDominationHornDomination: ]  Thanks, Brian. Friday January 29, 2010 11:34 HornDomination

11:34

[Comment From bigup2dahornsbigup2dahorns: ]  so, no video on this? espnU? Friday January 29, 2010 11:34 bigup2dahorns

11:34

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  Rumors saying He’s Commiting to TEXAS!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:34 Jason

11:34

[Comment From GatorGator: ]  dumbass = me Friday January 29, 2010 11:34 Gator

11:34

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  TEXAS Friday January 29, 2010 11:34 Guest

11:34

Brian:  Hicks is in the building Friday January 29, 2010 11:34 Brian

11:35

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  FIGHT Friday January 29, 2010 11:35 Guest

11:35

[Comment From anonanon: ]  FIGHT! Friday January 29, 2010 11:35 anon

11:35

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  Are you there Brian? Friday January 29, 2010 11:35 Matt

11:35

[Comment From CallieCallie: ]  @Brian, where are you watching this? Friday January 29, 2010 11:35 Callie

11:35

Brian:  Not watchig. Following various tweets and message boards. Friday January 29, 2010 11:35 Brian

11:35

[Comment From bungholebunghole: ]  I can’t find live coverage anywhere??? Friday January 29, 2010 11:35 bunghole

11:36

[Comment From mpbmpb: ]  http://twitter.com/MikeDyer is there Friday January 29, 2010 11:36 mpb

11:36

[Comment From hookembrianhookembrian: ]  Yet another way in which Texas is superior to Ohio Friday January 29, 2010 11:36 hookembrian

11:37

[Comment From GatorGator: ]  Confirmed Hicks is a Longhorn Friday January 29, 2010 11:37 Gator

11:37

[Comment From MillwoodMillwood: ]  Drake Bomber to Texas? Friday January 29, 2010 11:37 Millwood

11:37

[Comment From notderkanotderka: ]  i like mack brown. Friday January 29, 2010 11:37 notderka

11:37

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Pimping the Burnt Orange ….Holla Friday January 29, 2010 11:37 Guest

11:37

[Comment From ryanryan: ]  confirmed where gator? Friday January 29, 2010 11:37 ryan

11:37

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  HICKS TO TEXAS Friday January 29, 2010 11:37 Jason

11:37

Brian:  Hicks’ coaches talking about him now. Friday January 29, 2010 11:37 Brian

11:38

Brian:  Hicks speaking now.. Friday January 29, 2010 11:38 Brian

11:38

[Comment From HOOKSHOOKS: ]  HOOKEM! Friday January 29, 2010 11:38 HOOKS

11:38

[Comment From HornDominationHornDomination: ]  C’mon baby!!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:38 HornDomination

11:38

[Comment From bungholebunghole: ]  suspense is killing me Friday January 29, 2010 11:38 bunghole

11:38

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Gentlemen, start thinking about what our front 7 will look like for the next couple of years. Coached by Muschamp. I think we might be decent Friday January 29, 2010 11:38 Guest

11:38

[Comment From GatorGator: ]  It’s live on WCOS Friday January 29, 2010 11:38 Gator

11:38

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  GOING TO TEXAS BABY Friday January 29, 2010 11:38 Guest

11:38

[Comment From EddieEddie: ]  1450WMOHNEWS: Bulletin: Jordan Hicks chooses Texas Friday January 29, 2010 11:38 Eddie

11:39

[Comment From mpbmpb: ]  Ketch said TEXAS Friday January 29, 2010 11:39 mpb

11:39

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  Inside Texas reports Hicks is ours. http://www.insidetexas.com/ Friday January 29, 2010 11:39 Matt

11:39

[Comment From ryanryan: ]  hook’em Jordan Friday January 29, 2010 11:39 ryan

11:39

Brian:  Jordan Hicks picks the Horns. Friday January 29, 2010 11:39 Brian

11:40

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Hook’em! Friday January 29, 2010 11:40 Guest

11:40

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  ahhhhhh!!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:40 Guest

11:40

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  HUGE DAY BABY!!!!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:40 Matt

11:40

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  HOOK’EM HORNS BABY Friday January 29, 2010 11:40 Jason

11:40

[Comment From bungholebunghole: ]  YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:40 bunghole

11:40

[Comment From WhitneyWhitney: ]  Amazing… HOOK ‘EM HORNS Friday January 29, 2010 11:40 Whitney

11:40

[Comment From DerkasucksDerkasucks: ]  HICKS!!!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:40 Derkasucks

11:40

[Comment From MikeMike: ]  Wow!!! What a day for the Horns!!! This defense is going to be scary!!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:40 Mike

11:40

[Comment From JasonJason: ]  ITS Offical JORDAN HICKS TO TEXAS Friday January 29, 2010 11:40 Jason

11:40

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  hooray texas!!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:40 Guest

11:42

thatsean:  RT @gkketch: West Chester, OH linebacker Jordan hicks has announced that he will play for #ut. That’s UT 2nd 5-star commit of the day. Friday January 29, 2010 11:42 thatsean

11:42

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  Corey Nelson you want to come too? Friday January 29, 2010 11:42 Matt

11:42

[Comment From TexasTexas: ]  Welcome to Austin Friday January 29, 2010 11:42 Texas

11:42

[Comment From CallieCallie: ]  wowww. what a day!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:42 Callie

11:42

[Comment From DudeDude: ]  Hookem Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Friday January 29, 2010 11:42 Dude

11:43

[Comment From guestguest: ]  no we just need the kicker that everyone is talking about Friday January 29, 2010 11:43 guest

11:43

[Comment From qb1012qb1012: ]  what a freakin day! HOOK EM! Friday January 29, 2010 11:43 qb1012

11:43

[Comment From bigup2dahornsbigup2dahorns: ]  awesome day! woo hoo. derka stay calm Friday January 29, 2010 11:43 bigup2dahorns

11:43

gelander:  RT @40acressports: For the 2nd time today, a 5-star defender has chosen the Longhorns. Ohio linebacker Jordan hicks picks #UT over #tOSU and #UF. Friday January 29, 2010 11:43 gelander

11:44

Brian:  @Guest: Shreveport news was reporting kicker Will Russ had committed to Texas yesterday. But nothign official yet. Friday January 29, 2010 11:44 Brian

11:45

[Comment From MattMatt: ]  Where are all these Scholarships going to come from? are there a lot more transfers coming? Friday January 29, 2010 11:45 Matt

11:46

Brian:  Brandon Collins, Marcus Davis, Dan Buckner all opened up some schollies Friday January 29, 2010 11:46 Brian

11:46

Brian:  I’m sure we’ll have some transfers at end of semester too Friday January 29, 2010 11:46 Brian

11:46

[Comment From guestguest: ]  after watching this past years NFL season, you have to have a reliable kicker. Never thought that I would hope that a kicker would close out a class, but with Lawrence gone, Texas needs him Friday January 29, 2010 11:46 guest

11:48

Brian:  Thanks guys for joining us. We’ll have thoughts on Jeffcoat, Hicks, and the rest of the defensive commits sometime this weekend. Friday January 29, 2010 11:48 Brian

11:48

Brian:  Hook em! Friday January 29, 2010 11:48 Brian

11:48

Jordan Hicks is a talented, polished linebacker from Ohio. (Image: WLWT.com)

Top linebacker recruit out of Ohio will finally make his college decision known on Friday morning. Hicks, a top 5-star stud out of Lakota West High School in Ohio, will announce his choice of college football programs at a press conference at his high school at 11:30am CST Friday.

Hicks is down to Texas, Florida, and Ohio State. He grew up a Longhorn fan and was long thought to be a Texas lean, but then recent rumors had him headed to Florida before the Urban Meyer waffling. Now, as things have drawn out longer than expected, people think the nearby Buckeyes may have pulled back in front. Hicks has handled the entire process very maturely and no one knows where he’s headed for sure. It may just be bias, but my money is on the good guys.

I think I could watch Quan Cosby’s game winning touchdown over and over again, and now I can.

The Fiesta Bowl isn’t the only game up on Hulu, you can also watch stuff like the US Army All-American game and the other BCS games as well.

Poehlmann is a class of 2008 3-star recruit out of Brenham that a lot of people have high expectations for, but I think he just earned himself a lot of fans with that haircut. It was also great to see how fired up he was throughout the game. Hopefully he keeps on rocking it next year, but he seems like a good kid and I know I’ll be rooting for him when he gets his shot to play.

(via EDSBS)

Can’t wait to see what Colt does in 2009.

Senior receiver Quan Cosby had the biggest game of his career in the Fiesta Bowl

Texas came up big in the to finish the season 12-1 and move to 3-0 in BCS bowl games. A good mixture of older guys and younger guys stepped up to give this Longhorn team a win that was fitting for this team and season. Nothing came easy for Texas against , but the leadership of this team ended up being too much for the Buckeyes.

1. – I know Colt McCoy won the Offensive MVP award and it easy to give the top spot to the quarterback with the big numbers, but when Texas needed plays on third down and at the end of the game it was Cosby who stepped up and won the game. Cosby played inside more than normal to avoid Thorpe award winner Malcolm Jenkins and it paid off. Cosby had a career night in his last game as a Longhorn finishing with a career best 14 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns.
2. – The Defensive MVP came up huge in the second half of his last game at Texas. The Longhorn defense struggled to slow down the Ohio State run game and Beanie Wells in the first half but did a much better job in the last 30 minutes. Miller was dominant, he demanded double teams and plugged the inside holes allowing the Longhorn linebackers to run free. The big senior finished with three tackles, a sack, and a devastating block on fourth and short on a drive in the third quarter.
3. – What can be said about Colt that hasn’t already been said? He should have won the Heisman, he should be playing for the National Championship, he has all the Texas passing records, he’s as clutch as you get, and he has a smoking hot girlfriend. Am I missing anything? In a game that appeared to be an inconsistent one for McCoy he still finished with a career best 414 yards on 41 of 58 including a pair of touchdowns. Ohio State bottled him up in the run game minus one 14 yard touchdown score.
4. – The best defensive player in college football was the focus of the Ohio State blocking scheme. The Buckeyes were able to keep him out of the stat book for the most part, but they weren’t able to keep him from making an impact on the game. All night Ohio State kept a tight end and sometimes even a running back in to help block Orakpo. When they didn’t he got pressure on the outside on both Buckeye quarterbacks, obliterating Todd Boeckman late in the game. It took until the second to last play for ‘Rak’ to get his sack, but the play iced the game.
5. – Thomas has quietly become one of the better players on the Texas defense. The red-shirt freshman has been the most consistent player in the secondary this year for Will Muschamp’s group. Thomas flies around the field and appears to be around the ball at all times. He also brings an attitude and swagger to a young secondary that needs it. Thomas led the team with nine tackles and two pass breakups.
6. – The Texas run game was nonexistent for most of the game, and it seemed to be more about play calling than anything else. On the first play for the Texas offense Ogbonnaya got the edge and picked up eight yards before fumbling out of bounds. For the rest of the half Texas abandoned the run. In the second half the senior running back was able to make an impact on the ground, and maybe even more so through the air. McCoy was able to check down to Ogbonnaya on many occasions to set up manageable downs and distance and to pick up first downs. He also caught the longest pass of the game, a 37 yarder. Chris ‘O’ has been the most consistent back all year for Texas and his leadership has been immeasurable.
7. – I’m not for celebrating an injury, but the hit that Muckelroy delivered on Beanie Wells ended the game for one of the best backs in the nation. Wells had run for over 100 yards on only 16 carries when the two met in the hole early in the fourth quarter. Muckelroy has led the team in tackles all year and continued to be all over the field Monday night. The junior finished with six tackles on the night.
8. – The attention has gone to Cosby because of his performance, but Jordan Shipley played a great game as well. It was clear that Ohio State spent a lot of time attempting to take away Shipley’s plays over the middle of the field. Colt’s roommate, lifelong friend, and hunting buddy (in case you hadn’t heard) finished with 10 catches for 76 yards. It appeared that Cosby’s first touchdown reception was actually on a pass attended for Shipley. The NCAA granting the medical red-shirt for Shipley next year is huge for this offense.
9. – It is amazing how far Melton has come. The Fiesta Bowl was a great showcase of Melton’s talent. The former running back is not as good of a pass rusher as Orakpo and Sergio Kindle, but he may be as good as an overall defensive end than both of those. Melton has a future in the NFL and he proved it Monday night against the Buckeyes. Melton was the best end at the point of attack all night, and took a lot of snaps away from Kindle. The senior finished with three tackles including a team leading two for a loss.
10. – Chykie has become Texas’ lockdown corner. Ohio State tried to go to his side early but quickly abandoned that strategy. Brown has come a long way from the times when coaches worried about his practice habits and focus. Coming into the season some were wondering if the sophomore would ever live up to his athletic ability, now heading into the offseason the program will look for Brown to be a shutdown corner like Ohio State’s Malcolm Williams. The Ohio State passing attack struggled all night, and a lot of it had to do with Brown occupying the entire right side of the field.
11. – Brandon Collins had more receptions and yards, but it was Kirkendoll that came up with the fourth down grab that kept the Longhorns alive. On the play Kirkendoll came in motion to the inside before running an arrow to the sideline. Texas caught the Buckeyes in man coverage and took advantage of the matchup. It says a lot about McCoy and the coaching staff that they trusted one of the younger receivers on such a crucial play. The sophomore from Round Rock just got the first down and a few plays later Texas was celebrating the winning score.

The one thing I don’t get is how they take that game and make it a case that the isn’t physical. Beanie Wells ran all over the Horns in the first half due to out of position linebackers and poor tackling by the secondary, not due to getting beat in the trenches. On the other side of the ball the offensive line didn’t play any worse than they had during conference play this season, it’s nothing new for Colt to be under constant pressure. It would be a thing of beauty to see what he could do in 2009 with better running game and blocking, hopefully we get to find out.

• It was cool when they let blind guys sing the national anthem, but wasn’t letting a blind man design the Fiesta Bowl trophy enough? #UT 25 minutes ago
• @springnet 77 is Luke Poehlmann, a very promising true freshman lineman. He deserves to start in 09 just due to his sweet mullet. 31 minutes ago
• @HookEmSarah as Mack said this week, gatorade baths are for 7-5 coaches. plus I’m sure there nothing but whining on #UT msg boards. 37 minutes ago
• What a game. Congrats Horns on the big tough win. Congrats to the seniors. #UT 40 minutes ago
• I heart Quan and Brian Orakpo. Huge sack (and good job tackling QB too.) #UT 42 minutes ago
• ANnouncers are acting like this thing is over. #UT 44 minutes ago
• Unsportsmanlike could be huge. OSU kicker has big leg. Come on kickoff team. #UT 45 minutes ago
• Tressel’s challenge gives #UT much needed timeout. Horns should actually gain yards with review. 49 minutes ago
• That was a terrible initial spot. Clearly got first down. Replay will give it to #UT if spot doesn’t. 51 minutes ago
• #UT needs to be in bigger hurry. 56 minutes ago
• Not sure who #77 for #UT is but that mullet deserves playing time. 57 minutes ago
• There’s no such thing as double pass interference, whoevere initiated contact deserves the flag. #UT 58 minutes ago
• @joneke defense has been fantastic all game long. about an hour ago
• Absolutely terrible pass interference call. Beasley has right to ball and ball was way short. F***! #UT about an hour ago
• Well defended? Malcolm Williams was wide open and Colt just put it too wide. #UT about an hour ago
• 4th quarter! Wrap this thing up boys. #UT about an hour ago
• Attaboy Colt! You too Coach Davis. All three drives this half have been good ones (sans 20 yd sack.) #UT about an hour ago
• Matt Hasselback is the NFL qb you reference? Weird. Is Tim announcing the game? #UT about an hour ago
• When do you think we’ll see screen and go to Shipley? Looks set up well. #UT about an hour ago
• 4th and 36 and we can’t even punt for first down yardage. Momentum squandered. #UT about an hour ago
• Terrible play by Colt. Has to expect pressure on RB screen call. Drive killer. #UT about an hour ago
• Dear Greg Davis, finally a designed run for Colt and you get a beauty of a TD run for #UT. Let’s go defense!! about 2 hours ago
• #90 for Ohio St is dirty POS. 2nd time he clearly and intentionly went high with his hands on Colt. Hit was fine, hands to helmet isn’t. #UT about 2 hours ago
• Very good effort by R Bobino to get first down when there wasn’t much room on fake punt. #UT about 2 hours ago
• Fiesta Bowl trophy is one of the ugliest things on the planet. #UT about 2 hours ago
• Crap. Holding call turns 2nd and inches into 2nd and long. #UT about 2 hours ago
• Set your feet Colt. #UT about 2 hours ago
• @kbohls you have to be able to trust you junior QB not to take bad risk. That one is on Colt. #UT about 2 hours ago
• Bad underthrow by Colt costs #UT chance at at least tying FG. Huge mistake and momentum killer into halftime. about 2 hours ago
• False starts on wide receivers drive me bats***. #UT about 3 hours ago
• @kbohls blame out of position linebackers (due to play and blitzes) more than D-line for long runs. Agree about QB contain. #UT about 3 hours ago
• Getting the awful feeling opposing fans felt when VY was at quarterback. Glad Pryor has no clue about watching for 1st down markers. #UT about 3 hours ago
• 2nd and goal from 17 and we run a draw to Chris O? WTF? #UT about 3 hours ago
• Speaking of running, where’s Fozzy? #UT about 3 hours ago
• No attempts to get Colt McCoy running yet. Turn him loose Greg! #UT about 3 hours ago
• Better drive by #UT offense but inability to get positive yards on 2nd & short is killing us. about 3 hours ago
• Apparently that was a token holding call earlier, some pretty blatant ones on this series but we get pressure and S Kindle gets sack. #UT about 3 hours ago
• 1st freshman mistake for Pryor. Good run but stepped out before first down with no one about to hit him. Melton rushing out of control. #UT about 4 hours ago
• Woot!!!! Apparently holding still exists outside the Big 12! Good sign for Rak! #UT about 4 hours ago
• Chris Hall is playing. Retweeting @suzhalliburton: @40acressports They used the depth chart from A&M about 4 hours ago
• Chris Hall wasn’t on official depth chart for the game but #71 is in uniform at least for the Horns. Hope he’s 100% and starting. #UT about 4 hours ago
• RT @CedGolden: Is it me or is Barry Switzer wearing a burnt orange tie with a matching hanky? #UT about 4 hours ago
• Score predictions for #UT vs Ohio State: http://is.gd/eEb5 All three of us have the Horns winning a pretty close game. about 4 hours ago
• RT @bevobeat: Blaine Irby up and about. Horns’ injured tight end was out tossing the ball around in pregame. http://twitpic.com/100fd about 4 hours ago
• Ah oh: No Chris Hall on the 3 deep at center for Fiesta Bowl depth chart: http://is.gd/eDRj True frosh D Snow gets start. about 5 hours ago

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(Side note: This is the site’s 2,500th post. Kind of cool.)

Will McCoy be able to pick apart the Buckeyes' D?

The Texas Longhorns have a lot to prove tonight when they face the tenth ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Texas fans have been screaming for months that they, not , deserved the chance to play for a national title and if they need to win tonight to help their case. The Buckeyes are the best defense the Horns have faced all season and if they can win and put big points on the scoreboard there’s still an outside shot of a split national title.

Check out our predictions for the game below…

Brian - Texas hasn’t faced a defense as tough as Ohio State’s all year long but there aren’t any Big 10 offenses in the same league as the high-powered led Longhorns. OSU’s young quarterback Terrelle Pryor will make a few plays but the Texas pass rush should also force some huge mistakes. I think is headed for a huge performance in his last game in the burnt orange. If the Horns slow down running back Beanie Wells than they win, it’s that simple. Texas 34 – Ohio State 21.

Matt - The rubber match between these two teams looks like it could be another instant classic. If you look at the major factors here, Texas clearly has the advantage. You have Colt McCoy versus a freshman, an offensive line that should dominate, and a defensive line that puts serious pressure with just their front four. Pryor looks like he will be a good qb, but he just doesn’t have the experience right now. I think will have a field day with him and Texas will control this game. Look for a close game early and then Texas will pull away late. Texas 38 – Ohio State 20.

Mike - Texas isn’t where they want to be. The team has to feel like they should be playing in Miami for the BCS championship. In years past the possibility of playing flat would be on everybody’s mind. The combination of the makeup of this team and the coaching staff has most believing the Longhorns will come to play Monday night. The game won’t be as easy as some are making it out to be because of Ohio State’s power running game and their defense which will be the best UT faces all year. Texas has too much speed and Will Muschamp will do everything he can to keep the Buckeyes true freshman quarterback off balance. It will be tight early, but expect the Longhorns to pull away late. Texas 31 – Ohio State 17

However, Monday night’s game against is the biggest game of the year in many ways. Think about the two scenarios and the impact it will have on the program. Let’s say Texas wins. The Longhorns will finish the year 12-1 and likely the number two ranked team in the nation. And no matter what happens in the Orange Bowl the Longhorn nation will have months to lay claim to at least the chance to have played for the national title. The program will be 3-0 in BCS games and will not have lost a bowl game since many were talking about moving Vince Young to wide receiver.

If the Longhorns lose, and contrary to popular opinion it can happen, all the championship talk flies out the window. All the momentum the program built up over the last year will come to a halt and the national media will feel they made the right decision to put OU in Miami. One has to look no further than Texas Tech and Alabama.

Luckily, the Texas plays understand this better than the fan base. When talking to people in Phoenix it has amazed me how nonchalant the fans seem to be. Ohio State will be the second best team the Longhorns have been on the field with this season. Their young and ultra-talented clone of a quarterback has had six weeks to get better. The Buckeyes have a power run game that Texas’ hasn’t had to face and their tailback may be the best in the nation when he is healthy.

Yet, most feel the Longhorns will cruise. And hopefully they will, next year may hang in the balance.

The sophomore from Longview has looked quicker and more explosive as the season has worn on. The feeling is that McGee has finally been healthy. With back in the lineup the onus is not all on McGee to produce in the run game. It has appeared that he does not relish the number one role. That is not necessarily a bad thing, not all backs are made to be work horses. McGee will come into the game and run hard. With Ohio State having to use linebackers in pass coverage expect the Longhorns to use the pass to set up the run. As the game goes on Texas should look to use the run game in similar fashion to their game against . McGee has shown a nose for the endzone and we’ll look to add one Monday night.

Texas will face the best cornerback in the nation when they face the Buckeyes’ Malcolm Jenkins. The Thorpe award winner will likely matchup with for most of the night and the coaching staff is sure to focus on taking away. This will force Texas to use another option, and with none being available at tight end, it will have to come from one of the extra receivers. Ohio State is physical in the secondary and out of all of the Longhorn receivers Williams possesses the best skill set to offset any advantage the Buckeye corners may have against and . Williams has shown the ability to get deep; I believe Texas will try to take a shot early in the game.

Alexander isn’t going to start, and he may not even play a ton of snaps. But this may be the best chance for Alexander to show his stuff heading into a crucial offseason for his career. The big nose tackle is a prototypical off center one gap tackle. The offenses that Texas faces in the Big 12 limit his effectiveness because of a lack of lateral speed. For the first time maybe all season, Texas is going to face a team that will show a heavy dose of downhill running. Texas’ two other tackles not named are former defensive ends. Will Muschamp will need the size of Alexander on obvious running downs throughout the game. If Alexander can take up blocks and hold his gap it will help the Longhorn linebackers control Ohio State’s ground game.

Much like Alexander, Norton finds himself a duck out of water when he faces the offenses in the Big 12. Norton excels playing downhill at his middle linebacker position and may in fact be the best NFL prospect of the group. Unfortunately for Norton, in the Big 12 a linebacker needs to play well laterally and in space. Norton to this point has had a hard time in both of those categories. Enter Ohio State and Beanie Wells. This will be a game Norton can thrive in. will likely get the start as the senior, but if Ohio State has success running the ball early, and maybe even if they don’t, Norton will become a factor in the game. The junior will be a sure starter next year and we’ve seen how a good bowl game can propel a player into a great offseason.

A lot of people think the true freshman from Leander’s job is in jeopardy this offseason. Most still view Gideon as an overachieving two star recruit who is playing because of his brains and intangibles. The talk heading into the spring will depend a lot on how Gideon plays in this game. If he comes out and plays a good game and makes a play or two the talk will quiet, but if he struggles or makes a huge play one of the major offseason hot topics will be the status of Gideon’s job. The word is the only thing holding Scott back is his work on the practice room and in the film room, if the light turns on in year three on campus the super athletic Scott will be in line for many more snaps in 2009. If he isn’t a transfer could be possible.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

#10 Ohio St. (10-2) vs. #3 Texas (11-1)

Jan. 5, 7:00 p.m. (Fox)
Favorite: Texas by 8

The Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes will face each other for the third time in the last four seasons on January 5th in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Splitting the home-and-home series back in 2005 and 2006, the two teams will get the chance to settle the score on the field. The Longhorns are disappointed to be here while the Buckeyes have been embarrassed the last two seasons in BCS championship games, which team will show up in Glendale, Arizona motivated and ready?

As in seasons past, Ohio State relies on a dominating defense and their running game to win games. Behind captains and All-Americans James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins the OSU defense is in the top 10 nationally in several categories including total defense and scoring defense. On the other side of the football true freshman blue chipper Terrelle Pryor has started at quarterback since the USC loss and got better every week. Pryor is good, but running back Chris “Beanie” Wells is both the star and the workhouse who lugged it for over 1,000 yards this season despite missing three games.

The Horns are of course led by Heisman finalist QB . McCoy and the Texas offense lit up scoreboards all season long even without a consistent rushing attack. McCoy found his favorite targets and to the tune of 3,445 yards and 32 TDs while blowing away Daunte Culpepper’s completion percentage record. The Texas defense has been re-energized by head coach in waiting . Thanks to the outstanding play by Nagurski Trophy winner and the defense has been a strength despite extreme youth in the secondary. They match-up well against the Buckeyes as the nation’s number two rushing defense.

Players to Watch

Texas: QB Colt McCoy, WR Jordan Shipley, LB Sergio Kindle, LB Roddrick Muckelroy
Ohio State: QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Beanie Wells, LB James Laurinaitis, CB Malcolm Jenkins

40 Acres Fiesta Bowl Coverage

• Bowl Game Looms Large for Texas Team
• Five Longhorns to watch: Fiesta Bowl
• Three redshirt freshmen don’t make trip to Fiesta Bowl
• Some Players need to step up in Bowl Practices

Related Stories

• ESPN Accuscore prediction: Texas 32, Ohio State 25
• Title solidifies Brown’s standing
• Buckeyes are aware of lack of respect
• Big D in Texas?
• Ranking the bowls

Related Videos

• Mack Brown press conference
• ESPN Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Breakdown

Word from Orangebloods sources is that the coaches and players are fired up and practices are spirited and the team will be ready for in January. Could be bad news for the Buckeyes if the Horns are both prepared and pissed.

Check out the top 10 below:

Texas Tech obviously crossed the end zone

Well besides that game there really isn’t much to watch this Saturday. I guess that just gives more time to warm-up before the big game at night. And just FYI, I did go 3-0 last weekend against the spread, and plan to this weekend also.

Michigan at #10 Ohio State (-21) – 12:00 PM EST on ABC. I guess if you wake up early enough and have nothing else to do, this is the game to watch. With Michigan losing 8 games this year (first time ever by the way) and Ohio State in the #10 spot, you would think this would be an easy win for OSU. But in this kind of game anything can and usually happens. Ohio State doesn’t have the offense to cover a 21 point spread against Michigan, and this could be the game to save Coach Rodriguez’s job. Now I don’t really expect Michigan win, but it wouldn’t surprise me, and I think they easily stay inside the points. Take Michigan.

#15 Michigan State at #8 Penn State (-15.5) – 3:30 PM EST on ABC. A win for Penn State here and they are in the Rose Bowl. This could also be Coach Pat’s last year in Happy Valley, so you know the players are fired up. Michigan State has lost 10 straight games against ranked opponents. The weather looks rough up north, which means the running game takes on more importance. With Michigan State’s already weak passing game, I expect Penn State to load up on the run and prevent Javon Ringer from having a big game. This one will be over in the first half. Take Penn State.

#2 Texas Tech at #5 Oklahoma (-7) – 8:00 PM EST on ABC. The game every Texas fan will be watching. If Texas Tech wins they are automatically in the Big 12 Championship. If Oklahoma wins, they will have to also beat Oklahoma State and stay ahead of Texas in the BCS to play in the championship. Lots of pressure in this one. Texas Tech always pulls a “Tech” and implodes on themselves for at least one game. And this year will be no different. Oklahoma has been averaging 47 points in the first half in their last 4 games. When playing an offense like Tech, it can never be over in the first quarter, but this one could start getting ugly early. Take OU in this one.

An interesting note on the spread. It is holding steady at 7 even though you will see the juice rising all the way up to +110 at some places. That means there is obviously a lot of public money coming in on Tech, but there is some reason the bookies are holding that number. To me that seems odd and just another reason to take OU.

BCS Bowls

Orange: Maryland (ACC champ) vs. Cincinnati (Big East champ)
Rose: Penn State (Big Ten champ) vs. USC (Pac-10 champ)
Sugar: Alabama (BCS at-large) vs. Utah (BCS at-large)
Fiesta: Texas (BCS at-large) vs. Ohio State (BCS at-large)
BCS Championship: Texas Tech (BCS No. 1) vs. Florida (BCS No. 2)

Big 12 non-BCS Bowls

Alamo: Missouri (Big 12 No. 4) vs. Northwestern (Big Ten No. 4)
Holiday: Oregon State (Pac-10 No. 2) vs. Oklahoma State (Big 12 No. 3)
Toilet: Michigan (Big 10 No. 9) vs. Texas A&M (Big 12 No. 11)
Sun: Arizona (Pac-10 No. 3) vs. Nebraska (Big 12 No. 5)
Insight: Minnesota (Big Ten No. 6) vs. Kansas (Big 12 No. 6)
Cotton: Oklahoma (Big 12 No. 2) vs. LSU (SEC)