Monday Morning Backup QB

1. The Texans are simply not that good. We all want them to be. In fact, we are begging them to be. But, they are simply not. They do not have the vocal leadership, defensive toughness, and killer instinct that good and great football teams possess. I've said this before: all organizations take on the personality of the CEO. See Apple, Google, Nike and Facebook for confirmation. Bob McNair is a laid back owner who is tolerant of mediocrity. This team is a reflection of his persona.


2. Ryan Swope simply is that good. Receivers in the Big 12 have always gotten attention. While Michael Crabtree, Dez Bryant, Ryan Broyles and Justin Blackmon are heralded by the media, the likes of Wes Welker, Jordan Shipley and now Swope march to a quieter media drummer. The latter three could also cumulatively have better NFL careers than their more heralded counterparts. That will be a fun stat to track moving forward. One could argue the latter three have better hands. That being said, I love Blackmon and think he is the best receiver in college football.

3. Lance Berkman or Nolan Ryan. One way or another, one of these men is going to dance naked in their living room come the end of October. Here is hoping that said celebration tactic is confined to private locales. I'm torn as to who to root for here. Twitter and social media platforms combined with fantasy love provide insights into so many players that I have found myself rooting for individuals as opposed to entire teams. Nolan Ryan made me become a pitcher growing up. Berkman was part of Houston's second greatest professional achievement as a sports city. The fact remains that Ryan should never have left the Astros organization. I'm leaning towards Nolan. It will also rouse up the Bush haters as he will be parked next to his good friend in the front row once again.

4. The Longhorns are two years away from possibly having something pretty special. Texas fans can be a bit myopic. Before this season began, I was on record that 8-4 would be an appropriate goal for this team. I see wins against Kansas, Baylor, and Texas Tech. To reach eight wins, they will need to find a W at either College Station, Missouri, or home against Kansas State. Aside from starting a young and inexperienced QB, the main problem with Texas is they are quite young at Linebacker and the Offensive Line development has been horrific over the past four years. That talent evaluation is coming home to roost currently. The shining star in the Horns secondary is Carrington Byndom. He blanketed Justin Blackmon and held the future first rounder to 7/74 and one TD. That is an accomplishment. He is going to terrorize WR's moving forward. Might be the best in the conference. Ryan Swope, take notice.

5. BCS armageddon is rearing its ugly head once again. If the chips fall a certain way and Lord, you know that is one of my prayers, we could be staring at 5 unbeaten teams:

LSU/Bama...OU/Pokes...Stanford...Wisconsin...Boise State.

Someone please tell me how two of the five would be more deserving over the remaining teams? You cannot do it without bias. It is impossible. Bill Hancock, how in the world do you sleep at night?