Even Vince Young got mad. Vince complained that the media have not given enough coverage on the other parts of the team, of course including the mighty talented defensive team.

For the past few seasons, the Longhorns offense was quite inconsistent. Something they are the reason that they lost games. Take last year's OU (Oklahoma) game for example. Vince Young fumbled on the first drive of the game at OU 30 yard line, and they fumbled the momentum of the game altogether. It was the defense that kept the team in the game. Although we ended up losing the game, but I think that game was a example of how the entire team was fed on the momentum produced by the defense and how the defense the reason that things were turned around when the team is trailing.

We lost Butkus Award winner (to the nation's best linebacker) Derek Johnson to the NFL. The defensive team this year is still the best in the country. Mack Brown successfully convinced two of the defense stars to stay for their senior seasons, DT Rodrique Wright and SS Michael Huff. (In my opinion, neither of them would have a better NFL draft stock if they left last year. They would have stayed without Mack Brown telling them to do so.)

The defense also start with the line. The defensive line may not be the best in the country, but they are one of the quickest in the country. Defensive coordinator of last year Greg Robinson (he stayed for one year) and new defensive coordinator of this year Gene Chizik both emphasize speed on defense. They moved some defensive backs to linebackers and linebackers to become linemen. One the defensive line, one of my favorite player on the team DE Brian Robison was formerly a linebacker. Time Crowder is the other defensive end. The defensive tackles position is mainly of a rotation of sophomore Frank Okam, senior Rodrique (Rod) Wright (first team All American), and senior Larry Dibbles. These guys are quick on the outside and planty of power inside. Rod Wright is the first team All-American this year. It was one of the best highlight of the year to see Rod Wright return a fumble for a touchdown this year.

The linebackers are young and thus the weaker group in the defense. The group consists of senior middle linebacker Arron Harris (third team All American), freshman weakside Rashad Babino, and sophomore strongside linebacker Robert Killebrew. This group is rather new and young. I didn't know how they will carry the load and the void left behind by the group of last year led by Derek Johnson and Eric Hall. They proved that were solid and dependable during the season. There were some games that they weren't as good as others, such as the A&M game. This group is on a learning curve this year and will the leaders on the defense in coming years. They will have a prime responsibility to stop the USC run in this Rose Bowl game.

The secondary is one of the best in the nation. All American Strong safety Michael Huff won the Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in the nation. Others include free safety Michael Griffin, cornerbacks Terrell Brown and Cedric Griffin. They are a big reason why this defense is one of the best in the country. Just ask Ohio State. They shut down the Ohio State passing offense. Ted Ginn, Jr. only caught two passes for 9 yards and pretty much was a non-factor. They will have to stop Reggie Bush if he breaks through the line of scrimmage and the linebackers. I think not allowing big plays in this game will be crucial.

The Texas defense took the team back into the game many times when trailing. I don't know how many times the defense was the crew to pick up the slack the offense left on the field. This defense team is truly amazing. Believe me, the defense will be credited as the reason if Texas wins this game. 1.2.06