Given the troubles on the gridiron, I think it's useful to remind ourselves that there are other programs at Texas, and very successful ones at that. The Gregory Gazelles easily swatted aside Iowa State last night. And in just over a month, we'll be able to start obsessing about basketball again.
One of my favorite ESPN writers - Andy Katz - yesterday posted an excellent summary on the strength of schedule of various teams that will contend for post-season play this year. In it he continues his man-crush on Rick Barnes:
The beauty of Rick Barnes, outside of his quick wit, is his willingness to play anyone at anytime. Texas is in the Legends Classic in Newark (Nov. 23-24) with Tennessee, West Virginia and New Mexico State. Texas is also playing Michigan State (Dec. 22) in Auburn Hills, Mich., playing host to Wisconsin (Dec. 29), playing UCLA (Dec. 2) in the Big 12/Pac-10 event. In addition, the Longhorns welcome a possible NCAA team in Saint Mary's (Jan. 5). This is more than enough to get Texas in the good graces of the committee.
Given Mack's aversion to scheduling real teams for OOC games and the recent spate of crimes against humanity on the field and crimes against humans off the field, it's good to read a positive assessment of Texas on ESPN for a change.
November just can't get here soon enough.