PASADENA, Calif. — What beats deep in the heart of the Texas Longhorns?
Is it the pounding thunder of the fearless warrior or the feint thump of the timid? Is it the strong beat of the sons of oil workers and ranch hands or the quiet tick of pampered star athletes?
As tonight’s BCS National Championship draws closer, one resounding theme has resonated:
Alabama (13-0) is perceived as the hardcore tuffs from the SEC. The Tide’s biggest game of the year is the Iron Bowl vs. Auburn.
Texas (13-0) is the country club softies from the Big 12. The Longhorns biggest game is vs. Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout, which sounds like a video game.
The line favors Alabama by four. The sentiment makes it seem closer to 14.
“We have three guys that have gained 1,000 yards as running backs this year in the NFL this year and people say our NFL guys are soft,” Texas coach Mack Brown said. “This football team has won 26 of 27, and they’re soft. Lord, I hope they can get tougher again tomorrow night.”
Not only has Texas won 26 of its last 27 games and is poised to win a second national title in five years, but the Longhorns have smacked Oklahoma four of the last five years and won five consecutive bowl games.
But the last impression America has of Texas is its 13-12 last-second win over Nebraska in the Big 12 title game, whereas Alabama thrashed 2008 national champ Florida, 32-12.
Even Alabama coach Nick Saban, who has been loath to offer a soundbite, provided a beauty in his first appearance here.
“I told our players a story the other day about the U.S. Hockey team,” Saban said. “Probably one of the greatest victories of this century by any team was when they beat the Soviets in ’80, the Miracle on Ice. Do you know what people don’t remember? That didn’t win the gold medal. They had to win the next game against Finland to win the gold medal.”
Texas is Finland.
“I’ve heard the David and Goliath. I’ve heard everything,” Texas quarterback Colt McCoy said. “You know what? It’s probably true. They’re very good. They’re very talented on both sides of the ball. They’re very well coached. We have our hands full.”
The Longhorns offensive line surely will have their hands full with Alabama’s defensive line led by monster nose tackle Terrence Cody, a 6-foot-5, 355-pound road block. He allows linebacker Rolando McClain and the back seven the freedom to attack with abandon.
“We’re 11 crazy guys making plays,” McClain said.
The Texas offensive line must have to win its share of battles up front or McCoy will spend a lot of time on his back, as he did against the Cornhuskers.
Alabama’s primary concern will be to free up Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram. He can wear down a defense and relieve the pressure on first-year starting quarterback Greg McElroy.
“These kids are tough,” Brown said. “They compete. Alabama’s kids are tough. They’re going to compete. You’re not going to get a bad team in this game.”
Certainly these are two quality teams. Alabama, however, is viewed as the pulverizing force. Texas, despite leading the nation in rushing defense, is the skilled, quick-strike squad.
But before you cast your lot with the physical favorites, consider this last statement by Brown:
“We haven’t played our best game yet,” he said.