Texas Football: Colt McCoy's Time to Shine

Two seasons ago, a young QB from tiny Tuscola, Texas was asked to do the impossible. 

Colt McCoy was asked to replace perhaps the greatest college football player of all time.  Though young McCoy didn't replace Vince Young (who can?), he sure as hell filled in nicely.

During his freshman campaign, McCoy tossed 29 touchdowns to just seven interceptions.  Time and time again he showed that he was capable of being more than just a facilitator of the offense.

He made plays.

He tied the freshman passing touchdown record at the college level with his 29 touchdowns (broken by Sam Bradford in 2007).

If not for an injury during the K-State game late in the year, McCoy had Texas on track to not only win the Big 12, but face Ohio State for the National Title.

Unfortunately, things went awry for the freshman QB.  His lingering injury severely limited his ability to perform during the A&M game and therefore cost Texas the game. 

McCoy and the 'Horns struggled in the Alamo Bowl against Iowa and ended the season with a 26-24 victory. 

The 10-3 record was less than satisfying to demanding Longhorn fans, but let's not forget that McCoy was a major factor in achieving yet another 10-win season in Austin.  He shined on a consistent level and never let pressure faze him.

Down 10-7 to OU at halftime, McCoy calmly picked the 'Horns up and rallied them to a 28-10 victory.  No mere boy can just walk into the Cotton Bowl and send OU packing.

A stellar freshman year had Texas fans expecting the same for the 2007 season.

This was not to be.

McCoy would struggle mightily from the very first game.  After a less than fulfilling 21-13 victory over Arkansas State, it was clear that McCoy would face the dreaded sophomore slump.

McCoy's touchdown numbers would fall to 22, while his interceptions skyrocketed to 18.  It always appeared that Colt was looking for plays that weren't there and would often force throws into coverage.

Despite his struggles, McCoy would break the 3,000-yard mark in just his second year as a starter.  Late in the year, he showed strong running ability, finishing with nearly 500 yards on the ground.

McCoy helped Texas achieve 10 wins yet again with a satisfying rout of Arizona State in the Holiday Bowl.

Colt McCoy has been criticized constantly and has been thought of as a softy.  Give the boy a break.  The new season is fast approaching, and I fully expect No. 12 to rebound and return to his freshman form.

He has a solid O-line to work with—a luxury he didn't have last season—reliable receivers in Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley, the full trust of Mack Brown, and the physical skills needed to succeed at the college level.

Colt McCoy has the chance to break several Texas passing records, and he still has two seasons to go.

The Big 12 is bustling with big time QBs such as Chase Daniel and Graham Harrell, but I truly believe Colt McCoy has the potential to be the best of the bunch.  His pinpoint accuracy and recently developed mobility make him a force to be reckoned with.

The hopes of this year's Texas football team rest on the shoulders of the young QB from tiny Tuscola, Texas.