Bego

I have coined a new name for the arrogance displayed in the Rose Bowl last night. The boys of USC displayed ego far and away exceeding anything I have ever seen. They were the better team. They had the better game plan. With 2 minutes left they even had the game sewn up. But could they humble themselves enough to do it? No. A punt and some defense would have won it. Respecting the other team on at least 2 occasions would have won it. They had the ability, the talent, and the skill to be able to win the game but they lacked one thing that could have won #35 in a row for them -- BEGO. This stands for big ego but it is more than just that. I watched the game on a big screen TV and their collective egos would not fit on it.

Case in point:

1. Opening kick-off - Reggie Bush returns the ball from 5 yards deep in the endzone. To the twelve.
2. Reggie Bush's hair-brained lateral after a great catch and gain. May we point out that there aren't too many running backs that, while being tackled, would consider willingly letting the ball go? Let alone trying to make something out of nothing. Bego.
3. Matt Lienart's forced endzone pass to a closing Texas DB. Really, we should hang this one equally on Matt and Smith, who should have been a little more agressive about getting the ball instead of setting out the basket.
4. Matt Lienart's bone-headed 4th down non-conversions times 2. QB Sneeks are reserved for QB's who can sneek. Matt kinda lumbers. The second try should have been punted. Or passed. But everyone in the North American Continent knew the ball was going to Lindale White. I could have tackled him because I wouldn't have worried about anyone else on the field. He was getting it. No doubt. Bego.
5. Isn't there someone on the USC team assigned to watch the replay and ask for a review. Vince Young was clearly down. The replay showed it. They scored off of it. NOBODY SAW THAT? Seven might have been three.

While I cite several dumb plays, I have to hand it to the boys. They played a great game. They played well enough to win. Even the defense did. The problem is they let their ego, their pride, the invincibility and their lack of respect lose the game for them. Quite literally. They were the better team. They had the better plan. They made some silly plays in the first half but both teams did. Second half they executed flawlessly. Almost.

Don't get me wrong. I hate both of these teams because they aren't the Devils. I root for teams that are from the Pac-10 first so I wanted SC to win even though I'm glad they didn't. This is a good feeling being conflicted, disappointed, and happy all at the same time.