The Rose Bowl didn't make it for me.  I don't root for either USC or Texas.  So I didn't care too much about the game.  Yet, I must admit I was caught in the hype of # 1 vs. # 2 for the National Championship in college football.  The game was just not as exciting as I expected. 

After watching the FedEx Orange Bowl game where the Nittany Lions beat the Seminoles in a suspenseful manner, I expected USC and Texas to make brilliant moves on the field.  I expected Vince Young to make spectacular plays a la Michael Vick.  Also, I expected Reggie Bush to fly over defenders.  However, all I got was a game with lots of bad and missed tackles.   

Texas definitely won the game thanks to Vince Young.  He showed he's a great player who doesn't need a Heisman trophy to prove it.  But the truth is that he wasn't the Vince Young we're used to watch.  He wasn't moving as he would normally do; his game wasn't as flashy as we're used to.   

On the other hand, Reggie Bush was even worse.  The first time I saw Reggie Bush playing I was impressed.  The guy consistently ran the ball and got lots of yards after being hit.  He even made a play towards the sideline where he jumped over the defender, as if the defender was a hurdle, and ran for at least five more yards.  That game was just a highlight reel for Reggie Bush.  I expected to see at least the same last night since it was the National Championship.  Yet, I only got glimpses of Bush's talent.   

Both teams appeared to be hesitant last night.  Perhaps all these great players had the NFL draft in the back of their minds.  I think the players were more concerned about staying healthy than about winning the game.  You can't blame them if they were trying to prevent a similar injury to the one Willis McGahee had a couple of years ago.  But it's the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!  That game was THE moment for great players to become legends in a spectacular manner.  I don't think anyone stepped up to the plate, not even Vince Young.