Tide Rolls...

The waves have gone back & forth on BCS predictions....first was the wave of Alabama's Heisman winner, vaunted running game and tough defense will blast Texas. Then came the wave from all the counter-punchers trying to prove how smart they are/boost TV ratings (Musburger, et al) saying what a great leader Colt McCoy is, etc. PYB does realize one must be one of the best college QBs ever to lead his team to 202 total yards vs. the 24th-ranked team in a conference championship game. Now, the final wave, as the point spread has moved up from 3.5 to 4.0 in favor of 'Bama. The original line was 5.5.

So, let's bottom line it. There are a lot of factors going into the game....lots of intriguing angles. Will 'Bama avoid another Heisman jinx, which takes a back seat only to the Madden cover jinx? Here's PYB's bottom line. Who would you rather have coaching your team in a big game: Mack Brown or Nick Saban?

Mack Brown, he of Roy Williams-esque stature, in his brutal in-game management? He, who has won only one national title despite having his pick of the litter EVERY recruiting season. Who spits out perennially soft teams...talented, but soft as hell. UT played three teams who would qualify as DECENT in 2009, and nearly lost them all

TT 34-24...Needed a huge comeback to win this one
OU 16-13...Needed Sam Bradford to re-injure his shoulder
NU 13-12...Needed a regurgitated second to beat the worst offense in Division I

The 'Horns 41-14 win over Okie St., does not qualify, as the Cowboys were simply horrible once they lost Dez Bryant. And let's not forget the 49-39 debacle against aTm.

Nick Saban, who has taken Alabama to the BCS in three short seasons? Who lives for big games? Who can take speed and talent and turn it into a shutdown defense that makes plays. Whose team blasted Florida and Jesus Tebow in the SEC title game?

PYB's money is on Saban and Alabama.