’05 Longhorns run their way in Semis

The ’05 Texas Longhorns used their running game to get past the ’04 USC Trojans in the 2nd round of the Scout.com/WhatIfSports Tournament of Champions. The Longhorns amassed 336 rushing yards on their way to the 43-31 victory.

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USC closed the lead to 36-31 on a 3-yard pass to Steve Smith from Matt Leinart late in the 4th quarter but it wasn’t enough. After returning the kickoff to their own 46-yard line it was only a matter of time until the ’05 Longhorns found the endzone again. Vince Young completed a short 5-yard pass to Limas Sweed to seal the deal.

Reggie Bush was never able to get on track for the Trojans. The star running back finished the game with 8 carries for only 23 yards and only 1 reception for 5 yards. USC was led by QB Matt Leinart.

Leinart struggled at times but turned decent performance, he finished the day 24 of 55 for 291 yards and 3 scores. LenDale White was able to run all over the Texas defense. He finished the day with 153 yards on 27 carries and 1 touchdown. However, the duo of Bush and White were outperformed by the Texas duo of Henry Melton and Jamaal Charles.

Melton led the Longhorns in rushing carrying the ball 29 times for 145 yards, Charles added 20 carries for 131 yards. Both had rushing touchdowns along with QB Vince Young who turned in the run of the game. In the 3rd quarter, Young put the Longhorns up 27-14 on an electrifying 62 yard TD run. Young was also efficient in his passing game, completing 12 of 19 passes for 194 yards and 2 TDs.

Up next for the ’05 Longhorns will be a date in the semis with the 1991 Washington Huskies squad and their tenacious defense. Will Young and the powerful offense be able to wear down the Husky defense? Stay Tuned!

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