BCS National Championship

Last night, a kid became a man before millions of people's eyes. Garrett Gilbert might never win a Big 12 Championship, a national championship, or any award of importance. The kid might usher in an era of mediocrity and might not even be the starter next season, but as for last night, Gilbert should be a Texas state hero. The true freshman QB had never taken snaps against a meaningful opponent, but that only took a quarter to overcome. Ignoring a bad coaching decision by both teams (Texas not taking a knee and going to halftime, and Alabama not running the clock out), the final score is 24-21 Alabama.
Gilbert led the Longhorns to two touchdown strikes in the second half. The kid, who easily threw for more yards and touchdowns than Alabama's now undefeated QB, gave hope to every Cinderella story. There is nothing a team can't do when their back is against the wall. We've all seen the sports movies where the underdog pulls it off in the end (e.g. The Replacements), and have seen the real life moments where a George Mason upsets UConn in men's basketball. However, there is a certain stigma and mystique attached to college football.
When we're in high school and cheering on our local football teams, there are some moments you know you'll never forget. When those moments happen, you can feel the electricity in the air and anything seems possible. In the 2010 BCS National Championship game, Garrett Gilbert was feeling that. He should have been the MVP. Yes, four interceptions does not bode well, but against a top notch defense from the SEC, the green rookie pulled off a miracle.
On the other hand, I would never ask to be Colt McCoy and have to go through what he went though last night. Alabama wasn't playing their best game late, and McCoy knew that he had a chance. The fact that he supported and never gave up against a vaunted 'Bama team for Gilbert is incredible. He showed real class in the postgame. I truly feel sorry for McCoy and wish him all the best in the NFL (except when he plays my Vikings!)
I might be the world's biggest Gator fan, and I've hated on McCoy and the Big 12, but I will always be a Garrett Gilbert fan. He has what every great player needs - heart and a desire to win. Good luck to Garrett Gilbert, and I hope the Texas receivers learn to catch. They are what cost Texas the game.