DKR Crowd and Texas’ Mental Toughness

[Blue Horn]

I am so impressed with how rabid UT fans have become.  My watch was hitting over 100 decibels routinely in both games this year.  The fact that no one left when it seemed like all hope was lost and stayed loud when there wasn’t much to cheer about.  I was a little disappointed with the boos on that one series, but I think that had more to do with play calling and general frustration.  
 

I am even more impressed with the mental toughness of the players and this staff.  The one thing that has not been talked about enough is the mental toughness that it takes to stay in the game and turn momentum like that.  This is especially so given our history of collapses and bad luck in big games.  To be able to over come that kind of mental rut is so incredibly hard.  If you haven’t played sports at a high level I am not sure you can truly understand how just how rare it is for the best of teams to pull off what Texas did against OSU.  We literally created our own momentum and that is extremely rare.  That wasn’t OSU giving ground, that was Texas stepping up and making plays in the clutch.  If Texas can continue to display that kind of mental fortitude this could be a truly special team.  If this team ever hits on all cylinders for an entire game, they could be truly elite.  Here is to hoping this is one of those rare teams that combines elite talent, extreme mental fortitude and excellent team chemistry.

[Here for the Wins]

What would you consider a high level of sports?

I do not remember the specific quote from Remember the Titans, but it was along the lines of we’re not prefect players but as a team they were. That’s how I’ll view this team and big picture goals.  The analysis will continue, like never before.  Ups and downs.  Individuals do not need to be perfect.  Last weekend everyblsy mattered.  Critique Arch but without that 4th and 9 conversion it’s unlikely all the other positives happen.  Make the plays when it matters most.

Al Davis was right.  Just win baby.

[HookemTexas]

I don't know who in the team carries it but there's also a certain level of confidence and swagger that's needed to keep the team calm and focused.  Casey Studdard said Vince Young had that type of confidence and swagger - one of the stories was where some defensive guy said they knew what the play was and Casey told Vince in the huddle; to which Vince said doesn't matter that they know the play, they can't stop it.

Us old schoolers know about Larry Bird, who was known for notoriously trash talking the opposing player and telling them what he was going to do to them, and then proceeding to do it.