ARLINGTON, Texas — Colt McCoy’s late clock management almost cost the Longhorns a chance to advance to the Bowl Championship Series title game. As he rolled out, he threw the ball out of bounds as the clock almost ran out on the play. After Nebraska fans stormed the field, officials ruled there was one more second left on the clock. Hunter Lawrence took advantage by converting a season-best 46-yard field goal on the next play as time expired.
Stat of the game: The two teams combined for 308 yards of total offense — the lowest combined total in Big 12 history.
Player of the game: McCoy completed 20 of 36 pass for 184 yards and rushed 17 times for minus-20 yards and a touchdown. The statistics were pedestrian, but his team will advance to Pasadena. And his late drive that set up Lawrence’s field goal will resonate for Texas fans for the ages.
Unsung hero of the game: Nebraska returner Niles Paul contributed a pair of 42-yard returns that gave the Cornhuskers a jolt. His 42-yard kickoff return helped prime some life in the moribund Nebraska offense. And his 42-yard punt return later in the fourth quarter set up a Nebraska field goal.
Second guessing: Why did Texas take so much time on the final drive? The Longhorns huddled after every play. And McCoy almost cost his team when the clock nearly expired. It almost cost the Longhorns a shot at the national championship.
Record performance: Ndamukong Suh produced 4.5 sacks to set a Big 12 championship game record. Suh’s big night also included five tackles for losses.
Via: ESPN.com
