The is supposedly the VIP-Connection newsletter sent out before the Texas game a couple of years ago. If this level of detail is consistent with other newsletter entries, then it would seem that all of this hoopla is much to do about nothing.

The team voted on its 2005 permanent captains, which Coach Fran regards as the highest honor a player can attain because his teammates select him. Winners by a wide margin: defensive tackle Johnny Jolly, and linebacker Archie McDaniel, both seniors. Others were more than 20 votes behind. Jolly has been a player that teammates gravitate toward ever since we got here. He has been a catalyst this season for keeping the defense from getting its head down and folding the tent, as much as it has been under assault. He is a vocal leader, as well as emotional on the field. McDaniel is not as vocal, but he is a solid citizen and commands respect from his teammates because of his work ethic. He was a ringleader in the off-season weight program.

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(Alphabetically) Courtney Lewis, Reggie McNeal, and Howard Morrow did not return to the practice field this afternoon after having two days off -- and five of the last seven. This is completely between us, but it's looking more like Reggie is not going to be 100 percent, and it's a toss-up whether he will play if he's not. Based on past history, Lewis probably would opt out if he can't run full-speed. Street talk has come back to us that he might see if he can go to the NFL early, but he hasn't suggested that to the staff. Six others whom we count on either as starters or regular rotation players practiced with the "as tolerate" label, and, according to trainer David Weir, they all "did fine." They were Jaxson Appel, Danny Gorrer, Nurahda Manning, Cyril Obiozor, Boone Stutz, and Justin Warren. Also on that list, trying to make it back for one final try after missing most of the season, was Brandon Leone.

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On the scouting reports, there's not much we can tell you about Texas that you don't already know. The one area on which the offense can hang its hat for some confidence and belief is the consensus opinion (preliminary scouting
report, and offensive coordinator Les Koenning) that we have played against at least one defensive front -- Oklahoma's -- that is better than Texas's. The report also suggests that Colorado and Iowa State measure up to Texas on the
defensive line. We moved the ball well against Iowa State and Oklahoma. Their linebackers are steady players, and one, I think, is up for the national Butkus Award, but they don't fly around to the ball like their LBs of the past. Where they are absolutely sensational on defense is the secondary, especially Huff. They make plays all over the field and are deadly tacklers. If Stephen McGee and Jorvorskie Lane must carry most of the load offensively, you can be assured they will play with confidence and with excitement. Their tomorrow has arrived.

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Offensively, the Longhorns are so obviously riding the confidence, leadership, and raw skills of their quarterback Vince Young. The only thing keeping him from the Heisman is the USC tandem of the reigning Heisman and Reggie Bush. (How can anybody not vote for Bush? Over 500 all-purpose yards in one game? That's insane. Did anybody else besides me stay up until the bewitching hour to see the end of that game last night?) They have tailback by committee. None of them is Ricky Williams or Cedric Benson, but all of them are better than average. They operate behind a big, athletic, and seasoned o-line. Their receiving corps has been the biggest surprise, with several stepping up to a high level -- high enough to raise Young's often-criticized passing game a notch.

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Steve Solari has requested to speak to our team, and we're working on having Bucky Richardson come up from Houston to address them, too.

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We're gearing up for big recruiting visits the first two weekends in December, with an all-out assault on prime-time linebacker prospects, both high school and juco.

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A friend sent me four more Internet rumors today. None was accurate. It is amazing the stuff they come up with, and one even claimed credibility because his source "is inside the athletic department." Keep this firmly in mind: Bill has been out since Wednesday, at home recuperating from knee surgery. In case you didn't read his weekly message, it's the ninth time he's had knee surgery.

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Two coaches now are in the running for head coaching vacancies. Melvin Smith said that he is supposed to learn Tuesday whether he will make the cut for an interview at Jackson State, which is right in the heart of the region where
he grew up in Mississippi. He said that indications are they want somebody with Jackson State ties, which he doesn't have, but that hasn't deterred him. The Jackson Clarion-Ledger quoted him, "It's time for me to become a head coach." Chris Thurmond is a finalist for the head position at Missouri State in Springfield, Mo., which used to be known as Southwest Missouri State. He will be interviewed after our season ends. Coach Fran will go to the wall for both of them. Chris has been with Fran since TCU, now in his eighth season working with defensive backs, mostly cornerbacks. Melvin joined the staff in Fran's second year at Alabama, so he is finishing his fourth season as the safeties coach.

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Tomorrow, after our media luncheon (moved up one day because of the short week), I'll drive to Victoria and talk to the A&M Club. During the week of The Game, they always meet conjointly with the Texas Exes, with the home-team
club hosting. Tuesday night Fran will speak to the year-end meeting of the local Quarterback Club on Wives Night. Wednesday night is Yell Practice. And then bring 'em on.

BTHOtu