BO REGION FINAL

2005 TEXAS

vs
1987 MIAMI

2005 Texas
#2 overall seed - winners of Bracket #2

1987 Miami
#7 overall seed - winners of Bracket #7

BO REGION RECAP

Bo Region Preview
Round of 64 Results [Part I] [Part II]
Round of 32 Results
Sweet Sixteen Results

GAME RECAP

The only region that went according to seed, this was also regarded as the toughest region in the Bracket of Champions. The Regional Final pitted the 2005 national champion Texas Longhorns against the 1987 national champion Miami Hurricanes.

Michael Irvin has had a whale of a tournament up to this point, but the Texas secondary (Cedric Griffin, Michael Huff, Michael Griffin, Tarell Brown, and Aaron Ross as the nickel) is by far the best that he has had to face.

That matchup proved to be inconsequential as Miami lost despite another big game by #47. Irvin put up another 100 yards and scored two more touchdowns in the losing effort.

The key to the game ended up being none other than Vince Young. Despite facing a tremendous Miami defense, Young stepped his game up another notch and led the Longhorns to 30 points.

Young finished yet another game with over 200 yards passing and at least 100 yards rushing. He also accounted for all three Texas touchdowns. Limas Sweed caught the last touchdown pass in the back of the end zone in the fourth quarter that proved to be the decisive score.

Young also threw a screen pass that Ramonce Taylor took 33 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Taylor weaved through the Hurricane defense and juked All America safety Bennie Blades inside the ten yard line to get in the end zone.

This win over Jimmy Johnson's #7 seeded Miami team proved to the doubters that the Longhorns have the mettle to play with the elites in the Final Four of The Greatest Tournament of All Time.

FINAL SCORE
2005 Texas - 30
1987 Miami - 24

Bracket of Champions - Sweet 16 - Bo Region

BRACKET OF CHAMPIONS

BO REGIONAL
Sweet Sixteen

Results
(seed) year school - score

(2) 2005 Texas - 27
(15) 1991 Miami - 21
Vince Young once again found a way to get the 2005 Longhorns a victory. This time he victimized the 1991 Hurricane defense to the tune of 165 rushing yards and 181 passing yards. Young accounted for all three Texas touchdowns, including a 17-yard pass to Limas Sweed, a 12-yard run, and a highlight reel 71-yard scoring jaunt.


Gino Torretta struggled to find open receivers against an excellent Longhorn secondary of Cedric Griffin, Michael Huff, Michael Griffin, and Terrell Brown, but he didn't throw any interceptions.

The win sets up a potential "rematch" of Vince Young against Matt Leinart and USC (a year earlier). Stay tuned to see if it plays out.

(10) 2004 USC - 27
(7) 1987 Miami - 28
Unlike the Dennis Erickson's '91 squad, Jimmy Johnson's '87 Hurricanes found a way to win and advance against a USC team many thought had a chance to go all the way in this tournament. For the second consecutive round, Michael Irvin came up with 2 clutch touchdown catches from Steve Walsh as he put his teammates on his back and carried them into the Final 8.

USC took a 7-0 lead on their first drive of the game with a Matt Leinart touchdown pass to Dwayne Jarrett capping an 80 yard drive. From there the Trojans kept Miami at arm's length for the majority of the game, leading 17-14 at halftime.

The fourth quarter was a doozy. The Trojans, up 24-21, appeared to be marching toward a game clinching touchdown with the clock winding down. But All America safety Bennie Blades made an All America-type play on 3rd and 7, acrobatically flying in to knock away a sure touchdown pass to a seemingly wide open Dominique Byrd. That forced Pete Carroll to settle for a 29-yard field goal attempt, which Ryan Killeen knocked through the uprights for a 27-21 lead with just 1:37 left to play.


That's when Irvin went to work. The Hurricanes took over on their own 27 yard line and Gino Torretta immediately targeted Irvin. Irvin caught the first two passes on the drive, giving Miami two consecutive first downs. After a Brett Perriman catch, Irvin caught another ball to set the Hurricanes up at the USC 33 yard line with 42 seconds remaining. On the next play, Irvin ran a post pattern and Torretta hit him in stride. Irvin caught the ball in traffic and carried Justin Wyatt into the end zone for the game winning touchdown.

Bo Region Final
(2) 2005 Texas vs (7) 1987 Miami
The winner goes to the Final Four

B.o.C. - BO REGION - Round 2

BRACKET OF CHAMPIONS

BO REGIONAL
Round of 32

RESULTS
(seed) year school - score

(2) 2005 Texas - 31
(95) 2000 Florida State - 26
Vince Young and Michael Griffin starred for Texas as they made a win over a loaded Florida State team that played for the national title look relatively easy.

Griffin picked off Chris Weinke twice as the Longhorns teamed up to contain a stellar FSU receiving corps made up of Marvin "Snoop" Minnis, Anquan Boldin, Atrews Bell, and Javon Walker. Weinke threw for 276 yards, but considering the talented receivers all over the field and the two interceptions - not to mention the victory - it was not a bad day at all for the Longhorns defense.


The Seminole defense, on the other hand, had a hard time containing Vince Young. All American defensive end Jamal Reynolds didn't get as many shots on the quarterback as he normally did during the 2000 season because Jonathan Scott, Justin Blalock and the rest of the offensive line provided excellent protection. Even when Reynolds or Darnell Dockett or David Warren did manage to penetrate the pocket, Young merely sidestepped the rush and scrambled for big chunks of yards. Young finished with 137 rushing yards to go along with his two touchdown passes to tight end David Thomas.

(18) 1994 Penn State - 24
(15) 1991 Miami - 27
In a matchup of undefeated teams, both had plenty of offensive firepower, but it was Penn State's lack of a top flight defense that cost them the game. To secure a spot in the Sweet Sixteen in The Greatest Tournament of All Time you've got to be loaded on both sides of the ball. Joe Paterno's squad simply couldn't make enough stops in the fourth quarter to pull out a win.

Kerry Collins and the passing game kept the Nittany Lions in contention for much of the ball game, though. In fact, Bobby Engram burned All American safety Darryl Williams for a 37-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter to give Penn State a 7-3 lead. Collins threw for 257 yards, but Ki-Jana Carter couldn't balance out the offense, rushing for just 56 yards against Michael Barrow and the Miami defense.

On the other side of the ball, receiver Lamar Thomas torched the Penn State secondary to the tune of 5 receptions for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns, both coming in the second half.

(10) 2004 USC - 31
(87) 1983 Nebraska - 30
In one of the best games of the tournament so far, 2004 USC edged out 1983 Nebraska. In a game full of offensive fireworks, it was the USC defense that provided the play of the game.

There was plenty of chatter about a potential upset coming into this game. Many thought Nebraska's "Big Three" on offense - QB Turner Gill, RB Mike Rozier, and WR Irving Fryar - could score enough points to knock off the mighty Trojans. Well, USC answered the bell by jumping out to a quick, impressive 17-0 lead on the strength of a 45-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Bush and a 2-yard touchdown run by LenDale White.

Nebraska answered, though, when Turner Gill found adjusted to the speed of USC's defense and perfected the timing with Rozier on the option. Rozier took an option pitch 39 yards for a touchdown to get the Huskers back in the game. Then after a Bret Clark interception, Gill capped a 44-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. Just like that it was a game again.

The second half featured more big plays, including a 60 yard touchdown pass from Matt Leinart to Steve Smith and a touchdown run by Nebraska offensive lineman Dean Steinkuhler on the famous "Fumblerooskie" play.

With USC leading 31-24 late in the fourth quarter, Turner Gill marched the Huskers down the field on an impressive 67 yard scoring drive that culminated in a 25-yard touchdown run by Jeff Smith. Instead of kicking the extra point to send the game to overtime, Tom Osborne, sensing that his team was getting worn down at the hands of the uber-athletic Trojans, decided to go for two and the win. Gill rolled right and fired, but cornerback Eric Wright made a great play to knock the ball away and secure the win for USC.

(26) 1997 Nebraska - 25
(7) 1987 Miami - 26
In the tournament's first battle of undefeated National Champions, Jimmy Johnson's 1987 Hurricanes emerged victorious over Tom Osborne's 1997 Cornhuskers.

This was a defensive battle for most of the game. Miami was the first team ever to hold this Nebraska team to under 300 yards rushing, and linebacker Randy Shannon secured two points for the Hurricanes when he tackled Ahman Green in the end zone after he muffed an option toss from Scott Frost.

The Nebraska defense held strong too, with Grant Wistrom and Jason Peter making things difficult for quarterback Steve Walsh (11-for-27 for 178 yards) all day. But receiver Michael Irvin simply willed his team to victory with a pair of tackle-shedding touchdown catch-and-runs that will be replayed over and over if the '87 Hurricanes continue to advance in this tournament.

Sweet 16 Matchups:
(2) 2005 Texas vs (15) 1991 Miami
(7) 1987 Miami vs (10) 2004 USC

B.o.C. - BO REGION - Round 1

RESULTS - Part II
(seed) year school - score

(95) 2000 Florida State - 29
(31) 2008 Texas - 27
Texas' young secondary got the best of them when a late touchdown pass gave the Seminoles the win. After trailing most of the game, Chris Weinke found Marvin Minnis, who made a great move to get by Earl Thomas and into the end zone with just 35 seconds left on the clock.

Colt McCoy played another fine game, going 23-for-27 with 267 yards and three touchdown passes, but the lack of a running game against a front line that featured Darnell Dockett and David Warren caused several promising drives to stall.

Even though the 2008 Longhorns got eliminated from The Greatest Tournament of all time, Texas fans will never forget (even if the rest of the nation did) beating Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout.


(178) 1999 Virginia Tech - 17
(15) 1991 Miami - 24
The National Championship defense of 1991 Miami contained Michael Vick, Shyrone Stith, and Andre' Davis to the tune of 258 yards as the Hurricanes put yet another team into the round of 32.

Linebackers Michael Barrow and Jessie Armstead, along with All American safety Darryl Williams put a clamp-down on the Hokies offense. Vick ran some circles around defenders, but it was a lot of running for not a lot of yards.

For Miami, Gino Torretta was sacked three times, twice by pass rush specialist Corey Moore. But he was still able to complete enough passes to keep the chains moving and to keep the Hurricanes a step ahead of the Hokies on the scoreboard.

(87) 1983 Nebraska - 26
(23) 1997 Michigan - 20
For a time it looked like we might get to see 1997 Michigan face 1997 Nebraska in a de-facto national championship game to finally settle the split championship from that season (both teams are in the Bo Regional). But 1983 Nebraska got to the '97 Wolverines first.

Charles Woodson played his usual great game, scoring two offensive touchdowns for Michigan. But he was a non-factor on defense against Mike Rozier and the Nebraska running game. Even with Glen Steele, Rob Renes, Sam Sword, and Dhani Jones in the front seven, a diverse Nebraska offense was able to put enough yards and points on the board to secure the victory.


On the other side of the ball, other than the two Woodson scores, Brian Griese and the Michgian offense didn't do much. Griese threw two interceptions and Chris Howard and Anthony Thomas were held to just 72 rushing yards between the two of them.

(58) 1985 Michigan - 17
(7) 1987 Miami - 20
Michigan's great '85 defense held up strong against the National Champion '87 'Canes, but the offense couldn't muster enough points to capitalize and advance.

Bennie Blades actually scored one of the two Miami touchdowns on a 62-yard return of a Bob Perryman fumble. The Hurricane offense only picked up 231 yards thanks to the penetrating defensive line (Mark Hammerstein, Mark Messner) of Michigan.


Miami's defense kept them in the game by limiting Jamie Morris, Jim Harbaugh, and the rest of the Wolverine offense to 17 points.

Bracket of Champions - Bo Region
Next Round Matchups:
(2) 2005 Texas vs (95) 2000 Florida State
(15) 1991 Miami vs (18) 1994 Penn State
(10) 2004 USC vs (87) 1983 Nebraska
(7) 1987 Miami vs (26) 1997 Nebraska

B.o.C. - BO REGION - Round 1

A preview for this region can be found HERE

RESULTS - Part I
(seed) year school - score

(2) 2005 Texas - 30
(63) 1985 Oklahoma - 21
Jamelle Holieway and Lydell Carr had the wishbone humming for Oklahoma in the early going. The Sooners actually led 14-0 early in the second quarter and already had 126 rushing yards in just 17 minutes of action. But Texas bucked up on defense, and Vince Young and the offense figured out how to move the ball against previously immovable objects Brian Bosworth and Tony Casillas.


Jamaal Charles tied the game just before halftime with an 80 yard touchdown run that injected a shot of life into the previously lethargic Horns. The second half was all Texas too as the defense held OU to just 122 yards after intermission - and 61 of those yards came on a Keith Jackson reception.


(18) 1994 Penn State - 32
(175) 1987 Nebraska - 19
Penn State finished undefeated in the 1994 season, but didn't even get a share of the title. The reason? The Nebraska Cornhuskers. Well, the Nittany Lions took out some of their frustrations on the '87 Nebraska team. Kerry Collins had the passing game firing on all cylinders. At least one of the trio of Bobby Engram, Freddie Scott, and tight end Kyle Brady was open on nearly every pass play, which led to a 19-for-26 for 323 yard day for Collins. Penn State carried a 32-11 lead into the fourth quarter and Joe Paterno rested his starters so they should be fresh for the Round of 32.

(10) 2004 USC - 27
(55) 1992 Florida State - 22
Another game, another dream matchup. One one side you have Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, LenDale White, and Dwayne Jarrett going up against Corey Simon, Derrick Brooks, Marvin Jones, Clifton Abraham, and Corey Sawyer. On the other side you have Charlie Ward, Sean Jackson, Tamarick Vanover, and Kez McCorvey trying to reach the end zone on Shaun Cody, Matt Grootegoed, Lofa Tatupu, and Darnell Bing.

All that talent and USC kicker Ryan Killeen ended up being the difference maker. Killeen kicked four field goals, including three of over 40 yards and a long of 54 yards. Reggie Bush added a punt return for touchdown giving the Trojans a huge edge in the special teams battle. Add to that Florida State's troubles with the running game (just 54 yards - most of which came on Ward scrambles), and it's easy to see how USC was able to win the game despite getting out-gained yardage wise.

(26) 1997 Nebraska - 32
(167) 2003 Oklahoma - 27
Nebraska kept pounding the running game with Scott Frost, Ahman Green, and Joel Makovicka until they had piled up over 300 rushing yards against a really good defense. All American offensive lineman Aaron Taylor paved the way against Tommie Harris and Teddy Lehman.

On the other side of the ball, Oklahoma quarterback Jason White re-injured his knee early on after a hit from Octavious McFarlin and hobbled his way through much of the game. Luckily an Antonio Perkins touchdown on a punt return kept the Sooners in the game.

BRACKET OF CHAMPIONS - Preview

BO REGION

Matchups:
2005 Texas vs 1985 Oklahoma
2008 Texas vs 2000 Florida State
1994 Penn State vs 1987 Nebraska
1991 Miami vs 1999 Virginia Tech
2004 USC vs 1992 Florida State
1997 Michigan vs 1983 Nebraska
1997 Nebraska vs 2003 Oklahoma
1987 Miami vs 1985 Michigan

National Champions:
1985 Oklahoma
1987 Miami
1991 Miami
1997 Michigan
1997 Nebraska
2004 USC
2005 Texas

Heisman Trophy Winners:
Mike Rozier (RB-1983 Nebraska)
Charles Woodson (CB/PR-1997 Michigan)
Chris Weinke (QB-2000 Florida State)
Jason White (QB-2003 Oklahoma)
Matt Leinart (QB-2004 USC)

Lombardi Award Winners:
Dean Steinkuhler (OL-1983 Nebraska)
Tony Casillas (NG-1985 Oklahoma)
Marvin Jones (LB-1992 Florida State)
Grant Wistrom (DE-1997 Nebraska)
Corey Moore (DE-1999 Virginia Tech)
Jamal Reynolds (DE-2000 Florida State)
Tommie Harris (DT-2003 Oklahoma)
Brian Orakpo (DE-2008 Texas)

Team Info
click on the purple bracket links to trace each team's path to this point

2005 Texas (13-0)
#2 Seed - Winner of Bracket #2
Coach: Mack Brown
*BCS National Champions*

1987 Miami (12-0)
#7 Seed - Winner of Bracket #7
Coach: Jimmy Johnson
*AP National Champions*

2004 USC (13-0)
#10 Seed - Winner of Bracket #10
Coach: Pete Carroll
*BCS National Champions*

1991 Miami (12-0)
#15 Seed - Winner of Bracket #15
Coach: Dennis Erickson
*AP National Champions*

1994 Penn State (12-0)
#18 Seed - Winner of Bracket #18
Coach: Joe Paterno
Final AP Rank: #2

1997 Michigan (12-0)
#23 Seed - Winner of Bracket #23
Coach: Lloyd Carr
*AP National Champions*

1997 Nebraska (13-0)
#26 Seed - Winner of Bracket #26
Coach: Tom Osborne
*Coaches Poll National Champions*

2008 Texas (12-1)
#31 Seed - Winner of Bracket #31
Coach: Mack Brown
Final AP Rank: #4

1992 Florida State (11-1)
#55 Seed - Winner of Bracket #55
Coach: Bobby Bowden
Final AP Rank: #2

1985 Michigan (10-1-1)
#58 Seed - Winner of Bracket #58
Coach: Bo Schembechler
Final AP Rank: #2

1985 Oklahoma (11-1)
#63 Seed - Winner of Bracket #63
Coach: Barry Switzer
*AP National Champions*

1983 Nebraska (12-1)
#87 Seed - Winner of Bracket #42
Coach: Tom Osborne
Final AP Rank: #2

2000 Florida State (11-2)
#95 Seed - Winner of Bracket #34
Coach: Bobby Bowden
Final AP Rank: #5

2003 Oklahoma (12-2)
#167 Seed - Winner of Bracket #39
Coach: Bob Stoops
Final AP Rank: #3

1987 Nebraska (10-2)
#175 Seed - Winner of Bracket #47
Coach: Tom Osborne
Final AP Rank: #6

1999 Virginia Tech (11-1)
#178 Seed - Winner of Bracket #50
Coach: Frank Beamer
Final AP Rank: #2