ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, December 5, 1995 TAG: 9512050080
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: AUSTIN, TEXAS
SOURCE: Associated Press
VIRGINIA TECH'S bowl opponent still high from winning SWC title.
Texas coach John Mackovic told his players that if they clinched the Southwest Conference title outright with a victory against Texas A&M they could help design their championship rings.
Well, the ninth-ranked Longhorns (10-1-1, 7-0 SWC) defeated the Aggies 16-6 on Saturday, snapping A&M's nation-leading 31-game home winning streak and taking the 81st and final league crown. The SWC is breaking up after this year.
Now, the players are eager to take Mackovic up on his promise.
``I'm thinking we should get one of those rings that fit all five fingers and stretch across your entire hand,'' joked senior defensive tackle Shane Rink.
Texas players will take this week off before preparing for a New Year's Eve night showdown with No. 13 Virginia Tech (9-2) in the Sugar Bowl. On Monday, the Longhorns were still glowing about their victory.
``I watched the tape when I got home [from College Station] and I couldn't get to sleep I was so excited,'' said linebacker Tyson King. ``It was great seeing everyone partying here in Austin.''
The game was especially gratifying for the defense, which gave up an average of 33 points in its first three games, including a 55-27 loss to Notre Dame, and an average of just 13.5 points over the last six contests.
The Longhorns, who collected six turnovers against the Aggies, held A&M without a touchdown for the first time since 1987.
Offensive guard Dan Neil said Texas isn't content with simply being invited to its first major bowl since the 1991 Cotton.
``A lot of teams get the satisfaction of just going to a bowl game,'' Neil said. ``But we have been through too much. We want to win this game. We are on a roll and have a lot of confidence.''
King said the Longhorns, who have won six straight since a 24-24 tie against Oklahoma, have to back up their season.
``Winning the bowl game helps recruiting and gives you confidence going into next year,'' King said. ``If we go and lay a big, fat egg in the Sugar Bowl, people are going to say, `The Southwest Conference was horrible.''
The eyes of Texas are on the Longhorns. Texas officials said more than 40,000 calls were made Monday to enquire about the 15,000 Sugar Bowl tickets the school has been allotted to sell.
LENGTH: Medium: 52 linesby CNB