As usual, Texas' title hopes hinge on Red River Shootout

HOUSTON -- It is the greatest era of Texas football. Ever.

Statistically.

Only two schools right now have won at least nine games for seven consecutive years -- Miami and Texas. There has been a school-record four seasons in a row with at least 10 wins. Five straight years in the top 12 for Mack Brown's Longhorns.

Mack Brown and Vince Young look to lead Texas to its first national title since 1970. (Getty Images)

All-Americans, a Heisman, a Rose Bowl victory.

Then something crazy happened this week at the Big 12 preseason media days to bring Mack Brown back to reality. For the first time since 2000, the media picked the Longhorns to win the South Division.

Talk about unlocking a trunkful of mental baggage. Or rather, waving a red hanky in front of a bull. The team that doesn't need anymore motivation to beat its biggest rival: Oklahoma. The only other I-A program with four consecutive 10-win seasons: Oklahoma. The last time Texas was picked to win the South (2000), Oklahoma won the national championship. The five straight years in the top 12 coincides with Texas' five consecutive losses to Oklahoma.

"They probably cost us a chance at two or three national championship runs," Brown said here Thursday as the media days concluded.

"I understand it means respect, nothing beyond that. I understand it opens you up for more criticism if you don't produce. None of that is important. Us winning all the games is. Our players won't even mention today they were picked to be No. 1."

What would be cause for celebration at some schools could be a burden to Texas. You'd have to be a fool not to pick the Horns to win the South and the Big 12 along with it. They have 16 returning starters from an 11-1 team. Oklahoma lost a Heisman winner (Jason White), an Outland Trophy winner (Jamaal Brown) and the BCS title game by 36 points to USC.

Texas is peaking while Oklahoma looks vulnerable.

To keep your credibility you'd have to pick Texas. And then avert your eyes on Oct. 8. That's the date of the Red River Shootout -- a date that by now, Oklahoma knows it is going to win.

"Really, our expectations will not change," Bob Stoops said.

Until further notice, it is a game Texas can only hope it can win.