First Class

He certainly made the Longhorns think a different way: Maybe we shouldn't be giving this guy a 10-yard cushion on every play. as the clock bled out the final minutes, the Buckeyes' sideline became boisterous. Safeties coach Paul Haynes turned to a group of defensive linemen and shouted, with incredulity, "All they got was seven! Seven points!"

When it was over Smith ranged all over the field, embracing Longhorns, wishing them luck the rest of the way. Said Texas defensive end Brian Robison , "That's a classy guy."

The same must be said of the Longhorns, whose comportment in defeat called to mind--Gonzo would appreciate this--Aristotle's words: "The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another."

The odds are now excellent that college football will crown a new champion come January. That's a harsh toke for Texas , but a good thing for everyone else. Aristotle also had this to say: "Change in all things is sweet."