Supermen Of Troy

Super Bill himself, a round-faced, burr-haired, bright-eyed fellow who is usually faster with answers than most seniors, appeared extremely calm and confident in the hours leading up to his debut. He said all he could do with his left hand was eat and all he could kick with his right foot was the ground. As for people gunning for him, he said, "It wouldn't be any fun to play football if the other side didn't want to tackle you."

Bill was far short of super when he finally left the field. His box score showed 43 yards on 14 carries, three pass completions for 42 yards, one reception for 13 yards, a three-yard touchdown run, three punts for a 46.3-yard average, one thrown-away pitchout, one interception and one lost game. Close, but lost.

While he had not been dazzling, it was easy to see that he might be. The slippery running style was evident, as was the poise, and there may be no better punter in college ball. And, after all, he has at least 29 more games to play for Texas.

Gracious John McKay said it best. "He's terrific. He couldn't have played a better game, considering the buildup and the pressure."

Well, he could have, of course. But then John Wayne would have had to come off the USC bench.