Tracking Mack: Final Rose Bowl Press Conference

What did Keith Jackson say to your team at the end of practice on Thursday?
He stood in front of our guys for four or five minutes at the end of practice and he said the football world has been cheated for 112 years by not being able to see Texas play Michigan. He explained that they should be excited about the opportunity and that there was no better stage to have the first meeting than in the Rose Bowl.

How have you been treated by members of the Rose Bowl?
There has been absolutely no sensitivity from them about not having a Pac-10 team in the Rose Bowl. We understand that is their structure and tradition, but these folks have treated us wonderfully. It's funny because the theme of the Rose Bowl is "Celebrate Family," which is exactly what we do with our program, so that theme fit us easily. I've got great respect for the Rose Bowl and how they've welcomed us into their family.

Do you get the feeling that the players are getting antsy to play?
It's been fun, but we are getting anxious. One of the huge things is the fact that the lifespan of this team is almost over. We explained to the seniors last night that they had two days left as a football team. The last home game and senior day are nice, but Saturday is the last game for some of these guys and whether you like it or not, what they leave with on Saturday is what they'll be remembered for. I think they are ready.

What has been so special about this team?
This team took it upon themselves after the bowl game last season to make sure the way we ended last year didn't carry over into this season. These guys have been very unselfish. They don't care if we throw it or if we run it and we've played a lot of people. In our league, if you miss a field goal or lose a fumble, you can be 7-4 real quick. Aside from the game against Oklahoma, this team has made all the plays to win.   They have been able to overcome adversity and win close games, which is what you have to do in order to be a good team.

You've said in the past that Texas will win a national championship. Do you have reason to believe that more now than you might have in the past?
I've said that since the day I took the job. We were close to playing for the championship in 2001 and we are the only team that has been ranked in the BCS' final poll over the last five years. I think we are a team that is in the mix every year, but it is tough to win a   national title.