I avoid pestering him for inside info but it's interesting to get tidbits on occasion. After Texas the scratches and bruises were evident and he confirmed he had taken a beating. So it wasn't surprising to see him less sharp against Houston on a few days' rest.

Brandon Doman once talked about how much those hits can hurt, and what a challenge it is to get right back up as if nothing is wrong. The players look like superheroes out there, and it's easy to forget that from Week 1 on they are battling ailments that would sideline many of us or cause us to retire from the sport.