After Six Seasons, Shipley Finally Enjoys a Senior Moment

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Jordan Shipley is Texas' senior citizen.

Shipley, the Longhorns' sixth-year senior wide receiver, has made two previous trips to the Rose Bowl with Texas. The difference this time is Shipley will play an integral role in the Longhorns' quest for their second national title in four years in Thursday's BCS title game against top-ranked Alabama.

While the Crimson Tide boasts the nation's top-ranked pass efficiency defense, Shipley's ability to find open spaces in zone coverage will draw special attention from Alabama's secondary. Yet it's the Tide's scheme that has made it difficult for opponents to pass consistently.

"They do a lot of misdirection stuff and do a lot of blitzing and you've just got to be ready for everything they can throw at you," said Shipley, whose 8.2 receptions per game are tied for fifth nationally and his 104.9 receiving yards per game are seventh.

"The main thing for us is we don't ever really know from looking at the film what we're going to see because it's usually different. We're just going to have to prepare for everything and go in there and just be ready to execute."

Over the last five games, Alabama limited LSU, Mississippi State, Chattanooga and Auburn to a total of 721 passing yards (144.2 yards per game).

The Tide also had nine interceptions and allowed just four touchdown passes. Thanks to its defense, Alabama won seven of its nine games against SEC teams by two or more scores.

Of course, the Tide hasn't seen the likes of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and roommate Shipley, a duo that has become one of the most prolific tandems in Texas history.

Of Shipley's 238 career receptions, 233 have been thrown by McCoy. Additionally, 30 of Shipley's 31 touchdown passes are from McCoy's right arm.

Their connection is so strong that they are not afraid to improvise when needed.

"Yeah, we have that type of relationship," McCoy said.

"We've thrown the ball around so much so many times together in the offseason and in workouts, he kind of knows where to be when a play breaks. He'll find a way to get open. He just has a knack for playing the position. It has been a lot of fun."

Shipley has overcome his share of adversity, too.

He was granted an extension to his career because of serious injuries in his first two years with the Longhorns. Shipley was redshirted during the 2004 season, which was capped by a 38-37 victory over Michigan in the 2005 Rose Bowl.

And Shipley was a medical redshirt the following season, when the Longhorns claimed the national championship with a 41-38 triumph over Southern California.

"I couldn't have written it up better for me," Shipley said.

"Coming out here twice and not being able to participate, I got to enjoy the games. But the chance to come back here for the national championship in my final game is pretty special to me."

Shipley the player is just as special. He has 195 catches and back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and is just four catches away from passing Roy Williams as the school's all-time leading receiver. On special teams, Shipley returns punts and kickoffs and is the holder for place kicker Hunter Lawrence.

If Alabama thinks Texas' passing game is only a two-man show, it could be in trouble. James Kirkendoll, Dan Buckner and John Chiles combined for 126 catches and 13 touchdowns, not to mention Marquis Goodwin's 27 receptions.

McCoy has been more comfortable looking deep later in the season.

Of his 18 completions of at least 30 yards, 12 have come in the last six games. Eight went for 40 or more yards, three for 50 or more, two for 60 or more and one for more than 80. Shipley has six receptions longer than 30 yards, including catches of 88, 78 and 68 yards.

If Texas lulls Alabama to sleep with a short passing game, screens and dumpoffs, look for McCoy to start tossing deep routes to Shipley. Alabama is also expected to blitz McCoy to get to him quickly.

Shipley says that's fine, too.

"I think a lot of teams have blitz systems and Colt is pretty good about knowing where his hot routes are," Shipley said.

"And he's definitely shown that he can run the ball and get out and make some plays with his feet. We feel good about him in whatever situation that we're in."

And Shipley feels good about ending his career in the Rose Bowl. Even after six years, he says it's hard to believe he won't be in a Texas uniform again after Thursday night.

It is going to be strange not being around anymore," Shipley said.

"It's bittersweet. It's great to get the chance to go out on the big stage. We just want to take advantage of it."