Matthew Sharpe / Getty Images file

Alabama junior quarterback Greg McElroy and the No. 1 Crimson Tide will play No. 2 Texas in the BCS Championship Game on Jan. 7.

McCoy, a four-year starter, knows more about the ups and downs.

“Colt is under as much pressure as anybody in the country probably,’’ Longhorns wide receiver Jordan Shipley said.

And that started in 2006.

How does anyone follow Vince Young?

The final act: Texas 41, USC 38 in the 2006 Rose Bowl national-championship game. Young ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns, while completing 30 of 40 passes for 267 more.

And the previous season? Young rushed for 192 yards and four touchdowns against Michigan at the Rose Bowl.

Welcome to Pasadena, Colt McCoy.

Obviously, the pressure remains on McCoy, while nobody expects McElroy to take charge and win the game himself.

So the roles will continue.

McCoy admitted that the pressure may have gotten to him earlier this season. Somewhere along the way, he reminded himself to have more fun and play without tension. That’s the attitude he hopes to carry into the BCS Championship Game.

It would mirror the approach of Young, his mentor, who looked as if he was competing in a pick-up game as he cruised around the field at Pasadena, while defenders from Michigan and USC couldn’t keep up.

“Colt is enjoying the moment and that’s what you have to do,’’ Texas coach Mack Brown said. “You have to play in the now. He only has one more (game at Texas) and you want to enjoy that moment.

“You have to understand that he has accomplished all these great things when he has had fun. I think that’s back to who he is.’’

Colt McCoy, charismatic playmaker.

Greg McElroy, cerebral caretaker.

The styles are not similar. But their common denominator is why the Longhorns and Crimson Tide will play for a national title.

They win.

And win.

And win.

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