The hypothetical question "what if" can give rise to soaring hope or crushing despair. Sports fans are very familiar with this line of thinking. An upset happens and derails a promising dynasty. A routine play is missed and a player's career never recovers, or an obscure call is made and a championship window closes. The games can't be replayed -- except in the minds of fans, over and over again
Saturday's game between No. 1 Alabama and Texas brings back memories of the 2009 BCS title game and its looming question -- what if Longhorns QB Colt McCoy hadn't been hurt early in the game?