DOAK WALKER AWARD PRESENTATION - RECAP FROM THE DMN

[MrMustang1965]

For one night, Longhorns and Aggies got along.

On Tuesday, fans and former football players and coaches of Texas and Texas A&M exchanged stories, told jokes and honored two great running backs at the Doak Walker Award presentation banquet at the Fairmont Hotel.

"No extra security needed," joked Lisa Chou, the executive director of SMU programs, in charge of running the awards show.

"Yeah, it was nice," said former Longhorns great Earl Campbell as he gingerly walked toward his recreational vehicle, parked in front of the hotel. "We can be civil toward each other."

Texas' Cedric Benson was given the Doak Walker Award, honoring the nation's best running back for 2004, and Texas A&M's John David Crow received the PricewaterhouseCoopers Legends Award.

The ESPN Gameday team of Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler picked up on the love between Horns and Aggies as they talked to a packed ballroom. Benson and Crow also spoke with respect toward each other when receiving their awards.

Benson gives coach a new look
Texas coach Mack Brown wasn't sure if that was the Cedric Benson he's seen all those years. Benson wore dreadlocks for the bulk of his four seasons at UT. Tuesday night, the dreads were gone and a nice short haircut was in their place.

"I got used to the other look, but when I saw him, I thought he looked very handsome," Brown said. "I had to take a double-take. I'd never seen him like this. It's also sending a message that 'I'm serious [about life], and I'm ready to grow up and mature and be a top player for the NFL.' "

Benson said he didn't throw out the locks. They are tucked away in a Ziplock bag. Chris Fowler of ESPN said Benson should sell the locks on eBay.

Corso: Crow was one of the toughest

ESPN's Lee Corso said of A&M's John David Crow: "The No. 1 symbol of Texas A&M football. If you can last under Bear Bryant, that meant you were mean."

Crow is the only Aggie to win the Heisman Trophy. He played 11 seasons in the NFL with three teams and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

"He's somebody very respected," said former Aggies coach R.C. Slocum, who coached the team while Crow was an athletic director.

Perry's mom is free of cancer

Irene Egerton Perry, the mother of 2003 Doak winner Chris Perry , said doctors have told her she is cancer free. Perry has recovered from breast cancer and had a tumor the size of a peach removed. Last August was her final chemo treatment.

Benson wants better plan against Oklahoma

Cedric Benson said he enjoyed playing for UT coach Mack Brown, calling him a "player's coach." But when it comes to playing Oklahoma, the running back is hopeful for a better game plan.

"The game plan can be better," Benson said. "We're not trying to lose. We're trying to win, and we can dominate. The coaches coach more of not to lose instead of trying to win. When that game comes up, we need to sit back and take a deep breath and come up with a good game plan."

Seen and heard ...

SMU coach Phil Bennett was driven to the event by Cowboys linebacker, and former Aggie, Dat Nguyen. ... Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones.

Big 12 commissioner and BCS coordinator Kevin Weiberg working the room. ... Conference USA commish Britton Banowsky doing the same. ... Former Heisman winner and Cowboys great Tony Dorsett. ... 2003 Doak winner Chris Perry, formerly of Michigan and now with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Texas A&M's Bill Byrne and SMU's Jim Copeland, ADs telling stories at the VIP reception.

SMU great Jerry LeVias, sitting between Copeland and former SMU great Eric Dickerson at the head table. ... Former UT coach Fred Akers. ... Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt.

Dickerson talking on his cellphone, with the earpiece, during dinner.