Member-only story

Memorable Stories of Longhorns Football: Triumphs, Heartbreaks, and Unforgettable Moments

Cooper Bell

·2k Followers· Follow

Published in Game Of My Life Texas Longhorns: Memorable Stories Of Longhorns Football

5 min read

1k View Claps

63 Respond

Save

Listen

The Rise of Earl Campbell

In the annals of college football history, few running backs have left as indelible a mark as Earl Campbell. The bruising Longhorn legend burst onto the scene in 1974, leading Texas to a national championship. His combination of power, speed, and determination made him virtually unstoppable.

One of Campbell's most iconic moments came in the 1977 Cotton Bowl against Notre Dame. With Texas trailing 35-34 and time running out, Campbell broke free for a 67-yard touchdown that sealed the victory. The "Cotton Bowl Run," as it became known, cemented Campbell's legacy as one of the greatest college football players of all time.

The Red River Rivalry

Texas' annual clash with their bitter rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners, is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in sports. The two schools have met on the gridiron since 1900, and the games have been filled with unforgettable moments.

Game of My Life Texas Longhorns: Memorable Stories of Longhorns Football

by Michael Pearle

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6056 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages

In 1963, the Longhorns were trailing Oklahoma by a touchdown late in the game. With seconds remaining, quarterback Eddie Phillips connected with end Dave Parks for a game-winning touchdown. The victory, known as the "Game of the Century," is still considered one of the most exciting college football games ever played.

The Miracle on the Brazos

In 1976, the Longhorns faced a do-or-die game against the Baylor Bears. With time running out and Texas trailing by 10 points, it seemed like all hope was lost. However, freshman quarterback Ricky Williams orchestrated an improbable comeback.

Williams led the Longhorns on a 97-yard touchdown drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to Willie Mack Brown. After recovering an onside kick, Texas scored again on a touchdown run by Earl Campbell. The final score was 38-35 Texas, in what has become known as the "Miracle on the Brazos."

The National Championship Drought

After winning the national championship in 1970, the Longhorns endured a long drought without a title. Despite several near misses, Texas fans had to wait until 2005 for their next national championship.

Led by quarterback Vince Young, the Longhorns defeated the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl to claim the title. Young's iconic run in the final minutes of the game, where he evaded several USC tacklers, is still remembered as one of the most thrilling plays in college football history.

The Mack Brown Era

Mack Brown coached the Longhorns from 1998 to 2014, and is the winningest coach in school history. During his tenure, Texas won the national championship in 2005 and played in several other major bowl games.

Brown's tenure was also marked by some controversial moments, including the firing of offensive coordinator Greg Davis in 2010. However, there is no doubt that Brown left a lasting legacy on Longhorns football.

The Tom Herman Era

Tom Herman took over as head coach of the Longhorns in 2017, and quickly turned the program around. In his second season, he led Texas to a Sugar Bowl victory over the Georgia Bulldogs.

Herman's Longhorns were known for their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Sam Ehlinger. However, they struggled on defense at times, which ultimately led to Herman's firing in 2021.

The Steve Sarkisian Era

Steve Sarkisian was hired as the Longhorns head coach in 2021. Sarkisian is a former offensive coordinator for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and is known for his innovative offensive schemes.

Sarkisian's first season at Texas was a mixed bag. The Longhorns finished with a 5-7 record, but showed signs of improvement on the offensive side of the ball. Sarkisian is still in the early stages of his tenure, but he has a talented roster and has the potential to lead the Longhorns to success in the years to come.

The history of Longhorns football is filled with memorable stories, from the triumphs to the heartbreaks to the unforgettable moments. These stories have helped to create a rich tradition that has made the Longhorns one of the most beloved college football teams in the country. As the program continues to evolve, there is no doubt that new stories will be written, adding to the legacy of Longhorns football.

Game of My Life Texas Longhorns: Memorable Stories of Longhorns Football

by Michael Pearle

5 out of 5