I guess it is only natural to focus on the negative because we were so close to the ultimate prize, but I can’t help remembering how lucky we are. The pain and the embarrassment of losses to Rice (1994) and Kansas (2021). The humiliation of losing to UCLA 66-3 at home (1997). The Charlie Strong era. The elation of hiring Tom Hermann and the disappointment of learning he was a fraud.
The process of watching the program earn its way back to being nationally relevant is satisfying. The years after the national championship game in 2009 have made me appreciate that you cannot take your place in the national conscience for granted. I was lucky enough to be in the Rose Bowl in 2005 and 2009. The memories are seared into my sports conscience. I still talk with my boys about seeing Vince Young carry us to the pinnacle of college football. Having them sitting with me at that game (ages 12 and 9) was truly a life memory. On the flip side, watching Colt go down in 2009 etched the feeling of “what if” into my memories forever.
I loved this years team and appreciate the cohesiveness and fight that they displayed. I bemoan that the offense seemingly did not live up to its potential. I dream of seeing the complete dominance that exists within Ryan Wingo. I will miss the underappreciated contribution of Jake Majors. I hope that we see the best version of Blue, Wisner and Gibson next year. I am excited to see Arch, but I don’t take for granted the sacrifice and dedication of Quinn. I know that he wishes that he had been healthy throughout his time as a Longhorn and I am sure that he aches to have played one more game.
How can you not be excited to see what the D looks like next year - Simmons, Hill, Burke, etc. The infusion of talent from the star studded freshman class especially Justus Terry, Jonah Williams and Lance Jackson. This year’s defense makes you forget the struggles that we experienced just two years ago. Awesome coaching.
It is easy to nitpick about plays or play calls after a loss, but I am glad that we have the opportunity to play in a game that was important enough for all the Monday morning QBs to appear. Don’t get me wrong, I am mad, disappointed and devastated that we are not playing in Atlanta. None of those emotions compare to the feeling of losing to Rice or Kansas.
The process of watching the program earn its way back to being nationally relevant is satisfying. The years after the national championship game in 2009 have made me appreciate that you cannot take your place in the national conscience for granted. I was lucky enough to be in the Rose Bowl in 2005 and 2009. The memories are seared into my sports conscience. I still talk with my boys about seeing Vince Young carry us to the pinnacle of college football. Having them sitting with me at that game (ages 12 and 9) was truly a life memory. On the flip side, watching Colt go down in 2009 etched the feeling of “what if” into my memories forever.
I loved this years team and appreciate the cohesiveness and fight that they displayed. I bemoan that the offense seemingly did not live up to its potential. I dream of seeing the complete dominance that exists within Ryan Wingo. I will miss the underappreciated contribution of Jake Majors. I hope that we see the best version of Blue, Wisner and Gibson next year. I am excited to see Arch, but I don’t take for granted the sacrifice and dedication of Quinn. I know that he wishes that he had been healthy throughout his time as a Longhorn and I am sure that he aches to have played one more game.
How can you not be excited to see what the D looks like next year - Simmons, Hill, Burke, etc. The infusion of talent from the star studded freshman class especially Justus Terry, Jonah Williams and Lance Jackson. This year’s defense makes you forget the struggles that we experienced just two years ago. Awesome coaching.
It is easy to nitpick about plays or play calls after a loss, but I am glad that we have the opportunity to play in a game that was important enough for all the Monday morning QBs to appear. Don’t get me wrong, I am mad, disappointed and devastated that we are not playing in Atlanta. None of those emotions compare to the feeling of losing to Rice or Kansas.
