By Darin Intro Hook
December 5, 2009, remains one of the most agonizing dates in Nebraska football history and one of the most miraculous for the Texas Longhorns. At the Big 12 Championship, the No. 3 Longhorns faced the No. 22 Cornhuskers in a fierce defensive battle that came down to a razor-thin margin, a dramatic clock review, and a single, pressure-packed kick. This game was far more than a conference title; it was a do-or-die eliminator for a spot in the BCS National Championship.
The Defensive Masterclass
The contest unfolded as a gritty, low-scoring affair dominated by defensive intensity. Nebraska’s defensive tackle, Ndamukong Suh, delivered a legendary performance that night, completely dismantling the Texas offensive line. Suh finished the game with an astonishing 4.5 sacks, constantly harassing Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and accounting for much of the game’s 12-10 Nebraska lead late in the fourth quarter. The Longhorns struggled mightily, relying on their defense and special teams to stay within striking distance.
The Final Second of Destiny
With the clock winding down, Texas mounted one final, desperate drive. On the final play of regulation, McCoy’s pass sailed out of bounds, and the stadium erupted as the clock hit zero. The Nebraska sideline rushed the field in celebration, believing they had secured the monumental upset.
However, after an official review, the replay showed one second should have remained on the clock due to the timing of McCoy’s throw. The officials restored the time, forcing the Huskers back to the sideline. Kicker Hunter Lawrence stepped onto the field and calmly drilled the 46-yard field goal as time expired, giving Texas the improbable 13-12 victory. The win propelled the Longhorns forward to the BCS title game, though they would ultimately lose to Alabama.
Conclusion
The 2009 Big 12 Championship epitomizes the high stakes and thin margins of college football. While Ndamukong Suh’s defensive dominance remains an unforgettable individual achievement, the game is forever defined by the controversial yet clutch final second that allowed Hunter Lawrence to seal the dramatic 13-12 comeback victory for the Texas Longhorns.
Article from Dec 6, 2009 Austin American-Statesman (Austin, Texas)
