Aggies' emotional win after bonfire tragedy
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin Bonfire game shows softer side of Texas-A&M rivalry Date: Nov. 26, 1999 Place: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas Score: Texas A&M 20, Texas 16 Just eight days after the most stunning tragedy in school history, Texas A&M had to refocus to play Texas in the 106th meeting of the storied rivalry between the two bitter adversaries. — www.espn.com
One of the top games ever in college football was the masterpiece played at Kyle Field, College Station, where the final score was: Texas A&M 20, Texas 16.
Played just 11 days after the tragic collapse of the Bonfire, this game served as a unifying moment for the Aggie community.
Texas A&M's victory was a powerful symbol of resilience and a tribute to the victims of the tragedy.
The game remains one of the most emotional and memorable moments in the history of the Texas A&M vs. Texas rivalry.
Key moments:
The Aggie defense dominated the game, forcing three turnovers and holding Texas to just 16 points.
Bran Jennings' six sacks were a key factor in Texas A&M's defensive dominance.
Quarterback Randy McCown led the Aggie offense efficiently, connecting with Corey Pullig for a 44-yard touchdown pass.
The game was sealed with a late interception by Aggie defensive back Jason Webster.
The Early Years of the Texas Longhorns
Born amidst the bustling energy of Austin, Texas, the Longhorns football program has a history as rich and vibrant as the state itself. Its origins trace back to 1893, when a group of students led by the visionary William T. Conner formed an informal team. Their passion and dedication ignited a fire that would blaze a path for future generations of Longhorn athletes.
The early years were characterized by a spirit of determination and resourcefulness. Despite limited resources and infrastructure, the Longhorns carved their own path, competing against local teams and gradually building a reputation for grit and tenacity. Their first official season in 1894 marked the beginning of a legacy that would transcend generations, establishing the Longhorns as a force to be reckoned with in the nascent world of college football.
Through the early decades of the 20th century, the Longhorns navigated a landscape of evolving rules and growing competition. Yet, their unwavering spirit continued to shine through. Coaches like E.J. "Doc" Steckel and Blair Cherry instilled a sense of discipline and tactical acumen that helped the Longhorns rise to prominence.
The journey of the early Longhorns was one of unwavering spirit, remarkable resilience, and a deep-seated love for the game. These foundational years laid the groundwork for the program's future success, paving the way for legendary coaches, iconic players, and countless victories that would solidify the Longhorns' place among college football's elite.
The early years were characterized by a spirit of determination and resourcefulness. Despite limited resources and infrastructure, the Longhorns carved their own path, competing against local teams and gradually building a reputation for grit and tenacity. Their first official season in 1894 marked the beginning of a legacy that would transcend generations, establishing the Longhorns as a force to be reckoned with in the nascent world of college football.
Through the early decades of the 20th century, the Longhorns navigated a landscape of evolving rules and growing competition. Yet, their unwavering spirit continued to shine through. Coaches like E.J. "Doc" Steckel and Blair Cherry instilled a sense of discipline and tactical acumen that helped the Longhorns rise to prominence.
The journey of the early Longhorns was one of unwavering spirit, remarkable resilience, and a deep-seated love for the game. These foundational years laid the groundwork for the program's future success, paving the way for legendary coaches, iconic players, and countless victories that would solidify the Longhorns' place among college football's elite.
Longhorns Outlast Buffaloes in Gritty Big 12 Battle
On October 10, 2009, the #2 Texas Longhorns traveled to Boulder, Colorado, to face the unranked Colorado Buffaloes in a crucial Big 12 Conference matchup. Despite expectations, the game unfolded as a defensive struggle, showcasing the grit and determination of both teams.
Defensive Dominance:
The star of the show was undoubtedly defense. Both units held their opponents to under 20 points, creating a tense and low-scoring affair. Texas, led by the "Wrecking Crew" defense, managed to stifle Colorado's potent running attack, while Colorado's defense forced crucial turnovers from Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.
Late-Game Heroics:
With the score tied at 14 and time winding down, the Longhorns needed a spark. Quarterback Colt McCoy delivered, orchestrating a decisive drive that culminated in a 32-yard field goal by Hunter Lawrence with just 1:55 remaining on the clock. Colorado's final attempt at a comeback fell short, securing a hard-fought 17-14 victory for Texas.
Key Takeaways:
The 2009 Colorado-Texas game was a defensive battle, with both teams showcasing their strength on that side of the ball.
Texas' defense, led by the "Wrecking Crew," was instrumental in securing the victory.
Quarterback Colt McCoy orchestrated a late-game drive to lead Texas to victory.
The win kept Texas' Big 12 championship hopes alive.
Defensive Dominance:
The star of the show was undoubtedly defense. Both units held their opponents to under 20 points, creating a tense and low-scoring affair. Texas, led by the "Wrecking Crew" defense, managed to stifle Colorado's potent running attack, while Colorado's defense forced crucial turnovers from Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.
Late-Game Heroics:
With the score tied at 14 and time winding down, the Longhorns needed a spark. Quarterback Colt McCoy delivered, orchestrating a decisive drive that culminated in a 32-yard field goal by Hunter Lawrence with just 1:55 remaining on the clock. Colorado's final attempt at a comeback fell short, securing a hard-fought 17-14 victory for Texas.
Key Takeaways:
The 2009 Colorado-Texas game was a defensive battle, with both teams showcasing their strength on that side of the ball.
Texas' defense, led by the "Wrecking Crew," was instrumental in securing the victory.
Quarterback Colt McCoy orchestrated a late-game drive to lead Texas to victory.
The win kept Texas' Big 12 championship hopes alive.
Buffaloes Blitz Longhorns in Thrilling 2001 Big 12 Championship
The 2001 Big 12 Championship Game saw the #7 Colorado Buffaloes pull off a stunning upset against the #3 Texas Longhorns, claiming their first Big 12 title in a dramatic 39-37 victory.
An Offensive Showstopper:
The game was a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. Colorado's Bobby Pesavento and Texas' Chris Simms combined for over 600 passing yards and five touchdowns. The offensive fireworks kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the contest.
Late-Game Heroics:
With the score tied at 37 and just over a minute remaining, Colorado's defense forced a crucial turnover. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Pesavento led the Buffaloes on a game-winning drive, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown run to seal the victory with 28 seconds left.
An Unforgettable Upset:
The 2001 Big 12 Championship Game is remembered as a classic in college football history. Colorado's unlikely victory against the heavily favored Longhorns was a testament to their resilience and offensive prowess. The game cemented the legacy of Colorado head coach Gary Barnett and quarterback Bobby Pesavento.
An Offensive Showstopper:
The game was a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. Colorado's Bobby Pesavento and Texas' Chris Simms combined for over 600 passing yards and five touchdowns. The offensive fireworks kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the contest.
Late-Game Heroics:
With the score tied at 37 and just over a minute remaining, Colorado's defense forced a crucial turnover. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Pesavento led the Buffaloes on a game-winning drive, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown run to seal the victory with 28 seconds left.
An Unforgettable Upset:
The 2001 Big 12 Championship Game is remembered as a classic in college football history. Colorado's unlikely victory against the heavily favored Longhorns was a testament to their resilience and offensive prowess. The game cemented the legacy of Colorado head coach Gary Barnett and quarterback Bobby Pesavento.
Texas Steals Big 12 Championship from Nebraska in Last-Second Thriller (2009)
On December 5, 2009, the #5 Texas Longhorns faced off against the #22 Nebraska Cornhuskers in a nail-biting Big 12 Championship showdown.
Nebraska held the lead throughout the game, but Texas fought back with a late touchdown drive. With just seconds remaining on the clock, Texas kicker Hunter Lawrence nailed a 46-yard field goal, securing a dramatic 13-12 victory and stealing the Big 12 Championship from Nebraska.
This thrilling contest, decided by a last-second field goal, cemented itself as a memorable chapter in both teams' histories and solidified the 2009 Texas Longhorns as Big 12 champions.
Nebraska held the lead throughout the game, but Texas fought back with a late touchdown drive. With just seconds remaining on the clock, Texas kicker Hunter Lawrence nailed a 46-yard field goal, securing a dramatic 13-12 victory and stealing the Big 12 Championship from Nebraska.
This thrilling contest, decided by a last-second field goal, cemented itself as a memorable chapter in both teams' histories and solidified the 2009 Texas Longhorns as Big 12 champions.
Texas Longhorns and their Helmets throughout the years
Learn the essence and history of Texas Longhorns football through the visual images of helmets showing the variations and changes to Burnt Orange football over the years. HelmetHistory.com does an amazing job as always to share these.
An Illustrated History Video
What better way to enjoy the history of Burnt Orange football than to sit back and enjoy this great video on the lore of the Longhorns.
