1969 Texas versus Arkansas

On December 6, 1969, there was another gridiron contest labeled as a "Game of the Century" when the Number 1 ranked Texas Longhorns invaded Fayetteville to take on the second-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks. The Southwest conference had been turned on its ear through the dominance of these two programs after Arkansas hired Frank Broyles and Darrell Royal assumed the role of head coach at Texas. The Razorbacks or the Longhorns were at the top of the Conference in eighty percent of the decade leading up to this game.

Texas had a potent offense running the relatively new concept of the offensive wishbone scheme, averaging 44 points per game. Arkansas countered with the nation's top defense that surrendered a mere 6.8 points on the scoreboard each week. Something had to give, and fans across the country wanted to watch it. ABC broadcast the game with their fine team of Chris Schenkel and Bud Wilkinson calling the game. The game started with the defense of the Hogs forcing Texas fumbles, which the Razorback offense abruptly converted into Arkansas touchdowns, providing an early 14-0 lead for the home team. The first was scored on a Bill Burnett jumping dive to cross the goal line stripe. The second TD conversion was via an ariel strike of 29 yards from Quarterback Bill Montgomery to Chick Dicus. The scoreboard did not change for much of the game until Texas made its move in the final stanza. The Longhorns punched in two fourth-quarter touchdowns. For the first one, a QB scrambled by James Street, and then Texas bravely went for two on and converted. The burnt orange offense converted on a long fourth down on the second scoring drive to keep the drive alive. It doesn't often happen that a team will turn the ball over six times and win, but Texas did just that in their 15–14 victory. ESPN has called this the 29th Greatest Collegiate Football Game of all time.

Opponents so even that they closely played gridiron contests that they usually went right down to the wire or had a fantastic play that made the decision final. These tightly contested games generally impacted championships being won or lost and legendary players emerging, and we celebrate as many of them as possible to preserve football history.

Brace yourselves, gridiron fanatics! We're about to step onto the hallowed turf of history, reliving the epic clashes that ignited stadiums and cemented legends. From college gridirons soaked in student tears to the electrifying lights of the pros, we'll dissect the plays, celebrate the heroes, and feel the echoes of those bone-chilling roars that still raise goosebumps. This isn't just a chronicle of touchdowns and tackles; it's a pilgrimage through the heart of gridiron history, where Hail Marys soared, upsets stunned the world, and dynasties were forged in the heat of battle. So, lace up your cleats, don your favorite colors, and prepare to relive the greatest games that ever shook the foundations of football. The pigskin whispers your name, the stadium lights beckon, and the legends await. This is where history meets heart, where every play is a masterpiece, and every score a story etched in eternity. Let the madness begin!