Football History

The 2008 Texas Tech vs. Texas football game was a thrilling matchup that went down to the wire. It was a game that had everything: high-powered offenses, dramatic comebacks, and a last-second finish that left fans breathless.

-The Contenders:

-The #7 ranked Texas Longhorns entered the game with a 9-1 record and a legitimate shot at the national championship.

-The unranked Texas Tech Red Raiders, led by quarterback Graham Harrell and wide receiver Michael Crabtree, were known for their fast-paced "Air Raid" offense.

-An Offensive Explosion:

The game lived up to its billing as a shootout. Both teams traded touchdowns throughout the first half, with Texas Tech holding a 31-24 lead at halftime.

The second half was just as exciting, with both teams continuing to score points. With less than two minutes remaining, Texas took the lead 39-33.

-The Crabtree Catch:

With just seconds remaining on the clock, Texas Tech faced a 4th down and 15 from their own 25-yard line.
Harrell launched a deep pass down the sideline toward Crabtree, who was tightly covered by Texas cornerback Aaron Williams.

In a play that would become known as "The Crabtree Catch," Crabtree leaped high in the air and snagged the ball with one hand, just inches away from Williams.

-A Stunning Upset:

With the catch, Crabtree put the Red Raiders in field goal range.

Texas Tech kicker Donnie Carona then drilled a 40-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Red Raiders a 40-39 victory.

-A Turning Point in the Big 12:

The 2008 Texas Tech vs. Texas game is considered one of the greatest upsets in college football history.

It helped propel Texas Tech to an 11-1 record and a share of the Big 12 Championship.

The game also marked a turning point in the Big 12 conference, ushering in an era of high-powered offenses and exciting games.

-Legacy and Impact:

The 2008 Texas Tech vs. Texas game is still remembered today as one of the most thrilling games in college football history.

The Crabtree Catch has become an iconic moment in Texas Tech football lore.

The game continues to be a source of debate and controversy, with many arguing that Williams should have been called for pass interference on the final play.

-Additional Notes:

The game was televised on ABC and drew an estimated audience of 10 million viewers.

-Harrell finished the game with 547 passing yards and five touchdowns.

-Crabtree caught 11 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns.

The 2008 Texas Tech vs. Texas game is featured in the book "The Crabtree Game: Inside the Greatest Upset in College Football History."

More on this great game below.

The History of the University of Texas Mascot.

Deep in the heart of Texas is a proud football program of the University of Texas at Austin. The team has made the students, faculty, alums, and fans proud to support them at home and away games.

Born in 1893, the Longhorns were more than just a team; they were a symbol of Texas pride, a rawhide and leather embodiment of the frontier spirit. Early heroes like Earl Blaik and Percy Foreman laid the foundation, carving out victories with grit and dusty determination.

Then came the golden age. Darrell Royal, the "Silver Fox," arrived in 1957, his steely gaze and relentless pursuit of excellence ushering in a dynasty. Under his guidance, Texas devoured opponents like a Longhorn charging across the prairie. Three national championships, 11 Southwest Conference titles, and a staggering 167-49 record solidified Royal's legend and painted Austin in burnt orange.

But Texas hasn't been defined by just one coach or era. Names like Ricky Williams, Vince Young, Colt McCoy, and Earl Campbell etch themselves onto the hearts of fans like championship trophies. Remember "The Run," where Young's fourth-down dash against Oklahoma in 2006 sent chills down spines and ignited celebrations across the state? Or Campbell, the "Human Bulldozer," his unstoppable runs shaking the very foundations of Memorial Stadium?

UT has an excellent tradition of quality pigskin play and is a perennial contender for their respective conference title and sometimes even the National Championship. Dig into UT Gridiron's history on this page!

We came across a few stories of students on both sides of a University of Texas and Texas A&M Rivalry that each tried to one-up the other through the team mascots.

Make sure you check out our web story on this podcast episode on Bevo and Reveille.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts? Well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

---

Born March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, was Earl Campbell the powerful back of the Texas Longhorns from 1974 through 1977. His nickname forever ties him to his hometown as Earl is still called "the Tyler Rose" as he pounded out big gains at the University of Texas.

The NFF says he rushed for 4,443 yards. This was the fifth highest total of all time when he retired. His rushing covered 928 yards as a freshman, 1118 as a sophomore, 653 as a junior (he missed four games), and 1,744 as a senior.

Campbell was All-America as a sophomore and senior, led the nation in rushing and scoring and won the Heisman Trophy in 1977. He had an amazing 21 times where he rushed over 100 yards and three over 200 yards rushing in games.

The Houston Oilers during the 1978 NFL Draft wasted no time in turning their draft pick card with the first player selected to the Commissioner that had the name of Earl Campbell on it. Earl played 8 seasons with the Oilers and earned a rushing title, the distinction as an All-Pro and was selected to play in three Pro Bowls. The 1980 season as his best as he pounded out 1934 yards with 4 games over 200 yards.

For his NFL career, he amassed 9407 yards rushing and 74 TDs with another 806 yards on 121 receptions. Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Earl Campbell in 1991.

Born May 21, 1940 - Bryan, Texas - James Saxton Jr. the great university of Texas halfback from 1959 to 1961, arrived via stork delivery. The NFF states that Saxton was one of the quickest players in college football history. Longhorn’s Coach Darrell Royal envisioned James, who was also referred to as the "Rabbit," as a running quarterback but moved him to running back in 1960. Saxton would go on to lead the team in rushing that season with 407 yards and an average of 5.4 yards per carry. Saxton thrived in the running back role and by the time his senior season rolled around he had tallied up nine touchdowns and was leading the high-scoring Longhorn attack with runs of 80, 79, 66, 56, 49 and 45 yards. A unanimous selection that year, he became the first running back in Longhorn history to become an All-American and finished third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, trailing only Hall of Famers Ernie Davis (Syracuse) and Bob Ferguson (Ohio State). Oh and the way he completed his college career! It ended with a 12-7 victory over Ole Miss in the 1962 Cotton Bowl Classic as the pivotal play of the contest may have been a record setting 73-yard quick kick from Saxton to ice it. James Saxton Jr. was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 after the National Football Foundation tabulated their votes. James was chosen as the 146th pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in the NFL’s 1962 Draft and the 75th pick of the Dallas Texans of the AFL. He signed with Dallas, but after one season he decided to enter the banking business.

---

The Texas Longhorns football program boasts a rich history dating back to 1893, making it one of the oldest and most successful programs in college football. Here's a glimpse into its journey:

-Early Days and Establishing a Winning Tradition (1893-1925):
The program began modestly, fielding its first permanent team in 1893.
Early success came quickly, with the Longhorns recording undefeated seasons in 1900, 1914, 1918, and 1920.
Notable coaches of this era include John Heisman (1902-1903) and Dana X. Bible (1916-1932).

-Dominant Decades and the Rise of Legends (1926-1976):
The program experienced sustained success under coaches such as Clyde Littlefield (1934-1956) and Darrell Royal (1957-1976).
This era saw the emergence of legendary players like Davey O'Brien (Heisman Trophy winner in 1938), Bobby Layne (Heisman Trophy winner in 1950), and Tommy Nobis (Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1965).
The Longhorns won four national championships during this period: 1963, 1969, 1970, and 1975.

-Ups and Downs and the Quest for Restoration (1977-2009):
After Royal's departure, the program experienced a period of inconsistency, with only occasional flashes of brilliance.


However, the hiring of Fred Akers in 1977 and David McWilliams in 1987 brought some stability and success.
Notable players from this era include Earl Campbell (Heisman Trophy winner in 1977) and Ricky Williams (Heisman Trophy winner in 1998).
Despite individual triumphs, the Longhorns struggled to replicate the dominance of the Royal era.

-The Mack Brown Era and Returning to Glory (2010-2014):
Mack Brown's arrival in 2005 marked a turning point for the program.

He instilled discipline, recruited top talent, and implemented a winning culture.

The Longhorns won the 2005 national championship, their first in 30 years, with Vince Young leading the charge.

The program remained competitive throughout Brown's tenure, consistently ranking among the nation's best.

-Recent Years and the Search for New Heights (2015-Present):
Charlie Strong took over as head coach in 2015, but his tenure was marred by disappointing results.
Tom Herman replaced Strong in 2017, bringing renewed hope and optimism.

While the program has shown improvement under Herman, it has not yet reached the heights of the Mack Brown era.

The Longhorns continue their quest for national championship glory, seeking to add to their rich legacy in college football.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has the program going in the right direction as it heads to the four-team playoff of the FCS in 2023 and to the SEC in 2024.

The life and football career of College Football Hall of Fame star, Harley Sewell. Born April 18, 1931, Jefferson County, Oklahoma, was the University of Texas two-way player at guard and linebacker Harley Sewell.

Sewell was indeed a versatile player that the Longhorn’s used to gain advantages over opponents. One such instance of note, according to FootballFoundation.org, was the 1952 Cotton Bowl, where Texas blanked the Vols of Tennessee 16-0. Sewell was named Defensive Most Valuable Player as he led a defense that held Tennessee to six first downs with negative 14 yards rushing. The National Football Foundation selected Harley Sewell for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

---

The video by TexasISN.com really gets you fired up, doesn't it?
With roots tracing back to 1893, the Texas Longhorns football program boasts a rich history steeped in tradition and punctuated by moments of brilliance. From humble beginnings to national championships and iconic players, the Longhorns have carved their name into the annals of college football.

-Early Days and Establishing a Legacy (1893-1946):
The early years were marked by a spirited journey, with the Longhorns facing limited resources but fueled by unwavering determination. Under coaches like E.J. "Doc" Steckel and Blair Cherry, the Longhorns built a reputation for grit and resilience, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

-Golden Era and National Championships (1947-1970):
The arrival of legendary coach Darrell Royal ushered in a golden era for the Longhorns. With Royal's innovative schemes and leadership, the program reached new heights. National championships in 1963 and 1969 cemented the Longhorns' status as a national powerhouse, while iconic players like Earl Campbell and Tommy Nobis became legends of the game.

-Continued Success and Defining Moments (1971-Present):
Despite facing challenges, the Longhorns continued to be a major force in college football. Vince Young's leadership in 2005 culminated in another national title, proving the program's ability to adapt and evolve with the times. Players like Ricky Williams and Colt McCoy continued to leave their mark, further enriching the Longhorns' legacy.

-More Than Just Wins:
Beyond their impressive record of wins and championships, the Longhorns are defined by their unique traditions and passionate fanbase. The iconic "Hook 'em, Horns" phrase, the majestic Bevo mascot, and the booming Smokey the Cannon are just a few symbols that bind generations of fans together.

-Looking Ahead:
As the Longhorns continue their journey in the ever-evolving landscape of college football, their unwavering spirit and commitment to excellence remain constant. With a rich history and a passionate fanbase, the Texas Longhorns football program is poised for continued success, leaving an indelible mark on the sport for generations.

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.