Texas Longhorns: Top 4 Moments When They Snatched Victory from the Jaws of Defeat
The Texas Longhorns have a rich history filled with thrilling victories, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. Over the years, they have played in countless nail-biters, where they found themselves on the verge of defeat only to rally back and snatch victory at the last moment. While there are many such moments in Texas football history, here are four of the most remarkable comebacks where the Longhorns refused to lose.
1. The 2005 National Championship – Texas vs. USC
Date: January 4, 2006
Final Score: Texas 41, USC 38
This game is widely considered one of the greatest college football games ever played. The Texas Longhorns, led by quarterback Vince Young, entered the BCS National Championship Game against USC as underdogs. The Trojans were riding a 34-game winning streak and had back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners in Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush.
With just 6:42 left in the game, Texas trailed 38-26. The Longhorns needed two touchdowns to win. Vince Young led a methodical drive down the field, capping it off with a 17-yard touchdown pass to David Thomas.
Still trailing 38-33, Texas got the ball back with 2:09 remaining. Young orchestrated one of the most famous drives in college football history, converting multiple fourth downs, including the legendary 4th-and-5 play at the USC 9-yard line. With everything on the line, Young scrambled into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 19 seconds left, giving Texas the 41-38 victory and securing their first national championship in 35 years.
This game cemented Young’s place in Longhorns history and remains one of the greatest comebacks in Texas football.
2. The 1969 “Game of the Century” – Texas vs. Arkansas
Date: December 6, 1969
Final Score: Texas 15, Arkansas 14
The 1969 matchup between No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Arkansas was billed as the “Game of the Century,” and it lived up to the hype. This game was played in front of a national television audience, with President Richard Nixon in attendance.
Arkansas jumped out to a 14-0 lead, and with just over six minutes remaining, Texas trailed by two touchdowns. The Longhorns were struggling against Arkansas’ defense when quarterback James Street came up with a miracle. Facing 4th-and-3, he executed a perfect 44-yard option run, putting Texas in scoring position.
With the score now 14-8, Texas got the ball back with two minutes left. On 3rd-and-10 from the Texas 43, Street launched a deep 53-yard pass to Randy Peschel, who made an incredible catch to set Texas up at the Arkansas 2-yard line. Texas punched it in for the game-winning touchdown and secured a 15-14 victory.
The win not only secured the Longhorns’ second national championship, but it also remains one of the most significant comeback victories in Texas football history.
3. Texas vs. Texas Tech – Michael Crabtree’s Nightmare
Date: November 10, 2018
Final Score: Texas 41, Texas Tech 34
Texas and Texas Tech have had many thrilling matchups, but the 2018 edition provided one of the most heart-stopping finishes in recent memory.
Texas held a 34-17 lead in the fourth quarter, but Texas Tech staged an incredible comeback, tying the game at 34-34 with just 1:45 remaining. The Red Raiders’ home crowd was electric, sensing an upset.
However, Sam Ehlinger, Texas’ sophomore quarterback, was not ready to let this one slip away. Ehlinger led Texas down the field with a mix of clutch passing and timely scrambles. With 21 seconds left, he found Lil’Jordan Humphrey in the end zone for a 29-yard touchdown, silencing the Texas Tech crowd and sealing the dramatic victory for the Longhorns.
This game showcased Ehlinger’s toughness and leadership, marking a key moment in Texas’ return to national prominence under Tom Herman.
4. Texas vs. Oklahoma – The “Red River Comeback”
Date: October 10, 2021
Final Score: Oklahoma 55, Texas 48 (OT)
While this game ultimately ended in heartbreak for Texas, it still featured one of the most exciting comebacks in Red River Rivalry history.
Texas exploded out of the gates, building a 28-7 lead in the first quarter behind Casey Thompson’s three touchdown passes and a special teams touchdown. But Oklahoma, led by freshman quarterback Caleb Williams, clawed their way back.
With just over two minutes left, Texas trailed 48-41. Thompson delivered a game-tying 31-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Worthy, sending the game to overtime.
Although Oklahoma ultimately prevailed in OT, this game remains one of the wildest and most thrilling comeback efforts in Texas history. It showed the resilience of the Longhorns in one of the fiercest rivalries in college football.
Final Thoughts
The Texas Longhorns have built a legacy on thrilling comebacks and dramatic victories. Whether it was Vince Young’s heroics in 2006, the Game of the Century in 1969, or more recent battles like the 2018 Texas Tech game, the Longhorns have a history of delivering unforgettable moments.
Texas football thrives on big-stage performances, and these four games remind us why the Longhorns are one of the most exciting programs in college football. With Steve Sarkisian at the helm and a talented roster, fans can only hope that even more legendary comebacks are in store for the future.
Hook ‘Em Horns!