Texas Longhorn fans have a lot to hang their hats on after the close loss to the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide in the weaning seconds of the fourth quarter. With 3:49 left on the clock, the Longhorns pulled ahead off of the foot of Bert Auburn’s 49-yard field goal.
For most of the game, the Longhorns moved the ball on offense with precision with successful drives; however, most of the drives were ended with three points, which ultimately cost them the game. Once again, Heisman winning quarterback Bryce Young proved why he is regarded as the best playmaker in the country when the game is on the line. Texas had their chances for sure, but at least the game showed great promise and a change of culture which left fans with a bad taste after last season. Uncharacteristic, the Crimson Tide struggled with penalties all game that accumulated to a total of 15, a record under Coach Nick Saban.
Alabama took the lead with only 10 seconds left off of Will Reichard’s game winning 33 yard field goal that sealed the Longhorns fate with the Tide winning by 20-19. For Longhorn fans around the world, the game was definitely a work in progress. Coach Sarkisian said postgame, “We ran out of time”, and that statement is a correct analysis of what actually happened. For the better part of the game, Texas defense stood tall to every challenge Alabama attempted.
Much like myself, many of the fans feel optimistic regarding the Longhorns efforts. For one San Antonio resident and die hard Longhorn fan Atenea, the loss came as bitter sweet, as she is left with hopes of a rematch in the National Championship in February. A controversial hit on starting quarterback Quinn Ewers near the end of the first quarter totally changed the trajectory on the game. With a backup quarterback Hudson Card at the helm, the entire playbook Coach Sarkisian had planned for weeks was changed on the fly.
The game has Texas with a lot of what ifs! What if Ewers was never injured? What if the apparent safety called was enforced and Alabama was to punt the ball giving Texas a free possession? The answer to those questions remain hypothetical; however, the Longhorns have to replay the only previous match-up scenario in 2010 that left Texas playing 3 quarters in the same predicament.
I do believe the Texas Longhorns answered the question if they belong in the SEC.? The answer is a resounding, YES! I’m sure sports analyst won’t question the Roll Tide’s effort, but for the Longhorns, if they can run the table, a rematch has definitely been solidified and well deserved.
