What a football decade it's been (with one year to go): comparing this decade to previous Longhorn teams

Longhorn90 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:39:10 -0000

The first decade of this century of Longhorn football has given us everything we've wanted, with the exception of more conference championships. Mack's program has provided more wins, bowl wins, overall winning percentage and the top record against ranked opponents than any previous decade. This decade even surpasses the hallowed ground of the 60's in some categories. For comparison, the earliest decade chosen was the 40's, as that was the first decade of Longhorn bowl appearances.

The 40's:

Record: 78-21-3 Winning percentage .770 Bowl record: 4-0-1 Record against ranked opponents: 11-9

Record against OU: 8-2 Record against A&M: 9-0-1

Conference Championships: 3 National Championships: 0

Signature moment: A 17-2-1 record against its two main rivals stands out the most about the decade, along with Bobby Layne scoring or accounting for all 40 points in the 1946 Cotton Bowl win against Missouri, or an underdog "second rate" Longhorn team beating Georgia 41-28 in the 1949 Orange Bowl.

The 50's:

Record: 64-38-2 Winning percentage .620 Bowl record: 1-3 Record against ranked opponents: 13-21-1

Record against OU: 3-7 Record against A&M: 8-2

Conference Championships: 4 National Championships: 0

Signature moment: Bobby Lackey's jump pass to beat OU in 1958, snapping a 6-game losing streak to the Sooners.

The 60's:

Record: 86-19-3 Winning percentage .810 Bowl record: 6-1-1 Record against ranked opponents: 14-6-2

Record against OU: 9-1 Record against A&M 9-1

Conference Championships: 5 National Championships: 2

Signature moment: Big Shootout against Arkansas with President Nixon in attendance.

The 70's:

Record: 88-26-1 Winning percentage .760 Bowl record: 3-6 Record against ranked opponents: 17-19-1

Record against OU: 3-6-1 Record against A&M: 7-3

Conference Championships: 6 National Championships: 1

Signature moment: Earl Campbell's run to the Heismann in 1977 included the first win over OU since 1970 and an unbeaten regular season.

The 80's:

Record: 73-42-2 Winning percentage .630 Bowl record: 2-5 Record against ranked opponents: 18-19-1

Record against OU: 4-5-1 Record against A&M: 3-7

Conference Championships: 1 National Championships: 0

Signature moment: Trailing Bear Bryant's Crimson Tide 10-0 in the 4th quarter, Robert Brewer led a 14-12 comeback victory in the 1982 Cotton Bowl.

The 90's:

Record: 74-44-2 Winning percentage .620 Bowl record: 2-4 Record against ranked opponents: 15-25-2

Record against OU: 7-2-1 Record against A&M: 4-6

Conference Championships: 4 National Championships: 0

Signature moment: "I feel good!" James Brown's epic upset of Nebraska in the first Big 12 Championship.

The 2000's: (With one more year to go)

Record: 97-18 Winning percentage .840 Bowl record: 7-2 Record against ranked opponents: 25-11

Record against OU: 3-6 Record against A&M: 7-2

Conference Championships: 1 National Championships: 1

Signature moment: January 4th, 2006.

The only decade that comes close to comparing to this decade's continued success is the 60's, but even that decade consisted of 7-3-1, 6-4, 7-4 and 6-4 seasons. The striking statistic from the 60's is the lack of ranked opponents, Oklahoma and Arkansas were usually the only ranked regular season opponents.

The Big 12 is a tougher conference than the SWC of the 60's, as the 'Horns have averaged four ranked opponents per season compared to two from that decade.

Finally, the lack of conference titles stings, but when comparing to the other decades, Mack would have had co-championships in 2001, 2002 and 2008, as no other Longhorn coach dealt with a split division conference.

MLB Draft- Austin Wood and Brandon Belt

Longhorn90 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:24:54 -0000

Good news and bad news for the Longhorns in the Major League Draft

Apparently, the Detroit Tigers believe Austin Wood's left arm did not fall off during his 169-pitch effort, as they selected him in the 5th round of the MLB draft today. Great news for Austin, as he was targeted for a 7th-12th round selection.

Three spots before Austin was another familiar name, Brandon Belt, going to the Giants. Congrats to Brandon, but a probable loss for the 'Horns, as 5th round money will probably be too good to pass up.

The entire draft can be followed on MLB.com. Hook 'em!

SB Nation User Blog: Longhorn90

What a football decade it's been (with one year to go): comparing this decade to previous Longhorn teams

MLB Draft- Austin Wood and Brandon Belt