As the College Football Playoff semifinal approaches, the No. 5 Texas Longhorns will face the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in a highly anticipated matchup on Thursday evening at the Cotton Bowl. Both teams have had stellar seasons, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Ohio State favored by six points, the Longhorns will have to battle hard to pull off an upset and secure a spot in the national championship game, which is set for Jan. 21 in Atlanta. If Texas emerges victorious in this semifinal, they will have the opportunity to claim their first national title since 2005.
Texas’ History of National Championships
Texas football has a storied history, having won four national championships in school history. Their title victories span several decades, with each one marking a unique and memorable achievement for the program. Let’s take a look at those championships:
- 2005 National Championship (BCS): This remains the most recent national title for Texas, and it was one of the most thrilling games in college football history. The Longhorns, led by star quarterback Vince Young, faced off against the undefeated USC Trojans in the BCS National Championship Game. USC, featuring Heisman Trophy-winning running back Reggie Bush, entered the game as the favorite. However, Young delivered a legendary performance, rushing for 200 yards and accounting for three touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown in the final minutes. Texas won the game 41-38, securing its fourth national title.
- 1970 National Championship (Shared): The 1970 season saw Texas claim a national championship, but it was a controversial one. Texas finished the season undefeated, but the Associated Press (AP) chose Nebraska as the national champion after the bowl games. Despite this, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and the United Press International (UPI) awarded Texas the title before the bowl games were played, marking it as a shared championship. Texas lost to Notre Dame 24-11 in the Cotton Bowl, and Ohio State, which also ended the season undefeated, lost to Stanford 27-17 in the Rose Bowl.
- 1969 National Championship: In 1969, the Longhorns completed a perfect season, defeating Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl to claim the national title. Texas was named the national champion by the AP, FWAA (Football Writers Association of America), NFF, and UPI, having beaten Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship game to cement their spot at the top. The Longhorns were led by coach Darrell Royal, and the win was a significant moment in Texas football history, laying the foundation for future successes.
- 1963 National Championship: Texas’ first national championship came in 1963 under coach Darrell Royal. The Longhorns finished the season 11-0, with a dominant defense and an offense led by quarterback Freddie Steinmark. Texas won the title after defeating the University of Alabama in the Cotton Bowl. The Longhorns were recognized by the AP, FWAA, NFF, and UPI as the top team in college football that season, marking the beginning of the university’s sustained success in the sport.
The 1970 Controversy
The 1970 season’s championship is one that still sparks debate among fans and historians. Although Texas finished the regular season undefeated, the AP awarded the national championship to Nebraska after bowl season, despite both Texas and Nebraska losing their bowl games. The Longhorns were defeated by Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl, while Ohio State, which also ended the season undefeated, lost to Stanford in the Rose Bowl. Despite the AP’s decision, Texas’ dominance earlier in the season earned them recognition from the NFF and UPI, making it one of the few instances in college football history where a championship was awarded to two teams from different polls.
Texas’ Path to the 2023 National Championship
For the Texas Longhorns to add a fifth national title to their legacy, they must first overcome the challenge of facing Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Buckeyes have looked dominant in their first two playoff games, defeating Tennessee and Oregon in convincing fashion. Ohio State has shown a powerful offense led by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has been a standout performer. The Buckeyes’ defense, highlighted by 8 sacks in their win against Oregon, also provides a significant challenge for any opponent.
The Longhorns will need to rise to the occasion and play their best football if they are to defeat Ohio State and secure a berth in the national championship game. Texas has had some ups and downs this season, including a close call in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal against Arizona State, where they had to rally after giving up an early lead. However, their defense has been one of the best in college football, and their offense is capable of producing explosive plays when clicking on all cylinders.
Texas will need a well-balanced attack, with the defense putting pressure on Ohio State’s quarterback, Will Howard, while the offense must stabilize its ground game, which has been inconsistent at times. If the Longhorns can play to their potential and limit Ohio State’s explosive plays, they have a real chance at an upset.
Looking Back at Texas’ Glory Years
As Texas prepares for this semifinal, it’s worth reflecting on the program’s history of success and the legacy of their four national championships. The Longhorns have consistently been one of college football’s premier programs, with legendary coaches like Darrell Royal and Mack Brown leading the way to national prominence. In addition to their four titles, Texas has produced a multitude of NFL talent and memorable players, making it one of the most recognizable names in college football.
The 2005 championship remains a pinnacle for the program, with Vince Young’s heroic performance forever etched in the history books. The fact that the Longhorns have not won a national title since then adds to the hunger and motivation for the current team to recapture the glory days.
Conclusion
As the No. 5 Texas Longhorns prepare to face the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff semifinal, the stakes are incredibly high. A win would not only send Texas to the national championship game but also mark the school’s return to the pinnacle of college football after nearly two decades. With a rich history of success and four national championships to their name, the Longhorns are well aware of what it takes to win at the highest level.
Texas will face a tough challenge in Ohio State, but the Longhorns have the talent and determination to make a run for their fifth national title. If they can play up to their potential, they could find themselves playing for the ultimate prize on Jan. 21 in Atlanta. Whether or not they can capture that title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Longhorns are ready to write the next chapter in their storied football history.
