1969 Texas Longhorns football team

1969 Texas Longhorns football
Consensus national champion
SWC champion
Cotton Bowl Classic champion
ConferenceSouthwest Conference
Ranking
CoachesNo. 1
APNo. 1
Record11–0 (7–0 SWC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorEmory Bellard
Offensive schemeWishbone
Defensive coordinatorMike Campbell
Base defense4–4
Home stadiumMemorial Stadium
Seasons
← 1968
1970 →
1969 Southwest Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
No. 1 Texas $ 7 – 0 – 0 11 – 0 – 0
No. 7 Arkansas 6 – 1 – 0 9 – 2 – 0
Texas Tech 4 – 3 – 0 5 – 5 – 0
TCU 4 – 3 – 0 4 – 6 – 0
SMU 3 – 4 – 0 3 – 7 – 0
Rice 2 – 5 – 0 3 – 7 – 0
Texas A&M 2 – 5 – 0 3 – 7 – 0
Baylor 0 – 7 – 0 0 – 10 – 0
  • $ – Conference champion
Rankings from AP Poll

The 1969 Texas Longhorns football team represented the University of Texas at Austin in the 1969 NCAA University Division football season. The Longhorns won all eleven games to win their second consensus national championship;[1] the first was six seasons earlier in 1963.

The 1969 team is the last all-white team to be named consensus national champions with the onset of racial integration.[2] Julius Whittier, the first African-American player in Texas football history, was enrolled at UT as a freshman but was not eligible to play; NCAA rules of the time barred freshmen from playing varsity football and basketball.[3]

Ranked fourth to start the year, the #2 Longhorns defeated rival Oklahoma by ten points on October 11,[4] and gained the top spot in the polls in late November. On December 6, #1 Texas traveled to Fayetteville to meet second-ranked Arkansas;[5][6] down by fourteen points in the fourth quarter, UT rallied to win 15–14 in the season's "Game of the Century," attended by President Richard Nixon.[6][7][8] With a wishbone option offense, the Longhorns won all ten games in the regular season, and returned to the Cotton Bowl Classic in Fair Park in Dallas.

On New Year's Day 1970, the Longhorns met ninth-ranked Notre Dame, in its first bowl game in 45 years and second overall; their only previous postseason appearance was a win in the 1925 Rose Bowl. Trailing for most of the game, Texas scored with 68 seconds remaining and won 21–17.[1][9] On their final drive, the Longhorns faced fourth down twice.[1][9] It was their twentieth consecutive victory, second straight Cotton Bowl Classic title, and third win that season in the stadium.

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
September 203:00 p.m.at California*No. 4
ABCW 17–031,000[10]
September 277:30 p.m.Texas TechNo. 4
W 49–765,200[11]
October 47:00 p.m.Navy*No. 2
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Austin, TX
W 56–1763,500[12]
October 111:00 p.m.vs. No. 8 Oklahoma*No. 2
ABCW 27–1771,938[13]
October 251:30 p.m.RiceNo. 2
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Austin, TX (rivalry)
W 31–061,500[14]
November 11:00 p.m.at SMUNo. 2
  • Cotton Bowl
  • Dallas, TX
W 45–1455,287[15]
November 82:00 p.m.BaylorNo. 2
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Austin, TX
W 56–1451,000–55,000[16]
November 152:00 p.m.TCUNo. 2
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Austin, TX (rivalry)
W 69–751,000[17]
November 271:00 p.m.at Texas A&MNo. 1
W 49–1251,160[18]
December 612:00 p.m.at No. 2 ArkansasNo. 1
ABCW 15–1444,598[19]
January 1, 19701:00 p.m.vs. No. 9 Notre Dame*No. 1
CBSW 21–1771,938[20]
  • *Non-conference game
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Central time

Rankings

Main article: 1969 NCAA University Division football rankings
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
Week
PollPre123456789101112Final
AP44422222221111
UPI Coaches33342222221111

Game summaries

At California

See also: 1969 California Golden Bears football team
Texas Longhorns (0–0) vs. California Golden Bears (0–0)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 4 Texas 7 7 3017
California 0 0 000

at California Memorial Stadium • Berkeley, CA

  • Date: Saturday, September 20, 1969
  • Game time: 3:00 PM CDT
  • Game weather: Good
  • Game attendance: 33,702
  • Referee: John Presley
  • TV: ABC
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (7:53) UT – Jim Bertelsen 11 yard run (Feller kick), UT 7–0; 11 plays, 70 yards
Second Quarter
  • (8:04) UT – James Street 4 yard run (Feller kick), UT 14–0; 11 plays, 55 yards
Third Quarter
  • (4:49) UT – Happy Feller 32 yard field goal, UT 17–0; 8 plays, 36 yards
Statistics TEX CAL
First downs 21 10
Total yards 329 206
Rushes/yards 71/311 40/127
Passing yards 18 79
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 2–7–2 12–23–1
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas Passing James Street 2–7, 18 yards, 2 INTs
Rushing Jim Bertelsen 16 car, 92 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Randy Peschel 1 rec, 11 yards
California Passing TEAM 12–23, 79 yards, 1 INT
Rushing TEAM 40 car, 127 yards
Receiving TEAM 12 rec, 79 yards

Vs. Texas Tech

See also: 1969 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team and Texas–Texas Tech football rivalry
Texas Tech Red Raiders (1–0) vs. Texas Longhorns (1–0)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Texas Tech 0 0 077
No. 4 Texas 7 21 21049

at Memorial Stadium • Austin, TX

  • Date: Saturday, September 27, 1969
  • Game time: 7:30 PM CDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 84 °F (29 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,200
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (10:04) UT – Billy Dale 12 yard run (Feller kick), UT 7–0; 4 plays, 27 yards, 1:31
Second Quarter
  • (13:40) UT – Jim Bertelsen 5 yard run (Feller kick), UT 14–0; 9 plays, 49 yards, 2:03
  • (11:00) UT – Steve Worster 1 yard run (Feller kick), UT 21–0; 4 plays, 47 yards, 1:14
  • (1:17) UT – Mike Campbell 26 yard interception return (Feller kick), UT 28–0
Third Quarter
  • (13:23) UT – Steve Worster 2 yard run (Feller kick), UT 35–0; 1 play, 2 yards, 0:05
  • (7:26) UT – Billy Dale 2 yard run (Feller kick), UT 42–0; 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:44
  • (0:56) UT – Paul Robichau 14 yard run (Feller kick), UT 49–0; 9 plays, 54 yards, 3:49
Fourth Quarter
  • (12:10) TTU – Odom 9 yard pass from Napper (Sanders kick), UT 49–7; 11 plays, 79 yards, 3:46
Statistics TTU TEX
First downs 11 14
Total yards 213 286
Rushes/yards 41/42 57/257
Passing yards 171 29
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 14–34–4 10–3–1
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas Tech Passing TEAM 14–34, 171 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs
Rushing TEAM 41 car, 42 yards
Receiving TEAM 14 rec, 171 yards, 1 TD
Texas Passing James Street 3–9, 29 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Steve Worster 15 car, 61 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving Charles Speyrer 2 rec, 17 yards

Vs. Navy

See also: 1969 Navy Midshipmen football team
Navy Midshipmen (0–2) vs. Texas Longhorns (2–0)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Navy 3 0 7717
No. 2 Texas 21 21 7756

at Memorial Stadium • Austin, TX

  • Date: Saturday, October 4, 1969
  • Game time: 7:00 PM CDT
  • Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 63,500
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (13:22) UT – Jim Bertelsen 43 yard run (Feller kick), UT 7–0; 1 play, 43 yards, 0:09
  • (10:32) UT – Ted Koy 3 yard run (Feller kick), UT 14–0; 5 plays, 33 yards, 1:26
  • (3:20) NAVY – Detweiler 36 yard field goal, UT 14–3; 9 plays, 42 yards, 4:36
  • (1:13) UT – Ted Koy 1 yard run (Feller kick), UT 21–3; 7 plays, 52 yards, 2:07
Second Quarter
  • (11:28) UT – James Street 6 yard run (Feller kick), UT 28–3; 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:28
  • (4:54) UT – Terry Collins 2 yard run (Feller kick), UT 35–3; 13 plays, 82 yards, 5:20
  • (0:40) UT – Eddie Phillips 15 yard run (Feller kick), UT 42–3; 6 plays, 55 yards, 1:44
Third Quarter
  • (10:23) UT – Eddie Phillips 7 yard run (Feller kick), UT 49–3; 10 plays, 52 yards, 4:16
  • (0:32) NAVY – Schwelm 62 yard pass from McNallen (Detweiler kick), UT 49–10; 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:06
Fourth Quarter
  • (11:59) UT – Tommy Asaff 1 yard run (Rob Layne kick), UT 53–10; 11 plays, 48 yards, 3:33
  • (2:50) NAVY – Steelman 4 yard run (Detweiler kick), UT 56–17; 13 plays, 63 yards, 4:08
Statistics NAVY TEX
First downs 15 32
Total yards 278 595
Rushes/yards 27/24 83/523
Passing yards 254 72
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 19–47–1 7–10–0
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Navy Passing TEAM 19–47, 254 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing TEAM 27 car, 24 yards, 1 TD
Receiving TEAM 19 rec, 254 yards, 1 TD
Texas Passing Donn Wigginton 5–8, 51 yards
Rushing Jim Bertelsen 8 car, 99 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Randy Peschel 4 rec, 46 yards

Vs. Oklahoma

See also: 1969 Oklahoma Sooners football team and Red River Rivalry
Oklahoma Sooners (2–0) vs. Texas Longhorns (3–0)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 8 Oklahoma 14 0 3017
No. 2 Texas 7 7 6727

at Cotton Bowl • Dallas, TX

Game information
First Quarter
  • (10:14) OU – Mildren 9 yard run (Derr kick), OU 7–0; 8 plays, 41 yards, 3:03
  • (3:31) OU – Owens 2 yard run (Derr kick), OU 14–0; 5 plays, 17 yards, 1:43
  • (1:47) UT – Charles Speyrer 24 yard pass from James Street (Feller kick), OU 14–7; 4 plays, 58 yards, 1:46
Second Quarter
  • (8:16) UT – Jim Bertelsen 1 yard run (Feller kick), Tied 14–14; 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:12
Third Quarter
  • (8:39) UT – Happy Feller 27 yard field goal, UT 17–14; 10 plays, 64 yards, 3:44
  • (3:06) OU – Derr 22 yard field goal, Tied 17–17; 5 plays, 24 yards, 2:04
  • (0:24) UT – Happy Feller 21 yard field goal, UT 20–17; 8 plays, 68 yards, 2:34
Fourth Quarter
  • (4:40) UT – Steve Worster 1 yard run (Feller kick), UT 27–17; 5 plays, 23 yards, 1:45
Statistics OU TEX
First downs 20 18
Total yards 282 373
Rushes/yards 63/198 54/158
Passing yards 84 215
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 9–15–2 9–18–3
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Oklahoma Passing TEAM 9–15, 84 yards, 2 INTs
Rushing TEAM 63 car, 192 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving TEAM 9 rec, 84 yards
Texas Passing James Street 9–18, 215 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs
Rushing Steve Worster 18 car, 63 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Charles Speyrer 8 rec, 160 yards, 1 TD

Vs. Rice

See also: 1969 Rice Owls football team and Rice–Texas football rivalry
Rice Owls (1–3) vs. Texas Longhorns (4–0)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rice 0 0 000
No. 2 Texas 7 14 7331

at Memorial Stadium • Austin, TX

  • Date: Saturday, October 25, 1969
  • Game time: 1:30 PM CDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 74 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 61,500
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (3:24) UT – Steve Worster 2 yard run (Feller kick), UT 7–0; 4 plays, 32 yards, 1:18
Second Quarter
  • (9:10) UT – Jim Bertelsen 4 yard run (Feller kick), UT 14–0; 1 play, 4 yards, 0:06
  • (2:02) UT – Billy Dale 4 yard run (Feller kick), UT 21–0; 6 plays, 46 yards, 1:23
Third Quarter
  • (10:24) UT – Billy Dale 1 yard run (Feller kick), UT 28–0; 12 plays, 71 yards, 4:36
Fourth Quarter
  • (14:18) UT – Happy Feller 24 yard field goal, UT 31–0; 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:36
Statistics RICE TEX
First downs 11 20
Total yards 138 447
Rushes/yards 43/47 64/291
Passing yards 91 156
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 9–29–3 9–16–1
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Rice Passing TEAM 9–29, 91 yards, 3 INTs
Rushing TEAM 43 car, 47 yards
Receiving TEAM 9 rec, 91 yards
Texas Passing James Street 6–10, 94 yards
Rushing Steve Worster 16 car, 57 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Charles Speyrer 3 rec, 38 yards

At SMU

See also: 1969 SMU Mustangs football team
Texas Longhorns (5–0) vs. SMU Mustangs (2–4)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 2 Texas 7 3 211445
SMU 0 3 3814

at Cotton Bowl • Dallas, TX

  • Date: Saturday, November 1, 1969
  • Game time: 1:00 PM CDT
  • Game weather: Calm, 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 55,287
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (10:04) UT – Jim Bertelsen 7 yard run (Feller kick), UT 7–0; 12 plays, 80 yards, 4:53
Second Quarter
  • (4:42) SMU – Johnson 32 yard field goal, UT 7–3; 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:06
  • (0:11) UT – Happy Feller 32 yard field goal, UT 10–3; 7 plays, 27 yards, 1:17
Third Quarter
  • (8:13) SMU – Johnson 17 yard field goal, UT 10–6; 15 plays, 80 yards, 6:42
  • (5:16) UT – Steve Worster 1 yard run (Feller kick), UT 17–6; 8 plays, 67 yards, 2:52
  • (3:34) UT – Jim Bertelsen 26 yard run (Feller kick), UT 24–6; 2 plays, 35 yards, 0:26
  • (1:05) UT – Ted Koy 40 yard run (Feller kick), UT 31–6; 4 plays, 68 yards, 1:26
Fourth Quarter
  • (13:42) UT – Jim Bertelsen 3 yard run (Feller kick), UT 38–6; 8 plays, 57 yards, 1:35
  • (10:48) SMU – Lesser 29 yard pass from Chuck Hixson (Hixson run), UT 38–14; 9 plays, 69 yards, 2:50
  • (6:51) UT – Jim Bertelsen 13 yard run (Feller kick), UT 45–14; 12 plays, 80 yards, 3:57
Statistics TEX SMU
First downs 34 15
Total yards 676 296
Rushes/yards 80/611 35/73
Passing yards 65 223
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 4–10–0 20–38–2
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas Passing James Street 4–10, 65 yards
Rushing Steve Worster 21 car, 137 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Charles Speyrer 3 rec, 56 yards
SMU Passing TEAM 20–38, 223 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Rushing TEAM 35 car, 73 yards
Receiving TEAM 20 rec, 223 yards, 1 TD

Vs. Baylor

See also: 1969 Baylor Bears football team
Baylor Bears (0–6) vs. Texas Longhorns (6–0)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Baylor 0 7 0714
No. 2 Texas 21 21 14056

at Memorial Stadium • Austin, TX

  • Date: Saturday, November 8, 1969
  • Game time: 2:00 PM CDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 84 °F (29 °C)
  • Game attendance: 55,000
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (10:16) UT – Bobby Callison 1 yard run (Feller kick), UT 7–0; 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:15
  • (6:04) UT – Charles Spreyer 20 yard pass from James Street (Feller kick), UT 14–0; 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:34
  • (4:01) UT – Bobby Callison 1 yard run (Feller kick), UT 21–0; 5 plays, 14 yards, 1:51
Second Quarter
  • (12:54) UT – Ted Koy 6 yard run (Feller kick), UT 28–0; 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:06
  • (8:38) UT – Bobby Callison 37 yard run (Feller kick), UT 35–0; 6 plays, 65 yards, 1:47
  • (6:33) UT – Eddie Phillips 8 yard run (Layne kick), UT 42–0; 6 plays, 27 yards, 1:27
  • (4:03) BAY – Utgard 1 yard run (Cozby kick), UT 42–7; 9 plays, 72 yards, 2:30
Third Quarter
  • (10:26) UT – Terry Collins 1 yard run (Layne kick), UT 49–7; 9 plays, 50 yards, 3:23
  • (6:23) UT – Eddie Phillips 10 yard run (Layne kick), UT 56–7; 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:48
Fourth Quarter
  • (2:11) BAY – Utgard 1 yard run (Cozvy kick), UT 56–14; 14 plays, 64 yards, 5:22
Statistics BAY TEX
First downs 12 31
Total yards 203 555
Rushes/yards 38/93 67/388
Passing yards 110 167
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 8–27–5 12–23–0
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Baylor Passing TEAM 8–27, 110 yards, 5 INTs
Rushing TEAM 38 car, 93 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving TEAM 8 rec, 110 yards
Texas Passing Eddie Phillips 5–10, 55 yards
Rushing Jim Bertelsen 4 car, 80 yards
Receiving Randy Peschel 5 rec, 61 yards

Vs. TCU

See also: 1969 TCU Horned Frogs football team and TCU–Texas football rivalry
TCU Horned Frogs (3–5) vs. Texas Longhorns (7–0)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
TCU 0 7 007
No. 2 Texas 21 13 72869

at Memorial Stadium • Austin, TX

  • Date: Saturday, November 15, 1969
  • Game time: 2:00 PM CDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 63 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 51,000
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (10:22) UT – Jim Bertelsen 3 yard run (Feller kick), UT 7–0; 5 plays, 26 yards, 1:52
  • (7:19) UT – Steve Worster 34 yard run (Feller kick), UT 14–0; 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:55
  • (2:08) UT – James Street 10 yard run (Feller kick), UT 21–0; 10 plays, 43 yards, 3:55
Second Quarter
  • (9:02) TCU – Cole 65 yard punt return (Merritt kick), UT 21–7
  • (1:54) UT – Steve Worster 1 yard run (Feller kick), UT 28–7; 12 plays, 80 yards, 3:11
  • (0:43) UT – Charles Spreyer 18 yard pass from James Street (kick failed), UT 34–7; 3 plays, 41 yards, 0:43
Third Quarter
  • (12:35) UT – Billy Dale 51 yard run (Feller kick), UT 41–7; 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:25
Fourth Quarter
  • (14:08) UT – Ken Ehrig 51 yard pass from Eddie Phillips (Layne kick), UT 48–7; 5 plays, 78 yards, 2:13
  • (8:27) UT – Donnie Wigginton 5 yard run (Layne kick), UT 55–7; 5 plays, 68 yards, 1:16
  • (5:15) UT – Donnie Wigginton 6 yard run (Layne kick), UT 62–7; 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:18
  • (3:46) UT – Tommy Asaff 1 yard run (Layne kick), UT 69–7; 4 plays, 26 yards, 1:11
Statistics TCU TEX
First downs 12 32
Total yards 181 651
Rushes/yards 37/105 80/517
Passing yards 76 134
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 9–34–3 8–15–2
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
TCU Passing TEAM 9–34, 76 yards, 3 INTs
Rushing TEAM 37 car, 105 yards
Receiving TEAM 9 rec, 76 yards
Texas Passing James Street 5–8, 54 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Jim Bertelsen 16 car, 104 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Ken Ehrig 4 rec, 89 yards, 1 TD

At Texas A&M

See also: 1969 Texas A&M Aggies football team and Texas–Texas A&M football rivalry
Texas Longhorns (8–0) vs. Texas A&M Aggies (3–6)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 1 Texas 13 26 3749
Texas A&M 0 0 01212

at Kyle Field • College Station, TX

  • Date: Thursday, November 27, 1969
  • Game time: 1:00 PM CDT
  • Game weather: Light Drizzle, 58 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 51,160
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (13:27) UT – Jim Bertelsen 63 yard run (Feller kick), UT 7–0; 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:33
  • (7:05) UT – Steve Worster 2 yard run (kick failed), UT 13–0; 13 plays, 81 yards, 4:42
Second Quarter
  • (13:34) UT – Steve Worster 8 yard run (Feller kick), UT 20–0; 7 plays, 46 yards
  • (10:58) UT – James Street 8 yard run (Feller kick), UT 27–0; 4 plays, 52 yards
  • (7:26) UT – Jim Bertelsen 7 yard run (kick failed), UT 33–0; 2 plays, 4 yards
  • (4:50) UT – Randy Peschel 37 yard pass from Charles Speyrer (kick failed), UT 39–0; 1 play, 37 yards
Third Quarter
  • (4:42) UT – Happy Feller 43 yard field goal, UT 42–0; 9 plays, 14 yards
Fourth Quarter
  • (7:52) A&M – Brupbacher 2 yard pass from Self (pass failed), UT 42–6; 6 plays, 27 yards
  • (6:35) A&M – Piper 4 yard blocked punt return (pass failed), UT 42–12
  • (0:19) UT – Eddie Phillips 4 yard run (Feller kick), UT 49–12; 14 plays, 45 yards
Statistics TEX TAMU
First downs 22 12
Total yards 441 155
Rushes/yards 68/330 52/88
Passing yards 111 67
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 6–14–1 6–18–4
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas Passing Eddie Phillips 3–8, 31 yards
Rushing Jim Bertelsen 9 car, 92 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving Charles Speyrer 2 rec, 43 yards
Texas A&M Passing TEAM 6–18, 67 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs
Rushing TEAM 52 car, 88 yards
Receiving TEAM 6 rec, 67 yards, 1 TD

At Arkansas

Main article: 1969 Texas vs. Arkansas football game
See also: 1969 Arkansas Razorbacks football team and Arkansas–Texas football rivalry
Texas Longhorns (9–0) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (9–0)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 1 Texas 0 0 01515
No. 2 Arkansas 7 0 7014

at Razorback Stadium • Fayetteville, AR

  • Date: Saturday, December 6, 1969
  • Game time: 12:00 PM CDT
  • Game weather: Overcast with Rain, 38 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 47,500
  • Referee: Carl Landiss
  • TV announcers (ABC): Chris Schenkel, Bud Wilkinson
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • (13:33) ARK – Bill Burnett 1 yard run (McClard kick), ARK 7–0; 5 plays, 22 yards, 0:57
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
  • (14:47) UT – James Street 42 yard run (Street run), ARK 14–8; 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:37
  • (3:58) UT – Jim Bertelsen 2 yard run (Feller kick), UT 15–14; 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:12
Statistics TEX ARK
First downs 19 18
Total yards 368 308
Rushes/yards 60/244 44/103
Passing yards 124 205
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 6–10–2 14–22–2
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas Passing James Street 6–10, 124 yards, 2 INTs
Rushing Steve Worster 25 car, 94 yards
Receiving Cotton Speyrer 4 rec, 65 yards
Arkansas Passing Bill Montgomery 14–22, 205 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Rushing TEAM 44 car, 103 yards, 1 TD
Receiving TEAM 14 rec, 205 yards, 1 TD

With two legendary coaches (Broyles and Royal), two neighboring states, two football powerhouses (8 of last 10 SWC Championships), and two recent National Championships (Arkansas in 1964 and Texas in 1963), Arkansas and Texas had developed a rivalry. The game was moved from the usual third week in October to the first week in December so it could be televised nationally on ABC. President Richard Nixon attended the game, and AstroTurf was even installed in Razorback Stadium in preparation for the game.

Arkansas' top-rated defense was going up against the #1-rated Texas offense, but the Hogs got on top early, with a 1-yard TD run by Bill Burnett. After halftime, Chuck Dicus hauled in a 29-yard touchdown pass, giving the Razorbacks a 14–0 lead heading into the game's final quarter. Longhorn QB James Street then led his squad to its first touchdown, and as coach Darrell Royal had planned, Texas attempted and completed the two-point conversion, which would in all likelihood prevent a tie.

Arkansas then had the ball and the lead, and a 73-yard drive later, the Hogs were in good position to tack on a field goal that would put the game out of reach, but Razorback QB Bill Montgomery was intercepted in the end zone, giving the Longhorns new life. The Texas drive appeared stalled at the Longhorns' own 43, on a 4th and 3, when Royal gambled again. A 44-yard pass to Randy Peschel, who caught the ball in double coverage, put Texas at the Arkansas 13. Longhorn RB Jim Bertelsen would run in for the tying six points. The extra-point snap was high, but was snared by third-string QB Donnie Wigginton and the kick was converted by Longhorn kicker Happy Feller, giving Texas a 15–14 lead with 3:58 to play.

Arkansas drove to the Texas 40, looking for a field goal from All-American kicker Bill McClard, but the turnover bug struck again as Montgomery was again picked off.

Vs. Notre Dame (Cotton Bowl)

Main article: 1970 Cotton Bowl Classic
See also: 1969 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
1970 Cotton Bowl Classic: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8–1–1) vs. Texas Longhorns (10–0)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 9 Notre Dame 3 7 0717
No. 1 Texas 0 7 01421

at Cotton Bowl • Dallas, TX

Game information
First Quarter
  • (8:41) ND – Scott Hempel 26 yard field goal, ND 3–0; 16 plays, 82 yards, 6:14
Second Quarter
Fourth Quarter
  • (10:05) UT – Ted Koy 3 yard run (Feller kick), UT 14–10; 18 plays, 77 yards, 6:10
  • (6:52) ND – Jim Yoden 24 yard pass from Joe Theismann (Hempel kick), ND 17–14; 8 plays, 80 yards, 2:56
  • (1:08) UT – Billy Dale 1 yard run (Feller kick), UT 21–17; 17 plays, 76 yards, 5:39
Statistics ND TEX
First downs 25 25
Total yards 420 438
Rushes/yards 43/189 67/331
Passing yards 231 107
Passing: Comp–Att–Int 17–27–2 6–11–1
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Notre Dame Passing Joe Theismann 17–27, 231 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing Bill Barz 10 car, 49 yards
Receiving Tom Gatewood 6 rec, 112 yards, 1 TD
Texas Passing James Street 6–11, 107 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Steve Worster 20 car, 155 yards
Receiving Charles Speyrer 4 rec, 70 yards

Roster

1969 Texas Longhorns football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
RB 35 Jim Bertelsen So
G 66 Mike Dean Jr
RB 24 Ted Koy Sr
OT 62 Bob McKay Sr
G 64 Bobby Mitchell Jr
TE 40 Randy Peschel Sr
QB 14 Eddie Phillips So
WR 88 Cotton Speyrer Jr
G 74 Randy Stout So
QB 16 James Street Sr
QB 18 Donnie Wigginton So
OT 50 Bobby Wuensch Jr
RB 30 Steve Worster Jr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
DE 89 David Arledge So
DE 77 Bill Atessis Jr
DT 71 Leo Brooks Sr
ROV 86 Mike Campbell Sr
CB 84 Tom Campbell Sr
ILB 61 Scott Henderson Jr
ILB 67 Glen Halsell Sr
CB 23 Danny Lester Jr
DT 65 Scott Palmer Jr
DT 31 Greg Ploetz Jr
S 28 Freddie Steinmark Jr
DT 70 Carl White So
OLB 80 Bill Zapalac Jr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
K 5 Happy Feller Jr
K 37 Rob Layne Sr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Awards and honors

NFL Draft

Three seniors from the 1969 Longhorns were selected in the 1970 NFL draft:[22]

Player Position Round   Pick   Franchise
Bob McKay T 1 21 Cleveland Browns
Leo Brooks DT 2 31 Houston Oilers
Ted Koy RB 2 50 Oakland Raiders

Nine juniors from the 1969 Longhorns were selected in the 1971 NFL draft:[23]

Player Position Round   Pick   Franchise
Cotton Speyrer WR 2 38 Washington Redskins
Bill Atessis DE 2 52 Baltimore Colts
Happy Feller K 4 83 Philadelphia Eagles
Bill Zapalac LB 4 84 New York Jets
Steve Worster RB 4 90 Los Angeles Rams
Scott Palmer DT 7 162 New York Jets
Bobby Wuensch T 12 294 Baltimore Colts
Danny Lester DB 13 317 Philadelphia Eagles
Deryl Comer TE 14 345 Atlanta Falcons

Two sophomores from the 1969 Longhorns were selected in the 1972 NFL draft:[24]

Player Position Round   Pick   Franchise
Jim Bertelsen      RB 2 30 Los Angeles Rams
Eddie Phillips QB 4 95 Los Angeles Rams

References

  1. ^ a b c Jenkins, Dan (January 12, 1970). "Texas hangs on to its No. 1". Sports Illustrated. p. 26.
  2. ^ Drape, Joe (December 23, 2005). "Changing the Face of Texas Football". The New York Times.
  3. ^ "First African-American to play UT football, LBJ School Alum Julius Whittier visits Longhorn Team; Shares personal story about becoming an LBJ School Student". utexas.edu. Austin, Texas. December 1, 2010. Archived from the original on March 24, 2015. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  4. ^ "Texas comes alive to hold 27-17 win". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Idaho. Associated Press. October 12, 1969. p. 16.
  5. ^ Darling, Ed (December 5, 1969). "The Eyes of Texas? They're all on Arkansas now". Tuscaloosa News. Alabama. p. 6.
  6. ^ a b Jenkins, Dan (December 15, 1969). "Texas by an eyelash". Sports Illustrated. p. 20.
  7. ^ "Gutty quarterback leads Texas to win". Tuscaloosa News. Alabama. Associated Press. December 7, 1969. p. 13.
  8. ^ "Longhorns decision Arkansas 15-14 with long bomb on fourth down". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. December 7, 1969. p. 1, sports.
  9. ^ a b "Texans edge Irish on big fourth downs". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. January 2, 1970. p. 30.
  10. ^ "Longhorns follow three-way street to easy 17–0 victory over punchless Bears". The Sacramento Bee. September 21, 1969. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Longhorns rip Raiders, 49–7". The Odessa American. September 28, 1969. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Longhorns rip Middies by 56–17". The Baltimore Sun. October 5, 1969. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "Longhorns stampede Sooners 27–17". The Galveston Daily News. October 12, 1969. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Texas Longhorns shut out Rice Owls 31–0". The El Paso Times. October 26, 1969. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Record UT rush sinks SMU". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. November 2, 1969. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Ailing 'Horns roll, 56–14". Brownwood Bulletin. November 9, 1969. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Awesome Longhorns smash Frogs, 69–7". The Kilgore News Herald. November 16, 1969. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "Aggies agree...Steers too much!". The Shreveport Times. November 28, 1969. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Longhorns look for a crumb and find a loaf". The Commercial Appeal. December 7, 1969. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "Texas rallies to beat Irish, 21 to 17". Chicago Tribune. January 2, 1970. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "2010 NCAA Football Records" (PDF). National Collegiate Athletics Association.
  22. ^ Pro Football Reference.com Archived 2007-12-21 at the Wayback Machine – 1970 NFL Draft
  23. ^ Pro Football Reference.com Archived 2010-09-24 at the Wayback Machine – 1971 NFL Draft
  24. ^ Pro Football Reference.com Archived 2007-12-21 at the Wayback Machine – 1972 NFL Draft