2006 Texas Longhorn football team 5455071 219084030 2008-06-13T14:20:46Z Macae 3488469 Reverting in order to remove vandalism {{longish}} {{NCAATeamFootballSeason |Year=2006 |Team=Texas Longhorns |Image=Texas Longhorn logo.svg |ImageSize=130 |Conference=Big 12 Conference |Division=South |ShortConference=Big 12 |CoachRank=13 |APRank=13 |BCSRank=19 |Record=10-3 |ConfRecord=6-2 |HeadCoach=[[Mack Brown]] |OffCoach= [[Greg Davis (coach)|Greg Davis]] |DefCoach= [[Gene Chizik]] & [[Duane Akina]] |OScheme= [[Offensive philosophy (American football)#The Spread|Spread]] |DScheme= [[4-3]] |Stadium=[[Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium]] |Champion= |Bowl=[[2006 Alamo Bowl]] |BowlResult=Won 26-24 }} The '''2006 Texas Longhorn football team''' represented the [[The University of Texas at Austin|University of Texas]] in the [[college football]] [[2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season|season of 2006-2007]]. The team's head football coach was [[Mack Brown]], who received the 2006 [[Paul "Bear" Bryant Award]] for "Coach of the Year".<ref name="Coach of the Year">{{cite news | title=Head coach reaches summit - Fans looking at Brown in new light after national championship run | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=[[18 January]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-07-27 | author=Veyhl, Jake | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/01/18/RoseBowlTab/Head-Coach.Reaches.Summit-1434846.shtml?norewrite200607271260&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com}}</ref>. The [[Texas Longhorns|Longhorns]] (also known as Texas or UT or the Horns) play their home games in [[Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium]] (DKR), which during 2006 was undergoing some renovations to improve older sections as well as to add extra seating capacity. The 2006 team was the defending national champions since the [[2005 Texas Longhorn football team|previous year's team]] won both the [[Big 12 Conference]] championship and the [[NCAA Division I-A national football championship|National Championship]]. That was the program's second Big 12 Championship<ref name="Big12_standings">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/06_records_3_big12.pdf | format=PDF | title=All Time Big-12 Standings | work=MackBrownTexasFootball.com | accessdate=2006-06-26}}</ref> (27 conference championships total, including 25 in the [[Southwest Conference]]),<ref name="SWC_standings">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/06_records_3_swc.pdf | format=PDF | title=All Time SWC Standings | work=MackBrownTexasFootball.com | accessdate=2006-06-26}}</ref> and fourth consensus national championship in football.<ref name="NCAA_Championship_list">{{cite web | url=http://www.ncaa.org/champadmin/ia_football_past_champs.html | title=Past Division I-A Football National Champions | work=NCAA.org | accessdate=2006-06-27}}</ref> Their championship victory in the [[2006 Rose Bowl]] was also the 800th win for the program and the Longhorns entered the season ranked third in the all-time list of both total wins and winning percentage (.7143).<ref name="UNT notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/fb_notes_082806.pdf | title=Texas - Game 1 | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-10-22}}</ref> In 2006, the Longhorn's game against [[Ohio State University]] in September was one of the most anticipated college football games of the [[Glossary of American football#R|regular season]].<ref name="Don't miss">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview06/news/story?id=2555753 | title=Dont' miss these games in 2006 | publisher=ESPN | authr=Duffy, David | accessdate=2006-12-13}}</ref><ref name="Feldman">{{cite web | url=http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=feldman_bruce#20060726 | title=September's intriguing matchups | publisher=ESPN | date=2006-07-26 | accessdate=2006-08-03 | format=HTML | language=English}}</ref><ref name="Field_lift">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14672526/ | title=Home field will lift Texas over Ohio St. Buckeyes vs. Longhorns on Saturday very well could be Game of the Year | author=Johnston, Joey | publisher=[[MSNBC]] | date=[[7 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref><ref name="now">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14684138/ | title=Texas now No. 2, preps for No. 1 Ohio St. - Saturday will be first 1-2 showdown in regular season since 1996 | publisher=MSNBC | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref><ref name="Fort Wayne">{{cite news | url=http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/sports/colleges/15415713.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp | title=Games to watch, week-by-week | publisher=[[Fort Wayne Journal Gazette]] | author=Warden, Steve | date=[[September 1]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-13}}</ref> Texas lost the game to Ohio State and completed the regular season with an overall record of 9 wins - 3 losses, and a 6-2 record in conference games. They were ranked 19th in the [[Bowl Championship Series]] (BCS) rankings, issued prior to the [[NCAA football bowl games, 2006-07|bowl season]].<ref name="rankings 12-03>{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex | title=2006 College Football Rankings - Week 15 | publisher=ESPN | date=[[3 December]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref> The Longhorns ended their season with a victory in the [[2006 Alamo Bowl]] against the unranked, 6-6 [[Iowa Hawkeyes]] to improve to an over-all record of 10 wins - 3 losses. They were ranked 13th in the final national rankings by both the [[Associated Press]] [[AP Poll]] and the [[Coaches Poll|USA Today Coaches Poll]]<ref name="final rankings">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex | title=2006 College Football Rankings - Week 17 | publisher=ESPN | accessdate=2007-01-10}}</ref> As of [[May 1]] [[2007]] seven players from this team had been drafted by [[NFL|professional football teams]] and two more had signed professional contracts as [[free agents]]. ==Leading into the 2006 season== [[Image:2006 UT football fall scrimmage.JPG|right|thumb|2006 Fall Orange vs. White intra-team scrimmage]] Texas' biggest loss was the decision by quarterback [[Vince Young]], winner of the 2006 Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player award, to enter the [[2006 NFL Draft]], where he was the #3 over-all pick and first quarterback selected. The Horns' had three options to replace Young: [[redshirt (college sports)|redshirt freshman]] [[Colt McCoy]], [[true freshman]] [[Jevan Snead]], or true freshman [[Sherrod Harris]]. Prior to the season, Coach Brown announced that McCoy would be the starter with Snead also getting some game-time. With the exception of Young, [[David Thomas (American football)|David Thomas]], [[Jonathan Scott (football player)|Jonathan Scott]], and Will Allen, Texas returned most of their key offensive players from 2005–2006, including fifth-year senior running back [[Selvin Young]], true sophomore running back [[Jamaal Charles]], receivers [[Quan Cosby]], [[Billy Pittman]], and [[Limas Sweed]] and lineman [[Lyle Sendlein]], [[Kasey Studdard]], and [[Justin Blalock]]. The defense lost starters [[Rodrique Wright]], Aaron Harris, [[Cedric Griffin]] and [[Michael Huff]]. In most preseason rankings, Texas was listed in the top five. In the initial [[USA Today]] Coaches' Poll, which is part of the [[Bowl Championship Series]] formula for determining which two teams play for the National Championship, Texas was ranked number two.<ref name="coach-poll1">{{cite news | url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-08-03-top-25-capsules_x.htm | title=Breaking down the top 25 teams | publisher=USA Today | date=[[5 August]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-08-07}}</ref> The same poll had Ohio State number 1,<ref name="pre-season-OSU">{{cite news | url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-08-04-ohio-state-poll-cover_x.htm | title=Buckeyes are preseason favorites in USA TODAY Top 25 Coaches' poll | publisher=USA Today | date=[[4 August]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-08-07}}</ref> meaning that if both teams held their ranking until their [[9 September]] [[2006]] match-up, it would be a rarely-seen early-season meeting of the two most highly ranked teams in the sport.<ref name="1v2">{{cite news | author=Mandel, Stewart | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/football/ncaa/2006/08/get-ready-for-no-1-vs-no-2.html | title=Get Ready for No. 1 vs No. 2 | publisher=Sports Illustrated | date=[[4 August]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-08-07}}</ref> The teams did keep their respective ranking until game day and played the earliest ever meeting of the #1 and #2 ranked teams.<ref name="earliest ever">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14783030/ | title=Some already look poised for huge seasons | publisher=MSNBC | author=Hayes, Neil | date=[[11 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-18}}</ref> ''See also [[2006 NCAA Division I-A football rankings]]'' ==Stadium renovations== [[Image:GTRON 6a 400.jpg|right|thumb|The new scoreboard as seen from the North end zone, at the opposite end of the field. The small flagpoles for the Six Flags of Texas can be seen on top of the scoreboard.]] [[Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium]] underwent renovations just prior to the season. [[United States dollar|US$]]15 million were allocated by the Board of Regents for stadium renovations. Stage one, which began on [[November 14]], [[2005]], involved updating Bellmont Hall &mdash; which sits in the west end of the stadium &mdash; to meet newer safety codes set by the Austin Fire Department. Also included were water sealing the stadium and expansion of both the Centennial Room and eighth-floor [[press box]]. $8 million was spent on audiovisual improvements, including a 7,370 square foot [[High-definition video|high-definition]] [[Daktronics]] [[LED]] scoreboard, nicknamed "[[Godzillatron]]." At the time of its creation, Godzillatron was the first high-definition video screen in college sports and the largest high-definition video screen in the world,<ref name="McCoy_scoreboard">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/09/05/Sports/Colt-Mccoy.Silences.Critics.As.Longhorns.Roll.Over.North.Texas-2256711.shtml?norewrite200609080233&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Colt McCoy silences critics as Longhorns roll over North Texas | author=Kilian, Ryan | date=[[5 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref><ref name="scoreboard">{{cite news |author=Maher, John |title=That's one big Bevo of a scoreboard|format=HTML |publisher=[[Austin American-Statesman]] |url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/05/10texfoot.html|accessdate=2006-05-11}}</ref> though it was quickly surpassed by a larger screen in Tokyo. It is still the largest high-definition video screen in collegiate sports.<ref name="Texas Debuts Daktronics Video Board">{{cite web|author=Daktronics|title=Texas Longhorns Choose Daktronics for HD Video Display at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium |format=HTML |work=[[Daktronics]] |url=http://www.daktronics.com/dak_news.cfm?articleID=527|accessdate=2006-05-10}}</ref><ref name="measurements">{{cite news | url=http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/10/longhorns-to-snatch-worlds-biggest-hd-display-title-from-dolp/ | title=Longhorns to snatch "world's biggest HD display" title from Dolphins? | publisher=engadget |[[10 May]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref><ref name="wow">{{cite news | url=http://www.texassports.com/index.php?s=&change_well_id=2&url_article_id=4499 | title=New scoreboard brings the “Wow!” factor to football stadium | author=O'Keeffe, Kevin | date=2006-07-01 | accessdate=2006-07-13}}</ref><ref name="scoreboard_dissapoints">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/09/05/TopStories/New-Screens.Ad.Coverage.Disappoints.Some.Students-2256782.shtml?norewrite200609071730&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=New screen's ad coverage disappoints some students | author=Salinas, Andy | date=2006-09-05 | publisher=[[The Daily Texan]]}}</ref><ref name="Godzillatron">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/09/03/3texscoreboard.html | title=Godzillatron roars to life - Fans get first look at scoreboard to end all scoreboards, still a work in progress | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Robbins, Kevin | date=2006-09-03 }}</ref><ref name="Ad">{{cite news | url= http://margaretsoltan.phenominet.com/2006/09/after-its-premiere-godzillatron_03.html | title=After its Premiere, Godzillatron Renamed By UT Fans: It's Now Adzillatron | author=Soltan, Margaret | date=2006-07-03 | accessdate=2006-07-13}}</ref><ref name="2debut">{{cite news | title=Colt McCoy, Godzillatron make their career debuts on Saturday | publisher=The Daily Texan | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/09/05/Sports/Colt-Mccoy.Godzillatron.Make.Their.Career.Debuts.On.Saturday-2256730.shtml?norewrite200609072352&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | author=Blair, Alex | date=[[September 6]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref><ref name="we won't">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/06/6asksue.html | author=Suzanne Haliburton | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | title=Questions on TX-OU, petitioning NCAA for eligibility | date=[[5 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> A new temporary bleacher seating section was added behind the south endzone bringing the stadium's stated capacity to 85,123 for the 2006 season. In mid-July 2006, The University of Texas announced that Memorial Stadium was completely sold out for the upcoming 2006 season. For the first time, tickets would not be sold on an individual game basis.<ref name="MBTF-DKR">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=37&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=29&change_well_id=2 | title=Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium | accessdate=2006-09-07 }}</ref> Stage 2 of the project began just after the final home game, as the north end-zone was expanded to include luxury boxes and an upper-deck.<ref name="aggie game notebook">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texnotes.html | title=Longhorns notebook - Holiday Bowl loves Aggies | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> The lower deck is planned to be rebuilt for 2007, while the upper deck is planned to be ready for 2008.<ref name="aggie game notebook">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texnotes.html | title=Longhorns notebook - Holiday Bowl loves Aggies | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> ==Schedule== {| class="wikitable" ! Date || Time || Result || AP Rank<ref name="AP-table">AP Ranking in poll prior to game</ref> || Opponent || Game, Site || Coverage || Attendance |-style="background: #ddffdd;" | [[September 2]], [[2006]] || 11am CT|| '''W''' 56-7|| 3 || [[University of North Texas|North Texas]] || 1 - Non-conference, [[Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium]] · [[Austin, Texas|Austin, TX]] || FSN || 85,123<ref name="North_Texas_Box">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut1.htm | title=North Texas vs Texas | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate-2006-09-17}} New attendance record for DKR</ref> |-style="background: #ffdddd;" | [[September 9]], [[2006]] || 7pm CT || '''L''' 7-24 || 2 || #1 [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]] || 2 - Non-conference, Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium · Austin, TX || [[ABC Sports|ABC]], ABC-HD || 89,422<ref name="Ohio_State_Box">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut2.htm | title=Ohio State vs Texas | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate-2006-09-17}}New attendance record for the state of Texas</ref> |-style="background: #ddffdd;" | [[September 16]], [[2006]] || 5pm CT || '''W''' 52-7 || 8 || @ [[Rice University|Rice]] || 3 - Non-conference, Reliant Stadium · Houston, TX || ESPN2, ESPN2-HD || 40,069<ref name="Rice_Notes">{{cite web | title=Notebook: Rice takes lumps, gets cash | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/09/17/17texnotes.html | date=[[17 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-17}}</ref> |--style="background: #ddffdd;" | [[September 23]], [[2006]] || 2:30pm CT || '''W''' 37-14 || 7 || [[Iowa State University|Iowa State]] || 4 - [[Big 12 Conference|Conference]], Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium · Austin, TX || ABC, ESPN || 88,972<ref name="Weather_stop">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/index.html | title=Horns storm by Cyclones 37-14 - Weather is the only thing that could stop Texas. | date=2006-09-23 | accessdate=2006-09-23}}</ref> |-style="background: #ddffdd;" | [[September 30]], [[2006]] || 6pm CT || '''W''' 56-3 || 7 || [[Sam Houston State University|Sam Houston State]] || 5 - Non-conference, Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium · Austin, TX || FSN || 88,913<ref name="SHSU_Notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=&url_article_id=2454&change_well_id=2 | title=What in Sam Houston?!-Texas blows out the Bearkats | date=2006-09-31 | accessdate=2006-09-23}}</ref> |-style="background: #ddffdd;" | [[October 7]], [[2006]] || 2:30pm CT || '''W''' 28-10 || 7 || @ #14 [[Oklahoma University|Oklahoma]] || 6 - Conference ([[Red River Shootout|Red River Rivalry]]), [[Cotton Bowl (stadium)|Cotton Bowl]] · [[Dallas, Texas|Dallas, TX]] || ABC, ABC-HD || 76,260<ref name="SHSU_Notes">{{cite news | url=http://mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=&url_article_id=2477&change_well_id=2 | title= Longhorns win in Dallas for the second straight year | date=2006-10-07 | accessdate=2006-09-23}}</ref> |-style="background: #ddffdd;" | [[October 14]], [[2006]] || 6:00pm CT || '''W''' 63-31 || 6 || [[Baylor University|Baylor]] || 7 - Conference, Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium · Austin, TX || [[TBS (TV network)|TBS]] || 88,966<ref name="Baylor game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2501&change_well_id=2 | title=Baylor game notes | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[14 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-22}}</ref> |-style="background: #ddffdd;" | [[October 21]], [[2006]] || 11:00am CT || '''W''' 22-20 ||5 || @ #16 [[University of Nebraska-Lincoln|Nebraska]] || 8 - Conference, [[Memorial Stadium, Lincoln|Memorial Stadium]] · [[Lincoln, Nebraska|Lincoln, NE]] || ABC || 85,187<ref name="pulls out">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/22/22texfoot.html | title=Texas pulls out win over Nebraska - First-ever kick by Ryan Bailey puts Texas on top 22-20. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | [[21 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> |-style="background: #ddffdd;" | [[October 28]], [[2006]] || 6:00pm CT || '''W''' 35-31 || 5 || @ [[Texas Tech Red Raiders football|Texas Tech]] || 9 - Conference, [[Jones AT&T Stadium|Jones Stadium]] · [[Lubbock, Texas|Lubbock, TX]] || [[TBS (TV network)|TBS]] || 56,158<ref name="record tech">{{cite news | url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/102906/col_102906030.shtml | title=Record crowd watches Tech blow big lead | publisher=[[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal]] |author=Williams, Don | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-29}}</ref> |-style="background: #ddffdd;" | [[November 4]], [[2006]] || 6:00pm CT || '''W''' 36-10 || 4 || [[Oklahoma State University - Stillwater|Oklahoma State]] || 10 - Conference, Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium · Austin, TX || TBS || 89,036<ref name="Oklahoma St. game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut10.htm | title=Oklahoma State vs Texas | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[4 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-08}}</ref> |-style="background: #ffdddd;" | [[November 11]], [[2006]] || 7:00pm CT || '''L''' 42-45 || 4 || @ [[Kansas State University|Kansas State]] || 11 - Conference, [[Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium|KSU Stadium]] · [[Manhattan, Kansas|Manhattan, KS]] || [[ABC Sports|ABC]]|| 47,933<ref name="Kansas St. game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm | title=Kansas State vs Texas | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[13 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-13}}</ref> |-style="background: #ffdddd;" | [[November 24]], [[2006]] || 11:00am CT || '''L''' 7-12 || 11 || [[Texas A&M University|Texas A&M]] || 12 - Conference, Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium · Austin, TX || [[ABC Sports|ABC]] || 89,102<ref name="Texas a&m game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=&url_article_id=2643&change_well_id=2 | title=Texas A&M Game notes | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> |-style="background: #ddffdd;" | [[December 30]], [[2006]] || 3:30pm CT || '''W''' 26-24 || 18 || [[Iowa Hawkeyes football|Iowa]] || 13 [[Bowl game]], [[2006 Alamo Bowl]] at the [[Alamodome]] in [[San Antonio, Texas]] || ESPN || 65,875<ref name="Texas survives">{{cite news | title=Texas survives the Alamo | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/12/31/31texfoot.html | date=[[December 30]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-30}}</ref> |} {{LonghornsFootball}} ==Game notes== ===North Texas=== [[Image:Texas Flag at DKR - North Texas vs Texas 2006.jpg|right|thumb|The [[World's Largest Texas Flag]] - just prior to opening the season vs North Texas.]] {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road=North Texas |R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=7 |R4=0 |RT=7 |Home='''Texas''' |H1=14 |H2=14 |H3=14 |H4=14 |HT=56 }} Redshirt freshman quarterback [[Colt McCoy]] made his college debut and threw a 60 yd. touchdown pass to [[Limas Sweed]] 1 min. and 8 seconds into the game. McCoy threw 12 of 19 for 178 yards with 3 touchdowns through the air, two of them to Sweed. McCoy also ran for 38 yards including a touchdown run. It was also the college debut of true freshman quarterback [[Jevan Snead]] who completed 3 of 7 for 20 yards with one interception. The offense had a 410 yard game. The defense held North Texas to one touchdown. Defensive End [[Aaron Lewis]] recorded his first career forced fumble, fumble recovery, and touchdown in the same play. The defense held North Texas to 8 yards rushing and 87 yards passing. The win extended Texas' streak to 21, the longest in the NCAA at the time.<ref name="NT-statesman">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2348&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title=North Texas Vs. Texas Longhorns (Sept 02, 2006) | work=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-09-05}}</ref> The game's attendance was 85,123, a new school record and the 34th consecutive sellout.<ref name="NT_attendance">{{cite news | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | title=North Texas Recap | date=[[3 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref> ===Ohio State=== [[Image:2006-09 Austin Texas 091.jpg|right|thumb|Ohio State's [[Troy Smith]] hands off to [[Antonio Pittman]] ]] {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road='''Ohio State''' |R1=7 |R2=7 |R3=3 |R4=7 |RT=24 |Home=Texas |H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=0 |HT=7 }} The game against [[Ohio State University]] was one of the most anticipated college football games of the regular season.<ref name="Feldman">{{cite web | url=http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=feldman_bruce#20060726 | title=September's intriguing matchups | publisher=ESPN | date=2006-07-26 | dateaccessed=2006-08-03 | format=HTML | language=English}}</ref><ref name="Field_lift">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14672526/ | title=Home field will lift Texas over Ohio St. Buckeyes vs. Longhorns on Saturday very well could be Game of the Year | author=Johnston, Joey | publisher=[[MSNBC]] | date=[[7 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> The two teams had combined for 1,576 victories in 231 total years of football prior to meeting with the Horns ranking third on the NCAA all-time victory list with 801 wins and the Buckeye's ranking sixth with 775.<ref name="OSU-game-notes">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/06_ohiost_notes.pdf | title=Texas vs. Ohio State Part 2 | work=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-09-08 | format=PDF}}</ref> Ohio State was ranked #1 with Texas #2 in both the Associated Press and the coach's poll. The [[2006-09-09]] game between Texas and Ohio State became a match-up of college football's #1 and #2 ranked teams for only the 36th time in NCAA history.<ref name="Clash">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4165951.html | title=Poll shift means 1 will play 2 - Ohio State, UT get ready to clash in Austin | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref><ref name="Tx-OSU-Preview">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14687408/ | title=Ohio St-Texas Preview | publisher=MSNBC | author=Einhorn, Justin | date=[[7 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> The Longhorns were part of the 35th meeting of top-ranked teams when the [[2005 Texas Longhorn football team|2005 Longhorns]] defeated [[University of Southern California|USC]] in the [[2006 Rose Bowl]]. Ohio State is only the second top-ranked team to ever play as a visiting football team in [[Austin, Texas]].<ref name="Clash">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4165951.html | title=Poll shift means 1 will play 2 - Ohio State, UT get ready to clash in Austin | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> The other was [[Southern Methodist University|SMU]] when then-No. 7 Texas beat the Mustangs 23-20 on [[4 November]] [[1950]].<ref name="Clash">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4165951.html | title=Poll shift means 1 will play 2 - Ohio State, UT get ready to clash in Austin | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref><ref name="Tx-OSU-Preview">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14687408/ | title=Ohio St-Texas Preview | publisher=MSNBC | author=Einhorn, Justin | date=[[7 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> Ohio State has participated in two No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchups in school history and holds a record of two wins and no losses (2-0).<ref name="now">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14684138/ | title=Texas now No. 2, preps for No. 1 Ohio St. - Saturday will be first 1-2 showdown in regular season since 1996 | publisher=MSNBC | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref><ref name="Clash">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4165951.html | title=Poll shift means 1 will play 2 - Ohio State, UT get ready to clash in Austin | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> The most recent such win for Ohio State occurred when then No. 2 Ohio State defeated the [[University of Miami]] in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl to claim the National Championship.<ref name="now">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14684138/ | title=Texas now No. 2, preps for No. 1 Ohio St. - Saturday will be first 1-2 showdown in regular season since 1996 | publisher=MSNBC | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref><ref name="Clash">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4165951.html | title=Poll shift means 1 will play 2 - Ohio State, UT get ready to clash in Austin | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> Texas has a (4-0) record in No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchups with all four previous victories coming en-route to national championship seasons.<ref name="now">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14684138/ | title=Texas now No. 2, preps for No. 1 Ohio St. - Saturday will be first 1-2 showdown in regular season since 1996 | publisher=MSNBC | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref><ref name="Clash">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4165951.html | title=Poll shift means 1 will play 2 - Ohio State, UT get ready to clash in Austin | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> The last time UT played in a No. 1 vs. No 2. regular season game was a win over the top-ranked [[Arkansas Razorbacks]] in one of the most famous games of the UT-AK rivalry.<ref name="now">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14684138/ | title=Texas now No. 2, preps for No. 1 Ohio St. - Saturday will be first 1-2 showdown in regular season since 1996 | publisher=MSNBC | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref> The game marked the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in the regular season since 1996, when No. 2 Florida State beat No. 1 Florida 24-21.<ref name="now">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14684138/ | title=Texas now No. 2, preps for No. 1 Ohio St. - Saturday will be first 1-2 showdown in regular season since 1996 | publisher=MSNBC | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref><ref name="Clash">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4165951.html | title=Poll shift means 1 will play 2 - Ohio State, UT get ready to clash in Austin | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref><ref name="Tx-OSU-Preview">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14687408/ | title=Ohio St-Texas Preview | publisher=MSNBC | author=Einhorn, Justin | date=[[7 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> The September 9 meeting was the earliest for the #1 and #2 teams to ever face each other in any college football season.<ref name="earliest ever">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14783030/ | title=Some already look poised for huge seasons | publisher=MSNBC | author=Hayes, Neil | date=[[11 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-18}}</ref> [[Image:2006 Longhorns vs OSU McCoy handoff to Charles.jpg|left|thumb|McCoy hands off to [[Jamaal Charles]] vs. Ohio State]] On [[September 4]] [[2006]], five days prior to the game, two UT players and one former UT player were arrested in Austin and charged for [[marijuana]] possession, a Class B misdemeanor.<ref name="Players suspended">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/09/06/TopStories/Players.Suspended.For.Ohio.State.Game-2258731.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Players suspended for Ohio State game - Education students charged with marijuana possession | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=2006-09-06}}</ref> The two current players, [[Tarell Brown]] and [[Tyrell Gatewood]], were suspended from the team and did not play in the [[9 September]] [[2006]] game against the [[2006 Ohio State Buckeyes football team]].<ref name="Players suspended">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/09/06/TopStories/Players.Suspended.For.Ohio.State.Game-2258731.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Players suspended for Ohio State game - Education students charged with marijuana possession | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=2006-09-06}}</ref> Brown was also charged with a Class A misdemeanor weapons violation for being in possession of a firearm without a permit.<ref name="Players suspended">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/09/06/TopStories/Players.Suspended.For.Ohio.State.Game-2258731.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Players suspended for Ohio State game - Education students charged with marijuana possession | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=2006-09-06}}</ref> Tarell Brown was listed as a starting cornerback and may have covered Ohio State wide receiver [[Ted Ginn Jr.]] in that game.<ref name="Players suspended">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/09/06/TopStories/Players.Suspended.For.Ohio.State.Game-2258731.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Players suspended for Ohio State game - Education students charged with marijuana possession | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=2006-09-06}}</ref> Replacements included [[Ryan Palmer (football player)|Ryan Palmer]] and [[Brandon Foster]], neither of whom had started a college game.<ref name="Ginn-kick">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/09/07/7bohls.html | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | title=Ohio State's Ginn could have Texas kicking itself - Speedy returner could cost Longhorns if given room to break free | author=Kirk Bohls | date=2006-09-09}}</ref> The former player, who was the owner of the handgun, is former UT linebacker [[Aaron Harris]].<ref name="Players suspended">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/09/06/TopStories/Players.Suspended.For.Ohio.State.Game-2258731.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Players suspended for Ohio State game - Education students charged with marijuana possession | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=2006-09-06}}</ref> "I think it will be one of the most exciting games in the history of this school," said Texas coach Mack Brown.<ref name="Clash">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4165951.html | title=Poll shift means 1 will play 2 - Ohio State, UT get ready to clash in Austin | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> He said he had listed Ohio State at the top of his ballot in the coach's poll prior to the game. Ohio State coach [[Jim Tressel]] stated in a news conference that he cast his vote for Texas as the number one school coming into the game, but it was later revealed that his ballot listed Ohio State as number one.<ref name="Hanging chad?">{{cite news | title=Hanging chad? - OSU coach Tressel said he voted UT No. 1, but didn't | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/09/06/tressell.apvote.ap/index.html | author=Associated Press | publisher=Sports Illustrated | date=[[6 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref> Two [[United States Senators]], Sen. [[Mike DeWine]], R-Ohio and Sen. [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]], R-Texas, placed a [[wager]] on the game. DeWine promised to deliver his wife's homemade chocolate-covered peanut butter Buckeye candies to Hutchison if Texas won, while Hutchison promised to give DeWine some [[Blue Bell Creameries|Blue Bell]] ice cream, made in Texas, if Ohio State won.<ref name="wager">{{cite news | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/09/07/senators.ohiostate.texas.ap/index.html | title=Senators wager on Texas-Ohio State | date=[[7 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> In [[sports book]] betting in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]] the day prior to the game, Texas was favored to win the game by 2 to 2 1/2 points.<ref name="vegas">{{cite web | url=http://www.vegas.com/gaming/sportsline_ncaaf.html | title=Sports Line - NCAA Football | work=Vegas.com | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref> Ohio State won the game 24-7. The attendance was 89,422, the most people to ever watch a football game in the state of Texas.<ref name="Ohio_State_Box">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut2.htm | title=Ohio State vs Texas | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate-2006-09-17}}New attendance record for the state of Texas</ref> Texas's loss made it unlikely that Texas would repeat as National Champions. Since the [[Bowl Championship Series]] was formed in 1998, 11 of the 16 teams were unbeaten going into the game.<ref name="on-the-line">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14687967 | title=Ohio State, Texas put BCS hopes on line - Nos. 1-, 2-ranked teams can't afford loss in big matchup Saturday | author=Associated Press | publisher=MSNBC | date=[[8 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref> The only time the national champion has not been unbeaten during that stretch was in 2003 when [[LSU Tigers football|LSU]] and [[University of Southern California|USC]] claimed a share of the title as each finished with one loss.<ref name="on-the-line"/><ref name="Tx-OSU-Preview">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14687408/ | title=Ohio St-Texas Preview | publisher=MSNBC | author=Einhorn, Justin | date=[[7 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-07}}</ref> Ohio State tackle Kirk Barton said "There’ll probably be two undefeated teams at the end of the road and if you’re not one of them you’re probably not going to be playing for the championship. So you’ve got to treat every game like it’s the [[Super Bowl]]. You only get one opportunity."<ref name="on-the-line">{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14687967 | title=Ohio State, Texas put BCS hopes on line - Nos. 1-, 2-ranked teams can't afford loss in big matchup Saturday | author=Associated Press | publisher=MSNBC | date=[[8 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-08}}</ref> ===Rice=== [[Image:College football - Texas Longhorns vs Rice Owls - tailback Jamaal Charles rushing - 2006-09-16.jpg|right|thumb|Tailback [[Jamaal Charles]] rushes for a first down.]] {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road='''Texas''' |R1=17 |R2=21 |R3=7 |R4=7 |RT=52 |Home=Rice |H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=7 |HT=7 }} Texas and [[Rice University|Rice]] met in 2006 for the 89th time. The series, which began in 1914, is the fourth oldest (by number of games) in Texas history.<Ref name="Rice notes">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/fb_notes_091106.pdf | title=Texas at Rice - Game Day Notes | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref> Texas and Rice were once conference foes in the [[Southwest Conference]]<ref name="Texas-Almanac">{{cite web | url=http://www.texasalmanac.com/history/highlights/swc/ | title=Texas History Highlights - A Look Back at the Southwest Conference | work=Texas Almanac | accessdate=2006-07-30}}</ref><ref name="HTO-SWC">{{cite web | url=http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/SS/xns2.html | title=Southwest Conference | work=Handbook of Texas Online | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref>, despite the usual mismatch in ability on the field (66 Texas wins vs 21 wins for Rice, with one tie)<ref name="All-time-vs">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=36&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=298&change_well_id=2 | title=All-Time Records vs. Opponents | work=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref>. [[President of the United States|President]] [[John F. Kennedy]] compared the challenge of [[Project Apollo|going to the moon]] to the challenge faced when Rice played Texas.<ref name="moon">{{cite web | url=http://webcast.rice.edu/speeches/19620912kennedy.html | title=President John F. Kennedy - The Space Effort | work=Rice Webcast Archive | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref> In addition to renewing a traditional rivalry, playing Rice in a "home and away" series allows for Texas to play games in [[Houston, Texas]], a city that is an important recruiting base for UT<ref name="Recruiting">{{cite web | title=UT signs 25 players, including three of state's top four | url=http://www.statesman.com/horns/content/sports/stories/longhorns/02/1utsignweb.html | publisher=Austin American Statesman | date=[[1 February]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref>, along with having a significant [[Texas Exes]] alumni population.<ref name="Houston Exes">{{cite web | url=http://www.texasexes.com/Exes_are.htm | title=The Texas Exes Houston Chapter are: | work=Texas Exes Houston Chapter | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref> The game was the first time Rice offensive coordinator [[Major Applewhite]] faced his former college team, where he enjoys "cult legend" status.<ref name="Applewhite">{{cite web | title=Rice assistant Applewhite to face former team | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2586483 | date=2006-09-16 | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref> Applewhite was a quarterback for Texas from 1998 to 2001 and set 48 school records. Many of these still stand, including the longest pass play (97 yards), most touchdown passes in a career (60), career yards (8,353), consecutive passes without an interception (156) and most yards passing in a game (473).<ref name="UT passing stats">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/records_ind_passing.pdf | title=Individual Passing Records | format=PDF | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref><ref name="Applewhite">{{cite web | title=Rice assistant Applewhite to face former team | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2586483 | date=2006-09-16 | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref> At Rice, Applewhite has taken the team away from the "[[Wishbone formation|Wishbone]]" offense and moved them to a more modern, one-running-back formation similar to that used by Texas.<ref name="Applewhite">{{cite web | title=Rice assistant Applewhite to face former team | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2586483 | date=2006-09-16 | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref> Rice won the [[coin toss]] and elected to defer to the second half, allowing Texas to start the game on offense. Texas' opening drive used 7 rushing plays (no passes) and just over 3 minutes to drive 65 yards for a touchdown.<ref name="Rice_play-by-play">{{cite web | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/playbyplay?confId=&gameId=262590242 | title=Texas Longhorns at Rice Owls - Play by Play | date=2006-09-16 | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref> Texas followed up by scoring a touchdown on its second possession and a field goal on its third possession to earn a 17-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Texas won the game 52-7. ===Iowa State=== {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road=Iowa State |R1=7 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=0 |RT=14 |Home='''Texas''' |H1=16 |H2=14 |H3=7 |H4=0 |HT=37 }} Texas began conference play on [[23 September]] [[2006]] vs the Iowa State Cyclones. This was the 6th match-up between the two teams and Texas had won all five previous games.<ref name="GameDay_IowaState">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=47&url_article_id=2300&change_well_id=2 | title=Longhorns gameweek: Iowa State Cyclones | accessdate=2006-09-22}}</ref> Both teams scored in the first quarter. Iowa State opened the game on offense and failed to gain a first down, going "three and out" and punting to Texas. Texas scored a touch-down on the resulting drive. Iowa State was stopped again on its second possession. As Iowa State went to punt, the ball went out of the back of their end zone, resulting in a [[Safety (football score)|safety]] for Texas. Texas scored another touch-down on their second possession. Iowa State answered to make the score 7-16 as the first quarter ended. In the second quarter, Texas scored two touchdown and Iowa State scored one, to make the score 30-14 Texas at the half. Texas scored one more touchdown while holding Iowa State scoreless in the third quarter. At the end of the third quarter, the officials called a delay due to lightning in the area. When the game resumed, neither team scored in the fourth quarter, giving Texas a 37-14 win. ===Sam Houston State=== {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road=Sam Houston State |R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=3 |R4=0 |RT=3 |Home='''Texas''' |H1=21 |H2=21 |H3=7 |H4=7 |HT=56 }} With the decision by the NCAA to allow teams to expand to a 12 game schedule, Texas added Division I-AA Sam Houston State to its schedule. The game was the first UT game since 2004 not to be televised nationally on broadcast or cable, though it was available on [[pay per view]] from [[DirecTV]] and [[Dish Network]]. This was the first ever meeting of the Texas Longhorns and the Sam Houston State Bearkats and the first time Texas played a [[Division I#Division I-AA|Division I-AA]] team in fourteen years. Texas won the game 56-3. ===Oklahoma=== [[Image:Image of TX OU Red River Shootout in Cotton Bowl seen from fair grounds - original.jpg|right|thumb|2006 Red River Shootout - Texas fans on viewer's left in Burnt Orange and White, Sooners fans on right in Crimson and Cream]] {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road='''Texas''' |R1=7 |R2=0 |R3=14 |R4=7 |RT=28 |Home=Oklahoma |H1=0 |H2=10 |H3=0 |H4=0 |HT=10 }} The Longhorns and the [[2006 Oklahoma Sooners football team]] met at the [[Cotton Bowl (stadium)|Cotton Bowl]] in [[Dallas, Texas|Dallas]] for their annual rivalry game known as the [[Red River Shootout]]. This was the 101st meeting between the schools.<ref name="torch pump up">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/05/TopStories/Student.Groups.Pump.Up.Crowd.At.Annual.Parade-2333393.shtml?norewrite200610061158&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Student groups pump up crowd at annual parade | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=West, Michelle | date=[[5 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> Texas came into the game leading the series 56-39-5 overall<ref name="rec-vs-opp">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=36&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=298&change_well_id=2 | title=All-Time Records vs. Opponents | work=Mack Brown Texas Football | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> and 44-35-4 at the Cotton Bowl. In 2005, the Longhorns broke a 5-year losing streak on their way to the national championship. Three days prior to the game, UT fans conducted the traditional Torchlight Parade and Rally,<ref name="rivalry still">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/06/Sports/Rivalry.Still.A.Big.Deal.For.Football.Team.Fans-2335969.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Rivalry still a big deal for football team, fans - Winner of Red River shootout has gone on to national title game three of last seven years | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Millares, Joseph | date=[[6 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> terminating on the South Mall of the UT campus.<ref name="Torchlight Parade">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=39&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=43&change_well_id=2 | title=Torchlight Parade | work=Mack Brown Texas Football | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> The rally first took place in 1916 prior to a game versus Texas A&M; since 1986 it has been an annual event held exclusively during the week prior to the Texas-OU game.<ref name="torch pump up">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/05/TopStories/Student.Groups.Pump.Up.Crowd.At.Annual.Parade-2333393.shtml?norewrite200610061158&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Student groups pump up crowd at annual parade | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=West, Michelle | date=[[5 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref><ref name="Torchlight Parade">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=39&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=43&change_well_id=2 | title=Torchlight Parade | work=Mack Brown Texas Football | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> Another annual tradition is the running of game balls by the schools' [[Reserve Officer Training Corps]] programs.<ref name="ROTC">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/06/TopStories/Rotc-Members.Run.Game.Ball.To.Dallas.For.Ou.Matchup-2336378.shtml?norewrite200610080257&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=ROTC members run game ball to Dallas for OU matchup | date=[[6 October]] [[2006]] | author=Furman, Evan | accessdate=2006-10-08}}</ref> Each school's ROTC program uses a relay running system to run one game ball from their respective campus to Dallas. Once there, they participate against each other in a football scrimmage, with the winner taking home a rivalry trophy and bragging rights.<ref name="ROTC">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/06/TopStories/Rotc-Members.Run.Game.Ball.To.Dallas.For.Ou.Matchup-2336378.shtml?norewrite200610080257&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=ROTC members run game ball to Dallas for OU matchup | date=[[6 October]] [[2006]] | author=Furman, Evan | accessdate=2006-10-08}}</ref> The teams alternate home and away each year, and this year the Sooners played host. They occupied the bench under the press box and wore their red home jerseys while Texas will wore their all-white road uniforms. The stadium, as usual, was split down the 50-yard line with Sooner fans sitting on the south side of mid-field. The division is visually striking with a difference in crowd noise levels from one end of the stadium to the other. Beginning in 2007, the teams will alternate North and South ends of the field, giving the home team fans the seats adjacent to the tunnel leading to both teams' locker rooms.<ref name="Notebook OU">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/08/8texnotes.html | title=Notebook: Reversal of fortunes | publisher=Austin American Statesman | date=[[8 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> The game is worth an estimated [[USD]] 21 million in direct spending to the Dallas economy.<ref name="UT fans prep">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/06/TopStories/Ut.Fans.Prepare.For.Rivalry.Game-2336373.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=UT fans prepare for rivalry game | author=Winata, Joshua | date=[[6 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> The UT ticket office controls 37,000 tickets for the game, 7,000 of which were assigned to student season ticket holders plus another 2,000 assigned to students through a lottery.<ref name="UT fans prep">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/06/TopStories/Ut.Fans.Prepare.For.Rivalry.Game-2336373.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=UT fans prepare for rivaly game | author=Winata, Joshua | date=[[6 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> On [[e-Bay]], tickets were selling for over $500.<ref name="UT fans prep">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/06/TopStories/Ut.Fans.Prepare.For.Rivalry.Game-2336373.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=UT fans prepare for rivalry game | author=Winata, Joshua | date=[[6 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> As intense as the rivalry between the schools is, there were many factors tying the programs together in 2006. Texas head coach [[Mack Brown]] was the Offensive Coordinator for the Sooners in 1984 (the Red River Shootout ended in a 15-15 tie that year). He is also the brother of [[University of Alabama at Birmingham|UAB]] head coach [[Watson Brown]], who lost to OU at the beginning of the 2006 season. Oklahoma Co-defensive Coordinator and defensive backs coach Bobby Jack Wright was an assistant coach at Texas from 1986 to '97. OU also had two Austin natives on their roster this season, QB Hays McEachern and WR Fred Strong. McEachern's father was the Texas quarterback in 1977 and 1978 and his mother was a Longhorn cheerleader.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://admin.xosn.com//pdf3/45944.pdf | title=Game Five - Texas - Oct. 7, 2006 | publisher=University of Oklahoma | format=PDF | language=English | accessdate=2006-10-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://admin.xosn.com//pdf4/45948.pdf | title=Texas Longhorns | publisher=University of Texas at Austin | format=PDF | language=English | accessdate=2006-10-04}}</ref> With the two teams in the south division of the same conference, it is difficult for either team to win their half of the conference without winning this game although this did occur in the 2006 season. The winner of the game has a much greater chance to be the Big 12 South division champion and play in the [[Big 12 Conference#Championship games|Big 12 Conference championship game]] at [[Arrowhead Stadium]] in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]]. The game often has national title implications as well.<ref name="rivalry still">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/06/Sports/Rivalry.Still.A.Big.Deal.For.Football.Team.Fans-2335969.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Rivalry still a big deal for football team, fans - Winner of Red River shootout has gone on to national title game three of last seven years | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Millares, Joseph | date=[[6 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> Since 1999, the winner in of this rivalry game has gone on to the BCS National Championship on 3 occasions, the Sooners in 2000 and 2004, and the Longhorns in 2005.<ref name="rivalry still">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/06/Sports/Rivalry.Still.A.Big.Deal.For.Football.Team.Fans-2335969.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Rivalry still a big deal for football team, fans - Winner of Red River shootout has gone on to national title game three of last seven years | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Millares, Joseph | date=[[6 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> Prior to the game, the sports line in Vegas casinos was 4 to 41/2 points with Texas the favorite.<ref name="Vegas-OU">{{cite web | url=http://www.vegas.com/gaming/sportsline_ncaaf.html | title=NCAA Football | work=Vegas.com | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> McCoy got his first win over a ranked team as well as his first come-from-behind victory when he threw 2 touchdown passes and led the Longhorns to a 28-10 win.<ref name="Texas tops">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/8/8texfoot.html | title=Texas tops Oklahoma 28-10 | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[7 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> He threw 11 completed passes in 18 attempts for a total of 108 passing, with no interceptions.<ref name="McCoy-Big-D">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/08/8texside2.html | title=McCoy comes up big in Big-D | date=[[7 October]] [[2006]] | publisher=Austin American Statesman | author=Kevin Robbins | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref><ref name="Texas-vs-OU">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut6.htm | title=Texas vs Oklahoma Sooners (Oct 07, 2006) | work=Mack Brown Texas Football | accessdate=2006-10-08}}</ref> The 2 touchdowns by McCoy gave him 12 touchdown passes for the season, tied for third with Longhorn passer [[James Brown (football player)|James Brown]] in the list of most touchdowns by a freshman.<ref name="Texas 28 OU 10">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/08/8texbanner.html | title=Texas 28, Oklahoma 10 | date=[[10 October]] [[2006]] | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> Despite a prediction by the UT student newspaper,<ref name="watch closely">{{cite news | urll=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/06/Sports/Watch.Closely.During.TexasOu-2335930.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Watch closely during Texas-OU | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=[[6 October]] [[2006]] | author=Ransom, Eric | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> The win gave Texas its second win in a row vs Oklahoma and 17th straight conference win.<ref name="2nd Straight">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2476&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title=Longhorns win second straight over Sooners, 28-10 | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[7 October]] [[2006]] | author=Aaron, Jamie | accessdate=2006-10-08}}</ref> Oklahoma outgained Texas 333 to 232 in total yards, but the Sooners turned the ball over five times to none by Texas.<ref name="Texas tops">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/8/8texfoot.html | title=Texas tops Oklahoma 28-10 | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[7 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> Four of Oklahoma's turnover occurred in the second half.<ref name="Texas tops">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/8/8texfoot.html | title=Texas tops Oklahoma 28-10 | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[7 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> Texas' [[Aaron Ross]] was credited with three of those turnovers, as he intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.<ref name="Texas tops">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/8/8texfoot.html | title=Texas tops Oklahoma 28-10 | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[7 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> It was the first time since 1967 that Texas avoided making a turnover in the Red River Shootout.<ref name="Notebook OU">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/08/8texnotes.html | title=Notebook: Reversal of fortunes | publisher=Austin American Statesman | date=[[8 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> Oklahoma also suffered from penalties, committing 11 to the Longhorns' 3.<ref name="Turnovers-ou">{{cite news | title=Turnovers, penalties doom Sooners - OU wasn't happy with officiating, either. | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/08/8oklaside1.html | author=Rosner, Mark | date=[[8 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> Oklahoma coach [[Bob Stoops]] said after the game, "They made the plays and the turnovers, and we did not. Congratulations to them."<ref name="Turnovers-ou">{{cite news | title=Turnovers, penalties doom Sooners - OU wasn't happy with officiating, either. | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/08/8oklaside1.html | author=Rosner, Mark | date=[[8 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> The attendance for the game, 76,260, was second highest for a Texas-OU game behind the 79,587 who saw the 2004 game.<ref name="Texas 28 OU 10">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/08/8texbanner.html | title=Texas 28, Oklahoma 10 | date=[[10 October]] [[2006]] | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> Fans in the Oklahoma end of the stadium were filing out to the [[State Fair of Texas]] with more than seven minutes left and they were practically all gone with one minute remaining as the Longhorn fans chanted "Poor Sooners" and soon after, sang the [[Eyes of Texas]].<ref name="2nd Straight">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2476&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title=Longhorns win second straight over Sooners, 28-10 | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[7 October]] [[2006]] | author=Aaron, Jamie | accessdate=2006-10-08}}</ref> After the win, defensive end Brian Robison donned the [[Red River Shootout trophies|Golden Hat]] from the Red River Shootout winner's trophy.<ref name="Revival">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/08/8texfoot.html | title=Texas' second half revival sinks OU | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[8 October]] [[2006]] | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> He also planted a Longhorn flag in the turf of the Cotton Bowl.<ref name="tables">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA100906.12D.Griffin.2a85aff.html | title=Tim Griffin: Tables have turned for UT-OU and Brown vs. Stoops | publisher=San Antonio Express News | author=Griffin, Tim | date=[[8 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-30}}</ref> When combined with the 2005 score, the Longhorns have outscored the Sooners 75-22 for the Longhorns' largest winning margin across a two-game stretch in the 101-game history of the rivalry.<ref name="tables">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA100906.12D.Griffin.2a85aff.html | title=Tim Griffin: Tables have turned for UT-OU and Brown vs. Stoops | publisher=San Antonio Express News | | author=Griffin, Tim | date=[[8 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-30}}</ref> ===Baylor=== [[Image:Baylorut2006.jpg|right|thumb|Colt McCoy drops back for a pass against Baylor]] {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road=Baylor |R1=10 |R2=0 |R3=14 |R4=7 |RT=31 |Home='''Texas''' |H1=0 |H2=28 |H3=14 |H4=21 |HT=63 }} The Longhorns first played Baylor in 1901 and faced them annually during the days of the Southwest Conference. In the 96 meetings through 2006, Texas' record was 70 wins, 22 losses, and 4 ties.<ref name="rec-vs-opp">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=36&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=298&change_well_id=2 | title=All-Time Records vs. Opponents | work=Mack Brown Texas Football | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> This is Texas' third-longest rivalry by number of games: only Oklahoma and Texas A&M have faced Texas more often on the football field.<ref name="rec-vs-opp">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=36&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=298&change_well_id=2 | title=All-Time Records vs. Opponents | work=Mack Brown Texas Football | accessdate=2006-10-07}}</ref> The morning of the game, the betting line in Las Vegas was Texas by 27 1/2 - 28 points.<ref name="vegas-Baylor">{{cite web | url=http://www.vegas.com/gaming/sportsline_ncaaf.html | title=Sports Line - NCAA Football | work=Vegas.com | accessdate=2006-10-14}}</ref> Baylor quarterback [[Shawn Bell]] used [[play action]] and passed for a 67-yard touchdown on the first play.<ref name="unhloster">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/16/TopStories/Unholster.The.Colt-2351553.shtml?norewrite200610162157&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Unholster the Colt, Longhorns beat early deficit to take 63-31 win over Baylor | author=Wilkerson, William and Killian, Ryan | date=[[16 October]] [[2006]] | publisher=The Daily Texan | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> Bell then ran down the field flashing the upside-down [[Hook 'em Horns]] sign.<ref name="unhloster">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/16/TopStories/Unholster.The.Colt-2351553.shtml?norewrite200610162157&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Unholster the Colt, Longhorns beat early deficit to take 63-31 win over Baylor | author=Wilkerson, William and Killian, Ryan | date=[[16 October]] [[2006]] | publisher=The Daily Texan | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> Baylor added a field goal to outscore Texas 10 - 0 in the first quarter.<ref name="No 6 Texas">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2500&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title=No. 6 Texas 63, Baylor 31 | publisher=Associated Press | author=Vertuno, Jim | date=[[14 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> Texas forced 3 turnovers in the second quarter, scoring touchdowns off each of them.<ref name="No 6 Texas">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2500&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title=No. 6 Texas 63, Baylor 31 | publisher=Associated Press | author=Vertuno, Jim | date=[[14 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> Texas scored a fourth touchdown to take a 28 - 10 lead into half time. The two teams each scored 14 points in the third quarter while in the final quarter Texas scored 21 to 7 points by Baylor. The final score was Texas 63, Baylor 31.<ref name="No 6 Texas">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2500&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title=No. 6 Texas 63, Baylor 31 | publisher=Associated Press | author=Vertuno, Jim | date=[[14 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> Texas quarterback Colt McCoy threw six touchdown passes in the game, the most ever by a Texas quarterback.<ref name="No 6 Texas">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2500&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title=No. 6 Texas 63, Baylor 31 | publisher=Associated Press | author=Vertuno, Jim | date=[[14 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> The previous record of 5 touchdown passes had been held by [[James Brown (football player)|James Brown]] (set vs Baylor in 1994) and [[Chris Simms]] (vs Oklahoma State in 2001).<ref name="No 6 Texas">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2500&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title=No. 6 Texas 63, Baylor 31 | publisher=Associated Press | author=Vertuno, Jim | date=[[14 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref><ref name="unhloster">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/16/TopStories/Unholster.The.Colt-2351553.shtml?norewrite200610162157&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Unholster the Colt, Longhorns beat early deficit to take 63-31 win over Baylor | author=Wilkerson, William and Killian, Ryan | date=[[16 October]] [[2006]] | publisher=The Daily Texan | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> McCoy completed 21-of-32 attempted passes for a total of 275 yards, with one interception.<ref name="unhloster">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/16/TopStories/Unholster.The.Colt-2351553.shtml?norewrite200610162157&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Unholster the Colt, Longhorns beat early deficit to take 63-31 win over Baylor | author=Wilkerson, William and Killian, Ryan | date=[[16 October]] [[2006]] | publisher=The Daily Texan | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> The game moved McCoy from eighth to fifth in the list of quarterbacks by passing efficiency, and the 18 touchdown passes were the third most in the nation.<ref name="smote">{{cite news | utl=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/21/21texfoot.html | title=Can McCoy duplicate what Applewhite did against Nebraska? - Back in 1998, Applewhite set a barometer for all young quarterbacks in big games. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=[[20 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> Following the game, McCoy was selected as the [[Cingular All-America Player of the Week]].<ref name="Cingular">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2527&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title=McCoy named Cingular All-America Player of the Week | date=[[19 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-20}}</ref> [[Image:Baylor at UT 2006 - UT warmups - cropped.jpg|center|thumb|700px|UT players stretching before game time]] ===Nebraska=== {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road='''Texas''' |R1=3 |R2=13 |R3=0 |R4=6 |RT=22 |Home=Nebraska |H1=7 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=13 |HT=20 }} Aided by an Auburn victory against Florida, Texas moved up one spot to #5 in the AP poll following the win against Baylor.<ref name="BCS Standings">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/BCSStandings | title=BCS Standings, October 15, 2006 | publisher=ESPN | date=[[15 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> The first [[Bowl Championship Series]] rankings of the year were issued on [[15 October]] [[2006]]. Along with the AP poll, the BCS rankings use the Harris Interactive Poll and a series of computer scores to rank teams. Texas had a number 5 ranking in both human polls, but a combined computer ranking of 15th meant that the Longhorns entered the BCS poll rankied ninth.<ref name="BCS Standings">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/BCSStandings | title=BCS Standings, October 15, 2006 | publisher=ESPN | date=[[15 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> The [[2006 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team|2006 Nebraska Cornhuskers]] entered the game against Texas ranked 16 in both human polls and 19 in the computer rankings, for a total BCS ranking of 17th.<ref name="BCS Standings">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/BCSStandings | title=BCS Standings, October 15, 2006 | publisher=ESPN | date=[[15 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref> Coming into the game, Texas was the third winningest program in college football, with 806 wins.<ref name="Game Notes Nebraska">{{cite web | title=Texas Longhorn Game Notes | publisher=Mack Brown Texas Football | format=PDF | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_texas_nebraska_notes.pdf | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> Nebraska was fourth, having won their 800th game the previous weekend vs Kansas State.<ref name="Game Notes Nebraska">{{cite web | title=Texas Longhorn Game Notes | publisher=Mack Brown Texas Football | format=PDF | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_texas_nebraska_notes.pdf | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> Only four teams have won 800 or more games: [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan]], [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame]], Texas, and now Nebraska.<ref name="Game Notes Nebraska">{{cite web | title=Texas Longhorn Game Notes | publisher=Mack Brown Texas Football | format=PDF | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_texas_nebraska_notes.pdf | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> The game marked the first time for Texas to face a 800-win program since Texas broke through the 800 win barrier. The 2006 football season also marked the first time for four 800-win programs to play against each other; Notre Dame and Michigan played each other earlier in the season. In terms of winning percentage, Texas ranked third at 71.52% while Nebraska ranked seventh at 70.57%.<ref name="Game Notes Nebraska">{{cite web | title=Texas Longhorn Game Notes | publisher=Mack Brown Texas Football | format=PDF | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_texas_nebraska_notes.pdf | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> The two programs claim four national championships apiece. The environment at Lincoln has been considered one of the most hostile for an opposing team, due in part to the noise of the crowd.{{fact|date=December 2007}} [[Austin American-Statesman]] columnist [[Kirk Bohls]] predicted that Nebraska might pull off an upset against the Longhorns. He said that "Texas isn't a great running team (only a good one).." that "Texas' pass defense is very suspect..." and that Longhorn kicker [[Greg Johnson (football player)|Greg Johnson]] had only kicked one field goal all year.<ref name="Neb upset">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/10/21/21bohls.html | title=Texas is ripe for an upset - Huskers are out for some payback today. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[21 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> Bohls also speculated that Nebraska might have more motivation because "Texas has had Nebraska's number for a while,... [Texas] knocked off the Huskers in the inaugural Big 12 football championship game at St. Louis to deprive Nebraska of a shot at another national title in 1996."<ref name="Neb upset">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/10/21/21bohls.html | title=Texas is ripe for an upset - Huskers are out for some payback today. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[21 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> In 1998, freshman quarterback [[Major Applewhite]] led the Longhorns to a victory over the seventh ranked Cornhuskers, snapping their 47-home game winning streak.<ref name="Neb upset">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/10/21/21bohls.html | title=Texas is ripe for an upset - Huskers are out for some payback today. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[21 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref><ref name="smote">{{cite news | utl=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/21/21texfoot.html | title=Can McCoy duplicate what Applewhite did against Nebraska? - Back in 1998, Applewhite set a barometer for all young quarterbacks in big games. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=[[20 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> they also ended the Cornhuskers new, national-best, winning streak at 26 in 2002.<ref name="cornfields">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/20/Sports/Longhorns.Ride.Into.Cornfields-2379431.shtml?norewrite200610220023&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Longhorns ride into cornfields | author=Killian, Ryan | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=[[20 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref><ref name="NU Staff notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Vince.Young.Present.For.Comeback-2381473.shtml?norewrite200610231157&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Vince Young present for comeback | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> Entering the 2006 game, Texas was the only team in the Big Twelve Conference with a winning record (6-4) vs. Nebraska.<ref name="Game Notes Nebraska">{{cite web | title=Texas Longhorn Game Notes | publisher=Mack Brown Texas Football | format=PDF | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_texas_nebraska_notes.pdf | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> Texas led the series 5-1 since the formation of the Big Twelve, and they were 4-1 against Nebraska since Mack Brown came to Texas.<ref name="Game Notes Nebraska">{{cite web | title=Texas Longhorn Game Notes | publisher=Mack Brown Texas Football | format=PDF | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_texas_nebraska_notes.pdf | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> Prior to the game, the Las Vegas betting line was Texas by 5 1/2 points.<ref name="betting Nebraska">{{cite web | url=http://www.vegas.com/gaming/sportsline_ncaaf.html | title=NCAA sports line | date=[[20 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-20}}</ref> The game set a new stadium attendance record crowd of 85,187, the 280th consecutive sell-out at Nebraska.<ref name="pulls out">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/22/22texfoot.html | title=Texas pulls out win over Nebraska - First-ever kick by Ryan Bailey puts Texas on top 22-20. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | [[21 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref><ref name="Notebook Nebraska">{{cite web | title=Notebook - Vince sighting, injury report, Lincoln success rate. | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/22/22texnotes.html | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[22 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-22}}</ref> Before the game, Nebraska honored [[Mike Rozier]] for his induction into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]].<ref name="NU Staff notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Vince.Young.Present.For.Comeback-2381473.shtml?norewrite200610231157&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Vince Young present for comeback | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> The Nebraska players all touched a horseshoe as the entered [[Memorial Stadium, Lincoln|Memorial Stadium]], which was referred to by a writer from [[The Daily Texan]] as "perhaps the most polished in the Big 12."<ref name="NU Staff notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Vince.Young.Present.For.Comeback-2381473.shtml?norewrite200610231157&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Vince Young present for comeback | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> The game featured 36-degree temperatures, winds out of the north at 20 miles per hour, rain, and snow flurries <ref name="pulls out">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/22/22texfoot.html | title=Texas pulls out win over Nebraska - First-ever kick by Ryan Bailey puts Texas on top 22-20. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | [[21 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> Texas' Quan Cosby returned the opening kick-off to within the Nebraska 10 yard line, and the Longhorns kicked a field goal. Nebraska scored a first quarter touchdown. Texas scored 14 points in the second quarter, but kicker Greg Johnson had one of the two extra points blocked, so the score at half-time had Texas ahead 16 to 7. Johnson also missed 2 field goals during the game. Neither team scored in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter with Nebraska trailing by 6, [[Bill Callahan (football coach)|Coach Callahan]] called what seemed to be a sweep play similar to ones they had used earlier in the game.<ref name="defense cold">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Defense.Stops.Huskers.Cold-2381466.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Defense stops Huskers cold - Ross' fumble gives Bailey opportunity to make field goal | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> However, when running back [[Marlon Lucky]] got the pitch, he threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to [[Nate Swift]]. The extra point gave Nebraska a one-point lead with 4:54 left in the game.<ref name="defense cold">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Defense.Stops.Huskers.Cold-2381466.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Defense stops Huskers cold - Ross' fumble gives Bailey opportunity to make field goal | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> Texas safety Aaron Ross took responsibility for over-pursuing on the run; "It was my fault. The receiver did a great job pretending like he was blocking, I came down to force on the run, and they beat us deep."<ref name="defense cold">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Defense.Stops.Huskers.Cold-2381466.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Defense stops Huskers cold - Ross' fumble gives Bailey opportunity to make field goal | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> After Texas was forced to punt, Nebraska had to run out the clock to ensure victory. On first and second down, Brandon Jackson rushed twice for seven yards, bringing up a third down with three yards to go on its own 36 yard line and 2:23 remaining on the clock.<ref name="Bailey smooth over ice">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/TopStories/Bailey.Smooth.Over.Ice-2381208.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Bailey smooth over ice - Walk-on kicker nails 22-yard field goal to secure win in Lincoln | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Kilian, Ryan | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> Texas' defense had limited Nebraska's running offense to only 36 yards, far less than their 207.7 average,<ref name="defense cold">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Defense.Stops.Huskers.Cold-2381466.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Defense stops Huskers cold - Ross' fumble gives Bailey opportunity to make field goal | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> so Nebraska passed to NU receiver [[Terrance Nunn]] for a first down.<ref name="defense cold">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Defense.Stops.Huskers.Cold-2381466.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Defense stops Huskers cold - Ross' fumble gives Bailey opportunity to make field goal | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> Had the play ended there, Nebraska would likely have been able to run out the clock since Texas had no time-outs remaining.<ref name="defense cold">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Defense.Stops.Huskers.Cold-2381466.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Defense stops Huskers cold - Ross' fumble gives Bailey opportunity to make field goal | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> Before Nunn went down, Aaron Ross tackled him and used his helmet to cause a fumble<ref name="defense cold">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Defense.Stops.Huskers.Cold-2381466.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Defense stops Huskers cold - Ross' fumble gives Bailey opportunity to make field goal | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> that was recovered by Texas safety [[Marcus Griffin]] at the Nebraska 44 yard-line with 2:17 left. Colt McCoy led the Longhorns through the snow flurries to the Nebraska 5. With less than a minute remaining, Nebraska leading by one point, and the Horns facing fourth down, Texas needed a field-goal to win. Johnson had already missed three kicks (2 field goals and an extra point) and he told Coach Brown late in the game that his leg was tightening up.<ref name="Bailey smooth over ice">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/TopStories/Bailey.Smooth.Over.Ice-2381208.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Bailey smooth over ice - Walk-on kicker nails 22-yard field goal to secure win in Lincoln | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Kilian, Ryan | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> Brown looked to walk-on Sophomore [[Ryan Bailey]] to attempt the kick. Bailey was not listed on UT's depth chart and coach Brown later admitted he wasn't sure whether Bailey had even been on the team as a freshman.<ref name="Bailey smooth over ice">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/TopStories/Bailey.Smooth.Over.Ice-2381208.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Bailey smooth over ice - Walk-on kicker nails 22-yard field goal to secure win in Lincoln | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Kilian, Ryan | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> Bailey had made only 10 kicks as a high-school kicker from Anderson High School in Austin, Texas and he had never attempted a kick for the Longhorns. The trip to Nebraska was only the second time he had ever been included in the travel roster, which is limited to 64 players. Before the kick, Brown told him "You're the luckiest guy in the world. You've got a chance to be [[Dusty Mangum]] on your first kick." Mangum had scored the game winning field goal as time expired to lift the Longhorns to victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the 2005 Rose Bowl.<ref name="Bailey smooth over ice"/> Nebraska Coach Callahan used his coach's challenge to have the officials review the preceding third down play.<ref name="Bailey smooth over ice"/> The play was allowed to stand as an incomplete pass, as called on the field. Brown gave Bailey a swat on the helmet and Bailey jogged onto the field and calmy made the field goal. Nebraska tried two end-zone passes, both incomplete, and Texas won the game by 2 points, 22-20.<ref name="L at C">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262940158 | title=Texas Longhorns at Nebraska Cornhuskers | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[21 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref><ref name="Bailey smooth over ice"/> Bailey said afterwards, "Actually, the only thing I really remember about being on the field was when the offensive line turned around and said 'Let's just block for 1.3 seconds. Just give him a chance to get the ball off.'"<ref name="kicking not set">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/27/Sports/Even-With.Bailey.Kicking.Game.Not.Set-2406234-page2.shtml?norewrite200610271231&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Even with Bailey, kicking game not set | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[27 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The win was Texas' 16th straight road game victory, extending a school record, and 19th consecutive win in conference play.<ref name="L at C">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262940158 | title=Texas Longhorns at Nebraska Cornhuskers | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[21 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> The latter streak is the second longest in the country, following the conference game winning-steak of USC. The game was the first time for Colt McCoy to lead the Longhorns to a come-from-behind victory in the fourth quarter. The Longhorns had several injuries during the game. Defensive starters Derek Lokey and [[Robert Killebrew]] both had to leave the game due to leg injuries.<ref name="Notebook Nebraska">{{cite web | title=Notebook - Vince sighting, injury report, Lincoln success rate. | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/22/22texnotes.html | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[22 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-22}}</ref> Cornerback Tarell Brown was seen limping badly after the game and kicker/punter Greg Johnson aggravated a previous injury on his fourth-quarter field goal.<ref name="Notebook Nebraska">{{cite web | title=Notebook - Vince sighting, injury report, Lincoln success rate. | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/22/22texnotes.html | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[22 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-22}}</ref> Eric Ransom, a writer for The Daily Texan, dubbed the game "the comeback on the prairie" and declared the game an "instant classic".<ref name="magical game">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/23/Sports/Storybook.Ending.Fits.Magical.Game-2381481.shtml?norewrite200610231857&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Storybook ending fits magical game | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Ransom, Eric | date=2006-10-23 | accessdate=2006-10-23}}</ref> Former Longhorn quarterback [[Vince Young]] was on the sidelines for the first time since going to the NFL and he went to the Longhorn locker-room afterwards to congratulate the team on the win.<ref name="Notebook Nebraska">{{cite web | title=Notebook - Vince sighting, injury report, Lincoln success rate. | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/22/22texnotes.html | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[22 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-22}}</ref> Representatives from the [[Fiesta Bowl]], the game that normally takes the Big 12 Conference champion, were also on hand.<ref name="Omaha turning">{{cite news | url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=38&u_sid=2265814 | title=Turning point slips through NU's fingers | publisher=Omaha World Herald | author=Sherman, Mitch | date=[[22 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> The media had speculated that Nebraska and Texas would win their respective conference divisions to play again in the Big 12 Conference Championship. This was echoed in post-game interviews as both teams voiced respect for the other. Texas coach Mack Brown said, "Nebraska is back, For them to keep coming back and back and back — they made big plays throughout the game to put themselves in a position to win."<ref name="Omaha turning">{{cite news | url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=38&u_sid=2265814 | title=Turning point slips through NU's fingers | publisher=Omaha World Herald | author=Sherman, Mitch | date=[[22 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> He continued, "As soon as they back away from it, they'll see that their program is back on track, one of the best in the country. And they'll be excited about a chance to go play somebody in (the Big 12 championship game). Hopefully, if we can keep playing, it might be us."<ref name="Omaha turning">{{cite news | url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=38&u_sid=2265814 | title=Turning point slips through NU's fingers | publisher=Omaha World Herald | date=[[22 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> Nebraska cornerback Cortney Grixby said of Texas, "They kept their composure. That's the mark of a champion. And that's what they are."<ref name="Husker Hook">{{cite news | url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=38&u_sid=2263258 | title=Huskers let 'Horns off the hook | publisher=Omaha World Herald | author=Kaipust, Rich | date=[[21 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-21}}</ref> ===Texas Tech=== {{seealso|2006 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team}} {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road='''Texas''' |R1=0 |R2=21 |R3=7 |R4=7 |RT=35 |Home=Texas Tech |H1=21 |H2=10 |H3=0 |H4=0 |HT=31 }} The Longhorns come into the game at Texas Tech with several injuries on defense. Five days prior to the game, the Longhorns announced that starting defensive tackle Derek Lokey, injured in the Nebraska game, is out indefinitely with a broken left leg.<ref name="injuries pile-up">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4282410.html | title=Injuries mount at Texas - Lokey is latest defensive player to be sidelined | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> Senior defensive end Tim Crowder said. "That's huge. He's the heart and soul of our defensive line. He didn't get a lot of credit, but he was the anchor."<ref name="injuries pile-up">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4282410.html | title=Injuries mount at Texas - Lokey is latest defensive player to be sidelined | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> Lokey had 24 tackles and quarterback pressures and also spent some time at fullback.<ref name="injuries pile-up">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4282410.html | title=Injuries mount at Texas - Lokey is latest defensive player to be sidelined | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> Luke Tiemann will take over Lokey's fullback duties while sophomore Roy Miller will start at Lokey's spot as nose tackle.<ref name="injuries pile-up">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4282410.html | title=Injuries mount at Texas - Lokey is latest defensive player to be sidelined | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> Roddrick Muckelroy, who started the first three games at linebacker, is still out indefinitely due to a ruptured finger tendon.<ref name="injuries pile-up">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4282410.html | title=Injuries mount at Texas - Lokey is latest defensive player to be sidelined | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> Linebacker [[Robert Ki]]llebrew is questionable for the Texas Tech game.<ref name="injuries pile-up">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4282410.html | title=Injuries mount at Texas - Lokey is latest defensive player to be sidelined | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> In addition, several defensive players have been playing with injuries. According to the [[Houston Chronicle]] these include twin-brother safeties "Marcus Griffin (ankle) and Michael Griffin (ankle), tackle Frank Okam (knee), cornerbacks Tarell Brown (toe) and Aaron Ross (hand) and end Brian Robison (ankle)". Linebacker Drew Kelson has also been suffering from an ankle injury.<ref name="injuries pile-up">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4282410.html | title=Injuries mount at Texas - Lokey is latest defensive player to be sidelined | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> The 2005 national championship team only had one game missed by a defensive starter due to injury, but this years team has already had thirteen missed games due to injuries or suspensions.<ref name="injuries pile-up">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4282410.html | title=Injuries mount at Texas - Lokey is latest defensive player to be sidelined | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> During Mack Brown's time at Texas, he has only lost six road games in an opponent's stadium.<ref name="is it end">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/27/27texfoot.html | title=Is it end of road for UT's streak? - History tells us that the Longhorns may be due for a loss in Lubbock. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | | date=[[27 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The Red Raiders are the only team so far to have defeated the Longhorns twice in road games, and they have done so in four year increments with victories in 1998 and 2002.<ref name="is it end">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/27/27texfoot.html | title=Is it end of road for UT's streak? - History tells us that the Longhorns may be due for a loss in Lubbock. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | | date=[[27 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref><ref name="Texas-sized comeback">{{cite news | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/10/29/texas.texastech.ap/index.html | title=Texas-sized comeback - McCoy rallies Longhorns from 21 down vs. Texas Tech | publisher=Sports Illustrated | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The 2002 game was lost by Texas 42-38, when defensive starters [[Derrick Johnson]], Kalen Thornton, [[Marcus Tubbs]] and [[Nathan Vasher]] were all injured.<ref name="injuries pile-up">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4282410.html | title=Injuries mount at Texas - Lokey is latest defensive player to be sidelined | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> Texas' coaching staff said that injuries are not an excuse to lose a ball game.<ref name="Injurites test">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/25/Sports/Injuries.Testing.Depth.Of.Texas.Defense-2399935-page2.shtml?norewrite200610251226&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Injurites testing depth of Texas defense | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[25 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Mack Brown said, "It's still a loss. Nobody cares. I used to talk about injuries all the time, and it does nothing good for your team. Some years you have them, and some years you don't... We've still got a chance for everything after eight games, and that's unbelievable."<ref name="injuries pile-up">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/4282410.html | title=Injuries mount at Texas - Lokey is latest defensive player to be sidelined | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> The most recent two Tech-Texas games had not been close score-wise, with Texas winning 51-21 in Lubbock in 2004 and 52-17 in Austin in 2005.<ref name="winless career">{{cite news | url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/102806/col_102806009.shtml | title=Texas Tech seniors try to avoid winless career vs. Longhorns | publisher=The Avalanche-Journal | author=Williams, Don | date=[[28 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Texas Tech entered the game with a potent passing offense led by Sophomore quarterback [[Graham Harrell]]. He has completed 245 passes out of 356 attempts this year and he averages more than 313 passing yards per game.<ref name="Tech test">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/27/Sports/Tech-Will.Test.Longhorn.Secondary-2406219.shtml?norewrite200610271244&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Tech will test seconday | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Killian, Ryan | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Just the previous week, he threw for 368 yards and career -high six touchdowns in a 42-26 win over Iowa State and the Red Raiders are averaging 48.6 passes per game.<ref name="Red hand">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/10/23/23golden.html | title=Red Raiders won't hand Horns win | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Golden, Cedric | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref><ref name="Hub city scare">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2006/10/27/Sports/Hub-City.Scare.Tech.Looks.To.Up.Upend.FifthRanked.horns-2405481.shtml?norewrite200610271453&sourcedomain=www.dailytoreador.com&mkey=2350641 | title=Hub City scare: Tech looks to up upend fifth-ranked 'Horns | publisher=The Daily Toreador | author=Cram, Travis | date=[[27 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> On the other side of the ball, the Longhorns were ranked 84th in pass defense this season, giving up 221.8 yards per game.<ref name="Injurites test">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/25/Sports/Injuries.Testing.Depth.Of.Texas.Defense-2399935-page2.shtml?norewrite200610251226&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Injurites testing depth of Texas defense | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[25 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Tech senior defensive lineman Chris Hudler said Texas also possessed a powerful offense, "There is no room for error," he said. "Some teams you might be able to make mistakes and make up for them later. But they (Texas) have some of the best athletes in the country."<ref name="Hub city scare">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2006/10/27/Sports/Hub-City.Scare.Tech.Looks.To.Up.Upend.FifthRanked.horns-2405481.shtml?norewrite200610271453&sourcedomain=www.dailytoreador.com&mkey=2350641 | title=Hub City scare: Tech looks to up upend fifth-ranked 'Horns | publisher=The Daily Toreador | author=Cram, Travis | date=[[27 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> [[Henry Melton]], previously known as a tailback used by the Longhorns in short-yardage situations, ended up being used in the game at defensive end in an effort to give Texas more depth on defense.<ref name="he's got legs">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA102906.EN.FBChorns.notebook.85011c63.html | title=Texas-Texas Tech notebook: UT's McCoy has legs & and he knows how to use them | publisher=San Antonio Express News | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref><ref name="Texas dives comeback">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/30/Sports/Texas.Dives.For.A.Comeback-2408462.shtml?norewrite200610301033&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Texas dives for a comeback - Sophomore Ryan Palmer breaks up Tech passes, helps stop Red Raiders | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Killian, Ryan | date=[[30 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Four days prior to the game, the betting line in Las Vegas casinos was Texas by 11 1/2 to 12 points.<ref name="Vegas Tech">{{cite web | url=http://www.vegas.com/gaming/sportsline_ncaaf.html | title=Sports Line | publisher=Vegas.com | accessdate=2006-10-24}}</ref> The game set a new attendance record for Texas Tech in [[Lubbock, Texas|Lubbock]], with 56,158 in attendance.<ref name="record tech">{{cite news | url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/102906/col_102906030.shtml | title=Record crowd watches Tech blow big lead | publisher=[[Lubbock Avalanch-Journal]] |author=Williams, Don | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-29}}</ref> Texas Tech got off to a quick start, outscoring the Longhorns 21-0 in the first quarter.<ref name="Texas avoids">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/30/TopStories/Texas.Avoids.Lubbock.Letdown-2408524.shtml?norewrite200610301032&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Texas avoids Lubbock letdown - Longhorns come back from 21-point deficit to defeat Texas Tech | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Harrell compiled 364 passing yards and three touchdown passes against the Longhorn pass defense during the first half. That was more yards passing than Texas had previously given up during an entire game in the course of the 2006 season to date.<ref name="Texas-sized comeback">{{cite news | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/10/29/texas.texastech.ap/index.html | title=Texas-sized comeback - McCoy rallies Longhorns from 21 down vs. Texas Tech | publisher=Sports Illustrated | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Texas responded by outscoring Texas Tech 21-10 in the second quarter so that Tech led by 10 points at half-time.<ref name="Longhorns rally at Tech">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA102906.01C.FBChorns.tech.gamer.366c209.html | title=Football: Longhorns rally for victory in Lubbock against upset-minded Texas Tech | publisher=San Antonio Express News | author=McDonald, Jeff | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> By the end of the game, Texas Tech had completed 519 yards passing.<ref name="Texas avoids">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/30/TopStories/Texas.Avoids.Lubbock.Letdown-2408524.shtml?norewrite200610301032&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Texas avoids Lubbock letdown - Longhorns come back from 21-point deficit to defeat Texas Tech | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> This was only 14 yards short of the record for most-ever passing yardage against the Longhorns which was set by David Klinger of the University of Houston in 1992.<ref name="Texas-sized comeback">{{cite news | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/10/29/texas.texastech.ap/index.html | title=Texas-sized comeback - McCoy rallies Longhorns from 21 down vs. Texas Tech | publisher=Sports Illustrated | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref><ref name="Leader of Men">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/gamedayFinal?page=gamedayFinal9 | title=Leader of Men | publisher=ESPN | author=Griffin, Tim | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Never-the-less, Tech found themselves trailing 35-31 with 4:24 left in the game and facing fourth down at the Texas 15-yard line.<ref name="Texas avoids">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/30/TopStories/Texas.Avoids.Lubbock.Letdown-2408524.shtml?norewrite200610301032&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Texas avoids Lubbock letdown - Longhorns come back from 21-point deficit to defeat Texas Tech | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> According to UT's Brian Robison, "We recognized from the [offensive lines] splits that it was going to be a quarterback sneak,"<ref name="Texas avoids">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/30/TopStories/Texas.Avoids.Lubbock.Letdown-2408524.shtml?norewrite200610301032&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Texas avoids Lubbock letdown - Longhorns come back from 21-point deficit to defeat Texas Tech | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Texas stopped Graham Harrell to take possession of the football. Texas in turn was facing a third down and five yards-to-go with one and a half minutes left in the game.<ref name="Colt 35">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2006/10/30/Sports/Colt-35-2407927.shtml?norewrite200610311133&sourcedomain=www.dailytoreador.com | title=Colt 35 - Longhorns erase 21-0 deficit to upend Raiders | publisher=The Daily Toreador | author=Cram, Travis | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> McCoy dropped back to pass but was under pressure from the defense. He first ran right and then revered direction to break into the open for a 34-yard gain before sliding down in the field of play.<ref name="Colt 35">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2006/10/30/Sports/Colt-35-2407927.shtml?norewrite200610311133&sourcedomain=www.dailytoreador.com | title=Colt 35 - Longhorns erase 21-0 deficit to upend Raiders | publisher=The Daily Toreador | author=Cram, Travis | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The clock started once the officials set the ball ready for play, and McCoy took a knee for the final snap to allow the clock to run out. Playing with a busted lip since early in the game, Colt McCoy ended up with 256 passing yards and four touchdowns.<ref name="Leader of Men">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/gamedayFinal?page=gamedayFinal9 | title=Leader of Men | publisher=ESPN | author=Griffin, Tim | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> <ref name="Texas-sized comeback">{{cite news | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/10/29/texas.texastech.ap/index.html | title=Texas-sized comeback - McCoy rallies Longhorns from 21 down vs. Texas Tech | publisher=Sports Illustrated | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref><ref name="Mike Finger name">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA102906.14C.COL.FBCfinger.horns.366c3a5.html | title=McCoy making name of his own | publisher=San Antonio Express News | author=Finger, Mike | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> He also contributed career-best 68 rushing yards, including the 33 yard scramble that helped seal the victory.<ref name="Mike Finger name">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA102906.14C.COL.FBCfinger.horns.366c3a5.html | title=McCoy making name of his own | publisher=San Antonio Express News | author=Finger, Mike | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref><ref name="he's got legs">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA102906.EN.FBChorns.notebook.85011c63.html | title=Texas-Texas Tech notebook: UT's McCoy has legs & and he knows how to use them | publisher=San Antonio Express News | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The win may have had added significance for McCoy since he grew up only two hours from Lubbock, attended Tuscola Jim Ned high school, and is dating a Texas Tech student who serves as a recruiter for the Red Raiders football team.<ref name="Leader of Men">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/gamedayFinal?page=gamedayFinal9 | title=Leader of Men | publisher=ESPN | author=Griffin, Tim | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref><ref name="earns shuns">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/30/Sports/Mccoy.Earns.Shuns.Attention.After.Dramatic.Wins-2408470.shtml?norewrite200610311455&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=McCoy earns, shuns attention after dramatic wins | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[30 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Although McCoy has now completed 24 touchdowns (2 shy of the UT single season record) he is known for shunning the limelight, preferring to give credit to his coaches and team mates.<ref name="earns shuns">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/10/30/Sports/Mccoy.Earns.Shuns.Attention.After.Dramatic.Wins-2408470.shtml?norewrite200610311455&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=McCoy earns, shuns attention after dramatic wins | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[30 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Former Texas wide receiver [[Roy Williams (wide receiver)|Roy Williams]], who attended the game on the sidelines, said of McCoy "And you know what the scary thing is? He's not even good yet."<ref name="Mike Finger name">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA102906.14C.COL.FBCfinger.horns.366c3a5.html | title=McCoy making name of his own | publisher=San Antonio Express News | author=Finger, Mike | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> For Texas, coming back to win the game from a 21-0 deficit was the second biggest comeback win in school history and the biggest comeback ever in a road game.<ref name="21 point difference">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytoreador.com/news/2006/10/30/ | title=Texas' second-half defense makes up 21-point difference | publisher=The Daily Toreador | author=Langley, Jeff | date=[[30 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-30}}</ref><ref name="Leader of Men">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/gamedayFinal?page=gamedayFinal9 | title=Leader of Men | publisher=ESPN | author=Griffin, Tim | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The Longhorns over came four turn-overs they committed during the win.<ref name="Texas-sized comeback">{{cite news | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/10/29/texas.texastech.ap/index.html | title=Texas-sized comeback - McCoy rallies Longhorns from 21 down vs. Texas Tech | publisher=Sports Illustrated | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> For Texas Tech, the loss was only the third loss under Coach Leach when the Raiders held a lead at half-time.<ref name="Longhorns rally at Tech">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA102906.01C.FBChorns.tech.gamer.366c209.html | title=Football: Longhorns rally for victory in Lubbock against upset-minded Texas Tech | publisher=San Antonio Express News | author=McDonald, Jeff | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The 519 yards passing by Graham Harrell was a career-best.<ref name="potent misfires">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA102906.14C.FBCtech.offense.366c405.html | title=Football: Potent Texas Tech offense misfires when needed most | publisher=San Antonio Express News | author=Griffin, Tim | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Wide receiver arrett Hicks had nine catches and the most receiving yards in the game at 156, but he left the game with an apparent head injury early in the second half.<ref name="potent misfires">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA102906.14C.FBCtech.offense.366c405.html | title=Football: Potent Texas Tech offense misfires when needed most | publisher=San Antonio Express News | author=Griffin, Tim | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> After the game, the ''[[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal]]'' interviewed fans and reported "Many agreed that it was the most exciting game of the year, citing the big crowd and enthusiasm in the stadium."<ref name="excitement">{{cite news | url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/103006/col_103006015.shtml | title=Excitement grips crowd at Tech-Texas game | publisher=[[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal]] | author=Briscoe, Robin | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-30}}</ref> After one pass interference penalty against the Red Raider, Tech defensive back Darcel McBath threw his mouthpiece towards the officials.<ref name="he's got legs">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA102906.EN.FBChorns.notebook.85011c63.html | title=Texas-Texas Tech notebook: UT's McCoy has legs & and he knows how to use them | publisher=San Antonio Express News | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> After the game, Texas Tech coach [[Mike Leach]] implied that there may have been mistakes made by the officiating crew.<ref name="thinly veiled">{{cite news | url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/103006/col_103006015.shtml | title=Leach might ask Big 12 to explain questionable calls | publisher=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | author=Williams, Don | date=[[30 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> He said, "There were some things that happened in the course of the game, in particular the second half, that were outside of our control that I'm not able to comment on that were very detrimental to our effort."<ref name="Colt 35">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2006/10/30/Sports/Colt-35-2407927.shtml?norewrite200610311133&sourcedomain=www.dailytoreador.com | title=Colt 35 - Longhorns erase 21-0 deficit to upend Raiders | publisher=The Daily Toreador | author=Cram, Travis | date=[[23 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> Leach sent Big Twelve Conference officials a video tape showing 18 calls, no calls, or other rulings that were disputed by Texas Tech.<ref name="controversial calls">{{cite news | url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/103106/col_103106012.shtml | title=Tech sends tape of controversial calls to Big 12 Conference office | publisher=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | author=Williams, Don | date=[[31 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The disputed play-calls include plays accounting for more than half of the penalty yardage assessed against Tech as well the spot of the ball following a 14-yard fourth down pass on Tech's penultimate drive of the game.<ref name="controversial calls">{{cite news | url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/103106/col_103106012.shtml | title=Tech sends tape of controversial calls to Big 12 Conference office | publisher=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | author=Williams, Don | date=[[31 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The officials said that play came up less than a yard short of the first down marker, giving Texas the ball.<ref name="controversial calls">{{cite news | url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/103106/col_103106012.shtml | title=Tech sends tape of controversial calls to Big 12 Conference office | publisher=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | author=Williams, Don | date=[[31 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> {{-}} ===Oklahoma State=== {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road=Oklahoma State |R1=0 |R2=3 |R3=7 |R4=0 |RT=10 |Home='''Texas''' |H1=3 |H2=17 |H3=10 |H4=6 |HT=36 }} With the win over Texas Tech combined with the [[2006 USC Trojans football team|USC Trojans]] losing to the [[Oregon State Beavers football|Oregon State Beavers]]<ref name="thwarts">{{cite news | url=http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/6115120 | title=Oregon State thwarts USC comeback | publisher=Fox Sports | author=Petterson, Anne M | date=[[28 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-29}}</ref>, Texas moved up one spot to #4 in the Associated Press and Coach's polls.<ref name="AP-10-29">{{cite web | url=http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/poll?poll=AP | title=AP Poll | publisher=Fox Sports | accessdate=2006-10-29}}</ref> According to [[Fox Sports]] columnist Eric Moneypenny, "...we're gonna be left with Ohio State or Michigan against Texas. Maybe West Virginia can stay the course and somehow stay above Texas in the standings, but it seems doubtful should Texas run the table and win the Big 12."<ref name="USC loss">{{cite news | title=USC's loss throws title into tizzy | url=http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/6115082 | publisher=Fox Sports | author=Moneypenny, Eric | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-29}}</ref> Texas got no boost in the BCS rankings however, as they passed USC but were passed by idle [[Louisville Cardinals|Louisville]] to remain at number seven in the BCS.<ref name="BCS Oct 29">{{cite news | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/10/29/bcs.standings.ap/index.html | title=Third Watch - West Virginia moves to No. 3 in latest BCS standings | publisher=Sports Illustrated | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> In each of the preceding four games, Texas trailed their opponent for at least part of the game and managed to come back to win. This includes fourth quarter come-backs against Nebraska and Texas Tech. The win over Texas Tech was the biggest road come-back in UT's history, and the second biggest come-back ever.<ref name="Leader of Men">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/gamedayFinal?page=gamedayFinal9 | title=Leader of Men | publisher=ESPN | author=Griffin, Tim | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The biggest was against the [[Oklahoma State University|Oklahoma State Cowboys]] in 2004 in Austin.<ref name="Leader of Men">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/gamedayFinal?page=gamedayFinal9 | title=Leader of Men | publisher=ESPN | author=Griffin, Tim | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> The week prior to the 2006 game against Texas the Cowboys had scored 28 unanswered points in a come-from-behind upset of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.<ref name="things we learned">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/gamedayFinal?page=gamedayFinal9 | title=Five Things We Learned This Weekend - 5. That reports of Nebraska’s return to prominence were also premature | publisher=ESPN | author=Mandell, Stewart | date=[[29 October]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-10-31}}</ref> {{-}} ===Kansas State=== [[Image:KSU on offense at Texas 2007 cropped.jpg|right|thumb|Josh Freeman uses all of his 6'6 frame to pass over the Texas line.]] {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road=Texas |R1=7 |R2=7 |R3=14 |R4=14 |RT=42 |Home='''Kansas State''' |H1=7 |H2=14 |H3=21 |H4=3 |HT=45 }} The day of the game, the betting line in Las Vegas casinos favored then #4&nbsp;ranked Texas by 16 points against an unranked 6-4 Kansas State team.<ref name="vegas-KState">{{cite web | url=http://www.vegas.com/gaming/sportsline_ncaaf.html | title=Sports Line - NCAA Football | work=Vegas.com | accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref> Kansas State won the coin toss and elected to kick.<ref name="KState pbp">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm#GAME.PLY | title=Texas vs Kansas State (Nov 11, 2006) - Play-by-Play Summary | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[11 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> The kick was a touchback and Texas made 4 first downs in a 10 play drive from the Texas 20 to the Kansas State 1, where Texas had their fifth first-down of the game.<ref name="KState pbp">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm#GAME.PLY | title=Texas vs Kansas State (Nov 11, 2006) - Play-by-Play Summary | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[11 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> Two rushing plays by tailback Selvin Young were unsuccessful, as was a third down carry by red-shirt freshman quarterback Colt McCoy.<ref name="KState pbp">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm#GAME.PLY | title=Texas vs Kansas State (Nov 11, 2006) - Play-by-Play Summary | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[11 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> On fourth down from the Kansas State 1 yard-line, Texas again opted to keep the ball in the hands of McCoy. He made the touchdown<ref name="KState pbp">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm#GAME.PLY | title=Texas vs Kansas State (Nov 11, 2006) - Play-by-Play Summary | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[11 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> on a run up the middle, but was buried in a pile of defenders.<ref name="X-rays">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2658325 | title=X-rays negative on Texas QB McCoy; status uncertain | publisher=ESPN | date=[[14 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> McCoy came off the field holding his right shoulder<ref name="X-rays">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2658325 | title=X-rays negative on Texas QB McCoy; status uncertain | publisher=ESPN | date=[[14 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> and then was seen wincing in pain as trainers attended to him on the sideline.<ref name="By comes">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/11/14/Sports/Bye-Comes.At.The.Right.Time-2457632.shtml?norewrite200611152229&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Bye comes at the right time - Big 12 title still up for grabs despite Texas' loss to Kansas State; McCoy says he's 'fine' | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Wilkerson, William | date=[[14 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> He was taken into the locker room for further evaluation and returned to the sideline in the first half, where he threw some warm-up passes. However, McCoy never re-entered the game and freshman quarterback [[Jevan Snead]] played the rest of the game in McCoy's place.<ref name="Texas loses QB McCoy, then national title hopes at K-State">{{cite web | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263152306 | title=Texas loses QB McCoy, then national title hopes at K-State | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[12 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-17}}</ref> Kansas State tied the game in the first quarter off of a 36 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Freeman to wide receiver [[Yamon Figurs]].<ref name="KState pbp">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm#GAME.PLY | title=Texas vs Kansas State (Nov 11, 2006) - Play-by-Play Summary | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[11 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> Jamaal Charles would regain the lead again for the Longhorns early in the second quarter with a one yard touchdown run, however Kansas State quickly regained the lead in the second, with a surprising 21-14 lead at half-time off of a 32 yard touchdown pass from Josh Freeman to running back James Johnson and an 8 yard touchdown run from running back Leon Patton.<ref name="KState pbp">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm#GAME.PLY | title=Texas vs Kansas State (Nov 11, 2006) - Play-by-Play Summary | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[11 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> Texas managed to briefly tie the game 21-21 three minutes into the third quarter off of a 5 yard touchdown run from Selvin Young, one play after Michael Griffin blocked Kansas State punter Tim Reyer's punt and Tyrell Gatewood recovered. But on the Longhorns' next drive, Charles fumbled at Kansas State's 20, this would lead to the beginning of Kansas State's 21 straight points in a span of 3:06 to take a 42-21 lead. Kansas State's Ian Campbell recovered the fumble, and it led to Leon Patton's 18-yard halfback pass to wide receiver Cedric Wilson for a 28-21 lead. After Selvin Young fumbled on the second play of the Longhorns' next possession, and Campbell recovered again. Josh Freeman's 30-yard pass to Yamon Figurs then put the Wildcats up 35-21. With the following possession by Texas, quarterback Jevan Snead threw three straight incompletions, leading to the Texas punt team coming onto the field, however Kansas State's John McCardle blocked Texas punters Greg Johnson's punt and Daniel Gonzalez recovered at the Kansas State 23. That led to Josh Freeman's 1-yard TD run to make it 42-21 lead.<ref name="KState pbp">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm#GAME.PLY | title=Texas vs Kansas State (Nov 11, 2006) - Play-by-Play Summary | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[11 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> Texas mounted a partial comeback near the end of the 3rd quarter with a 75 scoring drive that ended with an 18 yard run by Jamaal Charles and a touchdown pass to Limas Sweed early in the 4th quarter to giving the Longhorns a chance, however Kansas State had other ideas as Kansas State kicker Jeff Snodgrass connected on a clutch 51-yard field goal with 3:19 left to give the Wildcats some breathing room. Texas' Chris Ogbonnaya's 1-yard touchdown run with 1:36 left in the 4th quarter cut the Kansas State lead to 45-42, putting the Longhorns within a field goal's reach.<ref name="KState pbp">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm#GAME.PLY | title=Texas vs Kansas State (Nov 11, 2006) - Play-by-Play Summary | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[11 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> With one minute forty-three seconds remaining in the game and Texas trailing 45-42, Texas attempted an onside kick.<ref name="KState pbp">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm#GAME.PLY | title=Texas vs Kansas State (Nov 11, 2006) - Play-by-Play Summary | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[11 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> The kick was recovered by Kansas State wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who then caught a 6-yard pass for a first down allowing Kansas State to run out the clock to win the game.<ref name="KState pbp">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut11.htm#GAME.PLY | title=Texas vs Kansas State (Nov 11, 2006) - Play-by-Play Summary | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[11 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> Following the game, Texas revealed that X-Rays, taken during the game, of McCoy's shoulder were negative.<ref name="X-rays">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2658325 | title=X-rays negative on Texas QB McCoy; status uncertain | publisher=ESPN | date=[[14 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> His injury was described as a pinched nerve<ref name="Snooze stinger">{{cite news | url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/topstories/stories/111306dnspoutmccoy.32f69f6.html | title=UT QB McCoy has time to heal - Week off before A&M game will help UT freshman recover | publisher=Dallas Morning News | date=[[13 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> or [[stinger (medicine)|stinger]].<ref name="X-rays">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2658325 | title=X-rays negative on Texas QB McCoy; status uncertain | publisher=ESPN | date=[[14 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> UT trainer Kenny Boyd explained why McCoy did not re-enter the game: “After the injury, Colt experienced shoulder weakness and neck pain,” Boyd said. “When evaluating injuries, we look for return of normal strength and a reduction of pain before putting a player back into the game. Colt wasn’t released to play because his symptoms, including strength, did not improve.”<ref name="Kenny Boyd">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2006/11/12/mccoy_said_hes_fine.html | title=McCoy says he's fine | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[12 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> His mother, Debra McCoy, confirmed the nature of the injury and said that the extra time off prior to the game against Texas A&M should give Colt a chance to recover.<ref name="recover">{{cite news | url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/big12/stories/MYSA111306.1D.mccoy.304bf69.html | title=Football: McCoy's stinger gets time to heal | publisher=San Antonio Express-News | author=McDonald, Jeff | date=[[12 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> Colt McCoy said in a statement, "I'm really disappointed I wasn't able to be in there helping my teammates, but I'm going to be fine. The off week couldn't come at a better time. I'll do everything it takes to get back."<ref "McCoy hopes">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/fbc/4329811.html | title=McCoy hopes to face Texas A&M - Texas QB gets extra week to heal from pinched nerve | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Duarte, Joseph | date=[[13 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> This defeat snapped the Longhorns 17 win streak on the road as well as the national best 21-game conference winning steak.<ref name="Texas loses QB McCoy, then national title hopes at K-State">{{cite web | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263152306 | title=Texas loses QB McCoy, then national title hopes at K-State | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[12 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-17}}</ref> Texas dropped in the [[AP Poll]] from #4 to #11 and from #5 to #13 in the [[Bowl Championship Series|BCS rankings]]<ref name="polls">{{cite web | url=http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/polls | title=Polls | accessdate=2006-11-17}}</ref> Since the inception of the BCS in 1998 no team has entered the championship game with more than one loss,<ref name="BCS timeline">{{cite web | url=http://www.bcsfootball.org/bcsfb/timeline | title=BCS Timeline | publisher=Fpx Sports | accessdate=2006-11-18}}</ref> so Texas' chances of repeating as national champion were considered eliminated after taking this second loss on the season.<ref name="Texas loses QB McCoy, then national title hopes at K-State">{{cite web | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?confId=&gameId=263152306 | title=Texas loses QB McCoy, then national title hopes at K-State | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[12 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-17}}</ref><ref name="KState shocks">{{cite news | url=http://www.kstatecollegian.com/media/storage/paper1022/news/2006/11/13/Sports/KState.Shocks.No.4.Texas-2455832.shtml?norewrite200611152252&sourcedomain=www.kstatecollegian.com | title=K-State shocks No. 4 Texas, knocks Longhorns out of championship contention | publisher=Kansas State Collegian | author=Garten, Jonathan | date=[[13 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-18}}</ref> The game has the distinction of being the most points ever scored by a UT team in a losing effort.<ref name="all time results">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=36&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=1349&change_well_id=2 | title=All-Time Results | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[15 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> ===Texas A&M=== {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road='''Texas A&M''' |R1=6 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=6 |RT=12 |Home=Texas |H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=0 |HT=7 }} This game marked the 113th meeting between Texas and the [[Texas A&M Aggies|Texas Aggies]] in college football and the game is part of a multi-sport rivalry call the [[Lone Star Showdown]]. It is the Longhorns' longest-running rivaly and Texas lead the series 73-34-5<ref name="aggie game week">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=47&url_article_id=2300&change_well_id=2 | title=Longhorns gameweek: Texas A&M | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref>, including the last six in a row.<ref name="six in a row">{{cite news | url=http://www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2006/11/22/Sports/Chadvantage-2506576.shtml?norewrite200611220920&sourcedomain=www.thebatt.com | title=Can the Aggies snap their six-game losing streak against Texas? | author=Pederson, Eric and Ransom, Eric | publisher=The Battalion | date=[[22 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> During the week before the game, the Longhorns conducted their traditional [[Hex Rally]]<ref name="Hex1">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/11/21/TopStories/Dont-Mess.With.Hexes-2505505.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=Don't mess with hexes | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=West, Michelle | date=[[21 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> while the Aggies had an off-campus version of their traditional [[Aggie Bonfire|Bonfire]].<ref name="Bonfire1">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/11/21/University/Am.Bonfire.Changes.Location-2505426.shtml?norewrite200611211713&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=Bonfire Changes Location | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=[[21 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.studentbonfire.com/pages/about.html | title=About student bonfire | publisher=Student Bonfire | accessdate=2007-03-31}}</ref><ref name="Bonfire2">{{cite news | url=http://www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2006/11/22/News/Btho-T.u-2506607.shtml?norewrite200611230829&sourcedomain=www.thebatt.com | title=BTHO t.u! | author=Selvidge, Spencer | publisher=the Battalion | date=[[22 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> and also staged a parade just prior to the game.<ref name="aggie parade">{{cite news | url=http://dmc-news.tamu.edu/templates/?a=3749&z=15 | title=A&M News | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> The Longhorns announced that starting quarterback Colt McCoy, who was injured in the game against Kansas State, was cleared to play the game against the Aggies.<ref name="McCoy cleared">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/11/21/Sports/Mccoy.Set.To.Play.Against.Aggies-2505461-page2.shtml?norewrite200611211716&sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com | title=McCoy set to play against Aggies | author=Killian, Ryan | publisher=The Daily Texan | date=[[21 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> [[Image:Stephen McGee.jpg|left|thumb|Texas tackles Stephen McGee.]] Since the series began in 1894<ref name="all time results">{{cite web | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=36&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=1349&change_well_id=2 | title=All-Time Results | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[15 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-15}}</ref> it has traditionally played on [[Thanksgiving Day]] or Thanksgiving weekend.<ref name="atm game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_atm_notes.pdf | title=Game Notes - Texas A&M | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> The 2006 game marked the thirteenth straight game to be scheduled the day after Thanksgiving.<ref name="atm game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_atm_notes.pdf | title=Game Notes - Texas A&M | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> On Thanksgiving Day (one day prior to the game), the sports line in Vegas casinos had Texas favored by 13 to 13 1/2 points<ref name="aggie vegas">{{cite web | url=http://www.vegas.com/gaming/sportsline_ncaaf.html | title=Sports Line NCAA football | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> while the weather forecast called for mostly sunny skies, a high near 81 degrees Fahrenheit, and winds up to 15 miles per hour from the South.<ref name="aggie weather">{{cite web | url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/home/weather/ | title=Austin Weather | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> The 2006 meeting was the first time in eight years that both teams entered the game with at least eight wins coming into the match-up.<ref name="eight games">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/20/20texfoot.html | title=Aggies and Longhorns need Friday's game to rid themselves of November melancholy | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=[[20 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> Going back to 1999 when UT lost the final three games of the season, the Longhorns had gone 87 games without losing back-to-back games.<ref name="atm game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_atm_notes.pdf | title=Game Notes - Texas A&M | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> That was the longest active streak for any college or professional football team.<ref name="atm game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_atm_notes.pdf | title=Game Notes - Texas A&M | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> During 2006, the Texas A&M [[defensive coordinator]] was [[Gary Darnell]] who had been fired as defensive coordinator at the University of Texas under [[John Mackovic]].<ref name="Darnell">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25aggies2.html | title=For Darnell and Aggies defense, redepmtion is sweet | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> For the third time during the season, the pre-game activities consisted of a military [[Flypast|flyby]].<ref name="atm game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_atm_notes.pdf | title=Game Notes - Texas A&M | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> Unlike the first two, which featured jets, this one was performed by [[AH-1 Cobra]] helicopters from the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron HMLA-773 from [[Atlanta]].<ref name="atm game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/2006_atm_notes.pdf | title=Game Notes - Texas A&M | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-23}}</ref> Texas A&M won the coin toss and deferred, Texas elected to receive, and Texas A&M chose to defend the south end-zone.<ref name="Texas a&m game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=&url_article_id=2643&change_well_id=2 | title=Texas A&M Game notes | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Kick-off was delayed while ABC side-line reporter [[Stacey Dales]] did her pre-game report from the north end-zone.<ref name="aggie game notebook">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texnotes.html | title=Longhorns notebook - Holiday Bowl loves Aggies | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Soccer star [[Mia Hamm]] was spotted in the audience rooting for Texas.<ref name="aggie game notebook">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texnotes.html | title=Longhorns notebook - Holiday Bowl loves Aggies | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Texas's first drive of the game ended when Henry Melton was stopped on a fourth-and-one run at the Aggie eight-yard line.<ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> The Aggies drove the ball the length of the field to score a touchdown, but missed on the extra point to leave the game at 6-0.<ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> [[Image:A&Mvstu2006 108.jpg|right|thumb|A pass interference call against Limas Sweed negated a touchdown play late in 2nd quarter. The call was controversial (see text).]] With about four minutes to play in the first half, McCoy connected with Limas Sweed for an apparent five-yard touchdown pass.<ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref><ref name="Excuses are no good">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25golden.html | title=Excuses are no good - If Longhorns had scored more points, bad call in A&M loss wouldn't matter | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Golden, Cedric | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> However, Sweed was flagged for a "questionable" pass interference call.<ref name="questionable call preserves">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2006/11/24/questionable_call_preserves_early_shutout_for_aggies.html | title=Questionable call preserves early shutout for Aggies | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Bridges, Jeff | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> According to the Austin American-Statesman the referee blew the call<ref name="Longhorns football Texas A&M">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texbanner.html | title=Longhorns football - Texas A&M 12, Texas 7 | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> as replays showed that both players were involved in some "hand checking while the ball was in the air, but neither player appeared to push or be guilty of interference".<ref name="questionable call preserves">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2006/11/24/questionable_call_preserves_early_shutout_for_aggies.html | title=Questionable call preserves early shutout for Aggies | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Bridges, Jeff | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> All three broadcasters working the game for ABC also spoke out against the penalty call.<ref name="Questionable call preserves"/><ref name="aggie ABC">{{cite news | title=ABC College Football - Texas A&M at Texas | publisher=ABC | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]]}}</ref> In an ABC half-time interview, Mack Brown said “I thought it was a bad call,” but added “There’s nothing we can do about that. We should’ve done a better job on third down.”<ref name="questionable call preserves">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2006/11/24/questionable_call_preserves_early_shutout_for_aggies.html | title=Questionable call preserves early shutout for Aggies | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Bridges, Jeff | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref><ref name="aggie ABC">{{cite news | title=ABC College Football - Texas A&M at Texas | publisher=ABC | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]]}}</ref> [[Image:Lone Star Showdown 2006 McGee on goal-line.jpg|left|thumb|Texas A&M takes over at their goal line after a Colt McCoy interception in the first half]] Immediately after the penalty, Colt McCoy threw an interception near the Texas A&M goal line and the Aggies were able to run out the clock to take the 6-0 lead into half-time.<ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> The zero score marked the first time the Longhorns had been held scoreless in the first half of play since the 2004 season.<ref name="Questionable call preserves">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2006/11/24/questionable_call_preserves_early_shutout_for_aggies.html | title=Questionable call preserves early shutout for Aggies | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Bridges, John | date=[[November 24]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref> The only score in the third quarter was a rushing touchdown by Jamaal Charles, his seventh of the season.<ref name="Texas a&m game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=&url_article_id=2643&change_well_id=2 | title=Texas A&M Game notes | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref><ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> In the fourth quarter, Texas A&M made a long-drive that took up nearly nine minutes.<ref name="defense says goodbye">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texside1.html | title=Longhorn run defense says goodbye to top ranking - Aggies gain 163 on two drives alone | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Rosner, Mark | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Texas A&M quarterback [[Stephen McGee]] had taken so many hard hits that he was throwing up during the game, but he managed to make an 8-yard touchdown run with 2:32 left to play.<ref name="snaps six streak">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263280251 | title=Texas A&M runs down Texas to snap 6-game series skid | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> A&M was unable to convert their two-point attempt after the touchdown.<ref name="snaps six streak">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263280251 | title=Texas A&M runs down Texas to snap 6-game series skid | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> With 1:21 seconds left in the game and Texas trailing 12-7, McCoy threw his third interception of the game.<ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Following the change of possession and sometime near the whistle signalling the end of the play on the field, Aggie Kellen Heard knocked McCoy to the ground as McCoy walked along the field unbuckling his chin strap. Heard was ejected from the game as a result of the "cheap-shot late hit"<ref name="Longhorns football Texas A&M">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texbanner.html | title=Longhorns football - Texas A&M 12, Texas 7 | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref><ref name="turn out lights">{{cite news | url=http://blogs.chron.com/sportsjustice/archives/2006/11/acres_of_empty.html | title=Turn out the lights, Longhorn fans, the party's over | publisher=Houston Chronicle | author=Justice, Richard | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref><ref name="two leave">{{cite news | url=http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/nwsltr/sports/ut/stories/120106dnspoutnewsletter.2b09ace.html | title=Two leave before UT knows where it's going | publisher=Dallas Morning News | date=[[December 7]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref> and the Aggies were penalized fifteen yards.<ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> McCoy was later quoted as saying that the tackle had not been a cheap shot. <ref name="McCoy says no cheap shots">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/search/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/15/1115texfoot.html | author=Suzanne Halliburton, | title=Colt McCoy eager to show Aggies his toughness | date=[[November 15]] [[2007]] | publisher=Austin American Statesman| accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref> Texas A&M's coach [[Dennis Franchione]] later apologized for what he called a "late hit" saying "We do not teach this type of play or condone it."<ref name="Franchione apology">{{cite news | url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/big12/2006-12-01-aggies-texas-apology_x.htm | title=Texas A&M's Franchione apologizes for late hit on McCoy | publisher=USA Today | date=[[December 1]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/9842281 | title=A&M's Franchione apologizes for late hit on McCoy | publisher=CBS | date=[[December 1]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Franchione sends Longhorns apology over Heard's late hit | url=http://www.aggiesports.com/stories/120206/football_20061202051.php | publisher=Bryan-College Station Eagle | author=Cessna, Robert | date=[[December 2]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/12/04/Sports/Snead.Transfer.Made.Official-2519442.shtml | title=Snead transfer made official | date=[[December 4]] [[2006]] | author=Wilkerson, William | publisher=The Daily Texan | accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref> Texas held the Aggies to three-and-out and used all three of their time-outs in order to preserve game time.<ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Texas got the ball back with 48 seconds left in the game.<ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> [[Image:Vlcsnap-44953-1.jpg|left|thumb|Tackle by Michael Bennett that resulted in Colt McCoy injury]][[Image:2006 Lone Star Showdown Colt McCoy injured.jpg|right|thumb|Colt MCoy injured]] With 20 seconds remaining in the game, Colt was injured by a "vicious, stadium hushing tackle"<ref name="what next">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texfront.html | title=Now what for Texas? - Aggies' dominance forces Horns to look for help from Sooners. | author=Robbins, Kevin | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> as Aggies defensive end Michael Bennett connected with his helmet under McCoy's jaw just after McCoy released a pass.<ref name="pinched nerve 2">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texside2.html | title=McCoy suffers severe pinched nerve in neck - Longhorns quarterback spends three hours at hospital for testing | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref><ref name=McCoy taken">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2006/11/24/mccoy_taken_to_hospital_for_observation.html | titel=McCoy taken to hospital for observation | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[November 24]] [[2006]] | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref> Replays showed both on television and in the stadium revealed the hit included "helmet-to-helmet"<ref name="Battalion01">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2006/11/27/Sports/Mccoy.Lacks.Mcgees.Toughness-2508048.shtml?sourcedomain=www.thebatt.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com | title=McCoy lacks McGee's toughness | publisher=The Battalion | date=[[27 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-27}}</ref><ref name="two leave"/> contact which, if intentional, is illegal in NCAA football.<ref name="NCAA rules">{{cite web | url=http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/2006/2006_football_rules.pdf | title=2006 Football - Rules and Interpretations | publisher=NCAA | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref> No flag was thrown on the play. When the replay was shown in the stadium, the Longhorn fans erupted in boos<ref name="snaps six streak">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263280251 | title=Texas A&M runs down Texas to snap 6-game series skid | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> before lapsing back into silence as McCoy lay on the ground for 10 minutes before being taken off the field on a cart.<ref name="gig is up">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texfoot.html | title=The gig is up - A&M shoots down Texas streaks with 12-7 win at Royal-Memorial | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref> Mack Brown said after the game "I didn't see it, but it sounded like 88,000 (fans) thought it was dirty."<ref name="pinched nerve 2">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texside2.html | title=McCoy suffers severe pinched nerve in neck - Longhorns quarterback spends three hours at hospital for testing | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref><ref name="snaps six streak">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263280251 | title=Texas A&M runs down Texas to snap 6-game series skid | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref><ref name=McCoy taken"/> Fellow Longhorn Selvin Young said he thought the hit was clean calling it a "textbook hit".<ref name="chin hit">{{cite news | url=http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/colleges/16096484.htm | title=QB's day unravels in the second half | publisher=Fort Worth Star-Telegram | author=Ransom, Eric | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref> McCoy was taken to [[Brackenridge Hospital]] where he spent more than three hours undergoing an evaluation that included an [[X-Ray]], [[MRI]], and a [[CAT scan]].<ref name="pinched nerve 2">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texside2.html | title=McCoy suffers severe pinched nerve in neck - Longhorns quarterback spends three hours at hospital for testing | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref><ref name="CFGD atm">{{cite news | title=SportsCenter | publisher=ESPN | date=[[26 November]] [[2006]]}}</ref><ref name="pinched nerve 3">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2674763 | title=Texas' McCoy suffers pinched nerve, return unknown | publisher=ESPN | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Longhorns trainer Kenny Boyd said the injury was a severe pinched nerve in McCoy's neck.<ref name="pinched nerve 2">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texside2.html | title=McCoy suffers severe pinched nerve in neck - Longhorns quarterback spends three hours at hospital for testing | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref><ref name="pinched nerve 3">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2674763 | title=Texas' McCoy suffers pinched nerve, return unknown | publisher=ESPN | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Boyd said that McCoy was expected to make a full recovery, but no timetable was set for McCoy to return to play.<ref name="pinched nerve 2">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texside2.html | title=McCoy suffers severe pinched nerve in neck - Longhorns quarterback spends three hours at hospital for testing | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref><ref name="pinched nerve 3">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2674763 | title=Texas' McCoy suffers pinched nerve, return unknown | publisher=ESPN | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Months later, the Big 12 announced that their officials failed to make the correct call and that a late hit penalty should have been called against A&M's Michael Bennett.<ref name="Bennett late hit">{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/fbc/4996477.html | coauthors=Joseph Duarte, Terrance Harris | title=BIG 12 NOTES: McCoy hit by A&M a missed call | date=[[July 24]] [[2007]] | publisher=Houston Chronicle | accessdate=2007-07-30}}</ref> Colt McCoy, in a November 2007 interview, stated that neither this nor the earlier Heard tackle had been cheap shots. <ref name="McCoy says no cheap shots">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/search/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/15/1115texfoot.html | author=Suzanne Halliburton, | title=Colt McCoy eager to show Aggies his toughness | date=[[November 15]] [[2007]] | publisher=Austin American Statesman| accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref> Following the injury to McCoy, back-up quarterback Jevan Snead threw an interception on his first play of the game.<ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> With the clock rolling on the change of possession, time expired without the Aggies needing to take a play.<ref name="aggie box score">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/000_stats/06/ut12.htm | title=Texas A&M vs Texas (Nov 24, 2006) | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> The Aggies amassed 244 rushing yards against the nation's top-ranked rushing defense.<ref name="snaps six streak">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263280251 | title=Texas A&M runs down Texas to snap 6-game series skid | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Texas, normally a potent running team, produced only four rushing first downs and did not have a single run longer than nine yards.<ref name="nowhere to run">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25bohls.html | title=Nowhere to run for Horns - But no need to hide, either. | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Bohls, Kirk | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Jamaal Charles, in a later interview, stated "We were looking weak. We thought they'd let up because we're Texas." <ref name="Because we're Texas">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/search/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/15/1115texfoot.html | author=Suzanne Halliburton, | title=Colt McCoy eager to show Aggies his toughness | date=[[November 15]] [[2007]] | publisher=Austin American Statesman| accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref> The 12-7 victory was the first time for the Aggies to win in Austin in 12 years<ref name="snaps six streak">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263280251 | title=Texas A&M runs down Texas to snap 6-game series skid | publisher=Associated Press | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref>. "They shattered all our dreams," declared Longhorn defensive end Brian Orakpo. <ref name="A&M shattered all of our dreams">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/search/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/15/1115texfoot.html | author=Suzanne Halliburton, | title=Colt McCoy eager to show Aggies his toughness | date=[[November 15]] [[2007]] | publisher=Austin American Statesman| accessdate=2007-11-18}}</ref> The game was the 40th consecutive home sell-out for the Longhorns and [[Justin Blalock]] became the first player in Texas history to start 50 consecutive game.<ref name="Texas a&m game notes">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=&url_article_id=2643&change_well_id=2 | title=Texas A&M Game notes | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> ===Alamo Bowl=== {{Linescore Amfootball| |Road='''Texas''' |R1=3 |R2=7 |R3=10 |R4=6 |RT=26 |Home=Iowa |H1=14 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=3 |HT=24 }} {{Main|2006 Alamo Bowl}} With their loss to Texas A&M, Texas looked North to the Oklahoma vs Oklahoma State [[Bedlam Series]] Rivalry. If the Oklahoma State Cowboys had defeated the Sooners, then Texas would still have played in the Big 12 Championship Game with a chance to play in the [[Fiesta Bowl]].<ref name="what next">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texfront.html | title=Now what for Texas? - Aggies' dominance forces Horns to look for help from Sooners. | author=Robbins, Kevin | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> That is because both the Longhorns and the Sooners would have had a 6-2 conference record, but the Longhorns would have won the tie-breaker by virtue of winning the head-to-head game against Oklahoma.<ref name="what next">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texfront.html | title=Now what for Texas? - Aggies' dominance forces Horns to look for help from Sooners. | author=Robbins, Kevin | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Oklahoma won the game, however, so the next game for Texas would be their bowl bid, with speculation originally centering around the [[Cotton Bowl (game)|Cotton Bowl]] or [[Gator Bowl]] on [[New Year's Day]].<ref name="what next">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texfront.html | title=Now what for Texas? - Aggies' dominance forces Horns to look for help from Sooners. | author=Robbins, Kevin | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[25 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> The [[Holiday Bowl]]<ref name="aggie game notebook">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/11/25/25texnotes.html | title=Longhorns notebook - Holiday Bowl loves Aggies | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[24 November]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> and the [[Alamo Bowl]]<ref name="Bowl projections">{{cite news | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/stewart_mandel/11/27/bowl.projections.1127/index.html | title=Bowl Projections - ACC, Big 12 title games will cause big domino effect | publisher=Sports Illustrated | author=Stewart Mandel | date=[[27 November]][[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-28}}</ref> were also mentioned as possibilities. Meanwhile, Longhorn defensive coordinator [[Gene Chizik]] accepted the head-coaching job at Iowa State University and did not participate in coaching the Longhorns in the Alamo Bowl.<ref name="Chizik1">{{cite news | url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2006/11/28/Sports/Longhorns.Lose.Defensive.Coordinator-2509551.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailytexanonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com| title=Longhorns loose defensive coordinator | publisher=The Daily Texan | author=Killian, Ryan | date=[[28 November]][[2006]] | accessdate=2006-11-28}}</ref> Also, on [[29 November]] [[2006]], the [[Austin American-Statesman]] cited un-named sources saying back-up quarterback [[Jevan Snead]] would transfer from Texas.<ref name="transfer">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2006/11/29/texas_backup_qb_jevan_snead_will_transfer_at_midterm.html | title=Texas backup QB Jevan Snead will transfer at mid-term | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | author=Halliburton, Suzanne | date=[[1 December]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-01}}</ref> On [[1 December]] [[2006]], the Longhorns issued a statement confirming that Snead, along with sophomore defensive end Chris Brown and sophomore offensive tackle Greg Dolan, had left the team and would transfer to unspecified schools.<ref name="transfer2">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2655&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title= Texas players elect to transfer | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[1 December]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-01}}</ref> On [[3 December]] [[2006]] Texas officially accepted a bid to play in the [[Alamo Bowl]] against the unranked University of Iowa Hawkeyes, who were 6-6 overall and finished in eighth place in the Big Ten conference with only two conference victories.<ref name="accept Alamo">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2656&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title= Texas accepts bid to 2006 Alamo Bowl | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[3 December]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-03}}</ref> The Alamo Bowl is played in the 65,000-seat [[Alamodome]] in [[San Antonio, Texas]] on [[30 December]] [[2006]].<ref name="accept Alamo">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2656&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title= Texas accepts bid to 2006 Alamo Bowl | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[3 December]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-03}}</ref> Offensive coordinator Greg Davis spoke about the prospects at quarterback, should Colt McCoy not be ready to play: <blockquote>Matt McCoy, a senior walk-on, is a young man that has been working for the last three or four years. We would certainly not take a redshirt off Sherrod Harris at this point; it would be unfair for him because he has sat this year with the idea that he'll start the spring as a redshirt freshman. And then Mack (Brown) and I will sit down and discuss the possibility of an emergency situation as we've done in the past; one year Tony Jeffrey worked as quarterback for us because he had played quarterback in high school. So we'll sit down and look at some different options as to which way we would go. It would certainly be somebody that we think can run the offense and have a limited package for those guys. I don't think we'll need an emergency quarterback, but we'll certainly have a third guy ready.<ref name="React Alamo">{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_article_id=2657&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 | title=Longhorns react to Alamo Bowl selection | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | date=[[3 December]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-11}}</ref></blockquote> On [[December 21]] [[2006]] Colt McCoy was cleared to play in the Alamo Bowl.<ref name="Colt cleared">{{cite news | url=http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ap-texas-mccoy&prov=ap&type=lgns | title=Colt McCoy cleared to play in Alamo Bowl | date=[[December 21]] [[2006]] | publisher=Associated Press | accessdate=2006-12-30}}</ref> McCoy did start and played the entire game for Texas. The game was a back-and-forth affair with the [[2006 Iowa Hawkeyes football team]] largely dominating most of the first half and Texas the second. Texas won the game 26-24.<ref name="Texas survives">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/longhorns/12/31/31texfoot.html |title=Texas survives the Alamo | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[December 30]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-30}}</ref> The attendance for the game was 65,875, which established a new record for the most people to gather in San Antonio to view a sporting event.<ref name="Texas survives"/><ref name="Alamo Crowd record">{{cite news | url=http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/entries/2006/12/30/alamo_bowl_crowd_sets_alamodome_record.html | title=Alamo Bowl crowd sets Alamodome record | publisher=Austin American-Statesman | date=[[December 30]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-30}}</ref> ==After the season== The Longhorns received a final-ranking of 13th in the nation by both the [[Associated Press]] [[AP Poll]] and the [[Coaches Poll|USA Today Coaches Poll]]<ref name="final rankings">{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex | title=2006 College Football Rankings - Week 17 | publisher=ESPN | accessdate=2007-01-10}}</ref> They were ranked 19th in the [[Bowl Championship Series]] (BCS) rankings, which were issued prior to the [[NCAA football bowl games, 2006-07|bowl season]].<ref name="rankings 12-03>{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex | title=2006 College Football Rankings - Week 15 | publisher=ESPN | date=[[3 December]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-12-04}}</ref> Seven members of this team were selected by [[NFL|professional football teams]] in the [[2007 NFL Draft]] - [[Michael Griffin]] (number 19 overall), [[Aaron Ross]] (number 20 overall), [[Justin Blalock]] (number 39 overall), [[Tim Crowder]] (number 56 overall), [[Brian Robison]] (number 102 overall), [[Tarell Brown]] (number 147 overall), [[Kasey Studdard]] (number 183 overall).<ref name="NFL Draft tracker">{{cite news |url=http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/school?id=2432&action=login&appRedirect=http%3A%2F%2Finsider.espn.go.com%2Fnfldraft%2Fdraft%2Ftracker%2Fschool%3Fid%3D2432 | title=NCAA Schools: TEXAS | publisher=ESPN | date=[[April 29]] [[2007]] | accessdate=2007-05-01}}</ref> [[Lyle Sendlein]] and [[Selvin Young]] were not drafted but signed with NFL teams as free agents.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=40&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=2797&change_well_id=2 | title=2007 NFL Draft | publisher=MackBrownTexasFootball | accessdate=2007-05-01}}</ref> {{LonghornsFootball}} ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{commons|University of Texas at Austin}} {{commons|College football}} {{commons|2006 Texas Longhorn football team}} {{wikiquote|Texas Longhorns football}} *[http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com Official website of UT football] *[http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/doc_lib/062306_rules_changes.pdf List of college football rule changes for 2006] {{Big 12 Conference}} [[Category:2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season|Texas]] [[Category:Texas Longhorns football]] [[Category:Big 12 Conference football]]