1996 Big 12 Football Championship

[Etex Horn]

Just finished watching it on the LHN. Everyone knows the story, Texas 37-27 over Nebraska. Texas was

a 10 point underdog. Had NU won (they were defending NC) they were poised to play for another NC

in their bowl game against, I think, FSU. I think Mackovic, sadly, will almost always be remembered for

Rout 66-3 against UCLA the next year. And after the 1997 season, he deserved to be gone. But, his

call in the 4th quarter, with Texas in its end of the field on offense...4th and inches...the famous "Roll Left"

play to the wide open tight end...for 62 yards to seal the game...has to rank among the gutsiest calls

ever by a UT Coach. Mackovic went for it, all the marbles...and prevailed. That loss for Tom Osborne

had to stick in his craw and burn for awhile. Denied NU a shot at another NC. And though it has been

a while...I'll bet his gut still burns over it and I'm damn glad the University of Texas caused that burn.

But that's just me...love the memories!

Hook 'em! 

 

[tejasrulz]

Great game, wish I would have been able to attend. Gutsy call on the Roll Left play, have to give it to John Mac on that one. On that play, notice that Derek Lewis wraps up the ball around the 20 yard line. The reason why is he stated he was looking up at the big screen and saw the NU DB catching up to him. Priest Holmes had the game of his life and James Brown became a Texas legend.

 

[streettopeschel]

We were an 18 point dog, not 10.

 

[Etex Horn]

We were an 18 point dog, not 10.

I just went by what the announcer (Brent Musberger) said at the end. I thought he said 10.

Still, Texas was a big underdog, by double digits. Helluva upset, NU was a damn good team

that year. They were good enough to win another NC...at least we wrecked their chance. 

 

[Matt Cotcher]

James Brown's freshman year was near the end of my first stint at UT. He's one of my favorite players.

That team had no fear of NU whatsoever. When JB said, "Maybe we'll beat them by 10." it was on.

 

[Etex Horn]

James Brown's freshman year was near the end of my first stint at UT. He's one of my favorite players.

That team had no fear of NU whatsoever. When JB said, "Maybe we'll beat them by 10." it was on.

And so Texas DID, by 10 in the Big 12 Championship game. James Brown was a great Texas

QB and backed up his words. 

 

[tejasrulz]

When JB said, "Maybe we'll beat them by 10."

I thought he said 21 but the brain cells that memory were stored on are gone.  B)

 

[longhorndon]

I agree, I think he said "maybe we'll beat them by 21" in response to questions about Nebraska being a 3-touchdown favorite.

 

[java]

I believe that I still have the recording of that game. Need to have it transferred to DVD.

I woke up with the flu during the night before the game. Couldn't go, but watched every play. It was amazing. I believe that our oline was coached by Mike Deal. He was a heck of a coach. We haven't had anyone like him since, until we got Wickline.

Hook 'em

 

[More Cowbell]

I always have said this is the best game I saw in person. The Cornhusker fans had us easily 10 to 1 but we were loud. They were absolutely stunned to say the least at the end. Took an up and back Texas Exes charter. Seems like there was a basketball game that night at the Drum and the team came on the court with the trophey but it could have been the night after. Got to hand it to Mackovic on the game plan and Roll Left.

 

[Bear19]

I thought Mac was an outstanding offensive coach. But unfortunately he could not spell defense and I have yet to meet anyone who actually liked him.

 

[Bear19]

PS

I haven't met his wife.