Texas Longhorns honored with Bowl Season Team Challenge award
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s been more than two months since Texas beat Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, and the Longhorns are still winning awards because of it.
The Bowl Season organization awarded Texas with the Coca-Cola Team Challenge title, honoring the team and its fans for their on-field success, community service and fan engagement.
On-field success
Behind Arch Manning’s huge performance with 376 total yards and four touchdowns, the Longhorns beat the Wolverines 41-27 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Dec. 31.
Texas was down more than 20 scholarship players for the game due to transfers and opt-outs, and Michigan had just three players opt out of the game.
Community service
Throughout the week leading up to the game, the Longhorns spent time in the Orlando area, putting smiles on the faces of local children. Team members went to the Fun Spot America amusement park with kids from the West Lakes neighborhood, riding attractions and playing games with them.
“By dedicating time and resources during bowl week, Texas reinforced its commitment to service and to using the bowl experience as a platform to positively impact local communities beyond the field,” Bowl Season officials said in a press release.
Fan engagement
Texas fans had the highest participation out of any fan base in Bowl Season’s pick ’em game, satisfying the final requirement for the award, officials said.
Bowl Season administers all 35 of the postseason college football bowl games that aren’t part of the College Football Playoff. The award is tentatively scheduled to be presented to the team on April 18, the final day of spring practices.
