Fought ‘Till the End: A Season to Be Proud Of
The Texas Longhorns’ 2000 football season may not have resulted in a national championship, but it is remembered as one of the most exciting, competitive, and emotional years in the program’s storied history. This season was defined by resilience, leadership, and moments of greatness that helped solidify the Longhorns as one of college football’s premier programs. While it wasn’t a championship year in the traditional sense, the 2000 season became a symbol of what it means to fight through adversity, to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest, and to build a foundation for future success.
Setting the Stage: Pre-Season Expectations
As the 2000 season began, the Texas Longhorns were positioned as one of the favorites in the Big 12 Conference, boasting a roster full of talent, experience, and potential. Head coach Mack Brown, who had taken over the program in 1998, was entering his third season at the helm. Brown’s leadership was already beginning to bear fruit as the Longhorns had shown signs of resurgence since his arrival. The previous season, Texas finished 9-3, which was seen as a step in the right direction, but 2000 was expected to be a breakout year.
The team featured an exciting array of talent, led by sophomore quarterback Chris Simms, who had already shown flashes of brilliance. Simms had the arm strength and accuracy that could make him one of the top quarterbacks in the country, but he was still relatively untested on the grand stage. Simms’ development would be crucial to the team’s success.
The Longhorns’ offense was stacked with playmakers. Running back Cedric Benson was a dynamic force, capable of pounding the ball between the tackles and breaking off long runs when given the opportunity. On the outside, wide receivers like Wane McGarity and Roy Williams offered dangerous threats, while the offensive line was built to give Simms plenty of time in the pocket.
On defense, Texas was solid but had some holes to fill. Led by linebacker Derrick Johnson, the defense was tough and physical, though it lacked the star power that had made the Longhorns’ defenses in the past so menacing. Still, defensive coordinator Greg Robinson had enough talent to mold a defense that could compete at a high level.
Early Struggles: A Rocky Start
The Longhorns began the season with high hopes but faced early challenges that would test their resolve. Texas opened the season with a tough road game against the Stanford Cardinal, which ended in a frustrating 27-24 loss. Although the Longhorns showed flashes of potential, turnovers and key mistakes undermined their efforts. The loss to Stanford would set the tone for the season—one of highs and lows, moments of brilliance followed by setbacks that would make every game feel like a battle.
The following week, Texas rebounded with a decisive win against North Texas, defeating the Mean Green 44-14. It was a much-needed confidence booster, but the Longhorns’ true test came when they faced the #14-ranked Colorado Buffaloes on September 23. Colorado was a tough opponent, and the game was a proving ground for the Longhorns. Texas played hard, but once again, mistakes and a lack of consistency led to a narrow 41-31 loss.
With a 1-2 record, the Longhorns were in danger of seeing their season spiral out of control. The preseason excitement was beginning to fade, and the pressure was mounting on Coach Mack Brown and his staff to find a way to turn things around.
The Turning Point: Shifting Momentum
After the losses to Stanford and Colorado, the Longhorns knew they couldn’t afford to drop any more games if they wanted to stay in the hunt for the Big 12 title and a possible bowl game. The following game against Rice on September 30 was a must-win. The team came out with a renewed focus, dominating the Owls 51-10.
From that point on, the Texas Longhorns began to hit their stride. They won their next five games, which included victories over Baylor, Oklahoma State, and a key 27-24 win over archrival Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry game. The win over Oklahoma was especially significant as the Longhorns overcame a double-digit deficit and showed their resilience. This victory not only marked a turning point in the season but also provided the team with much-needed momentum heading into the latter half of the year.
Against Oklahoma, the defense played a huge role in keeping the game close despite offensive struggles. Texas’ defense had not yet developed the consistency needed to dominate opponents, but it was capable of stepping up when needed. In the second half, Simms threw for two touchdown passes, including a game-winning touchdown to Roy Williams. This was a defining moment for the sophomore quarterback, showing that he had the poise and ability to perform under pressure.
The Rise of Cedric Benson
As the season progressed, one player emerged as the true star of the team: Cedric Benson. The freshman running back was a revelation, becoming one of the most dynamic backs in college football. Benson was a workhorse, averaging more than 150 yards per game and becoming the heart and soul of the Texas offense.
Benson’s ability to carry the load on the ground opened up opportunities for Chris Simms and the passing game. His performances, including several 200-yard games, were critical in helping Texas stay in contention for the Big 12 South title. His explosive runs and ability to break tackles made him one of the toughest backs to stop in the conference.
By the end of the season, Benson had accumulated 1,300 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him freshman All-America honors. His emergence was one of the most encouraging signs for the future of the program, and many fans began to envision the Longhorns as a team on the verge of greatness.
The Big 12 Championship Game: Heartbreak in Houston
Despite the team’s strong mid-season run, the Longhorns’ fate was still uncertain. They entered the final game of the regular season needing a win against Texas A&M to secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Aggies were a tough team, and the rivalry between Texas and A&M only added to the intensity of the matchup. In a hard-fought battle, the Longhorns came up short, losing 19-17 in a heartbreaking fashion.
The loss to A&M dashed Texas’ hopes of a Big 12 Championship appearance, but it didn’t diminish the team’s pride. Despite the disappointment, the Longhorns were still able to secure a spot in the Cotton Bowl Classic, where they faced the University of Arkansas.
The Cotton Bowl: Redemption and Legacy
The 2000 Cotton Bowl would prove to be a defining moment for the Longhorns. Texas faced a formidable opponent in Arkansas, a team that had been playing exceptionally well. However, behind a strong defensive performance and Cedric Benson’s continued dominance, the Longhorns were able to secure a 38-7 victory. The win was a perfect way to end a tumultuous season on a high note.
Chris Simms played one of his best games of the season, completing 16 of 23 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns. Cedric Benson ran for 200 yards, continuing his late-season surge as one of the nation’s top running backs. The victory was a fitting reward for a team that had fought through so many obstacles to end the season on a high note.
A Foundation for the Future
Though Texas fell short of their ultimate goal of winning a conference championship or national title, the 2000 season served as an important turning point for the program. The team had shown resilience and fight, and players like Cedric Benson, Chris Simms, and Derrick Johnson provided a foundation for future success.
The Longhorns’ 2000 season helped to further cement Mack Brown’s legacy as a head coach who could turn a program around. By the end of the season, it was clear that Texas was on the cusp of greatness, and they would only continue to build on that momentum in the years to come.
A Season to Be Proud Of
The 2000 Texas Longhorns football season may not have resulted in a national title or a Big 12 championship, but it became a season that Longhorn fans could be proud of. It was a year of growth, of learning how to handle adversity, and of showing the kind of grit and determination that would define the program in the years to follow. It was a season of “fighting ‘til the end,” and that fight would lay the groundwork for Texas’ eventual return to prominence in college football.
Looking back on the 2000 season, it’s clear that the Longhorns were more than just a team with talent—they were a team with heart, and that heart would lead them to greater heights in the years to come.
