BIG SHOOTOUTS, I & II

by Larry Carlson for https://texaslsn.org

It's been too long since Texas stamped a new date -- Dec. 2, 2023 -- into the collective Longhorn Nation scrapbook.  And UT fans hope it will soon be eclipsed by Jan. 8, 2024.

But right now, it's appropriate and timely to turn the yellowed pages to Dec. 6, 1969 and Dec. 5, 1970.  Those dates have been etched in this writer's memory since they happened and have been happily acknowledged annually.

One game, the first, was about determination and resiliency on a rough, messy day at the office, right when things mattered most.  The other was a textbook display of efficient, almost perfect football. Allow, please, a brief refresher course.  the 12-6-69 stamp commemorates the Big Shootout, top-ranked Texas at second-ranked Arkansas for the national title, with Pres. Nixon is there in the house.

Longhorn fans know their history the Street-to-Peschel pass, interceptions by Danny Lester and Tom Campbell in Fred Steinmark's last game.  But for a refresher on the epic Texas comeback for the ages, check this link:  https://www.texaslsn.org/larry-carlson-shootout

The rematch, 364 days later (12-5-70) in Austin did not reel off the same drama.  But if you're of burnt orange blood, that was a great relief.  Darrell Royal had thought his staff didn't prepare well for the '69 game, and six turnovers didn't exactly help.  This time, under sunny skies at home, Texas was ready.The lone edgy moment for the top-ranked Horns came early.  Arkansas, number four, trailed 14-7 and was driving.  The Hogs, with much of the same cast they had in '69, edged up to the lip of the cup.

But there was no such thing as a "gimme putt" against the rock-ribbed UT defense.  I can still remember the photo of Scott Henderson's big #61 jersey rising up to stymie the Hogs.  He had plenty of help from Ray Dowdy, David Richardson, Bill Atessis, et al.   The Horns stuffed Arkansas on downs.  Then they methodically dismantled and demoralized the Porkers.  A 99-yard drive will do that.  Now it was 21-7 and Texas never looked back.  Final score:  Texas 42  Arkansas 7.

The wishbone was masterfully executed by QB Eddie Phillips, behind Bobby Wuensch, Mike Dean, BobbyMitchell, Jerry Sisemore, Jim Achilles and Deryl Comer.  Jim Bertelsen, in his finest of many fine days at UT, glided for 189 yards and 3 TDs.  Steve Worster, mighty Woo, was playing in great pain but bulldozed for 126 yards and a pair of TDs in the final home game of his magnificent career.

It was THE best, most complete, most dominant game I have ever seen the Longhorns play against another top team.  That's why, all these years later, I haven't forgotten Dec. 5, 1970.