The gridiron duel between Kansas State and Texas turned out to be as evenly matched as anticipated. After a few years of instability at the head-coaching position, loyal Longhorn fans are slowly getting rewarded for their perseverance.
New coach Tom Herman has infused excitement into the struggling program, and despite an opening home loss to Maryland, there is a sense that more consistent victories are on the horizon.
A sweltering heat welcomed fans from all over the Lone Star State. The massive structure of Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium cast shadows along the streets below where fans gathered for pregame fan fests and paraphernalia shopping.
Hook ‘Em, the Longhorn mascot, joined band members, cheerleaders, and fans as the Texas team was welcomed in style into the stadium.
Burnt orange filled the 100,000 seat arena as Kansas State took an early 17-7 lead, thus hushing the home crowd.
The Longhorns would catch up on the scoreboard, and a missed field goal from short distance that would have tied the ballgame late was followed by a field goal connection that sent the game to overtime.
The teams traded touchdowns forcing a second overtime where KSU missed a field goal and Texas set up to win. All the eyes of Texas were upon the offense as the winning touchdown was barreled into the end zone by Chris Warren.
The ensuing celebration had fans throwing up the “Hook ‘Em Horns” hand signal and singing The Eyes of Texas in exuberant unison.
The rivalry with Oklahoma is next, and the chants of “OU sucks” filled the Austin air as the burnt orange masses poured onto the streets in anticipation for continued success ahead.
