Forty Acres Insider: September 13 - University of Texas Athletics

Chris Del Conte head shot

Longhorn Nation,

I'm rarely speechless, but words cannot describe the pure thrill of victory, gloriously historic and epic 60-minutes of football we witnessed on a magnificently memorable night in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. We Rolled the Tide! It was a physically dominant performance from our Longhorns, a coaching gem for Coach Sark and our entire staff, and a victory for the ages. For those of you there — and there were MANY in your Burnt Orange Best — thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU. You made all the difference in enemy territory, and the vision of Bryant-Denny Stadium with y'all belting out Texas Fight and The Eyes of Texas is one I'll never forget. To the millions tuning in and bringing the passion and pride worldwide, we felt every ounce of that all the livelong day!

Thank you, Longhorn Nation! @CoachSark pic.twitter.com/lPhHBDGuB8
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 10, 2023

Longhorn Nation, y'all are so, so special, and this team is too! Together we slayed the dragon, Coach Sark claimed the most challenging of victories over his mentor, and as I strolled the field swelling with pride then joined the team for a wonderfully spirited locker room celebration and rendition of Texas Fight, all I could think is good golly, I'm so dang proud, honored and privileged to be a Longhorn!

Top 5 win on the road?

🗣️SING TEXAS FIGHT pic.twitter.com/IMpi5NOcYh
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 10, 2023

We came, we saw, we conquered … and the eyes of the nation were firmly on our Horns as ESPN reported 8.8 million tuned in, its most-viewed Saturday game in nearly a decade (since 2014). And well looky here, how about being picked as the absolute best! As the commercial goes, it's been a grind, I think Coach Sark has aged them well, and now we're feelin' cheeziest as the Football Writers Association of America Cheez-It National Team of the Week. Grab a bag and toast our Horns that made their way to No. 4 in this week's AP Poll, our highest ranking in that poll since we played for the Natty in 2009. Of course we know to the victor goes the spoils, as there were national and Big 12 players of the week acknowledgements galore for all of the countless sensational individual performances, and there was nothing more heartwarming than that scene at the Tower when our victorious Longhorns triumphantly returned. Gathering with their fellow students at Littlefield Fountain with the Tower a glowing its symbolic Burnt Orange, they cheered in unison in celebration of the spectacular and memorable victory. It was definitely a site to behold! I must say, We Are Texas!!

We can't wait to be back with y'all on Saturday in DKR-TMS 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/cBVp7saK0r
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) September 10, 2023

How 'bout them Horns! But, we know we've got a long season ahead and there's a lot of ball to be played as we continue the focus on bringing home one more win each and every week. I'll echo Coach Sark's sentiments from Monday's weekly presser, there's no better way to keep the good times rollin' and show this team our love than to fill the streets on game day, high five, cheer-on and rev up our Horns as they make their way down BEVO Blvd dressed to the T on another critical Saturday! Then it's time to pack the house, raise the roof, have a big 'ol party as we rally our Horns under bright and fancy new lights for our season's first night game at DKR. Wyoming's in town for a 7 p.m. CT kick (LHN) and we need to be belting Texas-Fight, screaming our lungs out, keeping those Horns Up, and lettin' the world know this is Longhorn Country! It's All Gas, No Brakes folks, Let's do this!!

Back home. Under the Lights 🤘

📅 Saturday, Sept. 16 | 7:00 PM CT
📍 DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium
📺 @LonghornNetwork
Presented by https://t.co/paROpHXFHG Rentals pic.twitter.com/Xo5WizEfzN
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 11, 2023

But, before that, y'all have plenty to cheer for as The Greg will be rockin' with top-20 squads Ohio State (Thursday, 7 p.m. CT/LHN) and Washington State (Friday, 7 p.m. CT/LHN) in the building on back-to-back nights later this week. Soccer is undefeated in its last five matches and heads to Waco on Thursday to kick-off their quest for a Big 12 title at Baylor (7 p.m. CT/ESPN+), while Men's and Women's Golf and Women's Tennis take to the courses and courts in fall action this week, too.

busy week ahead, plan accordingly🤘#HookEm | @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/hbXKpg6zpp
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) September 12, 2023

And last but not least, don't forget Friday night we'll welcome back and celebrate 11 true Longhorn Legends as we induct the 2023 Class of the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor. Tickets are still available so come on out and join us in paying homage to 11 of the best-of-the best to ever wear the Burnt Orange and White! We'll also give the newest members of the Hall a special salute during Saturday's Football game, so be sure to stay in your seats at halftime to raise you Horns for these awesome student-athletes that represent the pride and winning tradition of The University of Texas in every way!

Football posts historic win in Tuscaloosa

Back to that spectacular performance by Coach Sark and our guys. What was so impressive was that in the face of one of the most energized and intimidating road atmospheres in college football, where Alabama had won 21 straight overall and 57 straight non-conference games, our squad did…not…flinch. I was right there by the bench, and wow, you saw nothing but confidence, belief and determination, even after Alabama took its first lead of the game at the end of the third quarter. That's the foundation of what Coach Sark has built, and you could hear it in the voices of the players who spoke at the press conference after the game. Like coach said, when the Tide took the lead, there was no panic, they simply viewed it as their turn, and whoa, did they save the best for last. That fourth quarter was epic! Get this, the 21 points our Horns scored in the quarter matched the most EVER against a Nick Saban-led Alabama team. Let that soak in for a second.

Now add that our guy Quinn – with 349 yards and three TDs – became the first non-conference QB to go over 250 passing yards and two TDs in a game since Saban took over in 2007. In that fourth quarter alone, Mr. Ewers did nothing but go 6-of-7 for 135 yards and 2 TDs. As the great Harry Caray used to say…holy cow! That'll get you about every player of the week award out there, and that's exactly what happened – the Walter Camp Football Foundation, the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, the Big 12, and the list goes on. But we all know those are team awards, too, and this week defined a team game. Every facet was firing on all cylinders with the offense, defense and special teams. Keeping with the offense, JT Sanders had some monster plays and racked up 114 receiving yards, my man X put up 75 yards and a gorgeous over-the-shoulder catch to get us going, then Adonai (I said it before, but say it again with me – add-in-EYE) brought it home with two fourth quarter TDs, including another beautiful deep ball from Quinn. And how about that running game that literally melted the last SEVEN MINTUTES AND 14 SECONDS off the clock. How crazy is that? Like Coach Sark says, you need to be able to run the ball when they know you're going to run it, and did they ever, so a huge shout-out to those running backs and that o-line. Speaking of the o-line…no sacks…enough said.

On the other side of the ball, the d-line led by Sweat and Murphy showed its power, and our defense racked up five sacks, the most by an opponent in Bryant-Denny Stadium since 2015 and the most by a non-conference opponent there since 2012. Not only that, but it was complimentary football at its finest with Jahdae Barron setting up our first points with an interception in the opening quarter, and Jerrin Thompson snagging one in the fourth to boost our lead back up to 11. Mr. Built Ford Tough did his thing as always, and we even had some newer faces make their mark on the biggest of stages like Jalen Catalon, Anthony Hill and Ethan Burke. And David Gbenda, come on, his sack where he got completely upended at the line, but it barely even broke his stride was something to behold – pure will power and want to. Speaking of new faces, our punter Ryan Sanborn booted the heck out of the ball and controlled the field position with our coverage units flying down the field. That first punt might have been the first double play I've ever witnessed in football when Kitan Crawford tossed it back to Keilan Robinson who tossed it back to our snapper Lance St. Louis to pin the Tide at their own 3. What teamwork. What effort. Meanwhile Auburn was putting it through the uprights in Alabama (you know I've been saving that one up), and let's not overlook Will Stone who was stone cold on his kickoffs with five touchbacks. From start to finish in every way, it was the definition of a team win. Now it's on to Wyoming, and I know our team is laser focused on the Cowboys!

Frick it...Monday morning highlights on a Sunday ☕🎥 pic.twitter.com/vfGGKzCKzg
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 10, 2023

"All we need is us!" - @jakob_majors

Postgame sound from Tuscaloosa 🔊 pic.twitter.com/pLLEFRfuNy
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 10, 2023

Less than 100 tickets remain for Saturday's game

Although season tickets and 3-game mini plans are sold out for the 2023 football season, a limited number of single-game tickets are still available for Saturday night's game versus Wyoming! Tickets can be purchased online at TexasSports.com/Tickets. Fans who wish to receive information about season tickets in future years can fill out a ticket interest form.

Join Coach Sark at his weekly radio show on Wednesdays at Pluckers in west campus

Don't want to wait until Saturday to show Coach Sark some love? We've got you covered. Come join us tonight from 6-7 p.m. at Pluckers Wing Bar in west campus (2222 Rio Grande St.) for "Longhorn Weekly with Coach Sark," our weekly coach's radio show hosted by "Voice of the Longhorns" Craig Way. It's a great opportunity to show your support for Coach Sark while enjoying outstanding food and drinks from our partners at Pluckers.

Season premiere of "Longhorn Weekly with Coach Sark" coming up at 7PM CT on the Longhorn Radio Network from Learfield, heard here in Austin on ⁦@KVETFM⁩ 98.1 ! pic.twitter.com/auhbMdSa8L
— Craig Way (@Hornvoice) August 31, 2023

Download the Texas Longhorns app to be a part of our Horns Lights Show!

Make sure you have the Texas Longhorns app downloaded before the game and be in your seats during the second half for our Horns Lights show! To participate, just open the Texas Longhorns app and hit the Horns Lights icon at the bottom. Click here for links to download the app on Apple or Android devices.

Best pregame experience in the nation kicks off at 2 p.m.!

All the action Saturday kicks off on the Forty Acres at 2 p.m. with the best pregame experience in the country, including Bevo Blvd presented by H-E-B, Smokey's Midway and Hook 'Em Hangout! The Bevo Parade presented by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance will get started at 4 p.m., followed by the Stadium Stampede team arrival at 4:45 p.m. You don't want to miss the opportunity to cheer on Coach Sark and our team as they make their traditional walk to the locker room.

Smokey the Cannon will be available for photo ops on Smokey's Midway from 2-4 p.m., and fans can enjoy free carnival rides, games, and all the fare of the State Fair of Texas. Texas Women's Basketball will sign autographs at 4 p.m., followed by Texas Baseball at 5 p.m. Both signings will take place across from Gate 5 on Bevo Blvd and posters will be provided.

Fans looking for the best food and craft beers should head to Hook 'Em Hangout on the northwest corner of the stadium in Winship Circle. Big Beertha, the giant draft beer truck with 10+ taps, will be serving up the finest craft taps along with over 10 food trucks. The best games from around the country will be shown under tents with plenty of shade.

Here's your complete Saturday schedule

• 7 a.m. – Parking Lots open
• 2 p.m. - Bevo Blvd presented by H-E-B, Smokey's Midway, and Hook 'Em Hangout open!
• 2 p.m. – Photo ops with Smokey the Cannon on Smokey's Midway until 4 p.m.
• 2 p.m. – Hook 'Em Herd signups begin for kids ages 7-12 across from Gate 1 on Bevo Blvd (spots available on first-come, first-served basis)
• 3 p.m. - Gate 8 Box Office open for mobile ticketing support and general ticketing issues
• 3 p.m. - Still Austin Music Lounge and Tito's Tailgate open at Longhorn City Limits presented by Still Austin Whiskey Co. (ages 21+)
• 3 p.m. – Live music begins at Longhorn City Limits presented by Still Austin Whiskey Co.
• 4 p.m. - Bevo XV Parade presented by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance (line up on the south side of Bevo Blvd beginning at 3:45 p.m.)
• 4 p.m. – Texas Exes Tailgate opens for Texas Exes members at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center
• 4 p.m. – Texas Women's Basketball autograph session on Bevo Blvd (across from Gate 5)
• 4:45 p.m. - Cheer on Texas Football at the Stadium Stampede, the official team arrival (line up on the north side of Bevo Blvd beginning at 4:30 p.m.)
• 5 p.m. - Stadium gates and all in-stadium Longhorn Foundation hospitality areas open
• 5 p.m. – Live music at Longhorn City Limits presented by Still Austin Whiskey Co.
• 5 p.m. – Box Offices at Gate 2B, 25, and 32 open for mobile ticket support
• 5 p.m. – Texas Baseball autograph session on Bevo Blvd (across from Gate 5)
• 6 p.m. – Longhorn Band march to the stadium (line up across from Longhorn City Limits on DeLoss Dodds Way)
• 6:30 p.m. – Bevo Blvd, Longhorn City Limits, Smokey's Midway, and Hook 'Em Hangout close
• 7 p.m. - Kickoff
• Halftime – 2023 Texas Athletics Hall of Honor Inductee Recognition
• Halftime – Longhorn Band performs "Metallica" halftime show

For a full list of activities and everything you want to know about all-things gameday, please visit our Football GameDay headquarters page.

Hall of Honor Class of 2023 induction ceremony on Friday

We will officially induct 11 former UT student-athletes into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor this Friday night. The ceremony will start at 7 p.m. in the LBJ Auditorium and Conference Center on the UT campus. Tickets are available now for $25 per person. We'll also give the newest members of the Hall a special salute at halftime during Saturday's Football game versus Wyoming.

introducing the 2023 Texas Athletics Hall of Honor inductees! 🤘

📖 https://t.co/7SUf4H6RX0 #HookEm pic.twitter.com/qgSFlF68kE
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) August 15, 2023

Volleyball set to host pair of top-20 opponents this week

Our No. 6 Volleyball team picked up a pair of sweeps in front of raucous crowds at The Greg, taking down Florida Gulf Coast on Friday and Rice on Monday night in straight sets. Against FGCU, it was a block party as the Longhorns stuffed the Eagles 14 times. In the Rice match, Madisen Skinner had a breakout night that included a season-high 19 kills. Our ladies have a big week ahead, and we need your support to rock The Greg when we host No. 19 Ohio State on Thursday (7 p.m. CT/LHN) and No. 11 Washington State on Friday (7 p.m. CT/LHN).

🧹🧹🧹#HookEm pic.twitter.com/z5h30pGAsd
— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) September 12, 2023

.@MadiSkinnerr was on another levelll 📈

1️⃣9️⃣ kills last night! #HookEm pic.twitter.com/HDj4wWkp4V
— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) September 12, 2023

Soccer notches back-to-back shutouts

Another week, another program record broken by our No. 17 Soccer team while we posted back-to-back shutouts! By holding No. 23 Gonzaga's third-ranked scoring offense scoreless for 90 minutes on Sunday, we have now held our last five consecutive opponents scoreless, marking the longest such streak in program history. The stellar defensive performance came just three days after junior Lexi Missimo tied a program record with a 10-point performance that included three goals AND four assists in the 7-0 win against Stephen F. Austin on Thursday. Our ladies begin Big 12 Conference play on Thursday night at Baylor (7 p.m. CT/ESPN+). Texas currently leads all of NCAA Division I in total assists (37), total goals (35) and total points (107) as Lexi and Trinity Byars rank 1-2 in the country in individual total assists, total goals and total points!

four straight clean sheets 🤘#HookEm | #RunWithTexas pic.twitter.com/X2IOm6ShlF
— Texas Soccer (@TexasSoccer) September 8, 2023

Men's and Women's Golf teams hit the links

Our four-time National Champion and No. 11 Men's Golf team opened the season over the weekend outside Seattle with a tie for sixth place at the Sahalee Players Championship. The 12-team field featured 10 teams in the preseason Bushnell/Golfweek Division I Coaches poll. Sophomore Jacob Sosa paced the team with a tie for seventh in the individual standings after a 54-hole score of 2-over-par 218 (75-69-74). Our guys are back on the course this coming weekend (Friday-Sunday) at the Fighting Illini Collegiate just outside of Chicago.

Our No. 7 Women's team sent representatives to a pair of season-opening events early this week. The Longhorns have a full squad competing at the prestigious ANNIKA Intercollegiate at Lake Elmo, Minn., on Monday thru Wednesday, while three golfers are competing as individuals at the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational in Albuquerque on Monday and Tuesday.

Men's Basketball season tickets available in premium Loge Boxes

If you haven't had the chance to Bless the Mood, there's still time! Men's Basketball season tickets are SOLD OUT for the 2023-24 season except in one area: premium Loge Boxes. Located on the second floor of Moody Center, Loge Boxes offer comfortable leather lounge seats in a premium seating environment. Loge Boxes include individual hospitality areas, all-inclusive premium food and non-alcoholic beverage options, a private bar for purchase and premium parking available to purchase with Loge Box season tickets.

Take a look at the virtual view from the Loge Boxes or check out the 360 tour of the space. Only a few Loge Boxes remain available, so claim yours fast and don't miss the final season of Big 12 Conference competition! Fans who wish to receive information on how to become a Loge Box season ticket holder for the 2023-24 Men's Basketball season can fill out a ticket interest form and a member of the Longhorn Foundation staff will get back to you.

And a reminder there's still time to purchase season tickets to cheer on Coach Vic Schaefer and our defending Big 12 Champion Women's Basketball team. Just click on this link and we'll see you at The Mood!

Congrats to our guy, Ricky Brown!

Have to give a shout out to our Executive Senior Associate AD Ricky Brown! Ricky was honored this past weekend with a Distinguished Alumnus Award from Arlington High School. Before coming to the Forty Acres and helping pave the way for Ricky Williams' record-setting Heisman Trophy-winning season in 1998, Brown was a football and track star at Arlington HS who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards in 1994 while leading the Colts to the Class 5A semifinals. After a post-professional football career in wealth management, Ricky returned to Texas Athletics in 2013 and has become such a valued member of our staff while working in roles with the Longhorn Foundation, T-Association and now serving on our executive senior staff leadership team. Congrats and well-deserved, Ricky!

Hook 'Em Horns,

Chris Del Conte

P.S. – Thank You donors! Can't say it any better than Coach Sark!

A United Texas is a reckoning… We are so thankful for your support! You help make moments like this possible! Hook 'em! #TexasFight🤘 pic.twitter.com/ZLboSD3AXL
— Longhorn Foundation (@UTLF) September 10, 2023

P.S. – This is how you celly after scoring a goal!

we will never get enough of this celly @lauren_lapo 🤘#HookEm | #RunWithTexas pic.twitter.com/XvsTESDXVn
— Texas Soccer (@TexasSoccer) September 8, 2023

P.S. – Sharing the bling with our fans!