Texas football has seen some amazing moments throughout it’s rich history. From Earl Campbell to Ricky Williams and everywhere in between, there has always been a play that defined the program in that era. Instead of the early years, we are going to take a look at the Longhorns’ best moments in the last 17 years to relive the greatness that is just waiting to return.

The Kick

Despite Texas finishing 8-5 and the Aggies at 7-6, the 2011 Thanksgiving matchup meant more than most. With the swing of a foot, Justin Tucker bid farewell to Texas A&M and sent them off to the SEC. The Aggies had won the year prior, and Texas was looking for revenge. After falling to a quick 10-0 deficit through one quarter, Texas pushed down on the gas. Case McCoy led the Longhorns down the field on the final drive to set up a perfect Justin Tucker field goal. The all-time series still stands at 76-37-5.

“For Everything”

Texas went into the 2009 Big 12 Championship at 12-0, ranked third in the nation behind TCU, who was in the MWC that year. In Colt McCoy’s last season in burnt orange, he led the team to the National Championship game, where he suffered an injury and did not return. Texas lost that game to Alabama. The more exciting game was the conference championship for us Longhorn fans. Nebraska had been leading most of the game, largely in part due to Ndamukong Suh. Suh had a field day against the Longhorn offensive line, recording 12 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Texas found themselves on the 29 yardline with one play left, trailing by two. Colt rolled out, but no receiver was available. Suh was in pursuit, as he had been all day. McCoy threw the ball out of bounds as the clock expired, apparently ending the game. Officials took a look and decided that the ball hit a bench with one second, leaving Hunter Lawrence with the game in his hands. From 46 yards out, Lawrence booted the ball through the uprights and secured a Championship berth.

4th and 5, Championship On the Line

USC was seemingly unstoppable in the mid-2000’s under Pete Carroll. Led by Heisman winners Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, the Trojans were on a 34-game winning streak that included a National Championship. With just under seven minutes to go, the Longhorns trailed 38-26 and looked to be out of the game. Vince Young decided to change that, dragging Texas back into it. The Longhorns found themselves down by five, on 4th and 5 with 26 seconds to go at USC’s nine yardline. Young found himself under pressure and took off, never to be touched again as he tip-toed the pylon, securing the title. Vince Young racked up 467 yards of offense in one of the best championships of all time.

Years have passed since these moments, coaches have come and gone, but they will forever stand as defining moments of the Texas football program. Here’s to hoping there are more to come.