The 2017 Texas Longhorns: A Season of Unfulfilled Promises
The 2017 Texas Longhorns football team was like a cowboy with a broken lasso—full of potential but unable to catch the prize. Under the leadership of new head coach Tom Herman, the Longhorns were expected to ride high and restore the glory days of Texas football. The season kicked off in September 2017, with the team playing their home games at the iconic Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns were looking to shake off the dust of previous disappointing seasons and prove their mettle in the Big 12 Conference. However, what unfolded was a rollercoaster of a season that left fans with more questions than answers.
Tom Herman, hailed as the savior of Texas football, came in with a reputation for turning programs around. He had previously worked wonders at the University of Houston, and Longhorns fans were eager to see him work his magic in Austin. The season opener against Maryland, however, was a rude awakening. The Longhorns were outplayed and outcoached, losing 51-41 in a game that exposed their defensive frailties. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a fanbase that had been promised a new era of dominance.
Despite the rocky start, the Longhorns showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season. They managed to pull off a thrilling double-overtime victory against Kansas State and gave a valiant effort against the powerhouse USC Trojans, only to fall short in double overtime. These games showcased the potential of the team, but inconsistency plagued their efforts. The Longhorns were like a bucking bronco—exciting to watch but impossible to predict.
The quarterback position was a revolving door, with Shane Buechele and Sam Ehlinger both seeing significant playing time. While both showed promise, neither could consistently lead the team to victory. The lack of a clear leader at the helm was a significant factor in the Longhorns' inability to string together wins. The offensive line struggled to protect the quarterbacks, and the running game was often stifled, leaving the team one-dimensional and predictable.
Defensively, the Longhorns were a mixed bag. They had moments of brilliance, such as holding Oklahoma State to just 13 points in a nail-biting overtime loss. However, they also had games where they were utterly exposed, like the aforementioned debacle against Maryland. The defense was like a Texas summer—unpredictable and often scorching, but sometimes leaving you high and dry.
The Longhorns finished the regular season with a 6-6 record, barely scraping into bowl eligibility. They were invited to the Texas Bowl, where they faced off against the Missouri Tigers. In a game that was a microcosm of their season, the Longhorns showed grit and determination, ultimately emerging victorious with a 33-16 win. It was a bittersweet end to a season that promised so much but delivered so little.
The 2017 season was a learning experience for Tom Herman and his team. It was a reminder that rebuilding a program takes time and patience. The Longhorns had moments of brilliance, but they were overshadowed by inconsistency and missed opportunities. The fans, ever hopeful, were left to ponder what could have been.
In the end, the 2017 Texas Longhorns were a team caught between the past and the future. They were a reminder of the glory days of Texas football, but also a symbol of the challenges that lay ahead. The season was a wild ride, full of ups and downs, but it was also a stepping stone towards a brighter future. The Longhorns may not have lassoed the prize in 2017, but they laid the groundwork for future success.