What Is 1979 Texas Longhorns football team

Overview

The 1979 Texas Longhorns football team represented the University of Texas at Austin during the 1979 NCAA Division I-A football season. Under the leadership of head coach Fred Akers in his second year, the team achieved a 9-3 overall record and secured a victory in the 1980 Cotton Bowl Classic.

The Longhorns competed in the Southwest Conference (SWC), finishing with a 6-2 conference record. Their strong season culminated in a dominant 36-13 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Cotton Bowl on January 1, 1980, solidifying their national reputation.

• Record: The team finished with a 9-3 overall record, including a 6-2 mark in Southwest Conference play, placing them among the top teams in the region.
• Cotton Bowl Victory: On January 1, 1980, the Longhorns defeated Alabama 36-13 in the Cotton Bowl Classic, marking a significant postseason achievement.
• Head Coach: Fred Akers led the team in his second season, continuing to rebuild the program after the Darrell Royal era.
• Home Stadium: The Longhorns played their home games at Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, which had a capacity of over 60,000 at the time.
• Key Players: Notable players included quarterback Marty Akins and running back Earl Campbell, though Campbell had already left for the NFL by 1979.

Season Performance

The 1979 season showcased the Longhorns’ resilience and offensive strength, particularly in crucial conference matchups. Despite early-season challenges, the team rallied to secure a Cotton Bowl berth and delivered a standout performance in postseason play.

• Season Start: The team opened the season with a 27-24 win over TCU, setting a competitive tone for the year.
• Key Win: A 24-14 victory over rival Texas A&M helped solidify their SWC standing and bowl eligibility.
• Defensive Strength: The Longhorns allowed only 14.6 points per game, ranking among the top defensive units in the conference.
• Offensive Output: Texas averaged 26.8 points per game, led by a balanced attack under offensive coordinator Ron Toman.
• Bowl Appearance: Their Cotton Bowl invitation was their first since 1970, marking a return to national prominence.
• Final Ranking: The team finished ranked #13 in the final AP Poll, reflecting their strong season performance.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 1979 Longhorns to recent Texas teams highlights shifts in program performance and bowl success over time.

The table illustrates how the 1979 team compares to landmark seasons in Texas football history. While not a national champion, the 1979 squad played a pivotal role in re-establishing the program’s credibility after a transitional period. Their Cotton Bowl win over a traditional powerhouse like Alabama demonstrated continued competitiveness on the national stage.

Why It Matters

The 1979 season was a turning point in the modern era of Texas football, bridging the gap between the Darrell Royal legacy and future successes under Akers and beyond. It helped restore confidence in the program and laid groundwork for the 1980s resurgence.

• Program Momentum: The Cotton Bowl win revitalized fan interest and provided momentum for the early 1980s teams.
• Coaching Validation: Fred Akers proved he could lead the team to postseason success, earning continued support from administration.
• Recruiting Boost: A strong season and bowl victory helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years.
• Historical Context: The win over Alabama was especially significant given the Crimson Tide’s national prominence under Bear Bryant.
• SWC Legacy: The team contributed to Texas’ strong Southwest Conference legacy before the league dissolved in 1996.
• Foundation for Success: The 1979 season set the stage for Texas’ 10-win seasons in 1981 and 1983, marking sustained improvement.

The 1979 Texas Longhorns may not be remembered as one of the program’s greatest teams, but their resilience, postseason triumph, and role in program revival make them a notable chapter in Longhorns football history.