What Is 2009 Texas Longhorn football team

Overview

The 2009 Texas Longhorn football team competed in the NCAA Division I FBS season as members of the Big 12 Conference, representing the University of Texas at Austin. Led by head coach Mack Brown, the team achieved an 11–2 record and secured a final ranking of #4 in the AP Poll after a victory in the Fiesta Bowl.

Despite entering the BCS National Championship Game as favorites, the Longhorns lost 37–21 to Alabama after star quarterback Colt McCoy exited early due to injury. The season marked one of the most memorable in program history, highlighted by strong offensive performances and a top-10 national ranking.

• Colt McCoy started all 13 games at quarterback, finishing his college career with 13,123 passing yards, the most in NCAA history at the time.
• The team opened the season ranked #5 in the AP Poll and rose to #1 after a 9–0 start, including a 13–12 win over Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship Game.
• Mack Brown was in his 10th season as head coach, earning Big 12 Coach of the Year honors for guiding Texas to the conference title.
• The defense allowed only 15.7 points per game, ranking second nationally and anchoring the team's success.
• Texas’ 24–21 victory over Ohio State in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl on January 5, 2010, secured an 11–2 final record and a #4 national finish.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2009 campaign featured several high-stakes matchups, including a dramatic Big 12 Championship Game and a national title appearance. The team demonstrated resilience and offensive firepower, led by one of the most decorated quarterbacks in college football history.

• Colt McCoy threw for 3,567 yards and 34 touchdowns during the season, earning Heisman Trophy runner-up status behind Alabama’s Mark Ingram.
• The October 17, 2009 game against Oklahoma, known as the Red River Rivalry, ended in a 16–13 Texas victory, a pivotal win in the Big 12 South race.
• In the Big 12 Championship Game on December 5, 2009, Texas defeated Nebraska 13–12 in a defensive battle, securing a spot in the BCS National Championship.
• The Longhorns’ only regular-season loss came in the BCS title game on January 7, 2010, when they fell 37–21 to Alabama in Pasadena.
• Backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert started the national championship game after McCoy’s first-quarter injury, finishing with 186 passing yards and one touchdown.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2009 Texas Longhorns to other top teams from that season:

The 2009 Texas team stood out for its balanced performance, elite quarterback play, and strong defense. Despite falling short of a national title, their season remains one of the most successful in school history, with McCoy’s legacy cemented as a program icon.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a defining chapter in Texas Longhorns football history, showcasing elite talent and national competitiveness. It also highlighted the impact of key injuries and the volatility of the BCS system.

• The team’s 11–2 record marked the 10th consecutive season with 10 or more wins under Mack Brown.
• Colt McCoy’s career achievements, including 13,123 passing yards, set NCAA records and influenced future quarterback evaluations.
• The close loss to Alabama sparked debate over the BCS selection process and fueled support for a playoff system.
• Texas’ performance in the Big 12 Championship underscored the importance of conference title games in national contention.
• The Fiesta Bowl win over Ohio State demonstrated the team’s resilience after the national title disappointment.
• The season contributed to Texas’ long-standing reputation as a college football powerhouse, maintaining national relevance into the 2010s.

Ultimately, the 2009 Texas Longhorns remain a symbol of excellence and near-miss greatness, remembered for both their achievements and the heartbreak of falling just short of a national title.