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2024 Season Thread of sadness.


immamac

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Good stuff and thanks for sharing.   My son’s a little older but we had many great memories this season watching the games and talking football in between.   Attending the Clemson game together with the electric crowd was a memory that will last.   Hookem.  

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Very nice post Imma.  I'm certain we all are somewhat heartbroken this morning.  Maybe remorseful, however we aren't coaching, catching or officiating.  We did our part as fans.  We showed up, yelled for the good and the bad, will continue to do so.  Great pict with the helmet, btw.  He'll be a fan for life, I'm sure.

Overall, it was a great year.  Sark had the team playing into 2025 when nearly every other team was at home wanting to be in our shoes.   My youngest was at the game last night and called right after.  He was a little emotional, but he too loves the team as we do.  I'm pleased to see the spirit live in him.  

UT football gave 'em hell for 60 and that's all I can ask for.  Our luck on offense finally tanked.  We needed Baxter so badly, IMO.  However, spring brings new life and optimism for the new year.  We have a deep roster, and Sark will have us ready to play next season.  Now, it is time to get on to what we do best at TEXAS.  Baseball.  Let's go furk 'em up on the diamond.

Last thing, I guess I'll have to get a haircut today.  Damn. 

 

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fuck sadness.

what is this, the let’s fucking cry thread?

we had a great season, and missed a championship opportunity by just a couple of plays at the highest level of competition. again.

i’m not thrilled with the outcome, and it wasn’t our standard. 

but these posts shitting on our team, blaming quinn, sark, running game inconsistencies, whatever, they’re shit posts.

wake the fuck up, get better, stop crying, and realize we’re very fucking close. 

this is some loser mentality bullshit.

move on.

the solution is to donate, trust in what we’ve been been building towards, and understanding the level we’re aiming to reach is right there.

as if kirby’s georgia, harbaugh’s michigan, dabo’s clemson, and even day’s ohio state didn’t go through their own tribulations.

we’re coming too.

wipe the fucking tears off and let’s go.

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When Texas last won a NC, Mason was only 3 years old. He doesn’t remember that Rose Bowl. If you would have told me that he would see the Rangers win a World Series before he would see Texas win another, I would’ve never believed it. He has wandered the desert of Texas season with me for the last 20 years and I wanted that win last night for him more than anything. Hope brings eternal optimism and so we luck our wounds and begin talking about next year. That makes me sad.

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 Bringing your kids into the fold is super special. My kids loved Texas football and baseball early. They migrated away but have come back. We’ve watched the games this year as a family and included my 77 year old momma. They are precious memories. 

extracurricular activities kept us and still do keep us from going to games but next year we might try and make a few.  Who knows. 

what’s most important is however you enjoy the games you share it with loved ones, because when you do that you build lasting core memories.

hook em. 

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Great pictures and great times.

When you bump this thread in five years, it'll be a little different. Even better in 10 years. These are memories that will only get better. 

My kids aren't football fans and we're too far from Texas for them to really get into the culture of UT football without almost forcing it on them. I'm not going to do that, even though I have at times been very closely involved with the program from the journalistic side (or maybe because of that; it has made life as a fan more complicated). But they're lucky enough to be part of a sports program where we live that's quite remarkable at the state level and occasionally on a national level.

My son could barely sniff the middle of JV as a senior, but the stuff that he took with him has helped him be an accomplished athlete in college -- at a national but not intercollegiate level, opening doors for him socially and professionally and in impressive ways. My daughter's a junior and been to two state track meets, but has missed out on some other opportunities when both the team and she fell short, but I can see even now how those lessons are shaping her success, day by day. There's been some pain along the way, but lord, does she treasure her sports friendships and she grows visibly with her experiences.

Cherish these times. We don't win every one of them, and it's been too long since 2006, but it's not a bad day at all to count our blessings.

 

Edited by Hayduke
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I was all set about to buy tickets for my son and I  his godfather and my best friend a ND alum and fan. Were planning all week. It sucks. 
 

i ask myself in my life will I ever see Texas win the natty again or the cowboys win a Super Bowl?  I dunno 2 years in a row to be bascially 1 play foe playing for title. An elite defense that held their all world guy to 1 catch 

im sad the seasons over 

 

why the fuck is football season 3 weeks long and basketball fucking 11 months 

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It always sucks to lose. It always hurts. If we don’t care it wouldn’t, but we do care because it’s part of who we are. It’s part of our life. And this comes from someone that didn’t attend Texas. I’m one of those “tshirt” fans.
 

Most of us have bonded with someone over this sport and with this school and team. It’s special, unlike anything else. For me, that’s with my parents. I was born in Texas, but grew up in Oklahoma. I remember my dad watching those Red River games, rooting for Texas and over the years that’s what instilled in me a love for the Longhorns. It wasn’t easy in Oklahoma, but it hardened me as a fan.

We made two games this year in Austin…Florida and Clemson. As they get older, I know there is less of this in the future. But for the time being, I will enjoy every damn second I can.

Texas football has given us excitement again, playing for championships. And even tho I’m not an alum, I love Texas sports and am emotionally invested because of the bond I share with my parents watching and rooting for the Horns.

It’s always Hook’em 🤘🏽

 

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 Bringing your kids into the fold is super special. My kids loved Texas football and baseball early. They migrated away but have come back. We’ve watched the games this year as a family and included my 77 year old momma. They are precious memories. 
extracurricular activities kept us and still do keep us from going to games but next year we might try and make a few.  Who knows. 
what’s most important is however you enjoy the games you share it with loved ones, because when you do that you build lasting core memories.
hook em. 

From a kid that was brought into the fold, heck no I hate it. Why do I have to be so emotionally invested. Why can’t I be normal lol

But gosh dang it I love the University of Texas.
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Great perspective on what the sport in general means and what it means to be a fan. For me, it was special because for the first time ever, my girls were pumped for any kind of football, and specifically, the Horns.  We didn’t make a game this year, but they’re excited to in the future. 
 

My youngest, 9 years old, said it best after the first Georgia game. Falling asleep, she asked if the Horns won, and I told her no. She said: “that’s okay, Dad, they’re still a great team and I’m happy for you.”

So yeah, it sucks but the ride was damn exhilarating.  I’ll have to go home and explain the loss to them this afternoon and I’ll be sad that we won’t have this feeling for another 8 months. 

Also, thanks to you @immamac  and the rest of the (official) Surly crew for this site now and always

Edited by horny_gunman
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This season... What a ride.

I am a bit sad that we will have to wait 8 long months before we can post again in the ... "Ok, it's Friday assholes" thread.

I am a bit sad that this Texas team was right on the brink of measured greatness, of being in the pantheon of historic Texas teams, fell short.

I am a bit sad that, unlike Imma, who walked with his son and is exposing him to friendships, and a culture of shared life experiences, there are many fathers who do not have the wisdom to do that... who can't raise their sons as men, knowing both victory and defeat.

Yes, I am sad that we lost a game that we should have won and that perhaps, we have now "learned how to win" because this team must absorb a loss that should not have been.

And finally, I am sad that there are a number of grown ass men, who cannot yet see or understand that if a loss in a college football playoff game is the worst thing that ever happens to them ... they lead a pretty charmed life.

All of you magnificent asshole bastards give your sons and daughters a big hug today, tell them you love them and that their ... and the Longhorn's future awaits and is incredibly bright!

Edited by Lidig8r
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I'm neither sad nor mad but I am disappointed at the recurring mental gaffes from the coaching staff. I definitely feel like they let our players down especially on the offensive side of the ball. I hope Sark spends this offseason soul searching and realizes some hard decisions need to be made if he ever wants to win it all because right now he is basically a much more intelligent and far less Douchy James Franklin and he could honestly go on a massive run and put himself in the all time greats conversation if he hired the right person to entrust with play calling.

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I’m sad but very pleased that Texas is a legitimate contender now.  Hats off to Sark for bringing the Horns back to this point because I didn’t think he was the guy his first two seasons.  Too many years in the wilderness not to recognize these are good times with bright future.  So many other school fan bases would absolutely love to be where we are at.  Texas Fight!

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Was my tenth year of season tix and i love the football but appreciate going to games with my son even more.  I hope to have tix long enough for him to take his son or daughter when that day comes.  We have a great group of folks in our section (8).  Where the team was in my first year vs where they are now is night and day and they will only get better.   Well done boys and looking forward to next season.  Hookem.  Forever.  

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I went to my first OU/Texas game at 8 years old. It was my inspiration to play peewee football. I didn't have family members that were Longhorns and my Fandom was just from a distance, but always there. When it was time to pick a college 3 were at the top of my list. Texas was one of them, so was Michigan (A nerd that loved the character Wolverine and a fun silly US invasion movie), and Stanford (I told you I was a nerd).

I got into all three and went on tours of the Campuses. I came down for spring break for Texas and I walked around campus. I promise you, it wasn't the sport, architecture or great education that day on campus that guided me towards Texas. It was the warm weather, 16 year old testosterone and the co-eds that officially sealed the deal.

I am and always will be proud that I graduated from Texas. It's an amazing school and I love the University.

But BE this is about sports. Right.

So I started in 91, picked up season tickets and over the course of the next 31 years missed sum total of 4 home games despite not living in Austin for 15 of them. I missed 1 Texas vs Ou and went to EVERY game in 1995 and 2005.

I say all that because it helps clarify the narrative. 1991-2004 had some really good years, but it had a lot more mediocre to just not great years. Suffering through a lot of those painful year and the 80s is what, I believe, instills in you real sports team love. Just like any relationship, sticking with it good times and bad. 

Because..  when Vince crossed that goal line in 2005 vs USC it provided a feeling of pride and joy, of belonging and team that I can't and won't try to describe. Words can't really tell the story. 

Then, of course we had Colt, 2009 and.... a LONG dive into pain. 

I was skeptical of Sark, I remain so. I complain about issues I see, and will continue to do so. I do so, because I care, because it matters to me. 

I also bought a National Championship game ticket after Texas/OU this year and booked a room. 

Last night stung, a lot and I bitched, a lot. 

However, Texas athletics are in a better place than they've been in a long time, maybe ever. Our football program is absolutely in a great place. 

Last night hurt, but I firmly believe games like last night truly are what make the high of winning a championship indescribably amazing.

So, I'll lick my wounds, sell my ticket, cancel my hotel and smile.

Texas is impacting the college football world in a big way and with a few specific changes, is going to dominate it.

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Disappointed but not really too sad. I dunno, maybe it’s because I’m older now and have some perspective. As I type, I’m enjoying a good cup of pour-over, and it’s a gorgeous, crisp Texas Saturday morning.

We’ve witnessed some awful periods of Texas football… and the BYU game will be forever etched in my memory as the worst game I’ve ever attended. But I can’t help but be really excited for what Sark is building and for next season. As fans, all we can hope for is the coaches and players keep improving. The roster is nearly there with talent everywhere; hopefully, Sark grows too. Already planning to make the Ohio State game with my friends. Can’t wait. 

Edited by YChang
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5 minutes ago, YChang said:

Disappointed but not really too sad. I dunno, maybe it’s because I’m older now and have some perspective. As I type, I’m enjoying a good cup of pour-over, and it’s a gorgeous, crisp Texas Saturday morning.

We’ve witnessed some awful periods of Texas football… and the BYU game will be forever etched in my memory as the worst game I’ve ever attended. But I can’t help but be really excited for what Sark is building and for next season. As fans, all we can hope for is the coaches and players keep improving. The roster is nearly there with talent everywhere; hopefully, Sark grows too. Already planning to make the Ohio State game with my friends. Can’t wait. 

I was at 66-3!

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This was my oldest grandsons first “real” season of being a fan. I say that to mean, watching every game, knowing the players and being emotionally invested. We were very high at times last night in the upper deck (7-7, 14-14) and very low (screen pass, end), and as we dejectedly walked out last night I told him, “Welcome to being a Texas fan.”

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It’s sad the season is over, but it was overall a great season. I think none of us really knew what to expect out of our first season in a new conference, but it turned out pretty well. 
 

We were so up and down all year, but our lows this season would be highs many seasons, particularly over the last 12 years or so.  We are in the conversation, and we could easily have won last night to make the final. Our underclassmen and coaches gained a lot of valuable playoff experience that will surely pay dividend moving forward. 
 

I hate that it’s over, I hate that we lost, but the future is bright. Our guys have to keep working hard and developing the culture and chemistry, and we have to keep supporting them in word and deed. Next season is just a little later this year. 
 

Hook ‘em Horns!

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31 minutes ago, BurntEyes said:

I went to my first OU/Texas game at 8 years old. It was my inspiration to play peewee football. I didn't have family members that were Longhorns and my Fandom was just from a distance, but always there. When it was time to pick a college 3 were at the top of my list. Texas was one of them, so was Michigan (A nerd that loved the character Wolverine and a fun silly US invasion movie), and Stanford (I told you I was a nerd).

I got into all three and went on tours of the Campuses. I came down for spring break for Texas and I walked around campus. I promise you, it wasn't the sport, architecture or great education that day on campus that guided me towards Texas. It was the warm weather, 16 year old testosterone and the co-eds that officially sealed the deal.

I am and always will be proud that I graduated from Texas. It's an amazing school and I love the University.

But BE this is about sports. Right.

So I started in 91, picked up season tickets and over the course of the next 31 years missed sum total of 4 home games despite not living in Austin for 15 of them. I missed 1 Texas vs Ou and went to EVERY game in 1995 and 2005.

I say all that because it helps clarify the narrative. 1991-2004 had some really good years, but it had a lot more mediocre to just not great years. Suffering through a lot of those painful year and the 80s is what, I believe, instills in you real sports team love. Just like any relationship, sticking with it good times and bad. 

Because..  when Vince crossed that goal line in 2005 vs USC it provided a feeling of pride and joy, of belonging and team that I can't and won't try to describe. Words can't really tell the story. 

Then, of course we had Colt, 2009 and.... a LONG dive into pain. 

I was skeptical of Sark, I remain so. I complain about issues I see, and will continue to do so. I do so, because I care, because it matters to me. 

I also bought a National Championship game ticket after Texas/OU this year and booked a room. 

Last night stung, a lot and I bitched, a lot. 

However, Texas athletics are in a better place than they've been in a long time, maybe ever. Our football program is absolutely in a great place. 

Last night hurt, but I firmly believe games like last night truly are what make the high of winning a championship indescribably amazing.

So, I'll lick my wounds, sell my ticket, cancel my hotel and smile.

Texas is impacting the college football world in a big way and with a few specific changes, is going to dominate it.

Fuck that. Go to the game. We need someone reporting on the talent there.

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2 hours ago, utexas8 said:


From a kid that was brought into the fold, heck no I hate it. Why do I have to be so emotionally invested. Why can’t I be normal lol

But gosh dang it I love the University of Texas.

My folks only got along when attending or watching UT sports. I knew it was serious when we lost to Georgia in the cotton bowl on the silent drive home from Dallas. I was indoctrinated too. I’m so thankful. 

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It was a great season. The best since 2009 and maybe since 2005. It’s very HARD to be the last team standing in this format.

If we play tOSU 10 times we win 5. They are good, but so are we.

The defense was amazing. It was a joy to watch them compete.

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15 minutes ago, InkaUtexas said:

Sir, there is good talent and bad talent and then midwestern talent. Either way someone needs to report on it.

Well, I'm in the Midwest right now, and I'm here to report that on the whole, there are probably cheaper ways to report on better talent than going to Atlanta on the 20th -- or even my going downtown to see if any of our Midwestern gals are back in town for the new semester.

But if y'all want to crowdsource a reporting grant for me, I'll gladly head downtown. Grant might need to include some divorce-court funds, though.

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Sadness? I went to school in the late Mack years and had season tickets for Charlie Strong and Tom Herman. The past two seasons are as good as Texas has been since I was in high school (I'm in my 30s).

We smoked OU, A&M, and Arkansas by a collective margin of 71-23; all away from DKR. Oklahoma and A&M combined for three offensive points. Not three scores, three points. We're going to be talking about shutting out A&M's offense in the return of the rivalry for the rest of our lives.

We went 7-1 in the SEC and played for the conference title our first year in the league. We were right there in that game. That loss is probably the one that stings the most from this year. By that point it was evident we weren't the best team in the country but I wanted that first year SEC title bad and we were capable of winning it.

We hosted a CFP game and beat both the ACC and Big 12 champions en-route to a second consecutive national semifinal, the only program in the sport that can say that.

Over the course of the year we got to see Texas roll out an elite defense for the first time in a long while; which can be hard to fully appreciate in the moment, but there's going to be points 5, 10, 15 years from now where we have a really good defense and we're going to refer to them as the best since 2024. We got to see the Thorpe Award come back to Texas and the National Freshman of the Year become ascendant on defense. I suppose there's some sadness in not having hardware for that unit but that's how it goes sometimes. They were an absolute pleasure to watch and played incredible football with unbelievable consistency for a college team.

We signed the consensus number one class stacked on top of multiple top 5 classes before it.

Last night was disappointing with the way it went down at the end, but you know what? We're not the best team in the country this year. So while you obviously always want to win those games, I can live with a hard fought loss in a semifinal against what probably is in fact the best team in the sport. Since I set foot on campus up until last season, every time I watched Bama, Georgia, Ohio State, or some other top team it was like watching a different league of football. No longer. This year cemented Texas as a top 5 program in the sport. Not top 5 potential, not top 5 coaching jobs, not just a one time top 5 finish in the polls. Top 5 program, today. If we compete at this level long enough we're going to make some additions to the trophy case.

So, yeah, there's a universe where we could have had more success this year. Oh well. It was still an important, successful year for the program and the window should be open the next few years. This season and last are the first time I can say that in my adult life, so you won't catch me being sad about it.

And if you are, these should help:

 

 

 

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38 minutes ago, Victorious1 said:

I hate losing but making the playoffs last season and going 2-1 this season means the program is trending in the right direction.

Too many "glass half empty" fans that shit on the program every loss.

I see you are relatively new here.

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@immamac , I've enjoyed your posts all year, and watching Gunnar's evolution as a young Texas fan this year has been a treat for us, and something that you both will always cherish and remember for eternity.

My coming of age happened in the late 60's in Austin, when Texas Football and Austin were the center of my universe. Those early memories of Texas Football resurface every year like the wildflowers across the Hill Country. 

True happiness means enduring the times of despair, and coming out the other side. Texas Football is both ends of that spectrum, and thankfully for the beautiful people, we are on the other side on the path to true football happiness.

The year started with so much promise, a stacked team at every position.

Losing RB1 & 2 before the season started was huge. Not having a power back was always going to be tough to overcome, especially at the end. Our stellar 6 deep WR group getting reduced to 2 and 2 halves was too much.  Disappointing finish, yes. Wisdom teaches us to adjust expectations for unforeseen circumstances.

I've spent most of the fall for the past 20 years at the ranch in the Utopia, with an occasional football game or 2 at DKR. This year was 100% football with far fewer trips to the country.

It was still as good as it gets. After a steady diet of "little brother" schools for so long, a season of Michigan, OU, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Clemson, and Ohio State was cool as f*ck. Adding in the "physical annihilation" of OUR little brother in College Station is guaranteed to make you smile every time you say those words. 

I lived in Jester East my freshman year with Earl and the other athletes. That year was magical beyond compare, as I took my seat in the 3rd row of the Cotton Bowl to witness the crowning of Earl's Heisman season. My spirit was crushed by Notre Dame. I learned from that, to challenge everything I read and here; i.e., Don't drink too much Kool-Aid! (That is why I dislike Kirk Bohls, he convinced me Notre Dame didn't have a chance. That is also why he probably dislikes Texas.) 

Note: When Notre Dame caused a Georgia fumbled deep in their own end, I jumped off the sofa, through up a double Hook 'em, and was shouting at the TV. Talk about a true come to Jesus moment! Where the fuck did that come from???

I watched VY play in High School. I knew he was a generational football player and told my brother to drive from Austin to watch Vince Young's playoff game against Defending Champion Katy in the Astrodome. VY dominated that game. He also brought salvation and the happiness back to Texas Football.

Enjoy it when it happens. but don't let a win or loss rule your life. It is but a small piece of it. Gunnar, and the other young 'uns, like me,  will always remember the moments and the smells and sounds and colors, and the pretty girls. That is what always brings us back. 

I learned a long time ago to enjoy, and support, these young kids, putting on a Texas Jersey, and playing football. Playing for Texas, not just at Texas. 

This team played hard and fast and physical and violent. They represented us well. Made me proud.

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