A look back at the 2013 Texas Season Opener
Almost one year to the day, the Texas Longhorns opened the 2013 season against the New Mexico State Aggies. The Aggies came into Austin after finishing 1-11 in 2012 and being ranked as one of the worst college football programs in America.
It was going to be an ugly season opener for New Mexico State.
Instead, it was the Longhorns who looked pitiful for almost two quarters. The game was scoreless after one quarter thanks to sloppy play by the offense. Mike Davis fumbled to kill one drive, while Jonathan Gray was stopped for no gain on a 4th and 2 call on another drive.
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David Ash started the second quarter with an interception at the Aggie 20 yard line. One possession later, Ash threw his second interception at the New Mexico State 36, killing yet another drive into Aggie territory.
New Mexico State struck first, using the momentum from the interception to put together a nine-play, 64 yard scoring drive. Quarterback Andrew McDonald hit Joshua Bowen for an 11-yard touchdown pass, giving the Aggies a surprising 7-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
The Texas offense finally woke up. On first down at the Texas 43-yard line, Ash hit John Harris for a 57 yard touchdown pass to tie the score. After a quick 3-and-out for New Mexico State, Ash needed just one play to put Texas on top. Ash found Daje Johnson for a 66-yard scoring strike. Johnson showed off the speed that makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. The Longhorns finally had a little momentum as it took a 14-7 lead into the half.
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A failed onsides kick by the Aggies gave Texas excellent field position to open the second half. Ash drove the team down the field before Johnson added his second touchdown of the day with a 24-yard scamper. New Mexico State put together a nice drive before McDonald was intercepted by Adrian Phillips at the Texas 12. Ash moved the offense to the 45. On first down, the middle of the field parted like the red sea and Ash rumbled 55 yards for a score that seemed to break the Aggies back.
After a New Mexico State punt, Ash dumped a pass off to Malcolm Brown. Brown preceded to run through the Aggie defense for a 74-yard touchdown to extend Texas’ lead to 35-7.
The fourth quarter was the Joe Bergeron and Jalen Overstreet show. Bergeron moved the offense down the field before Ash found Davis for a 25-yard score. Overstreet got into the action late in the fourth, scoring on runs of 1 and 38 yards against a worn-down New Mexico State defense.
The final was 56-7. Texas piled up 715 yards of offense, with Ash accounting for four touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. The Longhorns rushed for 359 yards. Texas lost the time of possession battle as most of the scores were of the quick strike variety.
It was the most unimpressive season opener in recent memory. Texas was just minutes and a couple of made tackles away from trailing 7-0 at the half. The second half was better, but this was against one of the worst teams in college football. The game should have been decided by halftime.
I don’t think this year’s team will look that sloppy in its season opener against North Texas. Charlie Strong looks to have improved the discipline and focus of this team in practice. We will find out shortly if it translates to the regular season.