As the UT football season draws to a close, we look back at the team’s most recent championship and the players that helped them along the way. We also take a closer look at the team’s second-oldest rival, Vanderbilt, and the stats that Hendon Hooker has tallied this season.
UT’s most recent national championship
The University of Texas has a long history of winning national championships. Since 1970, the Longhorns have won four Division I-A titles. They have also won 58 NCAA team championships and nine Top-5 finishes. In addition, UT has produced more than 30 individual national champions.
UT’s most recent national title came in a sport that no one thought would be a national championship runner-up. That honor goes to the UT women’s tennis team, which defeated Notre Dame in the finals.
However, the UT women’s basketball team also had a memorable season, earning a spot in the Sweet 16. This was the first time the Lady Vols have made it to the Elite Eight in six years, and they reached the NCAA super regionals for the fourth straight year.
UT’s second-oldest rival is in-state conference foe, Vanderbilt
Tennessee is known for its rich tradition in football, but the state’s biggest in-state rival has not always been its best. If you can count the SEC foes, Vanderbilt is the second-oldest in-state rival, and the game is often a matter of state pride.
The first meeting between the two schools was in 1896, a dozen years before the Commodores’ arrival in the SEC. But the two teams have not met in the regular season since 1944. During that time, the game was usually played on Thanksgiving.
Despite the series’ lack of regular-season play, the two programs share a joint affiliation. And the SEC’s current playoff format keeps the rivalries relevant.
In the regular season, Vanderbilt defeated Tennessee 38-13. Last week, the Vols topped South Alabama 60-14 to wrap up bowl eligibility. UT’s 6-5 record in the SEC is also vital. While the Commodores have won just one SEC game in their last 20 tries, they have improved under head coach Derek Mason.
Hendon Hooker’s stats this season
If you’ve been following college football, you’ve probably heard of Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. The sophomore was a stalwart leader of the Vols, who led the team to its second SEC title in three years. But despite his impressive season, he wasn’t named to the Heisman Trophy finalist list.
With that said, Hooker still had the same statistics as the other four finalists. He was fifth in the voting. So despite the rough finalists snubbing him, he still had a great 2022 season.
A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Hooker transferred to Tennessee in January 2021. There, he played the final two seasons of his college career. His stats this year were impressive, especially considering his lack of experience.
UT’s defense forced multiple turnovers for the seventh time this season
After the season’s first five games, the Texas defense forced two turnovers. But, in the last seven games, they have caused more than three turnovers each.
Texas was able to start the new year with a win against ULM. The Red Raiders scored four touchdowns, including three rushing touchdowns. They also intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble. This was the first time the UT defense had a fumble recovery in the Red River Showdown.
In the next game against Oklahoma, the team scored in various ways. Texas had a rushing touchdown in the first quarter and two pass touchdowns. Then, during the second half, the offense churned out seven touchdowns. It was the first time the UT defense had shut out an opponent since 1998.
UT’s marching band
The University of Texas marching band is a part of the Longhorns’ football team. The university’s marching band has a long history and is one of the most recognizable college bands in the country. They play at all home football games and select away contests.
The song “The Eyes of Texas” has been a long-time staple of UT’s football program. However, it has come under fire recently. Some critics claim it has a racist history. Others say it’s not overtly racist. Regardless, it’s been the subject of a study by the University of Texas.
The University of Texas marching band has been absent from the past two home football games. It’s unclear if the band will return this season or if the university plans to create a new bar in the fall of 2022.