1973 Texas Longhorns football team – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**1973 Texas Longhorns Football Team**

**Definition:**
The 1973 Texas Longhorns football team represented the University of Texas at Austin during the 1973 NCAA Division I football season. Under the leadership of head coach Darrell Royal, the Longhorns competed in the Southwest Conference and finished the season with a strong record, continuing their tradition as a dominant college football program.

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## 1973 Texas Longhorns Football Team

The 1973 Texas Longhorns football team was a collegiate American football team that represented the University of Texas at Austin in the 1973 NCAA Division I football season. The Longhorns competed as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) and were led by head coach Darrell Royal, who was in his 17th year at the helm. The team played its home games at the Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.

The 1973 season was marked by Texas’s continued prominence in college football, as the Longhorns sought to build on their storied history and maintain their status as one of the nation’s elite programs. The team finished the season with an overall record of 8–3 and a conference record of 6–1, securing second place in the Southwest Conference standings. The Longhorns capped off the season with an appearance in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl, where they were defeated by the University of Pittsburgh.

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### Background and Preseason

The Texas Longhorns entered the 1973 season with high expectations. Under Darrell Royal, who had established Texas as a national powerhouse since taking over in 1957, the program had won three national championships (1963, 1969, and 1970) and multiple Southwest Conference titles. The 1973 team was expected to continue this tradition of success.

The Longhorns returned several key players from the previous season, including standout athletes on both offense and defense. The team’s offensive strategy was built around a strong running game, a hallmark of Royal’s coaching philosophy, which emphasized a powerful ground attack complemented by a disciplined defense.

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### Coaching Staff

– **Head Coach:** Darrell Royal (17th year)
– **Offensive Coordinator:** Fred Akers
– **Defensive Coordinator:** Mike Campbell

Darrell Royal was renowned for his innovative coaching techniques and leadership. His tenure at Texas was marked by consistent winning seasons and a reputation for developing disciplined, hard-nosed teams. Fred Akers, who would later succeed Royal as head coach, was responsible for orchestrating the offense, while Mike Campbell managed the defensive unit.

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### Season Schedule and Results

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### Game Summaries

#### Rice (September 15, 1973)
The Longhorns opened their season at home against Rice University. Texas dominated the Owls with a balanced offensive attack and a stout defense, securing a 28–7 victory. The running game was particularly effective, setting the tone for the season.

#### North Texas State (September 22, 1973)
Texas continued its strong start with a shutout win over North Texas State. The defense was impenetrable, and the offense capitalized on turnovers to win 35–0.

#### Oklahoma (September 29, 1973)
In a highly anticipated rivalry game played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Oklahoma, losing 13–52. The Sooners’ explosive offense overwhelmed the Longhorns, marking Texas’s most lopsided loss of the season.

#### Arkansas (October 6, 1973)
Returning home, Texas rebounded with a convincing 31–7 win over Arkansas. The Longhorns’ defense limited the Razorbacks’ scoring opportunities, while the offense executed effectively.

#### SMU (October 13, 1973)
Texas defeated Southern Methodist University 28–7 in Dallas, maintaining their momentum in conference play. The Longhorns’ running backs combined for over 150 yards on the ground.

#### Texas Tech (October 20, 1973)
On the road in Lubbock, Texas secured a 28–7 victory over Texas Tech. The defense forced multiple turnovers, and the offense controlled the clock with a steady rushing attack.

#### Baylor (October 27, 1973)
Back at home, Texas defeated Baylor 28–7. The Longhorns’ defense continued to dominate, holding the Bears to minimal yardage.

#### TCU (November 3, 1973)
Texas shut out Texas Christian University 28–0 in Fort Worth. The defense recorded several sacks and interceptions, while the offense maintained consistent drives.

#### Texas A&M (November 10, 1973)
In a closely contested rivalry game, Texas fell to Texas A&M 7–14 in College Station. The Aggies’ defense stifled the Longhorns’ offense, and Texas was unable to overcome turnovers.

#### Houston (November 17, 1973)
Texas closed the regular season with a 28–0 shutout of the University of Houston. The Longhorns’ defense was dominant, and the offense executed efficiently.

#### Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl vs. Pittsburgh (December 29, 1973)
Texas was invited to the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl in Houston, where they faced the University of Pittsburgh. Despite a strong effort, the Longhorns lost 7–19. Pittsburgh’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense proved decisive.

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### Team Roster and Key Players

The 1973 Longhorns featured several notable players who contributed significantly to the team’s success:

– **Ricky Townsend (Quarterback):** Townsend was the starting quarterback, known for his leadership and ability to manage the offense effectively.
– **Rufus Brown (Running Back):** A key component of the Longhorns’ rushing attack, Brown provided consistent yardage and scoring ability.
– **Mac White (Running Back):** Complementing Brown, White was a versatile back who contributed both in rushing and receiving.
– **Steve August (Offensive Line):** A stalwart on the offensive line, August helped anchor the blocking schemes that powered the running game.
– **Bill Atessis (Defensive End):** A standout on defense, Atessis was known for his pass-rushing skills and tackling ability.
– **Mike Hegman (Linebacker):** Hegman was a key defensive leader, excelling in run defense and pass coverage.

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### Offensive and Defensive Strategies

The 1973 Texas Longhorns offense was built around a strong running game, utilizing a wishbone formation that emphasized option plays and misdirection. This approach was designed to control the clock, wear down opposing defenses, and minimize turnovers.

Defensively, the Longhorns employed a 4-3 scheme focused on aggressive line play and disciplined linebacker coverage. The defense prioritized stopping the run and forcing opponents into passing situations where Texas’s secondary could capitalize.

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### Season Highlights and Challenges

The 1973 season featured several highlights for the Longhorns, including dominant wins over Rice, Arkansas, and Houston, as well as a strong showing in conference play. The team’s defense was particularly effective, recording multiple shutouts and limiting opponents to low scoring outputs in several games.

However, the season also presented challenges. The heavy loss to Oklahoma was a significant setback, exposing vulnerabilities in the Longhorns’ defense. Additionally, the narrow defeat to Texas A&M in a key rivalry game impacted Texas’s chances of winning the Southwest Conference title.

The loss in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl to Pittsburgh was a disappointing end to the season, as the Longhorns were unable to secure a postseason victory.

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### Southwest Conference Standings (1973)

| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|—————-|——————-|—————-|
| Arkansas | 7–0 | 10–2 |
| Texas | 6–1 | 8–3 |
| Texas A&M | 5–2 | 8–4 |
| SMU | 4–3 | 7–4 |
| Baylor | 3–4 | 5–6 |
| Texas Tech | 2–5 | 4–7 |
| TCU | 1–6 | 3–8 |
| Rice | 0–7 | 1–10 |

Texas finished second in the Southwest Conference behind Arkansas, who went undefeated in conference play.

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### Legacy and Impact

The 1973 Texas Longhorns football team continued the program’s tradition of excellence under Darrell Royal. Although the season did not culminate in a conference championship or national title, the team demonstrated resilience and competitiveness in a challenging Southwest Conference.

The season also marked a transitional period, as Royal’s coaching tenure was approaching its final years (he retired after the 1976 season). The experience gained by players and assistant coaches during the 1973 campaign helped lay the groundwork for future success.

Several players from the 1973 team went on to professional careers in the National Football League (NFL), contributing to the Longhorns’ reputation as a pipeline for professional talent.

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### Conclusion

The 1973 Texas Longhorns football team was a strong and competitive squad that upheld the University of Texas’s rich football tradition. Led by veteran coach Darrell Royal, the team posted an 8–3 record, finished second in the Southwest Conference, and earned a bowl game invitation. Despite some setbacks, the Longhorns showcased a powerful running game and a stout defense, maintaining their status as one of college football’s premier programs during the early 1970s.

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**Meta Description:**
The 1973 Texas Longhorns football team, led by coach Darrell Royal, finished the season with an 8–3 record and a second-place Southwest Conference finish, culminating in an Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl appearance. The team was known for its strong running game and disciplined defense.