Unfocused

ou 34, Texas 27 

Oct. 12, 2019 • Cotton Bowl, Dallas

Our guys came back from a couple of 10-point deficits, but Jalen Hurts lived up to his name and kept pushing the sooners ahead.  

It’s a shame, too, because except for the game’s outcome, it was a pretty epic day! We had our requisite Fletcher’s corny dogs, saw the State Fair butter sculptures, and had our usual pregame gathering and toast in the food court.

These 11 a.m. kicks make it difficult to see much of the State Fair before the game, but Ryan and I still managed to visit the Hall of State. That’s where we found a cool exhibit featuring films that had been filmed in Texas. We saw movie posters, props, and photo opps from some of our favorites, from Cloak & Dagger to Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. We also made it to the Creative Arts Pavilion to check out this year’s butter sculptures and shoe contest winners. I LOVE this stuff! Please, oh please, Powers That Be, NEVER EVER move Texas-ou away from the State Fair!

Texas Sports recap

Texas Sports box score

 

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The Hat at Home

Texas 23, Baylor 17

Oct. 13, 2018 • DKR

After the previous week’s big win over our biggest rival, Bevo Blvd. was rockin’! Ryan and Katie were with me to see Bevo’s grand entrance, and then we got to pose with the star of the moment, the Golden Hat trophy. 

Later, I ran into an old friend from church, and then we caught wind that online quiz show host Scott Rogowsky, the HQ-tie himself, was at the Chase booth, we managed to find him in the crowd for selfies.

In the game, QB Shane Buechele came up big, helping us get a good lead at the half that Baylor couldn’t quite overcome.

Texas Sports box score

Texas Sports recap

 

Dicker the Kicker

Texas 48, ou 45 

Oct. 6, 2018 • Cotton Bowl, Dallas

What. A. Day.

ESPN’s College Gameday AND Fox’s College Football Saturday were at the fairgrounds for this showdown. The band serenaded us near the Gameday set, and over with the Fox guys, we saw Matt Leinert hanging out with his daddy, VY. (I kid, I kid…)

After our traditional Texas-ou breakfast (Fletcher’s corny dogs—duh), we headed to our usual meet-up spot (the food court, near the cheap beer stand). At our table, we soaked in the atmosphere as we stacked up those wax cups. 

After all that hype, you’d think the actual game would be a let-down, but no. Our guys led for most of the game until the sooners tied it up with 2:38 left. It took Cameron Dicker’s 40-yard field goal with 9 seconds left to put the Horns on top. But even before the snap, a legend was born with these 2 epic seconds of screen time:

Because it was an 11 o’clock kick, we stayed at the fair a bit after the game. We checked out the butter sculpture and the creative arts pavilion, but the best thing we saw all day was that stunning Golden Hat.

Texas Sports recap

Texas Sports box score

And for the family archives: For this Red River Rivalry, we hosted a gaggle of Ryan’s college friends at our house the Friday before the game. It was fun to see him and his friends hangin’ out just like we had a decade or three ago.

Dodging the Sucker Punch

Texas 28, Tulsa 21 

Sept. 8, 2018 • DKR

After the disappointing loss to Maryland, the Horns came back in the home opener to beat the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. As mighty winds blow, so did our defense. After shutting out Tulsa in the first half, we gave up 21 points in the second. Thank goodness for Sam & Co. managing to score in the fourth to keep our Horns on top.

The game might not have been the show of power we were expecting, but Bevo Blvd. certainly displayed all that is great about Texas football! With vendors and games and “Longhorn City Limits” music, the pregame party was a fitting celebration of the reunion that is a Longhorns home game.

Texas Sports box score

Down and Dirty

Texas 56, San Jose State 0

Sept. 9, 2017 • DKR

I was fresh out of ideas. What could we use to represent the Spartans? I walked through convenience store snack aisles, and nothing jumped out at me. If only I had some Jose Cuervo—but then again, I probably would’ve drunk it all after that Maryland game.

Then Brett suggested I make a spartan spelling, drawing on this definition of “spartan”:

Voila! This time I would spell Texas in the most frugal manner possible. No candy, no flowers, no toys—I would spell Texas with NOTHING.

Turns out, NOTHING is what the Spartans scored. Some might call an eight touchdown blowout boring. I call it DELICIOUS.

I HEARD that! TD, Heard!

 

Texas Sports recap

 

 

 

What the Shell

Maryland 51, Texas 41

Sept. 2, 2017 • DKR

It’s a brand-new season! We have a brand-new coach! We have a brand-new attitude! Here we goooooo!

Or not. Our D could not stop Maryland, not even when their QB was hurt and freshman came in to take the snaps. Our O couldn’t give Buechele much time in the pocket. And the play-calling? Same ol, same ol.

I spelled Texas with chocolate turtles for the Terrapins, but much like this game, this one ended up looking more like poop.

Back in our spot!

\m/

Post-game therapy

Tailgate trailer back in action

Pregame Chuy’s

Baby Bevo’s growing up

Co-op chalk wall

 

Texas Sports recap

 

 

A Brief History of Hook ’Ems

When Harley Clark, the creator of the “Hook ’Em, Horns” hand sign, died in October 2014, I posted a Facebook album in tribute.

To archive those photos (plus a few more favorites), I’m posting them here, too. Presenting, a brief history of “hook ’ems” in our family photos.

My UT graduation, May 1990

Our wedding, June 1994

Football picnic, 1999

At home, 1998

Football picnic at Memaw’s apartment, 2001

Meeting Coach Mack Brown, 2001

In DKR with Katie, 2003

At home, 2004

Big XII championship pregame at Reliant, 2005

Section 1 crew, 2005

Heading home after the Best Day Ever, Jan. 5, 2006

Best Day Ever, Jan. 4, 2006

At Dana and Kelley’s the night before the Best Day Ever, Jan. 3, 2006

Best Day Ever, Jan. 4, 2006

Best Day Ever, Jan. 4, 2006

DKR, 2008

DKR, 2008

DKR, 2008

With the Davey O’Brien trophy, 2009

Pregaming before the 2009 Fiesta Bowl

Tailgate, 2009

With Bevo XIV at the tailgate, 2010

With Bevo XIV at the Fort Worth University Co-op, 2012

Texas-ou, 2012

Spring game with the Laughlins, 2012

Tower of Terror at Disney Hollywood Studios, 2012

At Austin’s Donut Taco Palace, 2013

Reppin’ the colors in my classroom, 2014

With the NCAA men’s basketball trophy, 2014

At Ryan’s UT orientation, 2015

Halftime with LHB and LHAB, 2015

Soaking wet at the K State game, 2015

Celebrating an improbable win over ou, 2015

With Ryan at his first Texas-ou game, 2015

Space Mountain at Disneyland, 2015

Splash Mountain at Disneyland, 2015

Splash Mountain at Disneyland, 2015

Tower of Terror at California Adventure, 2015

Tower of Terror at California Adventure, 2015

At Kerbey Lane with Ryan, 2015

Splash Mountain at Disneyland, 2016

Painting with Parents

Born in Austin, I’ve been a Texas fan for as long as I can remember, and that only intensified when I attended UT. But this year, I added a new level to my allegiance: Now I’m also a Texas parent.

One of the great comforts during this, our first year with a kid away at college, has been the Texas Parents Association, especially the group’s Facebook page. It’s been a great help to see what other parents (and their students, of course) are going through. It’s always good to know you’re not alone with your hopes and fears. It’s also great to have a source for advice when dealing with issues that can come up on the Forty Acres.

Shortly after Bevo XIV died, a DFW mom suggested a Bevo painting party for Metroplex Texas parents. I jumped at the chance to memorialize my favorite steer and meet some fellow parents to boot.

When I arrived at the Lover’s Lane Painting with a Twist location, I soon knew I was among “my people”:

After many reminders that we were not creating “fine art” but “fun art,” we were underway. We sketched Bevo first:

Then the artists-in-residence led us through the process to create our masterpieces. I was again reminded why I write and don’t draw, but I was still pleased that if you blur your eyes, you can at least tell what my subject was:

It was fun getting to meet the other parents, and it was cool to see how our paintings varied so much, even though we all followed the same steps and instructions.

We had a great turnout for this event.

I hope we can do something similar later this year or next.

Uncanny resemblance, huh?

Good Kitty

Texas 23, Kansas State 9

Oct. 24, 2015 • DKR

KitKats are the fallback spelling medium whenever we face the Wildcats, and for this game, we had to keep it simple. The 100% chance of rain in the forecast all week turned out to be 100% accurate, so the kitty litter I’d planned to bring to the tailgate stayed in our (dry) home. Fortunately, unlike many of the times we’ve faced K State, we were spared from shouting, “GIMME A BREAK!”

Even in the rain, our guys, especially J Gray, racked up the yards, and the Horns came through with a big ol’ W. Coming after the upset over ou, this win made our losses to Cal and Okie State even more painful to recall, but whatcha gonna do?

Because this was our first game after Bevo XIV’s passing, the stadium’s mood seemed a little somber at times. But the rain, instead of exacerbating the gloom, actually helped alleviate it. The fans who endured the precip were having a blast. What’s a little water among friends? Besides, a little rain is all you need to distinguish between the true fans and the fair weather ones.

Some pics from the day:

Why I DON’T like 11 a.m. kickoffs.

Longhorn faithful

Bevo’s ranch family and Silver Spurs during pregame

Bevo’s halter and the Golden Hat

The sad, empty corner

Back to the Future halftime: DeLorean

Touchdown, Texas! SWOOOOOOPES!

Rain? WHAT rain?

Rain-soaked crazies

Horns up. Sing The Eyes.

Always in our hearts, Big Guy.

Sunday morning brunch at Kerbey

Kerbey Queso: The real deal

And a little bonus: Our favorite little Longhorn fans!

In Memory of Bevo XIV

Even though it’s been 11 years, I can still remember XIV’s introduction to the Longhorn faithful. It was historic, after all. Two Bevos presiding over the same game? Unheard of. Pretty darn cute, too, to see the elder statesman Bevo XIII beside the 2-year-old upstart. You know, if giant steers can be “cute.”

Sept. 4, 2004: Bevo XIII passes the torch to XIV. (photo found on Pinterest)

On that day in September 2004, we never could’ve dreamed of the great games Bevo XIV would see: the dramatic win over Michigan in the 2005 Rose Bowl, the heart-pounding, thrilling national championship the next year, that close call against Nebraska at Jerry World, the wins over arch-rivals Oklahoma and A&M.

We also never dreamed his reign would end so soon.

Aug. 30, 2008: As the south endzone stands evolved, so did Bevo’s corner.

I know it’s silly to get weepy about an animal I don’t even know. Thing is, I feel like I do. He sat just 52 rows below my seat in section 1, so he was a constant part of my DKR experience for more than a decade. I’ve seen him in his trailer, I’ve spotted him at bowl games, I’ve “met” him at special events, and I’ve taken bunches of pictures of him. So yeah, I feel a little attached.

When we got the word that he’d be missing this year’s Red River Shootout Rivalry Showdown, we knew it had to be bad. Rumors of the “C word” circulated, and dire prognoses were predicted. Then news of his retirement came. Still, I was stunned to hear he’d passed so quickly.

I’m dreading that empty corner in the south endzone this Saturday and for the rest of this season. I hate that our gentle giant won’t be chomping on his birthday hay at the Thanksgiving game this year (the 99th anniversary of our Bevo tradition). And I especially hurt for the Silver Spurs and the Bakers, his real family, as they mourn their loss.

Sure, we’ll be welcoming Bevo XV into our stadium as well as our hearts next fall, but I’ll miss this giant puppy dog of a steer. I delighted in the stories from his ranch home, of how he loved to have his belly rubbed and would come to the door when called. And I loved the oddly gentle look he’d give passersby. The dude could kill you with one swipe of those massive horns, but he had such a docile, endearing demeanor that was downright adorable. But he was all things Texas, too. Pride. Strength. Majesty.

Rest in peace, old friend, and hook ’em forever.

9/4/2004: Bevo XIV makes his debut alongside his predecessor, Bevo XIII. This was the first time two Bevos had ever appeared together. (photo via statesman.com)

10/8/2005: Texas-ou game, Cotton Bowl, Dallas

12/3/2005: After the Big XII championship game over Colorado (that confirmed the Horns were going to the national championship), Reliant Stadium, Houston

9/1/2007: In his new corner by the south endzone stands, DKR

Sometime in 2007: Ryan and Katie pose with the Big Guy, DKR

8/30/2008: Bevo’s spot evolves as the south grandstands change

9/27/2008: Bill Murray (dark shirt, light hat) pays a visit

9/26/2009: The rock star arrives (as spotted on the Drag)

12/6/2009: On the big screen at Jerry World for the Big 12 championship game against Nebraska, Cowboys Stadium, Arlington

1/7/2010: On the Rose Bowl grounds before the 2009 BCS championship game, Pasadena

9/26/2010: In his trailer before the UCLA game, DKR

11/26/2010: Posing for our tailgate crew before the aggy game, DKR

3/11/2011: Resting beneath the Tower during Explore Texas, UT campus

5/7/2011: Waiting for fans at the Fort Worth Co-op

5/7/2011: Showing off those puppy-dog eyes at the Fort Worth Co-op

5/7/2011: Waiting for fans at the Fort Worth Co-op

5/7/2011: Posing with fans at the Fort Worth Co-op

5/7/2011: Posing for fans at the Fort Worth Co-op

9/3/2011: Chillin’ with his personal Chill Zone at the home opener versus Rice, DKR

11/19/2011: Stretching his legs at the K State game, DKR

11/22/2012: Celebrating Bevo’s 96th anniversary at the Thanksgiving game, DKR

11/22/2012: Celebrating Bevo’s 96th anniversary at the Thanksgiving game, DKR

11/22/2012: Celebrating Bevo’s 96th anniversary at the Thanksgiving game, DKR

12/29/2012: Greeting “his people” at the Alamo Bowl versus Oregon State, San Antonio

12/29/2012: Greeting “his people” at the Alamo Bowl versus Oregon State, San Antonio

4/21/2014: Posing with his fans at the Texas Strong Tour visit to Joe T’s, Fort Worth

4/21/2014: Getting ready for his close-up at the Texas Strong Tour visit to Joe T’s, Fort Worth

4/21/2014: Posing with fans at the Texas Strong Tour visit to Joe T’s, Fort Worth

4/21/2014: Looking as handsome as ever at the Texas Strong Tour visit to Joe T’s, Fort Worth

4/21/2014: Posing with his fans at the Texas Strong Tour visit to Joe T’s, Fort Worth

9/13/2014: Starring in his “Get Your Game On” video during the UCLA game at AT&T Stadium, Arlington

9/13/2014: “You are looking live” at Bevo XIV, UCLA game at Jerry World, Arlington

10/11/2014: Bevo’s last Texas-ou game to attend, Cotton Bowl, Dallas

11/27/2014: Celebrating Bevo’s 98th anniversary during the Thanksgiving game against TCU, DKR

11/27/2014: Celebrating Bevo’s 98th anniversary during the Thanksgiving game against TCU, DKR

11/27/2014: Celebrating Bevo’s 98th anniversary during the Thanksgiving game against TCU, DKR (One of the great things about sitting 52 rows above him was getting to watch him work on those anniversary hay bales! Long after the cameras cut away, he’d still be chowing down.)

12/29/2014: Texas Bowl, NRG Stadium, Houston

12/29/2014: Texas Bowl, NRG Stadium, Houston

9/12/2015: Home opener versus Rice, DKR

9/26/2015: My last pic of Bevo XIV, taken during the Oklahoma State game, DKR

10/13/2015: We’re so glad Bevo got to try on the Golden Hat one last time. (photo via UT Athletics)

10/13/2015: Bevo’s retirement was announced shortly after the Horns’ 24-17 upset victory over ou. The Spurs brought the Golden Hat trophy to his ranch so Bevo could celebrate in style—with hay! (photo via UT Athletics)

2015: RIP, Bevo XIV. (photo via UT Austin)