These are some personal observations from a fan that has missed one home game in over 50 years (Protesting Cunningham hiring Mackovic, I set out the Rutgers game):
For those that missed it, I am sorry. This was the craziest crowd I've ever seen in Memorial Stadium. The 1990 Third Ward game was ten-year-old crowd compared to yesterday. It took us 45 minutes to get from Red River down to San Jacinto on 26th Street. Austin PD & University Police doing their usual incompetent jobs, only this year they exceeded themselves - stopping traffic on green lights, then stopping them on red lights. Escalators were a nightmare waiting to happen - ushers were clueless; elevators over loaded. Concessions out of food in first quarter. I used my binoculars to make sure I wasn't at Kyle Field because we never sat down. Don't know where CDC put them, but the "golf clap crowd" didn't show up. I told @WorsterMan this may have been the best game I've ever seen in Memorial Stadium, and yes, I was at the 1970 UCLA game. The only analogy I could draw was watching the late 60s fight between Eddie Machen & Joe Frazier - protect with an occasion assault.
I don't think it hurt recruiting having Kevin Durant & VY on the sideline. Durant was particularly encouraging the crowd with his towel.
Scott Campbell is another of the "hand-picked gifts" of Walt Anderson, but being from SFO, he's a favorite of " Walleye" Burks, and thus got the game. Expect **** from his crew and you will get it - we did.
I am too old, and too lazy to do it, but another "feel good" part of this game can be displayed by a comparison of the players in the game. We played the #1 team in the nation, and arguably the most talented team in the nation loaded with upper classmen. Of the kids that took the field in our beloved Burnt Orange & White, how many were freshmen and/or transfers? Huge difference, yet our youngsters delivered and delivered with pain. OUR KIDS CAME READY TO PLAY AND NOT BE INTIMIDATED! That is coaching and leadership.
My jury of still out on Coach K, but I have to remember that last year's leader of the rebellion in the locker room was on defense and quit in the middle of a game more than once. Patterson's influence was certainly apparent. I hope he didn't enjoy it so much that he decides to go back into coaching. Whomever was in charge and calling the shots - it worked until the fourth quarter - someone please tell me what coach was in the pressbox.
There were so many students show up that they couldn't fit them in the spaces and were placing them around the stadium including the South endzone club.
Unlike others have posted, I never encountered an arrogant or rude Bama fan. I walk from Memorial Stadium up San Jacinto to the garage after every game - I refuse to park on the street because every time I do, we lose. I didn't get to the garage until after 4. I always congratulate the opposing fans and/or thank them for coming and tell them I hope they enjoy their visit to Austin. Every one of them yesterday, stopped and said, this is the greatest environment they've encountered and y'all are the friendliest, nicest opposing fans we've ever encountered. Very complimentary and should make you proud to be a Horn. (FWIW, I probably talked to close to a hundred fans.)
Our kids left it all on the field yesterday. How long since we saw that in Memorial Stadium? It has taken Sark some time to get everyone to "buy in or get out". We saw an inkling of that result. I'm not a fan of "moral victories", and don't consider this one. I call it a "coming of age" of a very young team. Like Gus said, "You can win them all if you're good enough". Yesterday, these kids showed they are becoming good enough - at least they think so; don't let anyone tell them differently. I encourage everyone who can to come out and support this team against UTSA & WVU.
Hook 'em
For those that missed it, I am sorry. This was the craziest crowd I've ever seen in Memorial Stadium. The 1990 Third Ward game was ten-year-old crowd compared to yesterday. It took us 45 minutes to get from Red River down to San Jacinto on 26th Street. Austin PD & University Police doing their usual incompetent jobs, only this year they exceeded themselves - stopping traffic on green lights, then stopping them on red lights. Escalators were a nightmare waiting to happen - ushers were clueless; elevators over loaded. Concessions out of food in first quarter. I used my binoculars to make sure I wasn't at Kyle Field because we never sat down. Don't know where CDC put them, but the "golf clap crowd" didn't show up. I told @WorsterMan this may have been the best game I've ever seen in Memorial Stadium, and yes, I was at the 1970 UCLA game. The only analogy I could draw was watching the late 60s fight between Eddie Machen & Joe Frazier - protect with an occasion assault.
I don't think it hurt recruiting having Kevin Durant & VY on the sideline. Durant was particularly encouraging the crowd with his towel.
Scott Campbell is another of the "hand-picked gifts" of Walt Anderson, but being from SFO, he's a favorite of " Walleye" Burks, and thus got the game. Expect **** from his crew and you will get it - we did.
I am too old, and too lazy to do it, but another "feel good" part of this game can be displayed by a comparison of the players in the game. We played the #1 team in the nation, and arguably the most talented team in the nation loaded with upper classmen. Of the kids that took the field in our beloved Burnt Orange & White, how many were freshmen and/or transfers? Huge difference, yet our youngsters delivered and delivered with pain. OUR KIDS CAME READY TO PLAY AND NOT BE INTIMIDATED! That is coaching and leadership.
My jury of still out on Coach K, but I have to remember that last year's leader of the rebellion in the locker room was on defense and quit in the middle of a game more than once. Patterson's influence was certainly apparent. I hope he didn't enjoy it so much that he decides to go back into coaching. Whomever was in charge and calling the shots - it worked until the fourth quarter - someone please tell me what coach was in the pressbox.
There were so many students show up that they couldn't fit them in the spaces and were placing them around the stadium including the South endzone club.
Unlike others have posted, I never encountered an arrogant or rude Bama fan. I walk from Memorial Stadium up San Jacinto to the garage after every game - I refuse to park on the street because every time I do, we lose. I didn't get to the garage until after 4. I always congratulate the opposing fans and/or thank them for coming and tell them I hope they enjoy their visit to Austin. Every one of them yesterday, stopped and said, this is the greatest environment they've encountered and y'all are the friendliest, nicest opposing fans we've ever encountered. Very complimentary and should make you proud to be a Horn. (FWIW, I probably talked to close to a hundred fans.)
Our kids left it all on the field yesterday. How long since we saw that in Memorial Stadium? It has taken Sark some time to get everyone to "buy in or get out". We saw an inkling of that result. I'm not a fan of "moral victories", and don't consider this one. I call it a "coming of age" of a very young team. Like Gus said, "You can win them all if you're good enough". Yesterday, these kids showed they are becoming good enough - at least they think so; don't let anyone tell them differently. I encourage everyone who can to come out and support this team against UTSA & WVU.
Hook 'em
SH knows better than to kiss & tell on a public forum
