The University of Texas (UT) and Stanford University have a rich and storied history of competition in various sports, particularly in football. Over the years, these two institutions have clashed on numerous occasions, producing some truly unforgettable moments. Here, we'll delve into five of the most pivotal moments in UT-Stanford game history.
In recent years, the UT-Stanford rivalry has gained significant attention, particularly with the rise of the Pac-12 Conference and the Big 12 Conference. However, their history stretches back much further, with the first meeting between the two teams taking place in 1901. Since then, they have clashed a total of 17 times, with UT holding a slight edge in the all-time series, 12-5.
From thrilling victories to heart-wrenching defeats, these five key moments showcase the intensity and drama that has come to define the UT-Stanford rivalry.
Early Success: 1901 - UT's First Victory Over Stanford
The first meeting between UT and Stanford took place on November 16, 1901, at Clark Field in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns, led by coach Samuel Huston Thompson, secured a convincing 11-0 victory over the Cardinal. This win marked the beginning of a long and storied rivalry between the two institutions.
In the early years, UT dominated the series, winning eight of the first ten meetings. However, Stanford eventually found its footing, and the rivalry began to heat up.
Rise of the Cardinal: 1956 - Stanford's First Victory Over UT
After decades of UT dominance, Stanford finally broke through with its first victory over the Longhorns in 1956. The Cardinal, led by coach Chuck Taylor, secured a hard-fought 20-13 win at Stanford Stadium. This victory marked a turning point in the series, as Stanford began to gain momentum and challenge UT's supremacy.
The 1956 win sparked a resurgence in the Stanford program, and the Cardinal went on to enjoy a successful decade, including a Rose Bowl appearance in 1961.
Thrilling Upset: 1993 - Stanford Stuns #8 UT
One of the most memorable moments in UT-Stanford game history came in 1993 when the Cardinal, led by coach Bill Walsh, pulled off a stunning 27-23 upset over the #8-ranked Longhorns. The game, played at Stanford Stadium, saw Stanford quarterback Steve Stenstrom throw for 187 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with just 1:15 remaining.
This upset marked one of the biggest victories in Stanford history and sent shockwaves throughout the college football world.
Big 12 Showdown: 2007 - UT Edges Stanford in Thrilling Fashion
In 2007, the UT-Stanford rivalry took on a new dimension as the two teams clashed in a non-conference matchup at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The game lived up to its billing, with the Longhorns, led by quarterback Colt McCoy, edging the Cardinal 34-31 in a back-and-forth thriller.
The win marked UT's fifth straight victory over Stanford and cemented the Longhorns' status as one of the top programs in the Big 12 Conference.
Rivalry Renewed: 2011 - Stanford Dominates #22 UT
In 2011, the UT-Stanford rivalry was renewed in a big way, as the Cardinal, led by coach David Shaw, dominated the #22-ranked Longhorns 41-21 at Stanford Stadium. The game marked Stanford's first victory over a ranked UT team since 1993 and showcased the Cardinal's growing strength in the Pac-12 Conference.
The win marked a turning point in the series, as Stanford has since become a perennial power in college football, with UT seeking to regain its footing in the rivalry.
As the UT-Stanford rivalry continues to evolve, fans of both programs eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this storied series. With each team boasting rich histories, talented players, and passionate fan bases, the stage is set for more thrilling moments to come.
Now it's your turn! Share your favorite UT-Stanford game moments in the comments below. Which team do you think will come out on top in their next meeting?
What is the all-time series record between UT and Stanford?
+UT holds a slight edge in the all-time series, 12-5.
What was the score of the first meeting between UT and Stanford?
+UT won the first meeting 11-0 in 1901.
Which team has won the most recent meeting between UT and Stanford?
+Stanford dominated #22 UT 41-21 in 2011.