'69 Shootout: #1 Texas 15 - #2 Arkansas 14

A short look at the Texas highlights from the classic shootout... It was called the Game of the Century.. Texas came back from 14 down in the 4th quarter to win the battle of the top 2 teams in college football.

[@JoeB1942]

This was the most exciting football game I ever saw (I watched it on TV). When it ended, I went to the bathroom and threw up everything I had eaten that day. I'd love to have a tape of the entire game. The cheerleader turning backflips after Peschel's reception is burned into my memory.

[@lonestartx3147]

Arguably, the greatest college game of all time! Two Southern teams ranked No. 1 and 2, and it came down to the wire, literally. And, to boot, in the 100th year of college football. There is a great book out there titled "Horns, Hogs, and Nixon Coming; Dixie's Last Stand". I was just a kid when I watched it on TV with my dad and his friends over (all drinking beer and eating whatever), but I will never forget it. I remember when Street went back to pass on that crucial 4th down play, that everyone present let out a somewhat collective "groan" and variations on "oh, hell no...". Street (may he RIP) was a winner and a half....

[@kdinva]

bama v auburn kick 6 was better

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

@@kdinva Bullshit. Ala/Auburn is already forgotten about. This game played by these two legendary teams is obviously the most famous college football game in history.🏈

[@777Outrigger]

@@kdinva The President wasn't there, there was no Freddy Steinmark story to follow, and it was not followed by another critical nail-bitter, with 4th down plays, like the Cotton Bowl game vs Notre Dame.

[@danw.1667]

Street , best Texas qb ever

[@joey.thieme]

@@t4texastomjohnnycat978 Come on man that Bama vs. Auburn game is not forgotten lol. Even as a Texas fan myself I know that

[@oneputtsteven]

According to Wikipedia the game drew a 52.1 rating which means more than half of all the TV sets in the country had tuned in to at least part of the game! Huge!

[@haljones246]

Crazy good ratings!

[@joeyhickey3394]

James Street scores a TD and hands the ball to an Arkansas defender that couldn’t catch him 🐐 he ran like Sam on that first TD. Legendary 4th quarter

[@LtCmdrData45]

I wasn't even alive back then, and this is still the greatest football game I've ever seen! The greatest game of my lifetime, of course, has to be Texas vs. USC in the Rose Bowl, Jan. of '06. Hook 'em!

[@anthonycooper9530]

How did I miss that game I was born in 1965 in Lake Village,Ar

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

Whoa, Nellie!!!..... WHAT a game it was!!!!! "The Big Shootout", AKA "The Game Of The Century", was played by these two legendary teams, with their legendary coaches on this date, Dec 6, 1969, exactly 50 years ago. R.I.P. to all the boys (and men) that have passed away and gone on to Heaven. GOD BLESS OUR BOYHOOD COLLEGE FOOTBALL HEROES FROM A BYGONE ERA.🏈 Thanks for posting this video.

[@UncleMikeNJ]

Let us also give thanks to Darrell Royal and Frank Broyles, two men who won a lot of games while (in Broyles' case, mostly) running clean programs.

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

@@UncleMikeNJ Two great coaches.... two great men.👍🏈

[@nick-rp2do]

Saw this game live on our brand new curtis mathis color TV. Chris shenkel was my favorite play by man.

[@wanative57]

1969 was the 100th anniversary year of college football. Because of it being the 100th anniversary and the #1 and #2 teams playing, many people referred to it as The Game of the Century.

[@georgeorwell4534]

One of the things not often talked about was that the wishbone was a great offensive set to throw out of. When Oklahoma fell behind against Nebraska it was Jack Mildren's right arm that brought them back in a hurry.

[@jacobjones5269]

But Jeff Kinney couldn’t be stopped.. That’s the greatest game of them all, because you’re right… Mildred was en fuego that day..

[@Alan1234x]

Texas sure had big balls, going for the bomb on a 4th and 3. True champions. Love the clip of that girl in the TX band.

[@garrison968]

That was a really gutsy call on 4th and 3. Beautiful pass by Street.

[@bigjohnmac]

What a great college football game!!! Truly a classic!!!! I wish ESPN Classic would show the entire game sometime!!!! I didn't want Texas to win but both teams were outstanding and Texas showed their mettle by coming from 14-0 down to win on the road

[@bballer191]

RIP James Street though... Great player.

[@haljones246]

Street was just a pure, ice water in his veins winner and leader by example! He was tremendously successful in life and sharp as a tack.

[@gravics]

I saw this game when I was a kid on a black and white television. ( we couldn't afford a color one). Bill Montgomery was amazing and somehow Texas was able to fight back. Being a Texas fan, I was depressed through most of the game. The ending was like a story and Texas was victorious. Vince Young brought his own magic to a game that has evolved to a skill level that is difficult to ascertain. To think or trust your instincts could mean the difference between success or failure. I love the game.

[@giles422]

last game of a tremdous decade of college football, final game of the sixties, great post. I remember watching this as a kid, and giggling with my brother about the Texas kicker's name, Happy Feller.

[@robertsprouse9282]

From Fredericksburg, Tx., big German settlement. He smiled a lot when he was a kid..HAPPY..

[@littleladylonghorn]

So glad you're posting these oldies but goodies!!!

[@odkdsjf]

Throwing deep on 4th and 2 in the 4th quarter was one of the bravest in-the-moment sports decisions I have ever seen.

[@Aviewoftime]

Howdy and Hook-Em-Horns Huskeral2008! I really do thank you for sharing that memory of that classic game, The "Game of the Century". My brother had seen your question and asked me to respond w/ what did happen. His daughter graduated from UT last spring and we have always been big fans. My brother has a autograph poster of that game signed by the Quarterback #16 James Street and the Tight-end Randy Peschel #40, who caught the 4th down pass.

[@UncleMikeNJ]

December 6, 1969, 50 years ago today. The tape isn't in great shape, but ABC got some great shots, especially of the Longhorn band.

[@smn76]

Darrell Royal had balls. How many coaches nowadays would have the nerve to go for two with that much time left and still behind? Also, notice that back then there was no such thing as the victory formation (taking a knee) as time ran out. He went under center and waited for the clock to run out. Today, they start walking off with 20 seconds left if they know it's the last play.

[@sxw]

This game was 8 years before my time, but I have seen the footage of this game and my dad told me how big this game was back in '69. I have this game on ESPN Classic and it was a great game probably the best game played in the 20th century or definately one of the top 2 or 3.

[@danw.1667]

Gives me goose bumps watching this again

[@brendacoleman8893]

The BEST part of the pass to Peschel is the clarinet player sobbing in joy a.s she tries to play TEXAS FIGHT at 2:53. Gives me goose bumps to this day

[@ozneroll2132]

Without a doubt....the golden years of UT football.

[@amypeterson4615]

One of the most memorable football games I've ever seen because of Coach Royal's bold -- some might say insane -- play calling. Going for 2 on the FIRST touchdown?! Who does that? Then the most bizarre play I've ever seen. Consider that Texas ran a wishbone offense which almost exclusively featured the run. The qb might throw 4 or 5 passes a game. Yet with 4th and 3 from their own 43 yard line, Royal calls a 40 yard bomb to Peschel. The saying, "Go bold or go home" was invented by Texas that day.

[@CoreyT127]

2:48 dude doing back flips on the field 2 seconds after the tackle! Lol

[@UncleMikeNJ]

Today, the punishment-happy NCAA and NFL would give the Longhorns a 15-yard "excessive celebration" penalty. It wasn't all better in those days. These teams were all-white. Writing about this version of the "Game of the Century," Terry Frei called it "Dixie's Last Stand."

[@nb-wp2qz]

Wtf dude, feel like that should be the point of the video but not even a mention lol

[@wanative57]

A few small people? An estimated half the TVs in the country were tuned into the '69 game, on a non-holiday Saturday (when some people were working). Lots of games were billed in their time as the Game of the Century, not just OU-Neb or UT-Ark. (Army-Navy in the '40s, Notre Dame-Michigan State in the '60s, etc.) I have no issue with anyone saying OU-Neb was the best one--just that it wasn't the only game referred to as the Game of the Century. I like Bing, too (ex-Microsoft guy)! Peace..

[@danw.1667]

Remember watching this game with my dad, I was just 9 years old...such memories...

[@diongullion7638]

My dad told me numerous times when he and his family first watched this game back in 1969. My dad graduated from North Texas but he still was happy that UT won.

[@oscarashes]

Texas and Arkansas had great teams that yea. What a game !!

[@charleswoodhouse4754]

Like how guys just get up and go back to the huddle after big plays like they have done it before

[@arkateacher54]

A number of games have been called the game of the century, some deservedly so and some not. The three I think deserved the title were 1.) the 1946 Army-Notre Dame game, a 0-0 tie featuring three Heisman winners and slew of other stars. The two schools absolutely dominated the last half of the '40's. Army was undefeated 4 times with 2 national championships and two Heismans, and Notre Dame was undefeated 4 years straight with 3 titles and 2 Heismans. 2) 1969 Ark.- Texas - continued

[@Jensuarezgonzalez]

One of the true great games ever in the history of college football.

[@PetersCotton]

He did get an invitation. But the Penn State players wanted to play in the Orange Bowl in Miami instead.

[@robertsprouse9282]

And barely beat KANSAS..

[@LogoAttitude]

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Game of the Century between Texas and Arkansas. ABC should mark the occasion by airing the game between them on November 16 and present the broadcast as if it was still 1969.

[@redshark9537]

Students erupted onto "The Drag" right in front of the Co-op. It was pandemonium. And beer. The cops just smiled. We were deliriously happy. What a game!

[@gregbryan8220]

Golfdude2007 that was a legal chop block. Back in the day linemen could "chop" a defender from behind and below the knees. Just an FYI

[@midnightgrowler]

Did anyone else first think the person at 2:45 was another player instead of a cheerleader? :p awesome job posting this video btw!

[@SFFOOL76]

I've seen film archives of that play. Me and my dad always find it really funny how the cheerleader just starts doing flips out of nowhere after the catch. Im suprised there wasn't a penalty for that.

[@sctvhound]

@greymoose1000 Actually one of the most exciting. #1 and #2 in the nation coming down to the final couple of minutes.

[@Nana1007]

I remember being with my new friends playing touch football that day with one of the kids going into his house to find out what was happening. We all wanted to know!

[@palmettohorn]

Great work by ABC crew finding gal in UT band and staying w/her.

[@dandempsey3793]

Whatever you call this game, it ripped the heart out of Frank Broyles. You could see in his eyes that Arkansas was not going to be the same afterwards. Tough loss for the Razorbacks.

[@rayluca12]

Thanks for not putting the final score on your video ,I never understood why people do that. It takes away the fun of watching.

[@zepman13579]

razorback stadium was small back then. that was max capacity at the time. they renovated it a couple of years ago and now it can hold about 75,000 :)

[@SabbathMan8815]

I wish somebody would upload the whole game... I really would love to see the whole thing someday.

[@victordiazdeleonjr.911]

If u have the UT channel (677), it is shown in it’s entirety every now and then.

[@radio187]

Along with NEPA, that was one of the greatest acts of the Nixon Administration. A lot of Penn Staters whine about that deal, but the SWC ruled the land in those days. Elvis was a big Arkansas fan and probably shot his tv when Speyrer caught that pass.

[@SuperfanDK]

"How could Nixon know so much about football in '69 and so little about Watergate in '73?" ~Joe Paterno

[@robertsprouse9282]

Amazing how Paterno did not know what Sandusky was up to, even though JoePuke was told about it..amazing, Inferno..

[@jasonrogers6454]

The child rapist protector always was a world-class whiner. Texas was ranked No. 1 going into this game. They weren’t going to drop after beating No. 2 on the road. Tricky Dick had nothing to do with it.

[@slicked25]

Texas is like that old girlfriend that was a real bitch to you but 20 year's later you still miss her. I love SEC through and through but miss playing the Horns. This game comes on TV here in Arkansas tomorrow. We can't seem to let it go.

[@SFFOOL76]

It was a hell of a play, what gets me about this play was the cheerleader dude had to do a ozzie smith flip right in front of the play.

[@cedriclovesaaron]

i actually was at that game. it was my 45th birthday.

[@PhillipCreeper]

With their field gola kicker Arkansas would have most likely made it 17 to 8 but as Coach Broyles pointed out Arkansas had a better than average QB with outstanding receivers so it made sense to go for the TD.

[@PhillipCreeper]

Only one and there was no doubt about the penalty. Also there was doubt about the first Arkansas catch that set up their first td.

[@ebf1957]

James Streets' son is a pitcher on the Colorado Rockies.

[@Jamesg1021]

James Street was a stud

[@rekelly0]

R.I.P. James Street!

[@redlegone]

I have really enjoyed the games in 2005 and 2006... Texas wqinning in the Horseshoe and OSU winning at Memorial Stadium... that 2006 game really stung... I expected a little better showing by TX... I was shocked to see the National Title game go the way it did, especially after Holmes ran back the opening kick-off.

[@Valmy77]

Who would have though Arkansas and Penn State fans would still be crying after 39 years? Your tears are delicious.

[@zorbackr]

I wish I could change history and turn on the sprinklers on the longhorn's 2 point conversion..

[@usmcfutball]

Classic game. The TV ratings and fan interest for this one set the standard for all the classic games we've witnessed since. But check out James Street trying to give away the ball after scoring his touchdown...nobody wants anything to do with it. Finally he just hands it to #24 on the Arkansas team! Imagine getting away with that nowadays without a brawl spilling out all over the stadium. "He disrespected me!!"

[@JRF1961]

Nebraska played Texas only once in the 70's and true OU did own UT in the 70's and it got OU what was it three years probation? The story goes that as he left the field after the 1970 game he swore to himself that starting from that moment on, he was going to do whatever was needed to beat Texas. And guess what he did!! Nothing like getting high school coaches to doctor up a players grades to get them into OU (low standards anyway) and paying them off to do it as well as spying on opponents etc.

[@hoosierlooker]

The clarinet player was so excited she could not play her instrument

[@DrHogfan]

Man,I'm not even gonna argue w/you. FILM DOES NOT LIE ! If that happens in a game tomorrow it will be called a clip all day long. Still- we have the ball inside the ten w/ less than 8:00 left . all we have to do is kick a FG but NO Mervin Johnson has to call a pass(another pass)right after Montgomery almost killed by UT rush trying to pass. Is it any wonder that Mervin Johnson ended up at OU ? UT had 6 turnovers and all we got was 14 points. :-(

[@arkateacher54]

Sooners also loaded, another game between undefeateds. The Army ND game was kind of a dud,, 0-0, but the other two were both classics of sports. I saw both on TV and would not pick one over the other. The so-called 1966 ND- Michigan State game of the century was a joke and Alabama was robbed of a title that went to ND.

[@Statalyzer]

"How could Nixon know so much about football and so little about Watergate?" -- Joe Paterno Paterno shouldn't have chickened out of playing Texas in a bowl game.

[@robertsprouse9282]

Paterno, why didn't you know what was going on in your showers with younger kids, you worthless piece of bleep?

[@iWolverine]

How did you find this?

[@PhillipCreeper]

Penn State was hoping that Texas would miss that extra point kick and the game end in a tie. :)

[@jzw1953]

Longhorn magic!

[@mcren4653]

Theres a reason why the president came, he already knew this game would be the greatest

[@jacobjones5269]

Play by the book, and when you go against the book, do something they will never believe you would do..

[@jimellenw]

I got a Orange and White pottery shield of UT signed by those two. Way Cool. And the Last Daily Texan of that year's season. Vince and the 05 team were better but they did not have the grit that the 69 team had. Only a few on that team went to the pros (2 from offense and one or 2 from defense) and compared to the 05 team which put nearly all the starting 22 plus some second teamers in the pros

[@fridgeratorsam4042]

I like the Texas coach at 2:46

[@stevec.1830]

Hey Randy: it's Steve C. Long time no see; I remember the telegram we sent you at the end of the game. I live in the Philippines now. Hope you and Sue are well. Steve

[@razorbacker63]

a 26 yard field goal by the All-American kicker makes it 17-8 and a win....instead we throw a pick in the end zone...the game of the century and the bonehead call of the century.

[@nick-rp2do]

Alot people called him Jimmy.

[@gleasonparker1684]

There he goes

[@SuperfanDK]

neither am i, i'm a diehard iowa fan, and they deserved it more because that was the second consecutive year that they went undefeated and didn't win the national championship.

[@pray452]

I read somewhere that the plaque presented by President Nixon and taken back to D.C. to inscribe the winning team’s name was never seen again even to this day. 😢 🤘

[@BraydenCarr]

YEAH!!

[@kdinva]

jimmy street hands the ball to the Arkansas DB.........no taunting call then...

[@jasonth13]

Coming from someone who isn't a fan of either team, Penn State didn't deserve shit. PSU played ZERO top-10 teams before its bowl game. PSU turned down a chance to play Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Only top-5 teams came within double digits of Texas. PSU struggled against bad Kansas State and Syracuse teams. PSU in those days played a schedule about as tough as Utah's schedule in 2004. Weak. PSU was 11-0, but USC and tOSU both should have been ranked higher, since PSU played NO ONE, as usual.

[@arkateacher54]

Arkansas and Texas were the 2nd and 3rd winningest teams in the '60's behind Alabama, 3 national championships between them, both undefeated, last and only game of the 100th season of college football. Texas wishbone offense was the best and Arkansas defense was the best, and the opposite units also excellent. Neither Oklahoma nor Nebraska were anything special in 1969. 3) 1971 Oklahoma - Nebraska. Huskers were one of the alltime great teams of college football, continued

[@ebf1957]

Freddie Steinmark's final game.

[@robertsprouse9282]

Sadly..true..sigh

[@jhowardmarkleyjr3335]

Were the flags missing at game time?

[@harveybullocks1281]

This game wouldn't have been the game of the year if Michigan hadn't beaten Ohio State the week before.

[@robertsprouse9282]

If my uncle steve had boobs, he'd be my aunt jane. If, if, if, if..

[@wanative57]

Did you think for one minute that Michigan could beat 1969 Ohio State? Probably not, but they did. Anything's possible...

[@ibuprofenPill]

The all-time series is 56-21 in favor of Texas. Historically, Arkansas has been our bitch.

[@robertsprouse9282]

Lately, Awksaw has been everybody's mama-dog.

[@PhillipCreeper]

That is correct but I am still glad that UT won this game.

[@wheezyvettech8781]

I thought Steinmark played in this game, but I don't see him (No. 28) on the field.

[@palmettohorn]

He played but may have rotated with Rick Nabors #40 and perhaps others.

[@palmettohorn]

@@wallacebell4311Thanks. And to think Freddie played the entire game at such a high level with a cancer-riddled left leg.

[@thetheRedundant]

@greymoose1000 The wishbone may have been boring, but it won games and I'll take that any day.

[@thepac12andbig10suck]

This was a good game, but i still don't see how Texas is rivals with arkansas. They probably don't even consider arkansas as one, with the 56-21 head up record.

[@cornholiofromtitica]

The deal is they haven't been in the same conference for decades and their older fans hate each other.

[@ultraollie]

Hmm an interception sealed this game, just as it did the Cotton Bowl (against ND) that followed.

[@robertsprouse9282]

Same guy, Campbell#84..

[@DrHogfan]

What the heck happened to the quality of this video? It wasn't always this blurry.

[@arkateacher54]

Broyles says he has never watched the film of this game and never would.

[@ninjacowboy]

1:10-I don't think they want or need it, but for some reason gives it to #24.

[@11achitturi]

Lol, not even close. Texas had an 18-game winning streak, which would eventually become 30 games.

[@palmettohorn]

Always wondered why Schenkel called Street "Jimmy". Nobody else did -- or did they?

[@feelingidaho]

Wow, that's one hot chick in the Texas band from 2:23 to 3:05. I know she's in her 60's now, but damn was she hot.

[@hooperX101]

If you think that's a bad spread, check out OU's dominance over Ok. State...and that's one of the most promoted rivalries in CFB every year.

[@jasonrogers6454]

Yeah, but OSU was absolute garbage for almost its entire history before Miles and Gundy. Arkansas was a top-20 to top-25 program historically before they left for the SEC.

[@Iwastherein1969]

check out the UNCALLED OBVIOUS as a KNOT ON YOUR NOSE CLIP in the BACK at the 1:02 mark at the 29 yard line on the James Street run....so typical, Arkansas had to battle 6 refs from the state of Texas in every SWC game they played...if that's not a clip, there's no such thing