AUSTIN, Texas -- Charlie Strong got one more game to make a grand statement -- one more chance to convince his bosses and everyone else he deserves another year at Texas.
TCU 31, Texas 9 did not accomplish that mission. The Longhorns’ 5-7 season ends not with a roar but a sigh. As was the case all year long, they were given plenty of chances, and they couldn’t capitalize.
A more-of-the-same game was the last thing Strong needed. Texas leadership promised to wait until after this game against a 6-5 TCU team to evaluate Strong’s future. What the Longhorns offered up Friday certainly can’t help his chances.
Texas players knew what was on the line. Not just their coach’s job, but also a bowl bid or losing season. They vowed to play their hearts out for him. They couldn’t get it done.
As with so many games this season, the Longhorns will walk away from the loss counting up their missed opportunities. Their defense was absolutely dominant early on, giving up a total of 27 yards over the final seven drives of the first half and overwhelming Kenny Hill and TCU's offensive line with pressure. Their offense got deep into Horned Frogs territory on five drives in the first half. One drive ended at TCU’s 1-yard line. Another started at their 8 and ended in a field goal. In all, Texas came away with six points on those five key chances and never once took a lead.
Texas has the best running back in the nation, a 2,000-plus-yard rusher in D'Onta Foreman and still couldn’t muster much offensively, getting shut out on seven of their eight drives in the second half. The defense eventually gave in and fell apart late.
You could say these Texas coaches and players finally folded under all the pressure and negativity surrounding Strong’s job status. But their head coach doesn’t make excuses like that. His team flat-out played poorly and got blown out.
How can Strong possibly sell progress and an exciting future to Texas president Greg Fenves and athletic director Mike Perrin now? Texas has endured three consecutive losing seasons -- the first time since 1936-38 -- and back-to-back years with no bowl game.
If the overtime loss at Kansas wasn't enough to convince Texas leadership, a 22-point loss to a not-great TCU team makes the decision far easier. It's time for a difficult but necessary change in Austin.