The 2017 Texas Longhorns football schedule set the stage for a season of rebuilding, rivalry, and renewed fan interest. As the Longhorns looked to build on recent momentum, the slate of games offered a blend of marquee non-conflict rivalry games, tough conference road tests, and key home windows.
This schedule analysis breaks down each week by opponent, location, and context for Longhorns supporters. Below is a quick-reference table that maps the path for the 2017 season.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 2 | Louisiana Tech | Austin (Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium) | W 56–10 | |
| 2 | Sep 9 | Rice | Austin (Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium) | W 48–24 | |
| 3 | Sep 16 | No. 17 Utah | Salt Lake City | W 27–24 | |
| 4 | Sep 23 | No. 1 Oklahoma | Norman | L 38–45 | |
| 5 | Sep 30 | No. 22 Kansas | Austin (Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium) | W 45–21 | |
| 6 | Oct 7 | Bethune–Cookman | Austin (Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium) | W 59–7 | |
| 7 | Oct 14 | No. 11 West Virginia | Austin (Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium) | W 38–14 | |
| 8 | Oct 21 | at No. 24 Iowa State | Ames | L 34–38 | |
| 9 | Oct 28 | Texas Tech | Austin (Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium) | W 49–46 OT | |
| 10 | Nov 4 | at No. 12 TCU | Fort Worth | L 31–38 | L 31–38 |
| 11 | Nov 11 | Kansas State | Austin (Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium) | W 49–9 | |
| 12 | Nov 17 | at No. 21 Baylor | Waco | L 24–41 | |
| 13 | Nov 24 | Texas A&M | Austin (Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium) | W 52–21 |
2017 Season Context and Expectations
Heading into 2017, the Texas Longhorns brought a mix of returning starters and new talent under a renewed coaching philosophy. The schedule was designed to test depth on both sides of the ball while maintaining key rivalries that define the program’s identity.
Non-conference games were balanced with marquee names and opportunities to showcase the offense against less-celebrified programs. The conference slate, meanwhile, featured high-stakes matchups against traditional rivals and nationally ranked teams that played a role in positioning the Longhorns for bowl contention.
Home and Away Breakdown by Location
Location played a crucial role in shaping the 2017 narrative for Texas. Home games at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium provided a loud and energized fan base, while road tests gauged the program’s ability to compete on hostile turf.
Wins at home against ranked and unranked opponents offered momentum, while narrow road losses highlighted the challenges of playing elite football away from Austin. Understanding the geographic distribution of games helps contextualize the season’s results and performance trends.
Key Performance Themes and Takeaways
Across the 2017 schedule, certain themes emerged that defined the Longhorns’ season. Explosive offensive plays often complemented steady defensive stands, but consistency remained a work in progress. Turnover management and third-down efficiency frequently separated wins from close losses.
- Strong home-field advantage at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
- Competitive road performances against top-25 opponents
- Balanced offensive attack featuring both rushing and passing threats
- Critical turnovers in close games against conference rivals
- Emerging contributions from backup players during high-leverage weeks
Rivalry Games and Conference Implications
The 2017 slate intensified long-standing rivalries with Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and TCU, each carrying weight for both pride and postseason positioning. These matchups drew heightened attention from casual and hardcore fans alike, adding pressure and opportunity.
In-conference results directly influenced Big 12 standings, affecting access to major bowl games and national visibility. The Longhorns’ ability to compete in these high-pressure environments helped define the narrative of the season beyond simple win-loss records.
Looking Ahead Beyond 2017
The lessons from the 2017 Texas Longhorns football schedule influenced program decisions and fan expectations in the years that followed. Evaluating each game’s impact offers insight into the evolution of the team under consistent leadership and evolving strategy.
FAQ
Reader questions
Was the 2017 schedule considered tough for the Longhorns?
Yes, the 2017 schedule included multiple top-25 opponents and high-stakes rivalry games, making it a challenging slate for Texas.
Which rivalry game in 2017 drew the most attention from fans?
The matchup against Texas Tech in Week 9 was a major highlight, featuring a dramatic overtime finish that energized Longhorns supporters.
How did home performances impact the season’s outcome? Home wins at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium were pivotal, providing consistent support and contributing to key momentum swings. What role did turnovers play in close conference losses?
Turnovers in games against Oklahoma, TCU, and Baylor proved costly, often shifting momentum in tight contests late in the fourth quarter.