Over the past 11 seasons, Texas has arguably been involved in more iconic and memorable games than any other Div 1 program.  One thing that struck me in compiling this list was how many of the close ones we have won.  It's no great wonder that when you think of the 3 primary QB's of the Mack Brown era (Applewhite, Young, McCoy), clutch is among the first words that comes to mind.  There are 3 games in particular that were tough to leave off of this list, and here are links to the game recaps.  I'm sure people will disagree with some of these rankings, and that's kinda the point. 

My criteria were as follows:

1.  Program significance

2.  Season significance

3.  Great finish:  Not a must, but it seems to almost always happen when Texas is in a big game anyway.

4.  Strength of Opponent:  This kept a couple of Tech games (2003, 2006) and Okie St 2007 out of the list.  Also Vince's heroics @ Kansas.

Last 3 games out: 

Ryan Bailey in the snow

Only win @ K-State

Another Nebraska winning streak eats it.

And there you have it.  So, without further ado, here's my top 10 games of the Mack Brown Era, complete with links, videos, and cheesy headlines!

10.  October 8th, 2005:  Bomar'd.

Only true blowout on this list.  This game was the big psychological hurdle for the 2005 title team, and for most Texas fans as well.  After 5 straight years, it was time.  Texas dominated from the locker room on.  

Texas 45, Oklahoma 12

9.  November 6th, 2004:  The Comeback vs. Okie St.

After getting their ass kicked for 29 minutes, Texas finally showed up right before the half, with Vince hitting Bo Scaife for a touchdown.  Add in a Mack Brown halftime speech, and the second half was pure Texas dominance. 

Texas 56, Oklahoma St 35

8.  October 31st, 1998:  Nebraska's 47 game win streak snapped

One thing about Mack Brown:  He owns Nebraska.  6-1 during his tenure vs the Huskers.  This win, on the backs of Major and Ricky, ended a 47 game home win streak for Nebraska.  Applewhite finds McGarity for the game winner with under 3 minutes to play. 

Texas 20, Nebraska 16

7.  December 28th, 2001:  Major Holiday

Major Applewhite's final game as a Longhorn.  Down 16 to start the 4th.  Ivan Williams scores the game winner with :38 left.  Holiday Bowl record for points scored.  And I can't find a damn video of any of it. 

Texas 47, Washington 43

6.  October 11th, 2008:  45-35

Texas 45, Oklahoma 35

5.  September 10th, 2005:  Goodbye, Columbus

The entire country was jacked for this game.  And it lived up to the hype.  Love you always, Limas.  I always liked the story afterward about Huff and someone else challenging Ted Ginn to a race, and Ginn backed down. 

Texas 25, Ohio St. 22

4.  January 5th, 2009:  Quan's Fiesta

Ugly, ugly first half.  But the second half had it all.  Thank God we won this game, otherwise, we'd be no better than Cal fans.

Texas 24, Ohio St. 21

3.  November 27th, 1998:  Ricky's Run

Not only did Ricky seal the Heisman, but this was also a win by an unranked Texas team over #6 A&M on a Kris Stockton FG with 3 seconds left.  Hell of a lot of good stuff for a regular season game. 

Texas 26, A&M 24

2.  January 1st, 2005:  Vince Runs Wild on Wolverines

How did Vince get out of that sack?  Still gets me every time.  Also, watch the great block by David Thomas on the last touchdown run.  He slows down to get the guy behind him, and then blows up a linebacker.  God I miss David Thomas.

Texas 38, Michigan 37

1.  January 4th, 2006:  The Rose Bowl

Texas 41, USC 38

1.  January 4th, 2006:  The Rose Bowl
2.  January 1st, 2005:  Texas vs Michigan
3.  November 27th, 1998:  Ricky's Run
4.  January 5th, 2009:  Quan's Fiesta
5.  September 10th, 2005:  Limas @ Columbus
6.  October 11th, 2008:  45-35
7.  December 28th, 2001:  Applewhite's comeback vs Washington
8.  October 31st, 1998:  Nebraska's 47 game win streak snapped
9.  November 6th, 2004:  The Comeback vs. Okie
10.  October 8th, 2005:  Bomar'd.

So there it is.  Any thoughts?