Longhorn Legends: Tommy Nobis

ORANGE BOWL: 1965

My wife and I were invited to some friend's house to watch the game on a 25" living color TV. That was a thrill, since our little 13" B/W left a lot to be desired.

Texas had faced the great Roger Staubach in the Cotton Bowl one year before, winning 28-6 and proving to all they were truly National Champions that year.

After losing by one point to an undefeated Arkansas during the 64 season, their hopes of repeating were gone. But... they were ranked 5th with still a great game to be played.

Their opponent in this game was No. 1 ranked Alabama, led by none other than Joe Namath. Much was said about Namath's leg injury, but it didn't stop him from playing a great game (18/37 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns.)

The first play didn't produce much. I remember remarking to my friend, "It's time for Ernie to break one." Mr. Koy must have heard me. On the second play from scrimmage he broke loose for a 79-yard gallop.

A while later, a 69-yard pass from James Hudson to George Sauer made the score 14-0. Time for Mr. Namath to do his magic. Completing 10 passes in a 87 yard drive, the score was then 14-7. It was late in the fourth quarter, with the Horns leading 21-17, the biggest play happened.

Texas had fumbled on their 34-yard line and Joe was primed to make them pay. He quickly moved them to lst and goal at the six. Three plays later, it was fourth and goal on the one. Namath tried a quarterback sneak only to be met by Mr. Linebacker, Tommy Nobis. What a stop!

The game wasn't over, but the scoring was. The 21-17 Texas win was one of the sweetest ever. It also allowed Arkansas to move ahead of Alabama and win a National championship.

Texas came close to winning their second championship in two years, but I guess we aren't playing horseshoes, are we?

This was only one of the great plays for which Nobis will be remembered. Texas has had other great linebackers (Derrick Johnson, Britt Hager, Glen Halsell, Scott Henderson, Jeff Leiding, Corby Robertson, to name a few).

For those of us who have been around a few years, Nobis is still tops. A few years ago, when Johnson was knocking everybody's head off, it was Nobis he turned to in respect for his tips on how to improve his game.

One of my "younger" Longhorn friends thought that was crazy. But believe it or not, they were playing great football before you younger guys started watching the game.

Yes, today's players are faster and bigger, but none tougher than Mr. Nobis. I still have the SI cover proclaiming him as the best defender in college football.

Did I mention that when he wasn't playing great defense, he was opening holes in the offensive line for Texas runners? He didn't get to rest much since he was also a great OG. He went on to the Atlanta Falcons for a great pro career.



Tommy, thanks for the memories.