AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns defeated the Clemson Tigers at DKR Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday to win their first round matchup in the College Football Playoff.
It was the first-ever College Football Playoff home game for UT.
As the roars echoed from the stands outside the stadium, Longhorn fans watched and listened to the game as they cheered on their team to victory.
The atmosphere was electric, even for fans who, like Leylah Reyna, have been fans of the boys in Burnt Orange for one year.
“I can definitely feel the adrenaline and the excitement in the air,” Reyna said. “It’s hyping everybody up.”
Saturday’s game was special for Longhorn fans who have been coming to games for decades.
“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid in high school before,” Javier Quintanilla said. “Just the excitement and everything about the game.”
“Just having it here in Austin is unbelievable,” Eric Quintanilla added. “The chills, they’re multiplying.”
Javier Quintanilla and his brother Eric have been cheering on the Longhorns for sixty years.
“My mama didn’t like it, but I came out a little longhorn running.
For them, a bonus home playoff game is a Christmas present.
“Look at the people, look at the crowd,” Javier said. “You cannot beat this. It’s beautiful.”
On this cool December Saturday, fans who bled burnt orange and Longhorn pride showed up in force to passionately cheer on their team.
“Being with friends, you couldn’t have asked for anything more,” Longhorn fan Mark Schellinger said. “Honestly, it was just a perfect home game for the college football playoff series.”
For many Longhorn fans, fall Saturdays are about tradition, friends and family. It is not all about winning or losing but spending time and having fun with family. However, the taste of victory was sure sweet for Longhorn fans on Saturday.
“To win and cover the line was fantastic,” Schellinger said. “To get here and perform the way we did, you just couldn’t have asked for anything more. It was perfect.”
While they are savoring the sweet taste of victory, many fans have already set their sights on Atlanta and the Longhorns’ next matchup against Arizona State on New Year’s Day.
“No matter what, I’m a long horn and this is a good win,” Quintanilla said. “I’m very excited that we’re going to move forward, and hopefully, we can make it to the championship.”