March 29, 2024

Ducks rout Texas in Alamo Bowl

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Mack Brown came to Texas in 1998 and told a frustrated fan base to “Come early, be loud and stay late.” Sixteen years later, many obeyed him again one last time, sticking around even after another pummeling in an underachieving season.

Now they’ll find out what the post-Mack Brown era holds.

The Longhorns don’t want it to resemble this: Getting crushed by No. 10 Oregon 30-7 in the Alamo Bowl on Monday night in the worst postseason loss of Brown’s run at Texas.

The blowout was a final reminder of why Brown is resigning after 16 seasons at Texas, which he led to a national championship in 2005 but couldn’t pull out of mediocrity and disappointment in recent years. He led the Longhorns off the field for the last time with his arm slung around his wife, flashing the “Hook ‘em Horns” sign before disappearing into a tunnel to a chorus of cheers.

The BCS-snubbed Ducks (11-2) dominated throughout — even though their famously high-powered offense scored just one touchdown and repeatedly settled for field goals.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota had 386 total yards and Oregon returned two interceptions for touchdowns, spoiling Brown’s farewell.