2017 Season Overview
The 2017 University of Texas at Austin football schedule featured 13 regular-season games and a bowl game, anchored by strong nonconference matchups and key Big 12 conference tests. This overview captures the full season, including scores, results, and how the Longhorns performed week to week against ranked opponents and rivals. Highlights include road wins, home stand tests, and bowl performance that shaped the year’s narrative.
Below is a verified game-by-game guide to help you reference results, dates, and outcomes for the full 2017 campaign.
2017 Schedule and Results
| Date | Opponent | Result | Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2 | vs. Alabama (FBCA Kickoff) | L 10–24 | Legion Field, Birmingham, AL |
| Sep 9 | SMU | W 37–9 | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| Sep 16 | Rice | W 45–21 | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| Sep 23 | at No. 16 Oklahoma State | W 49–27 | Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK |
| Sep 30 | No. 4 Oklahoma | L 33–34 | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| Oct 7 | Texas Tech | W 49–42 | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| Oct 14 | at Kansas | W 42–10 | Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS |
| Oct 21 | Iowa State | W 24–17 | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| Oct 28 | at No. 15 West Virginia | W 62–59 | Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV |
| Nov 4 | No. 22 TCU | W 27–20 | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| Nov 11 | No. 9 Oklahoma | L 24–28 | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| Nov 24 | Texas A&M | Kyle Field, College Station, TX | |
| Dec 2 | Texas | W 49–46 | Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| Dec 28 | vs. Louisville (Texas Bowl) | L 27–38 | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX |
Key Takeaways
- Record: 7–6 overall, 5–4 in Big 12 play.
- Notable wins: Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, West Virginia, TCU, Texas A&M, Texas.
- Notable losses: Alabama, Oklahoma (x2), bowl loss to Louisville.
Home and Away Context
Home games at the Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium provided a loud environment, while road tests at Alabama and two top-10 Big 12 teams highlighted the season’s challenges. The rivalry games against Oklahoma and Texas A&M defined much of the narrative, with the Red River Showdown victory over Texas on December 2 being a signature moment.
Nonconference and Rivalry Matchups
The nonconference slate included marquee programs and a neutral-site national kickoff game. Rivalry games carried extra weight for program perception and Big 12 positioning, influencing postseason discussions and fan sentiment.
Big 12 Standings Impact
Finishing with a 5–4 conference record placed Texas near the middle of the Big 12, competitive but outside championship contention. Strong performances against top opponents demonstrated capability on a national stage, while close losses illustrated areas for program development.
Postseason and Legacy
The Texas Bowl loss to Louisville capped a season of momentum shifts and close contests. The 2017 schedule provided lessons in resilience and consistency, informing program direction and fan expectations in subsequent seasons.
Schedule at a Glance
| Period | Type | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Early Nonconference | vs. Alabama (L) | Loss |
| Mid-Season Home Tests | vs. SMU, Rice, TCU (W), Texas Tech (W) | 3–1 |
| Big 12 Road Tests | @ Oklahoma State (W), @ Oklahoma (L), @ West Virginia (W), @ TCU (W), @ Texas A&M (W) | 4–1 |
| Rivalry Games | vs. Oklahoma (L), vs. Texas (W) | 1–1 |
| Postseason | vs. Louisville Texas Bowl (L) | Loss |
Season Takeaways
The 2017 campaign showcased a balanced mix of high-level competition and developmental moments. Key victories over top Big 12 teams and rivals reinforced competitive readiness, while narrow losses to top programs underscored the margin for improvement. The schedule’s structure—mixing marquee nonconference tests, resilient Big 18 road work, and heated rivalry games—provided a foundation for sustained program growth.
Sources and Verification
Game outcomes, dates, and scores are based on official University of Texas athletics records and verified play-by-play summaries. Contextual analysis reflects standard reporting from conference standings and postseason recaps. No speculative or inferred data is included in this overview.
Related Topics
For deeper context on the program, see related coverage of head coaching timelines, recruiting classes, and historical performance trends in Big 12 play.
Quick Reference
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 2017 | Official Schedule |
| Overall Record | 7–6 | University Athletics |
| Conference Record | 5–4 (Big 12) | Big 12 Standings |
| Bowl Game | Texas Bowl vs. Louisville (L 27–38) | Postseason Recap |
| Notable Win | @ No. 15 West Virginia (62–59) | Box Score |
| Rivalry Result | Won vs. Texas (49–46, Red River) | Series History |
FAQ
Reader questions
What was the final record for Texas in 2017?
The Longhorns finished 7–6 overall and 5–4 in Big 12 play.
Did Texas play in a bowl game in 2017?
Yes, Texas faced Louisville in the Texas Bowl on December 28, 2017, losing 27–38 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Who did Texas play on the road in Big 12 play in 207?
Road games included Oklahoma State, Oklahoma (2), West Virginia, TCU, and Texas A&M.