1944- Texas vs. Southwestern

1944 Texas Brochure compliments of Mark McDonald

In 1944 one of the most colorful characters in Texas signs with Texas. Because of Bobby Layne’s deep respect for Coach Billy Disch and his desire to play for a great college baseball team, Layne signs with Texas. Bobby Layne would become both a Longhorn football and baseball legend.

Retiring Bobby Lanes jersey number was no easy decision.  Bobby changed numbers every year, starting as #41, then #33, back to #41, and finally #22. Not known by many but Bobby Lane was listed at halfback but he was used more as a passer until he suffered a knee injury with Fischer relieving him as “front back”.

Joe Parker is an All-American. 

Rooster Andrews, the water boy, kicks the point after attempt in the TCU and Texas A & M game.

Bobby Layne and Doak Walker join the Merchant Marine and missed part of the 1945 season.

Texas beat the Aggies for the 11th straight year on the home field.

Layne, Bechtol, Fischer, and Saches were All SWC with Bechtol, an Associated Press All-American. (thank you, Texas Tech).

This Team’s Defense Holds The Longhorn Record For most interceptions in a game (7). 

LSU wanted Y.A. very badly, so they’d do anything to get to him through Y.A.’s high school teammate Puppy Gilroy. LSU recruiter said, “we will get you a scholarship if you get Y. A to-go,” but Gilroy said, “I can’t go; I’m only 15 years old. I’m still in high school.” Tittle signed with Texas, but LSU coaches convinced him that he would never play at Texas because Bobby Layne was better.  10 days later, Tittle leaves Austin for Baton Rouge. 

Because of the War the Cotton Bowl split in 1944 of $20,808.50 was the smallest Texas/competitor split from 1943 through 1970. The largest split during this period was $345.3331.38 was in 1970.