The Thin Line
A song I love has a line that says there’s a “thin line between joy and pain.” That’s certainly how I feel today as a Longhorn fan. A very thin line separates us from heartbreak and joy as fans. Sometimes the metaphorical line can be literally represented by one yard—like it was last night against Ohio State when Texas failed to score.
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Remember Vince Young’s epic Rose Bowl scramble? It happened on 4th down, as did the 2005 Longhorns defense’s all-time stop of Lendale White just moments before. If Vince is denied short, if White goes an inch further, we’re on different sides of the thin line. The greatest emotions in which we tie to our best sports memories were inches away from the other side of the line. 4th and 13 just last week against ASU.
I also think about my all-time greatest sports heartbreak: Game 6 of the 2013 Finals between the Heat and Spurs. The yellow rope was put up for the postgame trophy celebration that was about to be awarded to San Antonio. But, Ray Allen. The Spurs stayed outside of the rope, Spurs fans on the other side of the thin line.
It’s excruciating, especially when you love a team like so many Texas fans did the 2024 Longhorns. They played defense that was as fun to watch as some breakneck-paced offenses. They pummeled their rivals, had players with compelling stories, and were tough. It was hard to doubt them, and even last night in a gut-wrenching loss, I came away believing in them more.
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But for the second season in a row, Texas and Steve Sarkisian are left wanting on the pain-side of the thin line. The Sugar Bowl against Washington had an equally cruel ending and serves as a sad bookend to this chapter in what’s otherwise been a glorious run for Texas. It’s a freaking tough journey to cross the threshold. Look at the paths taken by the two programs that defeated the Longhorns this year: Kirby Smart’s Georgia suffered one heartbreak after another at the hands of Nick Saban before he broke through. Ryan Day and the Buckeyes were in the throes of pain only a month ago.
When crossing the line is but a mere yard away, everyone—myself included—second-guesses how Sark, Quinn Ewers, and Texas should’ve attempted to get over it. A lot of it from last night is frankly very fair. But the truth is, there will always be imperfect play calls, rosters with some holes and tackles for loss. It’s a sport, and both teams have great players who want to win. So, when a program like Sarkisian’s Texas sits just on the other side of that thin line, they have to learn from those who’ve been there before. Like the Spurs, Georgia, and now freaking Ohio State. Let the loss sting, let the pain build until you can’t stand being on that side of the thin line anymore. Then next time it’s in front of you, burst through it. Joy is on the other side.
Hook ’Em
