Closing games was a test just a bit too tall for the Texas Longhorns last season.
Fourth quarter and overtime turnovers led to losses against No. 4 USC, No. 10 Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech, and after owning a late lead against No. 12 Oklahoma, a blown coverage assignment and an inability to respond late in the fourth quarter allowed the Sooners to escape the Cotton Bowl with a 29-24 win. Simply put, four of Texas’ losses last season — three of which came at the hands of playoff-caliber competition — were well within reach, but for a Texas program in the continue to take steps forward phase of its rebuild, close, competitive losses were enough in 2017.