September 2011
Features
How Gary Patterson turned TCU into a powerhouse—one shouting fit at a time. Why Mack Brown’s vaunted Longhorns faltered—and how he plans to bring them back. What it’s like to build a team from scratch—in San Antonio. Plus: game-day delicacies, mascots who kill, throwback jerseys, the greatest coaches ever, and thirteen other reasons we love, cherish, and wait impatiently all year for the return of college football. By Jeff Beckham, Jason Cohen, David Courtney, Skip Hollandsworth, Stacy Hollister, Jake Silverstein, Patrick Smith, Sonia Smith, and Brian D. Sweany
Who cares if TCU went to the Rose Bowl last season and shocked the world? If the extremely intense coach of the Horned Frogs is going to keep his thrilling roll going, he’s got to keep! these! kids! focused!
Admit it, non-orangebloods. You took some pleasure in the collapse of the vaunted UT program last season. Well, guess what? Now it’s time for the empire to strike back.
Starting a major college program from scratch in a city that’s never had one of its own is a tricky business. Good thing the UTSA Roadrunners hired a national champion to help them kick off.
Karey Patterson Bresenhan and Nancy O’Bryant Puentes have finally completed their life’s work, a massive three-volume history of the quilts of Texas, from 1836 to the present. Here are ten that tell the story of quilting—and our state.
She lived outside the spotlight, quietly serving her country as most members of the military do, until one terrible day.
After eleven contested elections dating back three decades, Rick Perry remains undefeated. Is he brilliant? Lucky? Ruthless? We asked the people who know best—his vanquished opponents.
Columns
As the drought tightens its grip on Texas, its effects are being felt everywhere, from rivers to reservoirs to the formerly verdant lawns of Midland.
For the women of Juárez, the terror of kidnapping—and worse—has never ended. Will it ever?
Taxidermy and relationships, school colors abroad, and the proper terminology for a small piece of property.
Another South Dallas politician is under investigation for corruption. Why can’t the city seem to change its script?
Reporter
Lisa Fain on arguing with people about why Texas chili is superior to all others, serving chicken-fried steak to some New York friends, and starting to think that maybe her blog was more than a hobby.
The Gateway to Big Bend offers enough tasty food and worthy art to attract event the hiking-averse.
The country singer-songwriter on sequestering himself in his scriptorium, learning how to write songs on the road, and answering Toby Keith in a song.
