Bluebonnet (plant)
Bluebonnet is a name given to any number of blue-flowered species of the genus "Lupinus" predominantly found in southwestern United States and is collectively the state flower of Texas. The shape of the petals on the flower resembles the bonnet worn by pioneer women to shield them from the sun.
Species often called bluebonnets include:On March 7, 1901, "Lupinus subcarnosus" became the only species of bluebonnet recognized as the state flower of Texas; however, "Lupinus texensis" emerged as the favorite of most Texans. So, in 1971, the Texas Legislature made any similar species of "Lupinus" that could be found in Texas the state flower.
History of Texas Longhorns football
The Mack Brown era officially debuted with a 66–36 win over New Mexico State in Austin in which running back Ricky Williams would account for six rushing touchdowns. Texas was able to build on that momentum winning six straight including an upset win over Nebraska, 20–16, in Lincoln, Nebraska; which snapped the Cornhuskers streak of 48 straight home victories. The team would go undefeated at home that season and close out a thrilling 26–24 last minute upset win over #6 rival Texas A&M, Texas went on to face and dominate Mississippi State in the 1999 Cotton Bowl Classic, their first New Years Bowl victory since 1981. After a great start in 1998, the talk of national championships began in 1999. However, the talk quickly died after a rocky start, but Texas rebounded with a huge third straight victory over No. 3 Nebraska in Austin and finished the season 9–5. The 2000 season had many people speaking of a championship run with the loaded talent recruited from the previous year. There were growing pains during the season as Texas finished 2nd in the Big 12 and 9–3 overall. In 2001, Texas went 10–1 on the season and was heading towards a national championship appearance against Miami but were upset in the Big 12 championship by Colorado, who they had previously beaten soundly in the regular season. Texas finished the year with an exciting shoot-out win in the Holiday Bowl over Washington where Major Applewhite would set a passing record of 473 yards in a come from behind 47-43 victory. The Holiday Bowl would be voted as the most watched bowl game of the 2001 season. Applewhite finished his career with a 22-6 record as a starting quarterback. Texas would finish the season 11–2 ranked in the top five.