San Antonio, Texas – In 1998, shortly after Mack Brown became the coach of the Texas Longhorns, he found himself in an awkward situation during a political event organized by business and civic leaders. The city was trying to impress officials to secure the 2000 Republican National Convention, and Brown was joined by his counterpart, Texas A&M Aggies coach R.C. Slocum. In a state where football coaches hold more star power than the governor, Brown unknowingly made a grave mistake by flashing the Aggie “thumbs-up” signal instead of the Longhorns’ “hook ’em” hand signal.
The rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M, which dates back to 1894, is one of the most intense in college football. It’s a bitter and irrational dislike fueled solely by school allegiance, dividing families and communities across the Lone Star State. Despite the outward pageantry, the animosity between the two schools runs deep, with each side having their own fight songs taunting the other.
The resumption of the Texas vs. Texas A&M series after a 13-year hiatus has fans excited for the showdown. While the Longhorns lead the overall series, each game is highly anticipated and hotly contested, with victories leading to bragging rights for years to come. The two universities have constantly tried to outdo each other not just on the field, but also in terms of stadium capacity and athletics revenue.
In 1999, a tragic event almost led to the cancellation of the game between Texas and Texas A&M after a bonfire structure collapse resulted in multiple fatalities. Despite the somber mood, the game went on, and the Aggies emerged victorious. The rivalry has had its share of iconic moments, with players and coaches on both sides cherishing the opportunity to be a part of this historic matchup.
As the two teams gear up to face each other once again, the stakes are higher than ever. Texas is ranked third in the College Football Playoff rankings and has a shot at making a run for the national title in their first year in the SEC. Meanwhile, Texas A&M is looking to secure a spot in the playoff and hopes to cap off a successful season by defeating their arch-rivals.
The return of the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry is not just a game, but a symbol of tradition and pride for both universities. Fans, players, and alumni from both schools are eager to witness the resumption of this historic matchup, where emotions run high and every play counts towards securing victory. The reunion of the Longhorns and Aggies on the football field is a momentous occasion for college football fans and a reminder of the deep-rooted passion that makes this rivalry so special.