Texas A&M Vs. Texas: A Rivalry Renewed?

The rivalry between Texas A&M and the University of Texas is one of the most storied and heated in college sports. For over a century, the Aggies and Longhorns battled on the gridiron, basketball court, and baseball diamond, creating countless memorable moments and unforgettable games. However, the rivalry went dormant in 2012 when Texas A&M left the Big 12 Conference for the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Now, with Texas set to join the SEC in 2024, the question on every college football fan's mind is: Will the rivalry be renewed?

The History of a Classic Rivalry

The Texas A&M-Texas rivalry dates back to 1894, with the first football game between the two schools. For decades, the annual Thanksgiving Day game was a tradition for both universities and the state of Texas as a whole. The series was filled with dramatic finishes, legendary players, and passionate fans. Some of the most memorable moments include:

• The 1999 Game: Texas A&M upset #5 Texas 20-16, thanks to a last-second interception by Brandon Jennings in the end zone.
• The 2003 Game: Texas quarterback Chance Mock threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Roy Williams with just seconds remaining, giving the Longhorns a 26-24 victory.
• The 2011 Game: The final game of the series before Texas A&M's departure to the SEC, Texas won a hard-fought 27-25 contest in College Station.

The rivalry wasn't just limited to football. The two schools also had intense matchups in basketball, baseball, and other sports. The passion and intensity of the rivalry were unmatched, making it one of the best in college athletics. — Days Until November 15th: Countdown Guide

The End of an Era

In 2011, Texas A&M announced its decision to leave the Big 12 Conference and join the SEC. This move brought an end to the annual rivalry game with Texas, as the two schools were no longer in the same conference. The final game was played on Thanksgiving night in 2011, with Texas winning a close game.

The end of the rivalry was met with disappointment from fans of both schools. For many, the annual game was a tradition and a highlight of the college football season. The absence of the rivalry left a void in the college sports landscape.

A New Chapter: Texas Joins the SEC

In 2021, the landscape of college sports shifted once again when Texas and Oklahoma announced their intentions to leave the Big 12 and join the SEC. This move is set to take effect in 2024 and brings the Longhorns and Aggies back into the same conference, reigniting hope for a renewal of the rivalry.

The announcement of Texas's move to the SEC was met with excitement from fans of both schools. The prospect of the rivalry being renewed has generated significant buzz and anticipation. However, there are still some obstacles to overcome before the rivalry can be officially renewed.

Will the Rivalry Be Renewed?

While the move of Texas to the SEC opens the door for the rivalry to be renewed, it is not a certainty. Several factors will determine whether the two schools will resume their annual matchup:

1. SEC Scheduling: The SEC schedule is already packed with traditional rivalries. Adding Texas A&M vs. Texas would require some adjustments. The conference will need to determine how to balance the schedule and ensure that all teams have a fair opportunity to compete.
2. Texas A&M's Hesitation: Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork has publicly expressed some reservations about renewing the rivalry. He has stated that the Aggies have moved on and are focused on building their own identity in the SEC. Bjork has also mentioned concerns about the Longhorn Network, Texas's television network, and its potential impact on the rivalry.
3. Fan Demand: Despite any reservations, the demand for the rivalry from fans of both schools is undeniable. A renewed Texas A&M-Texas game would be a massive event, drawing huge crowds and television ratings. The economic benefits of the rivalry could be a significant factor in the decision-making process.

Despite the complexities, there is optimism that the rivalry will be renewed. The SEC understands the significance of the matchup and is likely to explore ways to make it happen. The passion and tradition of the rivalry are too strong to ignore.

The Potential Impact

The renewal of the Texas A&M-Texas rivalry would have a significant impact on college sports. The game would instantly become one of the biggest and most anticipated matchups in the country. Here are some of the potential impacts:

• Increased Revenue: A renewed rivalry would generate massive revenue for both schools and the SEC. Ticket sales, merchandise, and television rights would all increase significantly.
• National Exposure: The game would draw national attention, showcasing the SEC and the state of Texas. It would be a major event for college football fans across the country.
• Recruiting Boost: The rivalry would provide both schools with a recruiting boost. The opportunity to play in such a high-profile game would be a major draw for top recruits.
• Fan Engagement: The renewal of the rivalry would energize the fan bases of both schools. The passion and excitement surrounding the game would be palpable.

FAQ

Q: When could the rivalry be renewed? A: With Texas joining the SEC in 2024, the rivalry could be renewed as early as the 2024 football season. However, the exact schedule will depend on the SEC's decision-making process. — Black River Falls Weather: Your Daily Forecast

Q: Why did the rivalry end in the first place? A: The rivalry ended in 2012 when Texas A&M left the Big 12 Conference to join the SEC. This move put the two schools in different conferences, making it difficult to continue the annual game.

Q: How does Texas A&M feel about renewing the rivalry? A: Texas A&M has expressed some reservations about renewing the rivalry, with athletic director Ross Bjork citing concerns about the Longhorn Network and the Aggies' focus on building their identity in the SEC.

Q: How do Texas fans feel about renewing the rivalry? A: Texas fans are overwhelmingly in favor of renewing the rivalry. The game is a tradition for the Longhorns, and they are eager to resume the annual matchup. — Hutchinson KS Houses For Rent: Find Your Perfect Home

Q: What are the biggest obstacles to renewing the rivalry? A: The biggest obstacles include SEC scheduling, Texas A&M's reservations, and the need to balance the interests of all SEC teams.

Q: What is the Longhorn Network? A: The Longhorn Network is a television network owned by the University of Texas. It broadcasts Texas athletic events and other programming related to the university.

Conclusion

The Texas A&M-Texas rivalry is one of the most iconic in college sports history. While the rivalry has been dormant for over a decade, the move of Texas to the SEC in 2024 has created an opportunity for it to be renewed. While challenges remain, the passion, tradition, and economic benefits of the rivalry make it likely that the Aggies and Longhorns will once again clash on the field. The renewal of this classic matchup would be a major event for college sports, generating excitement and anticipation across the nation. Keep an eye on the schedules in 2024 and beyond – the return of this rivalry is something every college football fan should be excited about.