The Texas vs. Texas A&M Football Rivalry: A Quick View

As a die-hard Miami Hurricanes fan living in Austin, Texas, the excitement surrounding college football is palpable, especially with the Texas Longhorns making their much-anticipated debut in the SEC. But before diving into the future matchups, let’s stroll down memory lane and explore the storied rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies.

A Rivalry Born in 1894

The Texas vs. Texas A&M football rivalry kicked off on October 19, 1894, with a resounding victory for the Longhorns, who trounced the Aggies 38-0. This initial clash set the tone for a rivalry over a century, filled with intense competition, memorable moments, and a few quirky traditions.

For the first few decades, Texas dominated the series, leading the rivalry 15-4-2 by 1911. However, the tides began to shift as the Aggies found their footing, and by the late 1930s, the rivalry had become a fierce back-and-forth affair.

The Annual Tradition

From 1915 to 2011, the two teams faced off annually, creating a tradition that became a staple of Texas football culture. The rivalry was particularly heated during Thanksgiving, with many families divided in their loyalties. The game often served as the final matchup of the regular season, adding to the stakes and excitement.

The Legislative Push

Fast-forward to 2013, and the rivalry faced an unexpected twist. The annual match was abruptly halted after Texas A&M's move to the SEC. To revive the rivalry, Texas state legislator Lyle Larson proposed a bill mandating that the two schools play each other every year. The bill suggested that if either school refused to participate, it could lose the ability to award athletic scholarships. While the bill garnered some attention, it ultimately fizzled out in committee, leaving fans yearning for the return of the Lone Star Showdown.

Attempts to Revive the Rivalry

Despite the legislative efforts, the rivalry remained dormant for years, with both schools occasionally expressing interest in resuming the series. In 2017, a poll conducted among UT students showed overwhelming support for returning to the game, with 96.71% in favor. A similar sentiment echoed at Texas A&M, where 88.71% of students voted for a revival during the spring elections.

In December 2017, Texas AD Chris Del Conte contacted Texas A&M's athletic director to propose a home-and-home series, but the Aggies declined, citing scheduling conflicts. The rivalry seemed stuck in limbo, with both sides occasionally throwing verbal jabs at one another but no actual games on the horizon.

The Resumption of the Rivalry

The good news for fans is that the rivalry is set to resume on November 30, 2024, as part of the SEC’s rivalry week. This long-awaited matchup will mark the first time the two teams face off in 13 years, reigniting the fierce competition that has defined Texas football for over a century.

Traditions and Cultural Impact

The Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry is rich with traditions that add to its allure. The Aggie Bonfire, a massive structure built by Texas A&M students, symbolizes their desire to defeat Texas. On the flip side, Texas has its Hex Rally, a pre-game event aimed at putting a "hex" on the Aggies. Both schools have even engaged in playful mascot thefts over the years, with Bevo and Reveille becoming unwitting participants in the rivalry's antics.

The rivalry has also entered popular culture, with references in music, films, and even Wheaties cereal boxes celebrating the long-standing competition.

Game Results and Notable Moments

Historically, Texas leads the all-time series 76-37-5, with some of the most memorable games occurring in the 1940s and 1980s. The most lopsided victory came in 1898 when Texas won 48-0. However, the rivalry has seen its fair share of close calls, including the last matchup in 2011, where Texas clinched a nail-biting 27-25 victory with a last-second field goal.

Notable Moments Include:

• The "Bonfire Game" (1999): Following the tragic collapse of the Aggie Bonfire, the atmosphere during this game was charged with emotion, culminating in a hard-fought 20-16 victory for Texas A&M.
• The Upset of 1984: Texas A&M's 37-12 victory in Austin marked a turning point in the rivalry, as the Aggies began a streak of dominance over their rivals.
• The Hex Rally's Birth (1941): A group of Texas students sought supernatural help to break an 18-year losing streak at Kyle Field, leading to a 23-0 victory and the inception of the Hex Rally.

Final Whistle

The Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry is more than just a football game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that embodies the spirit of college football in Texas. With the upcoming matchup in 2024, fans from both sides are eagerly anticipating the rekindling of this fierce rivalry. Preparing for this historic clash reminds us of the passion, tradition, and excitement that college football brings to our lives.

What are your favorite memories or moments from the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry? Share your thoughts in the comments below!