As the college football regular season comes to a close, fans across the country are gearing up for one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the year – the Texas A&M vs. Texas rivalry game. This in-state clash has a long and storied history, with both teams vying for bragging rights and state supremacy. And this year’s game promises to be no different, as the undefeated Aggies take on the Longhorns at Darrel K Royal Stadium on November 28.
The rivalry between Texas A&M and Texas dates back to 1894, making it one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in college football. The two teams have faced off a total of 118 times, with Texas holding a slight edge with 76 wins compared to Texas A&M’s 37. However, the Aggies have won the last two meetings, including a 24-21 victory last year in their first matchup since 2011.
But this year’s game has even more significance, as both teams are having successful seasons and are ranked in the top 25. The Aggies, led by head coach Jimbo Fisher, are currently undefeated at 11-0 and are ranked No. 5 in the country. On the other hand, the Longhorns, under the guidance of head coach Tom Herman, have had a solid season with a record of 7-3 and are ranked No. 22.
With both teams having so much on the line, this year’s Texas A&M vs. Texas game is shaping up to be one for the ages. And to get you even more excited for this highly anticipated matchup, here are three interesting facts about the rivalry that you may not know.
1. The Rivalry’s Roots Run Deep
As mentioned earlier, the Texas A&M vs. Texas rivalry dates back to 1894, making it one of the oldest in college football. But what many people may not know is that the rivalry actually started as a prank. In 1894, the Texas A&M football team was scheduled to play the University of Texas, but the Longhorns canceled the game due to a lack of players. In response, the Aggies decided to play a game against Prairie View A&M instead and claimed it as their “official” game against Texas. This sparked a rivalry that has lasted over a century and has become a staple in the college football landscape.
2. The Thanksgiving Tradition
For many years, the Texas A&M vs. Texas game was played on Thanksgiving Day, becoming a beloved tradition for both teams and their fans. However, in 2011, the game was moved to the final week of the regular season due to Texas A&M’s move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This change caused an uproar among fans, as the Thanksgiving Day game had become a cherished tradition for both schools. But with this year’s game falling on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the rivalry will once again be played during the holiday weekend, bringing back a beloved tradition for both teams and their fans.
3. The Lone Star Showdown
The Texas A&M vs. Texas rivalry is often referred to as the “Lone Star Showdown,” a fitting name for a matchup between two of the biggest and most successful programs in the state. But what many people may not know is that the name was actually chosen by the fans. In 2004, the two schools held a contest to come up with a new name for the rivalry, and “Lone Star Showdown” was the winning entry. This name perfectly encapsulates the pride and passion that both teams and their fans have for their home state, making this rivalry even more special.
In conclusion, the Texas A&M vs. Texas rivalry is more than just a football game – it’s a tradition, a legacy, and a source of pride for both teams and their fans. And as we gear up for this year’s matchup, let’s remember the rich history and unique aspects of this rivalry that make it one of the most exciting and highly anticipated games of the year. So mark your calendars and get ready for an epic showdown between these two powerhouse programs. It’s going to be a game for the ages.