Even growing up on the West Coast, Steve Sarkisian was well-versed in the fierce Texas–Texas A&M rivalry. This storied matchup, steeped in history and passion, is set to return after a 13-year hiatus. On Saturday, Sarkisian will lead the third-ranked Longhorns (10-1, 6-1 SEC) against the No. 20 Aggies (8-3, 5-2) at 7:30 pm ET in College Station, and the excitement is palpable.
Reviving a Historic Rivalry
For Sarkisian, this moment is a dream come true. As a child of the 1980s, he fondly recalls watching this game on Thanksgiving with his family. “You have to remember, as a kid growing up, I watched this game on Thanksgiving,” Sarkisian reflected. “That’s how I fell in love with Texas from the very beginning – the uniforms, the helmets. I knew that the rivalry was what it was. Because what did you do as a kid? You watched football, that’s what I did.”
It wasn’t until Sarkisian arrived in Austin three years ago that he truly grasped the significance of the Texas-A&M rivalry. “Then getting here and knowing the rivalry and what it was about, getting presented, and some of the really cool recruiting battles that we’ve been in with them – you win some, you lose some,” he explained. “So we know a lot of their players pretty well, they know a lot of our players pretty well. You quickly find out households are divided and the state’s divided. But that’s the fun part; that’s what this last game of the regular season is supposed to feel like.”
Anticipation in Aggieland
The atmosphere in College Station is electric as fans eagerly await the return of the Longhorns. Paul Finebaum, a prominent voice in college football, believes this game is monumental for the Aggies. “They have to be on upset alert because this is not hyperbole. This is the biggest game in the history of Texas A&M,” Finebaum stated. “They’ve been waiting for this since the moment it was announced in December.”
The emotions surrounding this rivalry are heightened due to the long absence, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Fans are ready to rally behind their team, knowing that a victory could mean everything. The pride of Texas A&M is on the line, and the Aggies are determined to make a statement.
Sarkisian’s Perspective
Sarkisian expressed his gratitude for being part of this historic event. “And I’ve been a part of some great rivalries, and I’m really grateful and thankful that this one is revived, and humbled and honored I get to be a part of it,” he said. “Really, I’ve been watching this game since I was this big. So it’s pretty cool.”
As the Longhorns prepare for battle, Sarkisian knows the importance of this game extends beyond just the scoreboard. It’s about tradition, pride, and the fierce competition that defines college football in Texas. “You quickly find out households are divided and the state’s divided,” he reiterated, emphasizing the rivalry’s deep-rooted nature.
Expectations for the Game
Despite the hype surrounding the Aggies, Finebaum expects the Longhorns to come out on top. “As big as it is, Texas is a better team,” he asserted. “I believe they will win and move on to Atlanta next week.” The Longhorns have shown resilience and skill throughout the season, and they will be looking to capitalize on their strengths.
Sarkisian’s squad has demonstrated a powerful offense and a stout defense, making them formidable opponents. With a chance to advance to the SEC Championship and potentially the College Football Playoff on the line, the Longhorns are poised to make their mark.
The Rivalry’s Significance
The Texas-Texas A&M rivalry is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of college football culture in the Lone Star State. Fans from both sides eagerly anticipate this clash, knowing that it encapsulates the spirit of competition and camaraderie that college football embodies.
As the Longhorns and Aggies prepare to face off, the stakes are high, and the emotions are even higher. It’s a chance for both teams to showcase their talent, but more importantly, it’s an opportunity to rekindle a rivalry that has been missed for over a decade.
Looking Ahead
As kickoff approaches, the excitement builds. Will the Longhorns continue their winning ways and solidify their place in the SEC Championship? Or will the Aggies rise to the occasion and pull off an upset that will be talked about for years to come?
One thing is certain: this game will be a spectacle, filled with passion, pride, and the kind of drama that only college football can deliver. As fans gear up for the Lone Star Showdown, the anticipation is palpable, and the legacy of this rivalry is ready to be written anew.
