Inside The Blood Feud Between Texas And Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes rivalries. When it comes to sports, no two teams ignite a fiercer and more passionate feud than the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies. It's a rivalry deeply rooted in history, pride, and a burning desire to claim superiority over the other. Let's delve inside this blood feud and explore what makes it so special.

The rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies is one of the oldest in college football. Dating back to 1894, these two teams have locked horns on the field year after year, battling for bragging rights and the coveted Lone Star Showdown trophy.

A Clash of Cultures

At first glance, it may seem like just another football matchup, but the rivalry between these two Texas powerhouses goes beyond the gridiron. It is a clash of cultures, representing two of the biggest universities in the Lone Star State. The University of Texas, located in Austin, stands as a symbol of academic excellence, while Texas A&M University, situated in College Station, prides itself on its rich traditions and military heritage.

Backyard Brawl: Inside the Blood Feud Between Texas and Texas A&M

by W.K. Stratton(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	844 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages

FREE

This clash in culture fuels the rivalry, as fans and alumni from both institutions firmly believe in the superiority of their alma mater. It's a battle for dominance not only on the football field but also in academics, traditions, and the overall image of Texas.

The Darkest Hour

While the rivalry has always been intense, it reached its peak in 2011 when Texas A&M made the unprecedented decision to leave the Big 12 Conference and move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This move was seen as a betrayal by Longhorn fans, who felt their arch-rivals were abandoning the historic rivalry for financial gain and a chance at national prominence.

For the first time in almost a century, the two teams would no longer face each other on the football field. The Lone Star Showdown, a tradition cherished by fans for generations, was suddenly gone. The rivalry had seemingly come to an end.

The Revival

However, the desire to reignite this fierce rivalry never waned. Fans on both sides clamored for the return of the Lone Star Showdown, recognizing the importance of the rivalry in Texas sports culture. After seven long years, the moment arrived.

In 2018, the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies finally faced off once again. The game was dubbed the "Bevo vs. Reveille Rivalry," a nod to the beloved mascots representing each university. The excitement surrounding this game was unmatched, with ticket prices skyrocketing and fans traveling from all corners of Texas to witness the showdown.

Relighting the Fire

Ever since that memorable encounter, talks have been ongoing to continue the rivalry. While nothing has been confirmed as of yet, the hope remains that this blood feud will become a regular occurrence once more. It's a rivalry that brings out the best in both programs and fuels the passion of the fans.

But why is this rivalry so significant? What is it about the matchup between the Longhorns and the Aggies that captures the heart and soul of Texas? Perhaps it's the shared history, the pride of the Lone Star State, or simply the thrill of seeing two powerhouse teams clash.

A Legendary Rivalry

Regardless of the reasons, the rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies will forever be etched in the annals of Texas sports history. It is a rivalry that transcends the boundaries of the football field, shaping the identity of two storied programs and sparking an unquenchable passion in their respective fan bases.

Inside the blood feud between Texas and Texas, battles are fought on multiple fronts – sports, academics, traditions, and even state pride. It's a rivalry that defines a state and unites its people, as they cheer for their favorite team with unbridled enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty.

The rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies is more than just a football game. It's a cultural clash, a fight for dominance, and a bond that unites two universities and an entire state. As the blood feud between Texas and Texas rages on, one thing is certain – when these two teams face off, it's not just a game; it's a battle for glory.

Backyard Brawl: Inside the Blood Feud Between Texas and Texas A&M

by W.K. Stratton(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	844 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages

FREE

It happens once a year, creating a seismic divide throughout the country. It pits brother against brother. It breaks up business deals. It ruins relationships. And once it’s finished, all both sides want is for another year to pass by so they can do it again. It is the Texas/Texas A& M football game. And in the football-obsessed state that is Texas, no single game resonates more.

Every year during the Thanksgiving holidays, the two teams meet for something that has become much more than just a game. It’s a blood feud that represents a tremendous cultural divide in the state. It’s city against country, a rural agricultural school against an urban university. And yet both sides come from the same family, warring cousins who roll up their sleeves once a year in the backyard to settle the question of who’s number one—at least for the time being.

In Backyard Brawl, W. K. Stratton takes you through this rivalry and its history, covering the years when the game was postponed because the fans were just too violent, the branding of UT’s beloved steer, Bevo, by a renegade Aggie, the kidnapping of A&M’s beloved Reveille by boisterous UT students, the theft of UT’s cannon, Old Smokey, and its unceremonious dumping into the murky waters of Austin’s Town Lake, and the fistfights that broke out when celebrating UT fans rushed A&M’s nearly sacred Kyle Field after Texas won the last-ever Southwest Conference title on the Aggies’ home turf.

Stratton also relates the more serious side of the rivalry, particularly the way both schools came together after tradition turned to tragedy in 1999, when the A&M bonfire collapse killed twelve students. And in a touching epilogue, he captures the angst that hit the College Station campus when officials decided to cancel the return of the bonfire in 2002.

Stratton drew a bead on the 2001 season and followed both teams through their schedules leading up to the big clash in College Station. Taking you inside a renowned Aggie Yell practice and introducing you to fervid yet often zany orange-blooded Texas fans through their elaborate tailgating rituals, he creates revealing portraits of the two teams, including head coaches R. C. Slocum and Mack Brown, both of whom are legends in their own time, destined for the Hall of Fame.

Backyard Brawl is a fascinating examination of the greatest war in college football, destined to become a classic for students of the game.