Despite a glimmer of optimism shared Wednesday, Texas A&M has squashed the idea of a potential revival of the rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M.
The buzz started with a tweet by Kirk Bohls of Austin American-Statesman, who tweeted he was hearing from sources close to the Longhorns the potential was there for a possible series renewal against the longtime instate rival Aggies.But I’m also told by a higher-up Longhorn that the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry “perhaps” could resume. #statesman
— kbohls (@kbohls) November 6, 2013
Bohls also reported via Twitter that new Texas AD Steve Patterson did not discuss the possible future of a series with Texas A&M during the interview process, although he had previously discussed a potential game or series with Texas A&M while employed by Arizona State. After that news had started to spread, Texas A&M made things a bit more definitive by getting the word out it will no longer be an option to play in the regular season.
As reported by San Antonio Express News, Texas A&M senior associate athletic director Jason Cook says the Aggies says “We hope to play them again in a BCS or playoff game at some point.” Considering Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin has previously said Texas A&M would welcome a chance to play Texas in a non-conference match-up, this is a change in philosophy as the two schools grow farther and farther apart since Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC two years ago.
Judging by reactions from fans of both schools, the opinion seems to be mutual with neither fan base clamoring for the series to be revived. Perhaps it is bitterness on both sides to an extent, but fans of both schools seem to feel satisfied not having the rivalry there any more.
I’m not a fan of either school so consider this an unbiased opinion, but I hope one day we do see Texas and Texas A&M back on the same field in the regular season. It just doesn’t feel right not seeing them play annually. But my oh my, when the day does come the two cross paths in a postseason game, it is going to be a whole lot of fun.