We have now arrived at preseason magazine season on the college football calendar. While most of us are familiar with the offerings from publications from the likes of Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, folks in the state of Texas have another annual preview to look forward to from Dave Campbell. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football is widely considered the go-to resource for all things Texas football, be it high school or college, and the summer edition is always a big draw around the lone star state. Appearing on the cover is a big deal in the state. Baylor was pleased to be featured last season, and you might have thought TCU would have a good shot to the featured school appearing on this year’s preview edition. Heck, both TCU and Baylor figure to start the season highly ranked and are both stronger conference championship and College Football Playoff contenders than either Texas or Texas A&M. So they should appear on the cover, right?
Nope.* The big story this year appearing on the cover is the call to revive the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry, with just the second illustrated cover in magazine history.Proudly reveal the cover of the 2015 Summer Edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football! http://t.co/ErNVErxVdv #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/FavNTWM7Vp
— Dave Campbell’s TF (@dctf) June 11, 2015
As you know, Texas and Texas A&M have not played each other since Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012. Though the coaches have spoken about reviving the series by any means necessary, the people with power from above have been reluctant to make it a reality for one reason or another. We have even has state legislatures try to get involved.
“One of our toughest jobs every year is to narrow down all the terrific football stories across the state and choose the most important cover subject for Texas Football,” said DCTF managing editor Greg Tepper said. “This story — Texas vs. Texas A&M, and how it’s inconceivably gone dormant — is the proverbial elephant in the room. For decades, Aggies vs. Longhorns shaped the face of football in Texas. As the authorities on football in the Lone Star State, our position is clear: It’s time to bring it back.”
I am sure I am not alone in saying I hope to see this rivalry played again in the future, and hopefully on a long-term basis. Realignment ripped away many great storied rivalries, including the in-state series between the Longhorns and Aggies. Fans from both sides have been vocal about having no desire to revive the series, but deep down they all would love to get another crack at their rivals if given the opportunity.
* Yes, TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin appears on the cover in the secondary image at the top of the cover. Baylor’s Shawn Oakman is also featured in the secondary box.