The long-standing rivalry had a dramatic conclusion, but it was bittersweet for one side: In late November 2011, the supposed final game between Texas and Texas A&M ended with Justin Tucker’s 40-yard field goal clinching a 27-25 victory for the Longhorns as the clock ran out.

This match marked the end for the Aggies, who were preparing to switch from the Big 12 to the SEC the next summer, eager for the wealth and prestige offered by the new league, and importantly, the chance to escape the shadow of Texas.

“Goodbye, partner,” Texas remarked. The Longhorns’ win was remembered as one of the harshest farewells in college sports, a final slap from the dominant older sibling who had consistently overshadowed their rivals throughout the series’ history.

“We were aware of the significance at the time, knowing we had a chance to send Texas A&M off to the SEC with a bitter memory, and that’s what we did,” Tucker recalled recently. “We knew it was likely our last game against them for a while. Being on the winning side made it a memorable moment for Texas football fans.”

Fast forward to a renewed rivalry. Thirteen years after the Aggies left, the two teams reunited this summer as the Longhorns joined the SEC. With significant bragging rights at stake, the series resumes this Saturday night, compounded by high regional and national importance.

“The game is just the game,” observed Texas coach Steve Sarkisian. “Our main goal remains the same: to win, and to reach the SEC Championship game. However, I recognize the rivalry’s deep significance, especially for Texans, where families might be divided over this match during Thanksgiving weekend.”

Rivalry with Major Implications for Texas and Texas A&M

This matchup in College Station holds extra stakes. The victor will secure a place in the SEC Championship Game against No. 6 Georgia, along with a chance for the College Football Playoff; for the Longhorns, winning may guarantee a playoff position, irrespective of the outcome against the Bulldogs.

Having this much at stake is uncommon for a series that began in 1894 and was played yearly from 1915 until 2011. The Longhorns lead the series 76-37-5, having lost only three times between 1940 and 1974, while the Aggies’ peak was from 1984 to 1994 when they secured 10 wins out of 11 games, with their single loss in 1990 by just one point.

From 1997 to 2011, at least one team was ranked in every meeting. Yet, only seven of those games saw both teams ranked in the top 20: in 1941, 1943, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1985, and 1995.

The most significant prior game related to this matchup was in 1975, where No. 2 A&M defeated No. 5 Texas, remaining unbeaten, even though the Aggies would eventually lose their final two games of the year.

“Everyone knows the magnitude of this game and the necessity to stay focused,” Texas A&M left tackle Trey Zuhn III stated. “We’re in contention for the SEC championship and the College Football Playoff. We need to leave everything on the field this week.”

Ticket prices reflect the excitement surrounding Saturday’s game. The average ticket price is around $1,100, with the cheapest seat at $520, according to StubHub. As of Wednesday, premium tickets near the midfield were listed at about $2,600 each. TickPick reported that this matchup has become “the most expensive regular season football ticket on record,” surpassing both college and NFL games.

“I’m less concerned about being the last scorer in this rivalry and much more thrilled about the prospect of witnessing this game for many years ahead,” Tucker shared. “I believe it’s one of the greatest rivalries in all sports, not just in college football.”

A revitalized rivalry. A shot at the SEC Championship. The opportunity to contend for a national title. There’s a reason this game is one of the highlighted events of the 2024 season.

“Although it hasn’t been played for a while, it hasn’t truly left our collective mindset. I think our players are very aware of the significance of this game,” expressed Texas A&M coach Mike Elko.

Texas vs. Texas A&M: Rivalry Fueled by Hatred and Respect

The rivalry between these two fanbases is intense. College football is rich with fierce competitions, and this is one of the fiercest.

This intense rivalry is reflected in the “Aggie War Hymn,” composed in 1918, which famously declares, “Goodbye to Texas university. So long to the orange and white.” Additionally, A&M fans often refer to their opponents as “tu,” the abbreviation they prefer over “UT.”

Even with this fierce competition, there are deep-rooted connections between the two universities. Historically, Texas A&M didn’t allow female students to enroll until 1969, leading many male students to travel the 100 miles to Austin to meet and marry their future partners from Texas.

“You hear all about the hatred, and I’m sure some have strong feelings,” remarked former A&M coach R.C. Slocum, who has participated in an impressive 30 games in this rivalry as both a coach and assistant.

“However, I know many who have been part of this rivalry and share a mutual respect. There’s a strong desire to win. When you step onto the field, you give your all. To me, respect is a more meaningful feeling.”

One of the most poignant moments in this series occurred during the 1999 game, held just eight days after a tragic bonfire at A&M’s campus took the lives of 12 students and injured 27 others.

Texas A&M won that emotional matchup with a last-minute touchdown, marking it as a significant victory in their history.

“That game showcases the deeper emotions underneath the rivalry,” Slocum stated. “In the grand scheme, this game isn’t as vital as the lives lost and the people affected.”

This match exemplified the mixture of hatred and respect entrenched in this rivalry, but the upcoming game promises to be unlike any other.

“It’s going to feel similar to the Alabama, Notre Dame, and LSU games, but even more intense,” predicted Texas A&M linebacker Taurean York.