Aggie fans, you out there?

[SanAntonioAggie]

If you have never been to Kyle Field you will have a blast. Get there early (Friday) and take in all the tradition. I am a Bama fan and have been there 2 times. great trip, great fans and enjoy the Corps!

Glad you have enjoyed your trips and look forward to hearing great things from UT fans on their trip to Aggieland this weekend.

 

[Lester Freamon]

I have wanted to ask Aggie fans since they entered the SEC if they supported the move to the SEC. I know you miss playing Texas every year and the travel is terrible, but things seem to being going very well. Is there a contingent that still wishes they hadn't left? Was the fanbase divided when the move was first announced? Sorry if already discussed

Third on not regretting the move.

And the fanbase is pretty split on wanting to play Texas. As far as I'm concerned, those jack*sses can rot in the purgatory that is the remnants of the once proud B12. Here's the deal with playing Texas: when we originally left, they issued a university wide decree that they would not play us in any sport as punishment for "running" from them. Even went as far as saying we were irrelevant outside of "a small sliver down the east side of the state" (actual quote from former AD Deloss Dodds). Their arrogance knows no bounds, and it wasn't until we moved to the SEC and found some initial success behind the magic of Johnny, Mike Evans, etc, that you saw the attitude in the state change. For the first time, our success was wholly independent of them and they could do nothing to shine a light to our performances on the biggest stage in college football, all the while they were wasting away playing (and often being blown out) on a network no one can get (the fabled Longhorn Network) or in 11 am games in the bustling metropolises of Ames, IA, Manhattan, KS, Waco, TX, and Stillwater, OK that were televised on the regional Fox Sports affiliates. After this, you saw journalists start to mourn the loss of a great rivalry game, etc etc and them begin to express interest in renewing the rivalry in the future. We hate them as much as ever but have a future in the best conference in CFB. Meanwhile, the B12 will continue to review applications from the powerhouses that are BYU, Cincy, USF, et al in hopes of adding enough members to fill out their roster :birgits_giggle:

As far as travel goes, no one minds one bit. At least no Aggie I've ever met. You have to understand how absolutely unappealing trips to some of the aforementioned locales are. Instead, we get the chance to see phenomenal venues: The Grove, Death Valley at night, Bryant-Denny, Neyland. Everything about the SEC is bigger and better. Stadiums, towns, tailgating, crowds, all the way down to the implications of virtually every single conference game on the national CFB landscape. I would rather take my lumps visiting great venues and interacting with some of the most passionate and colorful fanbases across the country than endure even one more season in the B12.

 

[Sara Clark]

I checked out a couple of their boards earlier and a large portion feel we will be no match for them.

Good, hope they have that attitude on Saturday!

 

[sechamp2012]

You and I agree. Flip a coin. It all depends on what team shows up and can get their offense going. I really have no idea, and would not bet this game with someone else's money.

As for stadiums - Both Neyland and Kyle are as good as it gets. I've been to both many times. They both get so loud your ears basically stop working, and everything is just buzzzzzzz.

Since we have just played twice and in Bowl games .....BTW we won both. What would make an A&M fan come to Neyland many times?

 

[LittleVol]

Third on not regretting the move.

And the fanbase is pretty split on wanting to play Texas. As far as I'm concerned, those jack*sses can rot in the purgatory that is the remnants of the once proud B12. Here's the deal with playing Texas: when we originally left, they issued a university wide decree that they would not play us in any sport as punishment for "running" from them. Even went as far as saying we were irrelevant outside of "a small sliver down the east side of the state" (actual quote from former AD Deloss Dodds). Their arrogance knows no bounds, and it wasn't until we moved to the SEC and found some initial success behind the magic of Johnny, Mike Evans, etc, that you saw the attitude in the state change. For the first time, our success was wholly independent of them and they could do nothing to shine a light to our performances on the biggest stage in college football, all the while they were wasting away playing (and often being blown out) on a network no one can get (the fabled Longhorn Network) or in 11 am games in the bustling metropolises of Ames, IA, Manhattan, KS, Waco, TX, and Stillwater, OK that were televised on the regional Fox Sports affiliates. After this, you saw journalists start to mourn the loss of a great rivalry game, etc etc and them begin to express interest in renewing the rivalry in the future. We hate them as much as ever but have a future in the best conference in CFB. Meanwhile, the B12 will continue to review applications from the powerhouses that are BYU, Cincy, USF, et al in hopes of adding enough members to fill out their roster :birgits_giggle:

As far as travel goes, no one minds one bit. At least no Aggie I've ever met. You have to understand how absolutely unappealing trips to some of the aforementioned locales are. Instead, we get the chance to see phenomenal venues: The Grove, Death Valley at night, Bryant-Denny, Neyland. Everything about the SEC is bigger and better. Stadiums, towns, tailgating, crowds, all the way down to the implications of virtually every single conference game on the national CFB landscape. I would rather take my lumps visiting great venues and interacting with some of the most passionate and colorful fanbases across the country than endure even one more season in the B12.

As much as A&M had benefited from the SEC, i think the reverse is true as well.

Bringing the Texas football culture into the SEC has been great.

Plus you've had good terms every year. Represent well during bowl season. And of course Aggie has their own unique culture that adds to the madness of the SEC.

 

[Smokeys Big Bite]

Third on not regretting the move.

And the fanbase is pretty split on wanting to play Texas. As far as I'm concerned, those jack*sses can rot in the purgatory that is the remnants of the once proud B12. Here's the deal with playing Texas: when we originally left, they issued a university wide decree that they would not play us in any sport as punishment for "running" from them. Even went as far as saying we were irrelevant outside of "a small sliver down the east side of the state" (actual quote from former AD Deloss Dodds). Their arrogance knows no bounds, and it wasn't until we moved to the SEC and found some initial success behind the magic of Johnny, Mike Evans, etc, that you saw the attitude in the state change. For the first time, our success was wholly independent of them and they could do nothing to shine a light to our performances on the biggest stage in college football, all the while they were wasting away playing (and often being blown out) on a network no one can get (the fabled Longhorn Network) or in 11 am games in the bustling metropolises of Ames, IA, Manhattan, KS, Waco, TX, and Stillwater, OK that were televised on the regional Fox Sports affiliates. After this, you saw journalists start to mourn the loss of a great rivalry game, etc etc and them begin to express interest in renewing the rivalry in the future. We hate them as much as ever but have a future in the best conference in CFB. Meanwhile, the B12 will continue to review applications from the powerhouses that are BYU, Cincy, USF, et al in hopes of adding enough members to fill out their roster :birgits_giggle:

As far as travel goes, no one minds one bit. At least no Aggie I've ever met. You have to understand how absolutely unappealing trips to some of the aforementioned locales are. Instead, we get the chance to see phenomenal venues: The Grove, Death Valley at night, Bryant-Denny, Neyland. Everything about the SEC is bigger and better. Stadiums, towns, tailgating, crowds, all the way down to the implications of virtually every single conference game on the national CFB landscape. I would rather take my lumps visiting great venues and interacting with some of the most passionate and colorful fanbases across the country than endure even one more season in the B12.

I don't mean any disrespect here to Texas A&M in their present status but as an outsider looking in I have to agree with A&M's irrelevance. My memory goes back to the old Southwest Conference where A&M was always perhaps fourth or fifth behind Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and sometimes Arkansas. A spoiler at best each and every year - never the favorite and always second to Texas. I admit, I never followed the A&M program and still am quite illiterate about it as being kind of a weird sideshow. I do think the best thing to ever happen to A&M was being invited into the SEC. Now you have a stage to be relevant and make major gains on the Texas fan base because, at least in historical terms, you are in the best damn conference that exists. Not necessarily every single year but overall. Texas A&M should be elated to be in the SEC. It is literally, your savior from irrelevance and the damage caused by the ridiculous Longhorn network deal. Trust me, being in the SEC will trump the "Longhorn Network" especially as that program continues in its mediocrity. As for me, I don't study A&M. I couldn't care less about the Texas Agriculture and Mechanical College and the whole practice yelling tradition to me seems.... well.... I cannot say it publicly. I'm a damn Volunteer! I don't need any damn practice yelling! It's in my damned DNA. Watch the video of the hail Mary pass against Georgia and notice the crowd noise at the reception. It was an away game but sounded like a home game for the Volunteers at Sanford Stadium! The Vols travel well. A&M has a really good football team. The Vols need more than the one half of play they have provided to win this game. If they can do so then the Vols will win. If they play only one half of football then they will lose this contest to a very talented team. Not worried about any "sixth man" factor. The Vols are experienced and used to such environments and will be just fine insofar as that is concerned. One thing about this year's Vols is they never get rattled. Never. So, expect a fight. This is Smokeys Big Bite saying his peace from the hills and hollows of his beloved Tennessee ---- Bawhoooooooo..

 

[Lester Freamon]

I don't mean any disrespect here to Texas A&M in their present status but as an outsider looking in I have to agree with A&M's irrelevance. My memory goes back to the old Southwest Conference where A&M was always perhaps fourth or fifth behind Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and sometimes Arkansas. A spoiler at best each and every year - never the favorite and always second to Texas.

Trust me, I'm not here to argue history with you.:thumbsup:

Our institution has a time honored tradition of underachieving. Outside of a few years at the end of the Jackie Sherrill regime and parts of the RC Slocum regime, we have typically been seen as second best as the state (and third best in the immediate region if you include OU as well). Mack Brown's time in Austin was particularly cruel to us, as we struggled to find success under the coaches who came post Slocum.

Just stating that the arrogance of Texas knows no bounds, even to this day when we are on a bigger and brighter stage (and outperforming them in the wins column despite tougher competition). Most educated fans have no desire to give them an opportunity to get up off the proverbial mat.

 

[Chano]

I don't mean any disrespect here to Texas A&M in their present status but as an outsider looking in I have to agree with A&M's irrelevance. My memory goes back to the old Southwest Conference where A&M was always perhaps fourth or fifth behind Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and sometimes Arkansas. A spoiler at best each and every year - never the favorite and always second to Texas. I admit, I never followed the A&M program and still am quite illiterate about it as being kind of a weird sideshow. I do think the best thing to ever happen to A&M was being invited into the SEC. Now you have a stage to be relevant and make major gains on the Texas fan base because, at least in historical terms, you are in the best damn conference that exists. Not necessarily every single year but overall. Texas A&M should be elated to be in the SEC. It is literally, your savior from irrelevance and the damage caused by the ridiculous Longhorn network deal. Trust me, being in the SEC will trump the "Longhorn Network" especially as that program continues in its mediocrity. As for me, I don't study A&M. I couldn't care less about the Texas Agriculture and Mechanical College and the whole practice yelling tradition to me seems.... well.... I cannot say it publicly. I'm a damn Volunteer! I don't need any damn practice yelling! It's in my damned DNA. Watch the video of the hail Mary pass against Georgia and notice the crowd noise at the reception. It was an away game but sounded like a home game for the Volunteers at Sanford Stadium! The Vols travel well. A&M has a really good football team. The Vols need more than the one half of play they have provided to win this game. If they can do so then the Vols will win. If they play only one half of football then they will lose this contest to a very talented team. Not worried about any "sixth man" factor. The Vols are experienced and used to such environments and will be just fine insofar as that is concerned. One thing about this year's Vols is they never get rattled. Never. So, expect a fight. This is Smokeys Big Bite saying his peace from the hills and hollows of his beloved Tennessee ---- Bawhoooooooo..

Oklahoma and Nebraska weren't in the Southwest Conference. I'm in my 20s and even I know that! If you look back, A&M was the best team in the SWC for most of the 80s and 90s. Since scholarship limitations were implemented by the NCAA in 1973 literally evening the playing field, the A&M-Texas series is 20-19 in favor in Texas. The "large gap" between the programs is way overstated. Yes, Texas won a title in the 2000s and that has helped their overall status a lot in the Big 12 days, where A&M fell off a bit in the 2000s. Who knows what the future has in store.

 

[Crazy Ivan]

Explain sir. This is damn talented Aggie team that is undefeated.

Hey. Maybe he knows something.

 

[Th3p3n3tr41t0r]

I'd like to see what the Aggies fans are saying. Anyone know their forum page?

 

[zooguy]

There wasn't a large gap after the mid 70's. Before that, A&M was an all male military academy like the Citadel, so that prevented them from getting the best FB players. Once they changed that, A&M really got much better. We dominated texas in the late 80's early 90's, and then fell behind in facilities. Now, are facilities are second to none ($750 million new stadium upgrade), and texas is in a second-rate conference and has become Texas Tech (all offense, no defense).

 

[ToddyHill]

I have wanted to ask Aggie fans since they entered the SEC if they supported the move to the SEC. I know you miss playing Texas every year and the travel is terrible, but things seem to being going very well. Is there a contingent that still wishes they hadn't left? Was the fanbase divided when the move was first announced? Sorry if already discussed

I know of no Aggies whom were disappointed with our exit from the Big 12. I do wish we'd play Texas every year, and I think in time that will return...but only when they get a little humility...which means it will be a long wait.

Culturally, I think we fit in the SEC...though I'd have to defer to what others think as well.

And as far as traveling to the venues....it works for me...given I live 20 minutes from Neyland Stadium.

 

[ToddyHill]

Trust me, I'm not here to argue history with you.:thumbsup:

Our institution has a time honored tradition of underachieving. Outside of a few years at the end of the Jackie Sherrill regime and parts of the RC Slocum regime, we have typically been seen as second best as the state (and third best in the immediate region if you include OU as well). Mack Brown's time in Austin was particularly cruel to us, as we struggled to find success under the coaches who came post Slocum.

Just stating that the arrogance of Texas knows no bounds, even to this day when we are on a bigger and brighter stage (and outperforming them in the wins column despite tougher competition). Most educated fans have no desire to give them an opportunity to get up off the proverbial mat.

First, when A&M was in the Southwest Conference, Nebraska and Oklahoma were in the Big 8. If you really want to go back to when A&M began their relevance, you have to go back to the early 70's when Emory Bellard (the originator of the Wishbone) became our head coach. In 1975 we were 10-0, number 2 in the nation, and had just defeated Texas. Unfortunately, we were upset by Arkansas at Arkansas (at that time they too were in the SWC). That is the closest we've ever come to the National Title in what I refer to as the modern era.

Given the assets we have to draw upon, A&M should be a Top Ten program every year. But I agree with others....we have been underachievers for a long time.

 

[Lester Freamon]

I'd like to see what the Aggies fans are saying. Anyone know their forum page?

Biggest A&M forum with the most traffic is Texags.com. Word of caution, the Zoo (the free Aggie Football board) is terrible. Full of trolls, almost to a tigerdroppings level. The community on the Premium board and some of more heavily trafficked boards is as good as any CFB board, I would venture to say. Personal favorites are Outdoors, Old Rivalries (dumping on former rivals), Business & Investing and Houston area, among others.

The 247 site (Gigem247) is a growing site with really great recruiting coverage, but the community leaves a lot to be desired.

The old Rivals site seems to be losing a lot of steam. Im not a member there so I dont know firsthand, but from what I can tell, a lot of subs have left and talent as well.

 

[TexasAggie12thMan]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Southwest_Conference_champions#Football

 

[TexasAggie12thMan]

dp

 

[vols4evah]

Personally I am glad that aTm joined the SEC and think you guys are a great fit.

 

[Nationdom]

Personally I am glad that aTm joined the SEC and think you guys are a great fit.

South Eastern Conference, not a good fit. I realize that all conferences are doing this and it's wrong. Just like Colorado being in the PAC 12. It really makes me mad and I want things going track to how they were.

 

[Smokeys Big Bite]

Personally I am glad that aTm joined the SEC and think you guys are a great fit.

I think so too. Mizzou, not so much.

 

[bigorange]

I moved back to TN (grew up in Knoxville) from Raleigh, NC after living there 15 years. I will say the East NC barbeque is to die for. It's a matter of personal preference which is better so it's all about what you like. I will say I literally work 5 minutes from Judge Beans and their bbq is fantastic!

Yeah, I'm the opposite. I've lived in NC for 20 years, did my 4 (cough*6*cough) years at UT, and have family from all over TN. I very much prefer TN BBQ to NC's, although I thoroughly enjoy both.

Quick story: I spent a summer in Wisconsin during college, missed BBQ terribly while I was up there, and near the end of the summer I was invited to some people's house for BBQ. I was ecstatic. I got there and their BBQ was burgers and dogs. I was heart broken. I packed up my stuff and moved back to God's country within a week lol.

Is Reeves-Maybin available for y'all on Saturday?
Kid is helluva linebacker.

What about Cameron Sutton?

Both are out, as well as Kirkland.

 

[bigorange]

Would one of you Ags please give some info on the bonfire incident? Pardon my ignorance on the subject.

 

[Lester Freamon]

Would one of you Ags please give some info on the bonfire incident? Pardon my ignorance on the subject.

I'm sure some of the older Ags that have been passing through this week can offer some better accounts, but below I've linked three sources. The first is a Texas Monthy long form article that gives a pretty broad overview, the second a reflection piece on the significance of the Bonfire Memorial on campus and the third is an account of Tim Kerlee, one of the twelve who died that tragic night. Warning on the Kerlee piece, thread, it is a tearjerker and has a pretty graphic image.

Ring of Fire

The Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial, as Told by an Aggie - The Rivard Report

Tim Kerlee - 12th Man | TexAgs

 

[Lester Freamon]

Also, here is another Texags thread. This one was published by Billy Liucci, the site owner, about 7 years back and provides accounts of the Bonfire collapse from some of the '99 A&M football team's perspectives.

Bonfire Memories from the '99 Aggie Football team (Updated) | TexAgs

Driving up to the site, reality struck. With news crews lining the field, helicopters buzzing overhead, and fire trucks flashing, we immediately felt the weight of the morning. Like everyone else, we tried to find ways to help. Some students were handing out water, others were on crowd control. About that time, a Red Pot, covered in dirt and obviously going on very little sleep, directed us to follow him. Without hesitation, we did.

We weren’t the first football players on the scene. Seth McKinney, Chris Cole, Moses Vakalahi, and others were already so drenched that the dirt on their faces had turned into mud. For the next 3 or 4 hours, we moved logs back away from the stack in hopes that bigger machinery could get in close. But for now, all we had was manpower.

For being a spontaneous effort, it was incredibly organized. The corps and bonfire guys took charge. They ordered we followed. I remember thinking how courageous it was for these guys, many of whom had friends who were unaccounted for, to take the reins and do something, anything. It was pretty incredible.

In the early afternoon, one Red Pot called everybody up for a quick meeting. Hundreds of filth covered Aggies circled around and took a knee, like we had so often done around RC after practice. After thanking us for the effort, he split the crowd in half with his outstretched arm, instructing those on the right to get food and water, those on the left to get back to work. Jason Glenn, who was on the right hand half, was the first to get up and switch sides. "Football players are over here!" Without hesitation, what seemed like the entire team by this point, got up and moved to the "get back to work" half.

 

[Smokeys Big Bite]

Yeah, I'm the opposite. I've lived in NC for 20 years, did my 4 (cough*6*cough) years at UT, and have family from all over TN. I very much prefer TN BBQ to NC's, although I thoroughly enjoy both.

Quick story: I spent a summer in Wisconsin during college, missed BBQ terribly while I was up there, and near the end of the summer I was invited to some people's house for BBQ. I was ecstatic. I got there and their BBQ was burgers and dogs. I was heart broken. I packed up my stuff and moved back to God's country within a week lol.

Both are out, as well as Kirkland.

Well that's not good but that is why others need to step up and keep the Vol train rolling.

 

[BESCo91A&M]

(1) I have wanted to ask Aggie fans since they entered the SEC if they supported the move to the SEC. (2) I know you miss playing Texas every year and the (3) travel is terrible. (4) Is there a contingent that still wishes they hadn't left? (5) Was the fanbase divided when the move was first announced?

(1) I supported A&M's move to the SEC 100%. I couldn't be happier!
(2) Tuck Fexas! They are horrible neighbors & worse business partners. Don't miss playing them AT ALL. I hope we never schedule them .... ever!
(3) Travel in the Big12, distance wise, is about the same as in the SEC. All the SEC West schools are pretty damn close.
(4) I have yet to meet a single Aggie that wishes A&M was still in the Big12.
(5) No .... the fanbase was very unified in the move and extremely excited. That feeling has only strengthened with time.