Audio By Carbonatix
This year, for the first time in about a century, the University of Texas and Texas A&M did not meet on the gridiron. With the Aggies now in the SEC, the annual football matchup that fueled the long-standing rivalry is effectively over.
Millions of Texans were sad. Some were outraged. None could do anything to change the cold hard facts of college football economics that led to A&M’s exodus from the SEC.
That might not be necessary. Yesterday, state Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, filed HB 778, which would require the two schools to play at least once a year.
“This game is as much a Texas tradition as cowboy boots and barbeque,” Guillen, an A&M grad, told the Texas Tribune. “The purpose of the bill is to put the eyes of Texas upon our two greatest universities to restore this sacred Texas tradition.”
When news happens, Dallas Observer is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If the Dallas Observer matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
The bill doesn’t suggest a date for the annual game but does propose a penalty. If either school refused to participate, the state would impose restrictions on athletic scholarships.
Kudos for Guillen for having the cojones to tackle an issue of such vital public importance. Expect a companion bill in the near future requiring Johnny Manziel to be Guillen’s drinking buddy.
