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Dear aggies, You’ll always be little brother. 77-37-5. No arbitrary timeframes, just ownership. You assholes tried to blow up the Big 12 and then whined and blamed it on us. You assholes tried to derail our move to the SEC because you were desperately hoping we wouldn’t shine the light on your utter failure. You accomplished exactly jack shit in the years following Justin Tucker’s dagger into your hearts. You’ve spent the last two years touching yourselves at the thought of this game you screeched and cried to the SEC to get at Kyle even though it should have rightly been in Austin this year. You’ve run your mouths the whole season, as if you’ve won anything of consequence. We gifted you 3 times and you only got 7 points off of those gifts. You gave it your best shot and it’s this?! The only thing intimidating about Kyle Field is the halitosis from 100,000 screaming Aggies. Our history proves it’s not any tougher a place to play for us than it is for you. Almost a 15 year head start and y’all have yet to play for an SEC title. But here we are in year one. Poor aggies. Now shut. The fuck. Up.

https://www.theplayerstribune.com/cj-baxter-ncaa-football-texas-longhorns To the Texas Brotherhood Nov 27, 2024 Everybody knows my mindset. I’m a simple guy. When I’m lined up in the backfield — no matter what the situation or how high the stakes are — my mind is usually pretty clear. I’m only ever thinking about three things: My alignment. My assignment. Executing the play. I’ve been playing football my entire life, so whenever I’m on the field, there’s never any fear or hesitation. I just feel like I’m where I belong. That was the case last August when I lined up to take a random snap during a preseason practice, and my whole life changed in a split-second. Honestly, at that moment, I was probably as confident as I’d ever been playing football. I came to Texas as the No. 1 running back in the nation out of high school. I learned the ropes from future NFL draft picks. And now, this season was going to be my turn. I was ready to be the next great Longhorns running back. When I got the ball, I hit the left B-gap, same as I have literally thousands of times throughout my life. But when I got tackled, I knew something was wrong. And it wasn’t the pain that scared me — I don’t even remember the pain that much. It was the sound. A pop. I’d heard about “the pop” many times — the sound a ligament makes when it snaps — but had never experienced it myself. I knew right away that all of the plans I had before I was handed the ball were out the window. One moment, I felt ready to take on the world. But as soon as I heard that sound — that pop — all I felt was fear. If the sound wasn’t enough of a hint, I knew things were bad when Coach Sark stopped practice. You have to understand, this program runs like a well-oiled machine. Every minute of practice is used up with specific intention — and nothing stops that, not even injuries. As a million thoughts went through my head, I heard one voice clearly — Coach Choice’s. “Breathe. Just breathe. It’s going to be OK.” I’ve never wanted to believe something so badly in my life. Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK Coach Choice was a big reason I decided to move away from Florida and attend UT. I’d been recruited since I was in 9th grade and had heard just about every pitch imaginable from different coaches. They are nice for stroking your ego, but my mom raised me to value genuineness over everything. And there was no other coach my family connected with on a genuine human level better than Coach Choice. His general approach to life and football is something that I immediately wanted to emulate. He’d played in college and the NFL, but that wasn’t what stuck out with me. I could tell he really cared about developing his players as people, and that really influenced my recruitment. And I mean, my visits to Austin didn’t hurt either. Bijan Robinson was there for all of my visits to the school, and one of the things I admired most was watching how he operated as a person. He was the best player on the team (maybe just the best football player ever?), a surefire first round pick — and he was also everyone’s favorite person to be around. Walking around campus, he always had a smile for you no matter who you were — not just for other players but literally every person he encountered. That was my first exposure to Texas’s culture, but it wasn’t until I enrolled my freshman year that I was given The Blueprint. I don’t think that’s the official term, but it’s the only name that fits. One day during lunch, Jordan Whittington — Whitt — sat down with me for a talk. He’s another player I looked up to — a Five-star recruit who battled through injuries and is now playing out there on Sundays. When I first came to Texas, Whitt let me take the number 4 from him so I could honor my cousin Greg Bryant — a great running back himself at Notre Dame, who tragically passed away a couple of years ago. We’ve always been cool since then. What Whitt broke down for me was essentially all of the things that usually go unspoken, but that make the difference between a team competing for a national championship and missing a bowl game entirely. He’d experienced both sides of it since he’d been at Texas. He told me from the jump what I did in high school didn’t matter anymore. Everybody at Texas balled out in high school — that’s why they’re a Longhorn. For a lot of players, it means sitting on the bench for the first time in your life. Lesson 1: Don’t complain and poison the locker room. Earn your spot on the depth chart. That ego hit can ultimately be too much for some guys. And if it is? There’s the door. Beyond that, as a Texas football player, the person you are matters. Lesson 2: You have a huge microscope on you all the time, and how you act around others leaves an impression. If how you represent yourself and the team doesn’t mean anything to you? There’s the door. There were more lessons to come. It was lessons on lessons, every day. But I think of all the things Whitt told me, the most impactful aspect of the blueprint was that it was another player delivering the message. Of course you never want to disappoint the fans or your coaches. But what elevates a team to the next level is when all of the players go all-out and sacrifice for each other. Not worrying about the outside noise, or the haters, because you already hold each other to the highest standard possible. The difference in these past few years came down to a change in culture. Of course, everybody in college football talks about “culture.” But are they walking the walk? Are they backing it up on tape? Everything Whitt told me during lunch that day was perfectly encapsulated by one play last season against TCU. You can check it out here. It was early in the game against a team we’d struggled with in recent years, and Quinn threw a pick. It’s the type of mistake that might have snowballed into other mistakes in past years. But on this play, Whitt decided that wasn’t happening. He hustled back and tackled the defender returning the pick, and he ended up causing a fumble that Xavier Worthy recovered. Lesson 3: Never quit on a play. Never quit on anything. That play is everything — sick athleticism, unreal effort and just having your teammates’ back. When two of the best players — not just on the team but in the entire country — are going that hard, what’s your excuse? The next deep ball Quinn threw was a perfect pass to Xavier, and we won that game. If you want to know what makes a winning team, there’s your blueprint. Trask Smith/Cal Sport Media via AP Images When I was named a team captain heading into this season, I took to heart what that really meant. Maintaining a winning culture, laying out the blueprint for the new guys coming in, that was on me now. And I was so excited about it. Until I heard that pop. When that happened, I was just filled with fear. By the time I made it back to my locker to let my parents know I was hurt, my phone had more messages on it than I’d ever seen before. It was clear news travels fast in Texas, even when you’re just at practice, and by now pretty much the whole state knew about it. One of the very first people who hit me up was Jonathan Brooks. We became really close when we shared the backfield last year, and he also happened to suffer a season-ending injury. So if anybody in the world understood how I was feeling, it was him. He told me I had a right to feel mad and frustrated — and also that it was important to let myself feel those emotions rather than bottle them up. I think all the attention kind of took my mind off of what happened because I was interacting with so many people. It was in the days and weeks later, after my surgery, when the messages kind of died down and I had a lot of time to myself, that I think the weight of everything hit. It’s a crazy thing to go from being a starting running back to having to learn how to walk and run again at age 19. There were a lot of days early on during rehab that it was tough to get out of bed. Both physically tough, but also mentally draining. Because playing running back, that was always something that came completely natural to me. Now I’m literally back at square one — doing these exercises moving my leg with the goal of increasing the range of motion just a few centimeters. That wasn’t natural at all. That was just pain. I think the biggest thought that consumed me was, “What if I’m not the same player?” One day in the facility, when I was doing my rehab, I got approached by Coach Gideon — our secondary coach. He’s a Texas Ex himself and always has an upbeat message. He recommended that I read this story in the bible, the Book of Job. It’s the story of a man who is given the ultimate test of faith. He has everything he values stripped from him: Friends, family, material wealth— I mean everything. Despite having all of these things stripped away, Job maintains his faith — the only thing that couldn’t be taken from him. It definitely hit me in a certain kind of way, at a time when I really needed it. Sometimes there isn’t a good explanation for why bad things happen, but what’s in your control is how you react. Even when your body is hurt, you can always lean on your faith. Tim Warner/Getty Images I’ve tried my best to look at my injury through the most positive lens that I can. All of my goals in life are still very much ahead of me. Next season, I know that I can still be the best running back in the country. I can still be drafted to play in the NFL and play alongside Jonathan, Bijan, Roschon and all the other amazing running backs this school has produced. And I’m going to be able to approach it all from a place of gratitude. Just loving football more than I ever have before — because I know what it’s like have it taken away. But right now, my goal is to be the best teammate I’ve ever been. Because even if I can’t be out there on the field against A&M, I know my voice holds weight. Whether it’s giving advice to the younger players or just keeping a positive vibe when things are tense, there’s power in taking ownership of the ways you’re able to contribute to the culture — even when you’re hurting. I’m so excited to watch my guys do their thing on Saturday. There’s a phrase that gets tossed around the building a lot…. “Culture + Talent = Dangerous” This school has always had the talent part down. Anyone who’s ever been to Austin understands why talented people kind of naturally want to be here. But now that we have a culture to match it, I mean, that’s just really, really bad news for every other team in the nation. We are back to where we belong. Playing for all the marbles. The Blueprint is there. Now it’s time to execute. Go out there and get one for your brother. Sincerely, CJ

This thread could very well be about how, despite several buffoons on this board loudly complaining otherwise, this former walk-on safety has been the best player on the field for short stretches despite playing on one of the most talented Texas defenses in recent memory. Or for the Blake Gideon and Dylan Haines jokes. Frankly it’s unbelievable this thread title is said without irony or sarcasm. But I also wanted to highlight and memorialize Taaffe’s postgame remarks in response to that heinous game day sign, because the remarks demonstrate remarkable character and why he is an exemplary representative of this program. For the uninformed, some red ass “blue collar salt of the earth” ag inexplicably brought a sign to College Gameday making fun of deceased Texas walk on Jake Ehlinger, who tragically passed away in a fentanyl-related accident. Obviously this behavior doesn’t represent the entire Texas A&M fanbase. Most alumni would condemn this once understanding the context, and many already have (although I am sure everyone here has met exceptions and can debate in another thread). But unlike most game day signs and taunts, this one actually provokes a reaction. Austin is now a big city but it is still a small community in a lot of ways. The Ehlingers live and work here. If you’ve met this family and know what they have been through in the past, that gameday sign gets even more odious. So in the postgame press conference Michael Taaffe somehow trumps his cathartic performance on the field with remarks far better than anything I could have come up with: “I want to say I feel sorry for the person that posted that sign. I feel sorry for him because I don't know what he's going through, how much he's dealing with in life. To think that that was a good idea, to think that was OK, to think that was appropriate for anything, no matter what rivalry. I just wanted to make that clear." The national media and our fanbase will quickly move on from this win because at the end of the day we just beat a middling 8-4 SEC team. But I felt that Michael Taaffe’s maturity and passion deserves special recognition and it shouldn’t get buried in a game thread. Proud he’s a Longhorn.

If he had survived, I wonder if UnitedHealthcare would have denied his claim

Get a fucking spine and then download the Uber app for the woman and send her on her way. This thread should be deleted as it weakens us all.

Watching Georgia melt down on the Dawgs247 board is absolutely delicious. The whining and bitching about money is so glorious that it's starting to give me a headache. These motherfuckers have been buying players since day 1 of Smart's arrival and now they're bitching about big bad Texas. Sorry about us deciding that we, too, have a payroll to meet and it's ... um ... a lot bigger than yours, you truly poor bastards.

How about Kenny Baker getting some love for the development of Broughton. I think he just played the best game of his life and two years ago I wondered if he would eventually transfer. He totally dominated and I think he was the best player on defense last night. He straight murdered the interior of the A&M line. Fucking awesome. It gives me hope that he can turn Mitchell into a monster eventually.

@satyanash posted a video of the hardhat kid, so I gif'd it.

Ho Hum. We beat aggy at their place, in a game that they were looking to be defining one for their program. Again. Same as it ever was, outside of one decade where they rampantly cheated and we had our heads up our own asses (something Texas does periodically every now and again). Ho Hum- we are entering a new conference and playing for the title. Again. Same as when we entered the SWC. Same as when we entered the Big 12. Ho Hum- we are back in the playoffs. Again. Ho hum- 7 win Sark, sarklostagain has 11 wins in the regular season. Again. Ho hum- we are about to sign another top 3 or top 5 recruiting class, again. Ho hum- we will probably rape and pillage in the portal, again. Ho hum- double digit draft picks incoming, again. Texas is back. We finally are not trying to play a rigged game straight, as NIL has allowed us to marshal our advantages in an above board manner. We have an admin that understands the importance of football and excellence to the culture of the University. We have a coach who is not just smart and competitive but also a genuine dude that people want to see succeed. Good dudes all over the roster. This also is built to last. Let's pay Georgia back for our one bad game of the year and finish winning the title. Also- just for old times sake POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR AGGIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIES SEC championship week game stuff goes here.

Terry on the OTF Livestream just said that he decided against USC (where he was once committed) because of the taxes, lol

My in-laws are what I'd describe as extreme red-ass aggies. They are taking the loss really hard. Like, really bad. It's fucking glorious.

From NY Times It’s no secret Texas A&M staunchly opposed allowing its hated nemesis to join the SEC, and now we see why. It took Texas one season to reach the conference championship game, where it gets a rematch with No. 7 Georgia Whereas A&M, which joined the league in 2012 and has been selling that cachet in recruiting ever since, is yet to make its first trip to Atlanta.

Not usually going to quote this guy, but he makes a great point

Good on him for making that clear.

On Friday I made the hour-long drive to the Plano HEB because my autistic son loves that place. While we were checking out, the checker says, "You know we're going to kick your asses, right?" "Excuse me?" "My Aggies are gonna destroy you on Saturday. You won't wear that Texas shirt again." "Well, I guess we'll see, won't we," was my only reply. Yes, I'll be making that hour-long trip again today. And I will choose my check-out line very carefully.

We didn’t win the sec in our first year. The zebras didn’t want us to. Burt Auburn didn’t want us to. We had about 10 things go against us- any of which went down differently, and we’d have hoisted the trophy. We didn’t do that (or have the ball bounce our way, or the whistles in some situations) but we got rewarded for a a good season with the coveted 5 seed. clemson at home, Arizona state in Atlanta and then Oregon, TN or Ohio State in Dallas for the shot to play for it all in the first time under this 12 team format. Texas is as good as anyone in college football this year. Our floor is really high because the defense is pretty great. I think our ceiling is high enough to win it all against who we are looking at playing. Lets freaking do this boys.

Bump.

Great game and 24 hour trip to college station. My takeaways: 1. Tailgate scene was solid. The one we attended was a great setup and probably 20% Texas fans. The shocking thing to me was the lack of port a pottys or other restroom options. Apparently they used to open up Reed arena for that purpose but stopped. Luckily bladder of steel was in effect and was able to hang on until stadium but it was a mess with that many people tailgating. I know that can be problem everywhere for busy events but seemed worse. 2. Ingress/Egress from stadium was a mess. Felt like you had to walk forever around and through a tunnel just to get to stadium that was right in front of you if there was a direct shot. Then long ramps to get to even the 100 level endzones (we were in 200). It's certainly not close to Cotton Bowl bad but makes you appreciate our stadium. 3. Crowd was loud in first half until that 2nd TD drive and that just gutted their fans. All their noise felt forced after that. Even when we fucked up in the 2nd half and gave them a chance I don't think any of them really believed they would pull it off. I think a big chunk of that stadium absolutely felt with certainty they were winning that game until they went down 14-0 and reality set in. It was great to witness that type of deflation in person. 4. Quinn was absolute nails in the 2nd quarter. If we can just put that together for an entire game nobody can beat us. 5. My wife and I were only Texas fans in our section within probably 4 rows and 15 people either direction. The meltdown from the stands after that targeting overturn was epic. Pure grown men temper tantrums all around. F bombs galore, "T.U. ref conspiracy" etc. etc. It was like a live Texags thread. Just great. 6. If you had "at least we'll win halftime" from an Ag in the stands on your bingo card check the box. 7. Post game Eyes was fantastic. Not sure how much they showed on TV but team stuck around and soaked it all in. Sark in particular appeared to be loving life. Of course he watched Day lose 4 in a row earlier so no doubt nice to start the rivalry renewal off with a pretty dominating road win. 8. Ag fans were fine (to us) before, during and after game. No issues at all which is consistent with past experience. It's not Lubbock or Columbus (or from what I hear, Baton Rouge) that's for sure. 9. I was expecting a mess after game but it was worse than I thought. Ended up walking to Northgate to grab a drink and wait out uber situation as didn't know what other option we had, but long lines everywhere and basically no cell service at all first hour. Ended up being a good time after a couple of drinks and just enjoyed the victory. We actually met Liucci in the flesh at a bar post game. Nice guy in person and was very complimentary of Sark, the team/roster, etc. All in all, solid road trip and great time. Now on to Atlanta next week!

@THUJONEis the GOAT

Need their depth chart at WR but also HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

A fun United story: had a client a few years ago with some kind of rare leukemia (which had nothing to do with the case we were handling). He finds out that there’s a new treatment that is about to be approved but is available and his doctors got him on the list. It also costs like $500,000 and of course United denies the claim. Since we were already representing him we agreed to handle the denial appeal which we had to do in arbitration. 3 arbitrators, we pick one, United picks one, and one we agree upon. We’re told that United picked the same hack arbitrator they always pick so we assume we’re already in the hole. Arbitration lasts a couple of days, United has no defense other than “fuck this guy he’s dead already and we don’t wanna pay.” Arbitrators deliberate for maybe 15 minutes, come back in, and United’s chosen arbitrator proceeds to chew out United (or rather their lawyers) for denying the claim and that every person who touched this claim at United should be ashamed and gave United 48 hours to approve the claim. Client got the treatment and is doing just fine now. Hooray insurance companies!

THEY TOLD US IT WAS A LINE OF SCRIMMAGE LEAGUE. AND WE TOOK THAT PERSONALLY. Seriously, the roster building under Sarkisian has been fucking fantastic. Tonight we dominated the trenches.

This is quite the fucking surprise.... @closetojumping Gerry Hamilton Zelus Hicks Key Note Not only did Texas 4-star++ signee Zelus Hicks (Carrollton, Ga./High) reclassify from 2026 to 2025. But he's also been taking AP classes throughout high school and has the credits to graduate high school this month. Hicks, 6-2, 185-pounds, will be moving to Austin January 13 and go through spring practice.

Gbenda

Talk about a great sales pitch

@UTEX_ME Fatwa activated. Good luck.

Love this from Texags: Defense wins championships and Texas proved that tonight. I'm betting Texas wins the SEC championship in their first year. Everyone happy now that we get to play Texas every year again? You excited to see them in the SEC? Are you excited about us being the little brother again?

Lombardi and Outland Award Winner

Powerful shit here. Never forget how big of a scumbags these people are:

WE GOT HIM

holy shit

Texas has never won a night game in the SEC