Ketch's 10 Thoughts From The Weekend (OU just doesn't matter as much any more...)
- Thread starter Ketchum
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I appreciate it. Used to be Mr. QB if you’ll remember our discussions on Travis vs mccallum
Ketch - I'm coming around on your take for a different reason. The fear I have is that this also means the regular season doesn't mean sh*t anymore. 12 teams in the playoff - season good or bad? Did we make the playoff - period. Just look at college basketball - I couldn't remember from year to year who we beat in the regular season, but can tell you who we beat/lost to in the tourney.
No one said the ou game would cost Sark his job. Good lord that is hyperbole. But as someone who attends the ou game every year it is VERY important to me.
People were arguing that though, saying if Sark goes 1-3 against OU in his first four years the boosters will be up in arms, even if he were to make the playoffs.
The reality is Sarks report card for success has adjusted since he was hired because of the conference change and the playoff expansion. In the past, an OU loss typically meant a big shot to Texas conference and playoff hopes so yeah 1-3 against them often signals Texas didn’t live up to expectations, but last year being the lone loss and moving forward having a 12 team playoff in a new conference changes the view of Texas record against OU in terms of his job stability. Beating them is important to the fanbase and boosters but it’s not the death knell it has been moving forward nor the marker of program success it once was. Also, I think the series is about to swing the other way.
You'd agree that the importance of the game reach new heights after Mack and Stoops were in control?
I think that is fair. But it was a pretty heated rivalry in the 90's as well. At least between fans
Winning or losing that game may not matter since it is very likely we meet again in the SEC champ game if it plays out how I suspect it will.
True. I’ve also been to most OU games since 1980. The biggest difference between OU and ag is that we don’t live in the middle of a bunch of Sooners. Aggies are generally insufferable . They go to another level when they beat Texas. The 1980’s losing streak was awful. Great discussion.
Of course, but the weight of the rivalry increased in the 2000s, right?
It makes me feel old that the 80s and 90s were so long ago that a lot of fans have no idea of what once was.
It will definitely be big. I expect the tailgate to be more crowded than the LSU game several years ago.
do you think you ever broach the subject of ou's future importance if Texas was ranked 5th ?
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“The Texas/OU game didn't define the 2023 season in Austin and it sure as hell won't in 2024. If we're being honest, the biggest game on the schedule in 2024 is the resumption of the A&M rivalry. That's the game more than any other that the Longhorns absolutely must win. The second biggest game? It's Georgia.”
Ketch, I don’t think anyone would say that aggie isn’t an important game, particularly this year, and I agree with your take that all regular season games will be diminished if there is a big playoff run, but to say that aggie is more important than OU is historically inaccurate.
Sure, listening to some hillbilly uncle or some asshole brother in law after an Aggie win is something all of us want to avoid, but nothing stings like walking out of the Cotton Bowl with a loss.
I would also argue that most of the recruiting losses burned deeper with OU than aggie because you knew that OU usually turned it into wins. aggie…not so much.
Sure, listening to some hillbilly uncle or some asshole brother in law after an Aggie win is something all of us want to avoid, but nothing stings like walking out of the Cotton Bowl with a loss.
I would also argue that most of the recruiting losses burned deeper with OU than aggie because you knew that OU usually turned it into wins. aggie…not so much.
It was basically a Bowl Game in the middle of the season. A Blast. The Atmosphere. We know I could go on and on. I love everything about the entire experience. Kids have enjoyed themselves recently so it will carry on.
