The last time Texas football faced bitter rival Texas A&M in Royal-Memorial Stadium, Parker Livingstone was one of more than 100,000 fans who watched the Aggies hold on for a 24-17 win in the final game of the 2010 regular season.
But it wasn’t the final score that sticks in the mind of Livingstone, who has emerged as a big-play receiving threat with six touchdowns and an 18.9 yards-per-catch average this season. It wasn’t “Texas Fight” or Bevo or Smokey the Cannon, either.
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“It was a cold one, that’s what I remember,” Livingstone said Monday while meeting with the media inside DKR. “I was bundled up next to my parents.”
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) dives for for the first touchdown of the game late in the first quarter of the Lone Star Showdown after evading Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Dalton Brooks (25) at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024. The touchdown was awarded after a review of the play.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) smiles as he is congratulated after the Longhorns’ 17-7 victory in the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) and Head Coach Steve Sarkisian lead the team in “The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns’ 17-7 victory in the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) carries the ball through Texas A&M Aggies defense in the fourth quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) runs the ball during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (5) leaps through Texas A&M Aggies defense in the third quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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A member of the Texas Marching Band wears several hats on her head ahead of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Cheer wave the Longhorn flag ahead of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (5) carries the balls Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Dezz Ricks (10) arrive to defend in the second quarter of the Lone Star Showdown game at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) smiles as he leads “The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns’ 17-7 victory in the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns edge rusher Barryn Sorell (88) celebrates a defensive stop during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M defensive back Will Lee III (26) misses an interception intended for Texas Longhorns receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) carries the ball under pressure from Texas A&M Aggies defense in the second quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) carries the ball in the fourth quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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The Texas Longhorns celebrate an interception during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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The Texas Longhorns huddle on the field during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M Fans wave white towels during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Vernon Broughton (45) pressures Texas A&M quarterback MArcel Reed (10) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian checks on injured offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) celebrates an interception during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) prepares to snap the ball during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (18) celebrates a defensive stop during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M defensive back Will Lee III (26) reacts to a missed interception intended for Texas Longhorns receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm (85) celebrates a first down during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) runs the ball during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) runs the ball during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) runs the ball during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) runs the ball during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko reacts to an overturned tageting call against the Texas Longhorns during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns receiver Matthew Golden (2) makes a catch during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) hands the ball off to running back Amari Daniels (5) in the first quarter the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns receiver Matthew Golden (2) is tackled after a catch during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko argues with an official about an overturned tageting call against the Texas Longhorns during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns receiver Matthew Golden (2) makes a catch during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons (11) pressures Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (10) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M Aggie fans cheer for their team in the third quarter of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas A&M Will Lee III (26) forces an incomplete pass intended for Texas Longhorns receiver Isaiah Bond (7) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M Aggies running back Amari Daniels (5) carries the ball in the first quarter the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Amari Niblack (8) runs with the ball, bracing for a tackle from Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Will Lee III (26) in the second quarter of the Lone Star Showdown game at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) carrie the ball in the first quarter of the Lone Star Showdown game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas staff and Head Coach Steve Sarkisian attend to Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) after an injury in the first quarter of the Lone Star Showdown game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) carries the ball in the first quarter of the Lone Star Showdown game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian asks for a review of the play that led to Texas’ initial touchdown in the first quarter of the Lone Star Showdown game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) carries the ball as Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Albert Regis (17) makes the tackle in the second quarter of the Lone Star Showdown game at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (5) catches a pass in the second quarter of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) looks for a pass in the second quarter of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm (85) holds onto the ball as Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Tyreek Chappell (7) goes for the tackle in the second quarter of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) looks to evade defense from Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (11) in the second quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) evades defense from Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Marcus Ratcliffe (3) to run the ball in for the first touchdown of the game late in the first quarter the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm (85) signals for a touchdown while the play by quarterback Arch Manning (16) is reviewed in the first quarter the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024. The touchdown was awarded.
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A young Texas Longhorn fan cheers as the team bus pulls into the stadium ahead the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) greets his loved ones ahead the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Two Texas Longhorns fans chat as the Texas A&M flag waves above the fanfare ahead the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns fans cheer as the team bus pulls into the stadium ahead the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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A Texas A&M Aggies fan puts his “Horns Down” as the Texas Longhorns’ bus pulls into the stadium ahead the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas fans Noah, 9, and Mitch Willingham, from Frisco, cheer as the Longhonrs’ bus pulls into the stadium ahead the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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A Texas Fan puts his “Horns Up” as the Texas A&M Aggies walk into the stadium ahead the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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The Texas Longhorns marching band waits to get into the stadium with the Texas A&M cheer team ahead the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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A Texas Longhorns fans puts her “Horns Up” ahead the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) enters the stadium ahead of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) enters the stadium ahead of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns fan Bill Duval greets kicker Bert Auburn (45) as he enters the stadium ahead of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) embraces Head Coach Steve Sarkisianafter the Longhorns’ 17-7 victory in the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) leads “The Eyes of Texas” after the Longhorns’ 17-7 victory in the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian embraces defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) after the Longhorns’ 17-7 victory in the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) and Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (25) embrace as they celebrate the Longhorns’ 17-7 victory in the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas celebrates the Longhorns’ 17-7 victory in the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Juan Davis (81) puts his “Horns Up” as he heads to the tunnel after the Longhorns’ 17-7 victory in the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas A&M student Colin P. holds up the horns down during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian lines up with his team ahead of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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The Texas Longhorns take the field for the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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The Texas Longhorns take the field for the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M fan Joseph Kloesel cheers during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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The Texas Longhorns cheerleaders run flags across the field after a score during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn ewers (3) directshis team during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm (85) attempts to break a tackle by Texas A&M defensive back Dezz Ricks (10) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm (85) is tackled by Texas A&M defensive back Dezz Ricks (10) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm (85) is tackled by Texas A&M defensive back Dezz Ricks (10) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M defensive lineman Albert Regis (17) is checked by medical staff during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M defensive lineman Albert Regis (17) is helped off the field after an injury during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (10) loses control of the ball after a tackle by Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns Trey Moore (8) throws Texas A&M running back Amari Daniels (5) to the ground during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns edge rusher Trey Moore (8) looks down at Texas A&M running back Amari Daniels (5) after a tackle during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell (18) grabs the face mask of Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas longhorns edge rusher Ethan Burke (91) stops Texas A&M running back Amari Daniels (5) on fourth and goal at the 1-yard line during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas longhorns edge rusher Ethan Burke (91) stops Texas A&M running back Amari Daniels (5) on fourth and goal at the 1-yard line during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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The Texas longhorns celebrate a stop on fourth and goal at the 1-yard line by edge rusher Ethan Burke (91) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott watches the Lone Star Showdown between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns edge rusher Trey Moore (8)and defensive lineman Alfred Collins (95) celebrate a defensive stop during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Jake Majors (85) celebrates the 17-7 win over Texas A&M in the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Actor Matthew McConaughey celebrates the 17-7 Texas Longhorns win over Texas A&M in the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Actor Matthew McConaughey celebrates the 17-7 Texas Longhorns win over Texas A&M in the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) celebrates the 17-7 win over Texas A&M in the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) celebrates the 17-7 win over Texas A&M in the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons (11) and Texas fans celebrate the 17-7 win over Texas A&M in the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) takes a photo with Texas fans after the 17-7 win over Texas A&M in the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
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Members of the Texas Marching Band cheer for the Longhorns ahead of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott takes the field ahead of the the Lone Star Showdown between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas A&M Aggies tight end Tre Watson (84) celebrates a reception in the fourth quarter of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas A&M Aggies tight end Tre Watson (84) fumbles the ball under defensive pressure from Texas Longhorn defense in the fourth quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) carries the ball through Texas A&M Aggies defense in the fourth quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) winds up to pass in the fourth quarter of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) goes down after carrying the ball in the fourth quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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A Texas A&M Aggie fan cheers for his team in the third quarter of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas A&M Aggie fans show a “Horns Down” ahead of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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The Texas Longhorns gather on the field during a break in the first quarter of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns place kicker Bert Auburn (45) eyes the field goal in the second quarter of the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) is sacked by Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Taurean York (21) in the third quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo (5) watches as Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Will Lee III (26) runs the ball in to score a touchdown after an interception in the third quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) is sacked by Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Cashius Howell (18) in the third quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Texas A&M Aggies tight end Theo Melin Ohrstrom (17) looks up, hoping for a touchdown signal, under a pile of Texas Longhorn defense in the third quarter of the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Livingstone was 4 years old that Thanksgiving night when Von Miller and the Aggies’ defense forced four turnovers by Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert and the Longhorns’ offense, and his thin recollections typify the revived series from a player’s perspective. His parents raised him as a Longhorns fan outside of Dallas, but he didn’t grow up watching a game that once served as a pinnacle of the college football season for generations of fans. For Livingstone and players on both sidelines of Friday’s game between No. 3 Texas A&M and No. 17 Texas at Royal-Memorial Stadium, this whole rivalry thing is still new.
But they’ve become quick learners. Texas joined the SEC a year ago and renewed the series that ended when the Aggies left the Big 12 after the 2011 season. Last year, the Longhorns beat Texas A&M 17-7 at Kyle Field in College Station in the first game between the teams in 13 years. This season, they’ll try to smudge the Aggies’ perfect record while keeping their own College Football Playoff hopes alive.
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Those are fitting stakes for an emotional encounter.
NO. 17 TEXAS VS. NO. 3 TEXAS A&M
When/where: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Royal-Memorial Stadium.
TV/radio: ABC; 1300 AM, 1370 AM, 98.1 FM, 105.3 FM (Spanish)
“I’m seeing that’s what everyone talks about, you know?” Livingstone said. “Texas and Texas A&M. It’s going to be a fun game. I’m excited to play in it back in DKR, too, which will be a lot of fun. It’ll be a great atmosphere, fans will be rocking, it’s going to be great.”
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MORE: Texas defense’s recent performances won’t cut it vs. No. 3 Aggies | Golden
Michael Taaffe: Thirteen-year pause makes rivalry ‘more special’
Michael Taaffe, the Longhorns’ fifth-year safety, is one of the few other players with memories of the game. But the Austin native with familial burnt-orange roots never attended Texas games against the Aggies, which always fell either on Thanksgiving or the holiday weekend.
“We always celebrated Thanksgiving and the Texas/Texas A&M game down on our ranch in El Campo,” Taaffe said, referring to the South Texas town near the Texas coast. “Burgers were on the grill, we’re throwing the football outside and we were watching the game. It was cool to see (former Texas quarterbacks) Colt (McCoy) and Case (McCoy) and David Ash and a bunch of people playing those games.”
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And Taaffe said it was also plenty cool to play in last year’s game at Kyle Field, especially after such a long break.
“I think (the break) made the last game so much more special to know that it was gone for 13 years and now it’s back,” he said. “A&M’s got a great student section, and they keep that field rocking at all times. I can’t wait for it to be in DKR.”
Texas Longhorns receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) gets into a verbal argument with Texas A&M defensive back Will Lee III (26) during the Lone Star Showdown at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Like a lot of players, Texas left tackle Trevor Goosby grew up hearing about the rivalry games from a relative. In Goosby’s case, his mother, Cynthia Hill Goosby, preached the burnt-orange gospel while raising him in the Dallas suburb of Melissa.
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“My mom went here (Texas) back in the day,” said Goosby, whose younger brother Austin just committed to Texas’ basketball team. “She’s always telling me about just the intensity of the game and just kind of the passion that it’s played with by both teams. That kind of just got me fired up.”
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Steve Sarkisian: It’s ‘special’ to be part of rivalry
That intensity carries over to Longhorns not raised in the state of Texas. Quarterback Arch Manning grew up in the heart of SEC country in New Orleans with a family firmly established as Southern football royalty; his grandfather Archie Manning and his uncle Eli Manning starred at Ole Miss, and his uncle Peyton Manning became a legend at Tennessee. That explains why Manning didn’t quite understand all the lore surrounding the Texas-Texas A&M series.
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But Manning proved an apt pupil once he arrived in Austin in 2023, especially after getting a few snaps and running for a touchdown in last year’s game.
“I learned there was a lot of built-up tension with the break they had in rivalry, but it’s a big game,” Manning said. “Glad I was glad to be a part of last year, glad to have the chance to be a part of it again.”
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian signals to his team as they warm up ahead of the Lone Star Showdown game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Nov. 30, 2024.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman
Even though he’s from Southern California, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian shares his quarterback’s gratitude. In between turns of Turkey Day tackle football at Sunnyglen Park in Torrance, he would dip into the house and catch the game, once traditionally played on Thanksgiving evening.
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“It was the only game on Thanksgiving, and to be part of it is pretty special,” Sarkisian said. “It was special a year ago and especially again this year. I don’t take games like this lightly.”
Offensive lineman Cole Hutson may have grown up in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, but he comes from a divided house of a different sort considering his father played baseball at Arizona State and his mother attended Arizona. But when Hutson arrived in Austin five years ago, he began to understand the depth of the rivalry as well as the bitterness that seemed to marinate during the 12-year break.
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“I did not watch it whenever I was little,” Hutson said. “But I’ve heard about the past, and a bunch of alumni come in and have spoken to us. They said this rivalry is one of the best, and I feel like it’s proven to be that, especially since last year. Their environment (in College Station) was amazing. Hopefully, our environment is the same way this year.”
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No Texas player comes further away than defensive tackle Hero Kanu, a proud German raised outside of Munich who’s in his first season at Texas. The avid Bayern Munich fan may not admit that the Longhorns and Aggies game matches the passion of his club’s rivalry with Dortmund in the German soccer league. But it didn’t take him long to appreciate what football fans across the Lone Star State have known since Texas and A&M played first of their 119 games in the series in 1894.
“It’s kind of like the battle of Texas, you know?” Kanu said. “Who’s the best team in Texas? I know it’s really good rivalry. Just in the recruiting process, there’s a lot of players that choose between Texas and Texas A&M. I know there’s a lot of intensity; I’m just looking forward to playing in it. You can feel in the building; everybody’s super locked in, just ready to play this game.”