TAMPA, Fla. (KBTX) – As Texas quarterback Arch Manning took a knee to run the clock out on the Longhorns’ second consecutive win over Texas A&M, the energy began to drain from the field at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
However, before the clock officially hit zero, A&M head coach Mike Elko’s voice boomed out of the stadium speakers and his face, inexplicably, appeared on the stadium’s big screen.
“We’re the flagship program in this state,” he said in the video, as a hush grew over the crowd.
Before anyone had time to process what was happening, another face appeared on the screen screaming “Sike.” A montage of footage featuring Texas players celebrating followed.
Naturally, the crowd inside the stadium that brisk November evening loved every second of the in-stadium troll job.
Sarkisian said Thursday at SEC Media Days he wasn’t a fan of the video celebration.
“I was not happy about it,” Sarkisian said, pausing afterward.
Poking fun at rivals on social media after a big win has become commonplace in sports, but in-stadium trolling is not as common.
While emotions run high between both teams and both fan bases, Sarkisian said he believes there is a respectful way to go about winning. After all, karma can return the favor at some point.
Two seasons ago, when Texas defeated the Aggies in Kyle Field in the renewal of the Lone Star Showdown, Sarkisian and his staff prevented a group of players from trying to plant a Longhorn flag on the field. The practice has caused melees after other games, most recently when Michigan planted a maize-and-blue flag on the field at Ohio Stadium in 2024.
“I respect the game of football and I respect college football and I respect the football gods and there is a way to go about our business and there’s a way not. Rivalries are great, but we got to be able to fight the emotions that come with the rivalry and I think that’s why we’ve had success in some of our rivalry games, whether it’s A&M or OU or Arkansas,” Sarkisian said.
While fans on social media said the video was their favorite part of the game, two of the Longhorn players present at Media Day didn’t remember it happening.
“I didn’t see that,” Manning said. “I was probably too busy. I don’t know, but I didn’t see that. But, it’s a big-time rivalry and anytime you’re in those games — a lot of adrenaline and you look forward for those games every year.”
Offensive lineman Trevor Goosby was the lone player of the trio that remembered seeing the video. However, it didn’t leave much of a lasting impression on him.
“I do actually remember that video,” he said. “A&M is a really good program. It will be a good game every year. Just a battle of Texas pretty much. A battle of the SEC in Texas. So they are always going to put their best foot forward just like we are always going to put our best foot forward.”
In thinking back on the celebrations of that evening, he more clearly remembered the 50-pound Lone Star Showdown trophy that somehow made its way into his arms. He ended up carrying the hardware around for approximately 30 minutes after the game, not certain where he should take it.
The Lone Star Showdown enters its third season since its renewal with Texas joining the SEC. The Aggies have yet to claim a victory in a series that Texas holds a 78-37-5 all-time record. A&M’s losses in the last two games also cost them trips to the SEC title game.
Marcel Reed said Wednesday he understood the consternation those losses have caused inside the A&M fan base.
“Everybody in the world, especially the fans, are always asking, ‘Are you going to beat Texas? Are you going to beat Texas?’ Come to the game and watch. Like, I’m not going to tell you no. That’s just dumb. I’m not going to say no, but we’re going to prepare our best for Texas and we’re going to go out there and play them to the best of our ability.”
Manning was key to the Longhorns’ win last season, passing for 179 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 53 yards and another score. He said he’s looking forward to the opportunity to be Texas’ starter in a return trip to Kyle Field this year.
“Intense stadium. Really good team. Really good coach,” he said. “We’re excited for that game. Anytime you get a rivalry game away, it’s a big-time atmosphere and we’re excited.”
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