Texas and Texas A&M used to have one of the best rivalries in college football, but the two teams have not squared off in nearly a decade since the Aggies moved to the SEC. Many fans want to see the rivalry renewed, but Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte seems like he is just fine without it.
Del Conte was asked about renewing rivalries with Texas A&M and Arkansas during a virtual chat with Horns247 on Tuesday, and the juicy part of his response seemed like a clear shot at the Aggies.
Chris Del Conte on returning rivalries with either Texas A&M, LSU or Arkansas: Our goal is to play non-conference teams that have won championships in the modern era of College Football.
— Taylor Gaspar Estes (@TaylorEstes247) May 5, 2020
Texas A&M has not won a national championship since 1939, while Texas last won one in 2005. Many interpreted Del Conte’s remark as him hinting that the Longhorns have no interest in renewing a rivalry with an irrelevant program, but the AD then said he believes “the game should be played.”
Texas AD Chris Del Conte full quote on A&M game: "Those type of games that make you visceral hate each other are what make college football great. I do believe the game should be played … I really do."
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) May 5, 2020
It’s hard to view the initial remark as anything other than a swipe at Texas A&M, so perhaps Del Conte quickly realized how it would be received. Texas administrators are probably much more concerned about their biggest rival than they are about facing Texas A&M again.
