Whether you like the Dallas Cowboys or not, the Texas A&M Aggies know what it means when they face the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday.
For many years, the two franchises have battled each season for a trophy and bragging rights in the Southwest Classic, and the matchup has played 57 consecutive times since 1934, illustrating a rivalry in which Arkansas has a slight edge.
It hasn’t always been called the “Southwest Classic,” but in the 15 years since the rivalry has been called that, the Aggies have, by and large, been the winners. They have won 11 of the past 12 meetings and will be looking to add another win in the rivalry’s finale in Arlington.
“If you’re not a Cowboys fan, this is your last chance to beat Jerry Jones’ team at Cowboys Stadium,” Texas A&M coach Mike Elko jokingly told his players before the game, “but it doesn’t matter if you like the Cowboys or not.”
Neither team will have an advantage over the other due to the relative proximity of both schools and the fan bases that frequent the road, but the Aggies have a winning streak they want to protect and will be counting on the crowd to show up in maroon and white.
And the Razorbacks will do the same for their fans.
“I think it’s the environment,” Elko said. “The kids play their best football on that stage. Everybody’s excited to play in that stadium. This game means a lot to both teams.”
“We’re always able to bring out the best in our opponents,” he added. “We always try to play our best and when two teams do that, I think it makes for a lot of very close and entertaining football games.”
Texas A&M will face a familiar team in Arkansas, not only with some of the players they’ve faced over the past few seasons, but with offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher calling the plays on the other side of the ball and Bobby Petrino looking for a revenge game of sorts.
The team he coaches may also be more excited for the Southwest Classic to end than the Aggies.
“I think it’s really hard to get the fans excited if they don’t have a chance to watch the Hogs,” Arkansas coach Sam Pittman said, referring to the drawbacks of playing at a neutral site. “This would create an opportunity to have a home game at least once every other year.”
Pittman, however, couldn’t help but praise the positive aspects of the game.
“I really like the atmosphere in the stadium with half of the players from Arkansas and half of the players from Texas A&M,” the coach explained. “It’s really cool, it’s a great environment and it’s really fun.”
“It’s more fun if we win, and that’s what I’m going to do this week.”
With the Razorbacks looking to win and the Aggies hoping to enjoy another matchup at the Cowboys’ Stadium, the final Southwest Classic looks set to be another entertaining game.
Arkansas may see this as a blessing, but it looks more like a bittersweet ending.
“From a fan standpoint, they’re always entertaining games and I expect that to be the case again this time,” Elko said.