Ask a fan of an SEC opponent about their traditions, many could go on for a while. Whether it’s on game day or moments inside the program, tradition is the foundation of most SEC schools. And with Texas and Oklahoma joining the conference, outsiders are curious how the two will fit in.
To give an insight into what Texas brings from a tradition perspective, there might not be a better spokesperson than former quarterback Colt McCoy. He discussed the atmosphere Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium can bring, specifically at night. McCoy argues nobody matched during his playing days — including Texas A&M.
“The pride and winning tradition of Texas is felt,” McCoy said. “When you play in that stadium, especially a night game, it’s a ton of fun. There’s over 100,000 people there. It’s an amazing atmosphere. Played in a lot of college football stadiums — I think playing in Kyle Field is a ton of fun but I would put playing a night game at Texas’ stadium up there against anywhere I’ve ever played.”
Being in the Big 12 in recent years, the average Texas fan would likely tell you the home schedule was not too appealing. Oklahoma is always the biggest game of the year but takes place at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Conference foes coming to Austin would not instill a ton of hype, both pregame and once the game was kicked off.
DKR has been at its best in recent years when nonconference opponents were in town. Alabama is the most recent example, despite the 11 a.m. CT start time. LSU in 2019 was a memorable one as well with Notre Dame back in the Charlie Strong days.
Even entering a new conference, two non-SEC opponents still pop out in the coming years — Michigan and Ohio State.
Texas will certainly have some big-name opponents to host this season. Georgia and Florida will get to experience the atmosphere McCoy spoke of, with the Bulldogs having the potential to be a night game. The SEC listed it as a FLEX for now, meaning an afternoon kick is still possible.
Unfortunately, the Florida game has been announced as 11 a.m. local.
McCoy could showcase plenty of reasons why Texas will hang their head high ending into the SEC. But he is proud of what the fans can bring to the stadium on a weekly basis, ready to show fellow SEC fanbases what they can deliver.
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