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As college football’s money tree grows, the game sprouts further and further away from its roots as a regional sport. The change is exemplified by the latest round of conference realignment, sparked by Texas football joining Oklahoma in departing the Big 12 for the SEC. Stanford will cross three time zones on its way to play an ACC conference game against Syracuse next week.
Philosophical changes have also impacted nonconference schedules for some programs throughout the country. Tennessee, for example, hasn’t played in-state Group of Five foes Memphis or MTSU since 2011. West Virginia last took on Marshall in 2012. Ole Miss and Southern Miss haven’t met since 1984.
For various reasons, some athletic departments are deciding against playing local nonconference foes. Steve Sarkisian doesn’t want Texas to be one of them.
“I think it is good for the state of Texas that we play an in-state team every year,” the Longhorns’ head coach said Wednesday.
Texas (2-0) is preparing to host UTSA (1-1) on Saturday (6 p.m., ESPN), playing an out-of-conference game against an in-state program for a sixth consecutive season. And there’s at least one in-state team on Texas’ scheduled nonconference slate through 2031, including both UTEP and Sam Houston next season.
“I think, first of all, it’s good for the state,” Sarkisian said. “I think it’s great that we do play teams in our own state. I think it’s great for their brand. I think it’s good for our brand. I think it creates a really good environment at DKR.
“But…they’re all dangerous. And this week’s no different. Coach (Jeff) Traylor’s done a great job with UTSA. They’re a dangerous football team. They’ve won a bunch of games. They know how to win. They believe in their style and the way they play the game. You see what Texas State’s doing now, what Sam Houston’s done, UTEP with the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-football-schedule-games-against-191529177.html
Author : Austin American-Statesman
Publish date : 2024-09-11 19:15:29
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