Texas vs Arkansas is more than just a game
The Texas vs. Arkansas rivalry is more than just a game; it’s a history-soaked clash that has inspired decades of fierce loyalty and bad blood. For fans and players alike, the game has always represented more than conference standings or national rankings — it’s about pride, legacy, and bragging rights that linger long after the final whistle. In the Southwest Conference days, this matchup was a high-stakes showdown with recruiting and regional dominance on the line, where each season’s outcome was added fuel to the fire.
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In the 1980s, my uncle, Calvin Williams, suited up for Arkansas under legendary coach Lou Holtz. Being a Texas native, this rivalry held even more weight for him. Playing against Texas and talents like Eric Metcalf wasn’t just about another game; it was personal, a chance to represent Arkansas and bring a piece of Texas pride with him. To this day, he still talks about those games — the intensity and thrill of competing against the Longhorns etched deeply in his memory.
The rivalry had cooled for years until 2021, when Texas made its way to Fayetteville to face a gritty, determined Arkansas team. The Longhorns walked onto the field with a clear advantage, boasting a talented roster and a reputation for national relevance. But Arkansas didn’t care about any of that. Led by then-defensive coordinator Barry Odom, now the head coach for UNLV, and linebackers coach Mike Scherer, now UNLV’s defensive coordinator, the Razorbacks played like they had something to prove—like they were avenging a generation’s worth of slights. By the game’s end, Arkansas had pulled off a stunning 40–21 victory over Texas, a win that was as cathartic for the coaches as it was for the fans.
For Odom and Scherer, that victory over Texas was a defining moment. After moving to UNLV, the memory of that game traveled with them. In team meetings, they’d bring it up as an example of grit, a reminder that, on any given Saturday, an underdog could shock the world if they played with enough heart. For them, Texas wasn’t just a one-time opponent; it symbolized what it meant to put everything on the line, to win a game no one expected.
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When a big game was approaching, especially when UNLV was the underdog, the team would hear “Remember Texas?” throughout the week. Scherer would grin, throwing the line there out as a playful jab to me and as a nod to that unforgettable win. Odom would remind the team that no opponent was unbeatable and that heart often mattered as much as skill.
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Now, as Arkansas and Texas prepare to face off again, that memory looms large. Texas comes in with a talented squad, determined to avenge that humiliating 2021 loss. But Arkansas fans still carry the pride from that win, knowing their team has defied expectations before and could do so again. For Odom and Scherer, their chapter with Arkansas may be over, but a part of them will be watching closely, still rooting for the Razorbacks to prove themselves once more.
