The Aggie Football Experience: Difficult, But Worth It | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

The Aggie Football Experience: Difficult, But Worth It

Finding excitement despite high expectations and disappointing seasons.

31
The Aggie Football Experience: Difficult, But Worth It
FBS Schedules

If you’re like me and you grew up around the maroon and white traditions of Texas A&M all of your life, you know the feeling you get when you set foot on campus and start making memories. Growing up in the Bryan-College Station area, I was heavily exposed to the culture of Texas A&M and wanted nothing more than to get my degree from there. Above anything else, I was excited to finally attend several sporting events.

Thanks to my sports pass, I could go see any game I wanted at a very reasonable price. The team was coming off a 9-4 season with a Cotton Bowl berth, and this year had expectations through the roof. People were talking about a possible National Championship appearance. Sadly, the Athletic program did not perform to expectations and we limped out of the Big 12 and into the SEC, the strongest and most revered conference in Division 1 football. Many of us thought they would get creamed and post another subpar season after finishing 7-6 with a bowl victory. However, behind Heisman QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M posted an 11-win season and a huge victory in the Cotton Bowl vs. Oklahoma. The excitement for next season started immediately as fans took to TexAgs and social media to rave about the successes now and the successes to come. Even Dave Campbell’s magazine had A&M finishing 11-1 with a Sugar Bowl berth. The high expectations made for an exciting start of the season…at least at first it did. Despite coming into the season highly ranked, A&M struggled to beat Rice at home. The struggles continued as the defense faltered on many occasions costing A&M several key games. The Ags posted a 9-4 record with a come-from-behind Chick-Fil-A Bowl victory over Duke. The next two years would be killer for Aggie fans. A&M started both seasons 5-0 as the defense gradually improved and the offense kept the high octane plays coming. The Aggies ranked in the top 10 in the country both years. Sadly, both teams tanked near the end and posted 7-5 and 8-4 seasons en route to a win and loss in their bowl games respectively.

So much excitement is brought with the upcoming 2016 season, but also a lot of high expectations and doubt. We expect the defense to be dominant, we expect to see mass improvements in the offense, and we expect this year to be the make or break year for Coach Sumlin. So how is it that despite all of these expectations and potential negative outcomes, fans continue to buy in to the Aggie brand? Simple, tradition! Whether it’s the electrifying atmosphere at Kyle Field during gamedays, the “mug downs” when the lights go out at Midnight Yell, or the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band (Whoop!), Aggie fans NEVER turn away from Texas A&M. There’s honestly nothing like gameday in Aggieland. Fans from all over the country make their way to Kyle Field to enjoy the Aggie football experience. The hype of standing in line to get your ticket during student pull and finally having it scanned to walk into Kyle Field is truly an experience worth the long wait. Then you get to your seats and stand with the 12th Man (despite the 100 degree heat) for the entire game (Thank the Lord for halftime!). Suddenly, you see and hear the pre-game pump-up video ending with a voice yelling “Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit’s TIIIIIIIIIIIMMMEEE” and suddenly the stadium shakes with the sounds of beating drums and clapping along to the beats while towels wave back and forth. The team reaches the exit of the tunnel and “Power”by Kanye West comes on, and the whole stadium sings along and jumps up and down. Finally, smoke surrounds the exit, fireworks go off, and the team runs out onto the field led by Miss Reveille, the team’s lovely mascot. Then, we “Saw’em Off” to the Aggie War Hymn and begin the traditional yells led by the best leaders in the country, the Texas A&M Yell Leaders. From there, the experience is what you make of it.

Nothing compares to the Aggie Football experience at Kyle Field. Over 100,000 fans pack the stadium to see their Ags play the sport they love with the hopes of taking down the SEC powerhouses. The Aggies will open the season with the UCLA Bruins at Kyle Field on September 3, and excitement is brewing in the area and will continue to do so no matter how they finish. Gig’em Aggies!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

2606
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

1353
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

1036
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

940
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments