'That's a real rivalry' Sarkisian on the Arkansas-Texas rivalry

Since leaving the southwestern conference, Arkansas has been without a true rival. Like how Missouri was foisted onto Arkansas, Arkansas was pinned against LSU in the 1990s. Both were manufactured rivalries. The latter rivalry grew more than the former, but still, they never felt genuine.

When Texas A&M came into the league, Arkansas finally had a former SWC opponent to go up against. However, it felt flat, especially after getting beat plank times in a row.

There’s only been one team that continues to be hated with the same passion, and that’s Texas. While the Razorbacks aren’t Texas’ biggest rival, the Longhorns are undoubtedly the most hated in the natural state. Even Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian knows this.

At SEC media days, Sarkisian took a question about the Texas-Arkansas rivalry. He said, “I feel like when you go to Arkansas, at times, I feel they hate Texas than they like themselves. That's a real rivalry. That's when you know you're in a real rivalry.“ 

Then, he talked about how the discussion has centered around the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry, but he's happy the Longhorns and Razorbacks get to renew their own. "So much has been made about us getting to play A&M again, but the fact that we get to play Arkansas again is awesome. How many teams in the country get to play three rivalry games in a season?

He remembers the environment he stepped into nearly three years ago, where the Longhorns were handed a 40-21 loss in probably the most electric atmosphere Donald W Reynolds Razorback Stadium has seen in a decade.

Sam Pittman echoed the sentiment. "So I would say he's probably right, you know," said Pittman. "We hadn't played Texas for years, and we played them a couple years back. It was the most excited our fan base has been in a while."

Compare that to the statements given by Missouri defensive tackle Kristian Williams when asked about the Battle Line rivalry’s future.

"“What do I think about the future of us and Arkansas," Williams said smiling, "Whatever it is, it's a rival for a reason... who knows? But it's a competitive sport at the end of the day. Emotions flair up, guys compete with each other at the highest level, so you want to bring that out of somebody. Like, you want to bring the best out of them, so who knows.""

That statement doesn't exactly scream "Rivalry" quite like Sarkisian's.

Arkansas versus Texas will be the season's highlight again for Arkansas fans, and hopefully, the SEC will find a way for the teams to play annually.