© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Rival Big 12 Coach Expects 'Battle' Against Texas
The Texas Longhorns' final season in the Big 12 brings about a lot of reflection about their 27 years in the conference.
Texas, even with its six games away from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, only leaves the Lone Star State twice. One of those matchups is against Baylor, and, after the Longhorns move to the Southeastern Conference, it will mark the end of annual meetings against the Bears.
Baylor head coach Dave Aranda said at Big 12 Media Days that he has "a great respect for Texas football" and head coach Steve Sarkisian.
"They're right on the forefront offensively and defensively of being creative and innovative," Aranda said. "A lot of their players I know about and am expecting a battle, and, you know, a lot of it is we need to bring that battle to them. And so I think anything less with Baylor-Texas is not enough, and am anticipating a great game there and appreciative of the opportunity."
Texas and Baylor were both members of the Southwest Conference which was formed in 1914 until it folded in 1996. The two member schools then made the jump to the Big 12 for the 1996 season where they've both remained since.
The Longhorns and Bears have played all but two years since 1923, as Baylor did not field a team during the 1943-44 seasons due to World War II.
You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Longhorns? Click Here to Subscribe to the Longhorns Country Newsletter
Want even more Texas Longhorns? Check out the SI.com team page here
Follow Longhorns Country on Twitter and Facebook.
Make sure to subscribe to the Longhorns Country Podcast today! Click here To Listen.
