The Texas Longhorns are set to stampede into their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), bringing new energy to local businesses like Crown & Anchor, a campus-adjacent bar in Austin that's brimming with anticipation. "Everybody has been counting this day down," Micki Moore, the bar's manager, told CBS Austin. Moore and her team are gearing up for a bustling season kickoff this Saturday, with the Longhorns facing off against Colorado State at home.
Aside from the impact on local watering holes, the Longhorns' SEC debut comes with plenty to digest. Before you don your burnt orange gear and settle into your game-day ritual, here's the skinny: The SEC does not call Texas "UT" – that moniker in the conference belongs solely to the University of Tennessee. This little tidbit popped up on a preseason media poll, so make sure you're specific when you're hunting for kickoff times online.
Now, let's talk dollars and sense. The move to the SEC isn't just about pride; it's about a financial windfall for the university and surrounding businesses. "What I'm hearing from my colleagues in the SEC and from the various fan bases, Austin has immediately vaulted to the number one destination city in the Southeastern Conference," Drew Martin, the Texas Associate Athletic Director, mentioned in July as reported by CBS Austin. Moore echoes this sentiment, noting that new groups affiliated with SEC schools are already reaching out to Crown & Anchor to get a slice of the action.
Regarding on-the-field action, after a near-perfect 11-1 regular-season record last year and a notable spot in the College Football Playoffs, Texas is already seen as a powerhouse capable of taking on the stiff competition of the SEC. With Quinn Ewers, a Heisman contender quarterback, at the helm, expectations are high for the Longhorns. They have been dubbed as a consensus pick to finish second in their SEC debut season, according to My San Antonio.
As the countdown to kickoff dwindles, it's not just the patrons of Crown & Anchor who are tingling with excitement, but an entire city geared up for a shift in the college sports landscape. "One day away and I can't wait," Moore states, reflecting a sentiment shared by many as the anticipation swells. But remember, come game day, it's all about Texas, whatever you choose to call them. Texas and Colorado State kick off Saturday at 2:30 p.m., broadcasted for your viewing pleasure on ESPN.
