“Nevertheless, Beat Texas!!”

It’s almost time for college football.  Are you ready?

I’ve had several reminders lately that the 2011 college football season is upon us.  About a week ago, I saw my first yellow sulfur butterfly (for further explanation, see THIS POST).  Another reminder came in the form of an email from my sister-in-law Susie.  It was a collection of famous football quotes and included the following:

"Football is only a game.  Spiritual things are eternal.  Nevertheless, Beat Texas."  - Seen on a church sign in Arkansas prior to the 1969 game.

That’s all well and good, but it’s just plain wrong!  That email as well as hundreds of websites that pop up when you google that quote are trying to rewrite history.

The quote actually appeared on a sign at First Baptist Church of Fayetteville prior to the 1965 Razorback game against Texas.  Arkansas won that game 27-24.  We Razorbacks would just as soon forget about the 1969 contest.

Furthermore, the quote itself is not accurate.  The sign actually read:“Football is only a game.  Eternal things are spiritual.  Nevertheless, Beat Texas!” (The emphasis is mine.)

I know because I was there.  And if you need further evidence, just check out THIS ARTICLE that appeared in Sports Illustrated on October 25, 1965.  You don’t even have to read the whole four-page article (but it’s great reading).  The proof is on the first page.

So I’m doing my part to set the record straight.  I may not be successful, but “Nevertheless, Beat ______________!! (Insert the name of the Hogs’ opponent for the week.)