Saturday, August 27, 2011

“Nevertheless, Beat Texas!!”

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

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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.)

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, let me be the first to comment since I was one of the inspirations!
Yes, having been to Fayetteville last weekend, let me assure you, FOOTBALL is in the air-even the Conway Walmart which boosts 3 other colleges in town, is LOADED with more Razorback stuff than I have ever seen here..last week, I bought the big sack of Razorback Millionaires from the Mother ship of Walmarts in Fay-can't find those here though. Also, I had my personal shopper pick up a RAZORBACK carved ceramic pumpkin from Hobby Lobby Fayetteville/Bentonville. The Hills are alive..
K, I also enjoyed the article on your trip, mema Martha's birthday, and the Beaumont brother debate/discussion over Ben's pic..reminds me of the Wesley statement of how there was a Christmas when Benton got a computer, Bret got a guitar, and He, poor thing, got a back pack. I still can't convince him otherwise after all these years..Susie

Unknown said...

Nevertheless, GO HOGS!!!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Wishing ya'll a great season.

Keetha Broyles said...

I am GIDDY AS A SCHOOL GIRL about college FB starting THURSDAY NIGHT!!!!!!

Keetha Broyles said...

Nevertheless, Badgers Beat EVERYONE YOU PLAY.

I'm not greedy or anything.

Anonymous said...

Wooo, Pig, Sooooie!
In HogTown couple weekends ago. Got my Hog shirts, Hog hat, Hog watch, Hog miscellany - ready for Saturday! CB

Joyce said...

In that matchup I'd be rooting for Arkansas : )

nanny said...

Read it all??? I printed it to KEEP. I love it!
Wooo Pig!
So it looks like my daughter, snl, and sweet granddaughter are moving from Dallas to Bentonville.!!! They are so excited to be near the Hogs and to raise the little one in small town setting vs big city!
(Nanny will miss her shopping trips to the big city) ha

Lady Jane said...

I AM READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!! LJ

Sush said...

Hi, I'm your newest follower...with some trepidation I admit. My oldest sister betrayed...I mean moved to Arkansas and married into the Pig Fest. I am a loyal LSU fan. Good thing we don't often play each other. Other than your Razorback obsession we seem to have much in common. I have four grown sons and one daughter. We have three grands and one more due in January. I'm enjoying reading backwards in your blog and plan to continue to go back and forth until I'm all caught up! You're invited to take a gander over at my place. I haven't posted in few days as my date for the last forty plus years is trying to pass a kidney stone. I'll refresh when he is well. I did write a rather excellent post about LSU football that I'm sure you'll hate, lol! Tag...you're IT!

John McCallum said...

Go Hogs!

Anonymous said...

I just added this blog site to my feed reader, great stuff. Can't get enough!