The 2022 Big 12 Media Days wrapped up on Thursday last week. With the head coaches of ten programs, each program bringing four to five players to represent their team, and two conference commissioners in attendance, there were a lot of quotes made and comments recorded. Two tweets reported following media days show the difference between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns.
Texas OLB DeMarvion Overshown had this comment about the Texas Longhorns:
https://twitter.com/BobBallouSports/status/1547669723290017792
Just a reminder, Texas finished 5-7 last season with six consecutive losses stretching from the October 9 Oklahoma game to the November 20 West Virginia game. Counting the week leading up to the season finale against Kansas State, that is 47 days of feeling like a loser. Despite what Overshown claims, no one wants to be where Texas is. No one wants to experience six consecutive losses in a season. No one want to go 5-7 and miss a bowl game. ‘Everyone’ does not want to lose to Kansas.
New Oklahoma coach Brent Venables was asked about the confidence level of his current OU squad and if he’s seen them develop any ‘swagger’ as they go about their business.
https://twitter.com/iamthe12thman/status/1548881612670115841
Coach Venables is very clear about the work ahead for the Sooners. OU finished the 2022 season with an 11-2 record, a blowout Alamo Bowl win over Oregon, and ranked #10 in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls. The standard for the Sooners is higher than simply double-digit wins, a top 10 ranking, and a bowl victory. 2021 was a disappointment because the Sooners failed to win the conference or compete for the national championship. Venables is pushing the Sooners to the standard and is unflinching in that expectation.
Two Different Mindsets
Texas is happy where it is. Simply being themselves is satisfactory. Texas believes everyone wants to be Texas. Georgia is the national champion….but they want to be Texas. Alabama wins the SEC and plays in the CFP Championship Game in 2021….but they want to be Texas. Alabama has won six national championships since 2009…but they want to be Texas. There is a certain arrogance bordering on delusion in Overshown’s comments.
Oklahoma points to Georgia and Alabama and says, “That is where we want to be, we need to put the work in to get there.” Texas points to Georgia and Alabama and says, “They wish they were us.” The difference between Oklahoma and Texas doesn’t stop at state borders, it is cultural. Oklahoma places a high standard on success and works to achieve that standard. Texas believes simply being in Austin, TX means they’ve arrived. Texas is self-satisfied with their lack of achievement.
The difference between the Sooners and Longhorns is as simple as reading two tweets. One program preaches hard work, one program brags on what they’ve done in the past. The tale of success for OU and Texas will be told on social media tweets throughout the 2022 season.
1 Comment
Totally agree with you man. Two perspectives, but one has led to more accomplishments than the other.