Even in defeat, Texas proved why it deserved to the in the College Football playoff. Sellout Crowd’s Sam Mayes explains what impressed him most, why Texas is finally back, and why the Longhorns are more SEC-read at this point than the Sooners. (Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA Today Network)

Texas is finally back whether Sooner fans want to admit it or not.

Texas is finally back whether Sooner fans want to admit it or not.

In the Trenches: SEC-ready is a term that Oklahoma and Texas football fans have been discussing since their programs decided to move on from the Big 12 to the SEC. Not only is Texas back, but it looks more SEC-ready than the Sooners.

Sam Mayes

By Sam Mayes

| Jan 4, 2024, 8:30pm CST

Sam Mayes

By Sam Mayes

Jan 4, 2024, 8:30pm CST

Since losing to Alabama in the 2009 BCS title game, Texas has been clawing and searching for ways to get back to the top of the mountain.

In this episode of In the Trenches with Sam Mayes, I am coming to Sooner fans with the news they won’t want to hear: Texas is back. After seeing the fight they put up against Washington, Texas looks to be the most SEC-ready of the two sides of the Red River Rivalry. I discuss that as well as the two semifinal games and a short preview of the upcoming national championship game.

Included in this episode:

*Impressions of Michigan vs. Alabama (3:10)

*Impressions of Texas vs. Washington (4:31)

*Previewing Monday’s Michigan-Washington title game (7:17)

*Looking ahead to the future 12-team CFP (9:37)

Producer: Jacquelyn Musgrove

Creative Director: Michael Lane

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Sam Mayes grew up in Ohio, was an All-American lineman at Oklahoma State and has lived in Oklahoma for 20 years. With insights from his playing days, Sam started his broadcasting journey at Triple Play Sports Radio in 2007. He later joined the Sports Animal, and then 107.7 The Franchise. While passionate about football, Sam's involvement with Fields & Futures since 2015 showcases his dedication to using sports for community building in Oklahoma. Off-air, Sam cherishes time with his fiancée, their five kids, and his schnauzer, Scout.

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