If you're a student at UT, you were inevitably counting down the days until TX OU weekend. This weekend is unparalleled to any other weekend out of the year when it comes to anticipation, excitement, and of course, rivalry. I was so ready for the weekend to begin, not only for the game, but also for a quick trip back to my hometown, Dallas, TX! I had been to previous Red River Showdowns growing up, but I was finally ready to take on my first OU game as a student. On Friday, a big group of my closest friends loaded a charter bus and headed to Dallas. I was more than ready to make unforgettable memories with some of my Zeta sisters, and hopefully come back to Austin victorious.
Normally one wouldn’t love the idea of waking up as early as 8:00 am on a Saturday, but my sisters and I woke up full of energy and excitement for a day like no other. From taking game day photos with my sisters and loading the bus once again to head to the state fair, I was prepared to see what this weekend was all about. As we entered the State Fair, almost every person was wearing burnt orange (hook em!) or red. The crowds were a bit overwhelming, but it was an adrenaline rush to say the least. The excitement was contagious as students were chanting the fight song in our stadium seats, throwing up the horns, and smiling all around. I felt pride walking into the stadium as a longhorn and I was ready to cheer on our team in the student section. 
As soon as we entered the stadium I ran into several of my new Zeta friends. I loved seeing my sisters throughout the game in the stands, and especially those on the field dancing and cheering! This game was especially exciting and special for me because Lil’Jordan Humphrey, UT’s junior wide receiver, happened to attend my high school when I was on the drill team. The fact that we were once again pulling for the same team was an awesome experience. The Red River showdown might have been the best performance I’ve seen from our football team, and Lil’Jordan. He had 133 receiving yards on nine catches this game, and made the first passing touchdown of the game! The fourth quarter was the most exciting and nerve wracking part of my entire weekend as Texas and OU were tied. As soon as Texas made the winning field goal, the stadium erupted with excited longhorn fans. WE WON! I was sitting next to my Zeta sister, Caroline Cantrell, who was just as nervous as I was, and this was definitely a relieving moment. Everyone was yelling, hugging one another, and filled with pride to be a longhorn. 
As if the day wasn’t enough, Saturday night consisted of dressing up for a formal and celebrating the huge win with some of my best friends in Dallas. I had such an incredible time during TX OU weekend as a freshman, and it will be a weekend I will never forget. I am counting down the days until next year!
XOXO,
Brooke Devoe, PC ‘18
