When the Big 12 began in 1996, it was undisputed that the strength was in the North. When Nebraska won the 1997 National Championship, it further proved this division between North and South. The Aggies crossed paths with Nebraska in 1997, and lost 54-15 to the Big Red Machine. “They beat us pretty handily” Said Coach R.C. Slocum “After that game in San Antonio, the media says, ‘How long will it take the south to ever catch up to the north?”

Maroon Out was founded by Class of 2000 Junior President Kyle Valentine in the summer of 1998. Coming into Kyle Field that year, the Huskers weren’t slowing down. Looking to defend their National Championship, they were 5-0 and ranked #2. A&M was 4-1 and ranked #18. But the Aggies had an ace up their sleeve. Kyle wanted to give the Aggies an extra boost of spirit by matching Nebraska’s famous sea of red with an even bigger sea of maroon. Leading up to the game, 31,000 Maroon Out shirts were sold, leading to a national shortage of maroon shirts.

With the spirit of the 12th man behind them, the Aggies played inspired football. “That Ja’Mar Toombs run, that to me was what I’ll always remember about that game.” said Dave South. Clinging to a 28-21 lead with two minutes left in the 4th quarter, Nebraska had one last chance. With 51 seconds left, CB Sedrick Curry intercepted Nebraska’s pass, sealing one of the biggest upsets in Texas A&M football history.