Republished from Tarleton State Athletics.
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State and Abilene Christian’s football rivalry is one of the most intense in the country. Now there is a new name established by both programs to coin the matchups moving forward.
“The Hundred-Mile Showdown” will signify the football rivalry between Tarleton State and Abilene Christian, beginning with Saturday’s top-25 matchup in Stephenville.
“Every good rivalry has a strong name,” Tarleton State Vice President and Director of Athletics Steve Uryasz said. “The sometimes-used former name, the I-20 Rivalry, created confusion geographically, and both institutions wanted to adopt a name that is comprehensive – unique, catchy, and logical. The Hundred-Mile Showdown encapsulates all of that. We’re excited to adopt this new rivalry name as both teams embrace this elite matchup.”
The Hundred-Mile Showdown name originates from both institutions being separated by roughly 100 miles, Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, and Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. Showdown stems from a cowboy theme with both programs living in and around the Cowboy Capital of the World. Plus, the full name is original, with no other known established uses of the rivalry name.
“It is important to recognize and celebrate our rich football history, and that includes many exciting games between ACU and Tarleton State,” Abilene Christian Vice President for Athletics Zack Lassiter said. “It has turned into one of the best rivalries in all of FCS football the last few years and we have great respect for their program. Naming this matchup The Hundred Mile Showdown will only increase the interest and significance of our meetings on the football field.”
The Tarleton State and Abilene Christian football rivalry dates back 106 years, established in 1920. There have been 41 matchups over that span, with regular meetings since 1993 (25 over the 33-year stretch).
Saturday’s game between the Texans and Wildcats has all the makings of another classic. The No. 1 ranked team in the nation, Tarleton State, will host the No. 22/23 ranked Wildcats, both undefeated in United Athletic Conference play. The Texans are undefeated overall this season at 9-0, 4-0 in the UAC, with ACU 5-4 overall, 4-0 In the UAC.
The two teams will square off at Memorial Stadium on Saturday at 6 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased at www.tarletonsports.com/tickets.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 28,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.