Horns, Beavers bring different moods

SAN ANTONIO (KXAN) - Oregon State and Texas will be sharing the same field for the first time since 1987 when the Valero Alamo Bowl kicks off Saturday night, but the attitudes of their respective fan bases will still be miles apart.

“We were hoping to come here,” said Kevin Holsnider, an Oregon State fan who was pleased with the Beaver’s bowl destination in San Antonio.

Quite the contrast to Longhorn fans who had hopes for a more marquee bowl game.

And while the trip to San Antonio is a modest car drive for most Longhorn fans, the Oregon State faithful turned the bowl experience into a vacation.

Alamo Plaza was filled with the people donning the brighter shade of orange worn by the Beavers, while the burnt orange of Texas was seen in smaller numbers.

When they weren’t learning about Texas history, the Beavers were on the Riverwalk enjoying some Texas cuisine not found in the northwest.

Many Oregon State fans were very complimentary of the hospitality they received in Texas.

Some might find that ironic given the mood of Texas fans learning about the suspensions of Case McCoy and Jordan Hicks on Friday.

“I’m a little upset,” said Joey Garcia. He drove from Del Rio with his son, Jordan, to see the game.

Perhaps the most jarring news about the suspension was the connection of the name McCoy to anything negative with Longhorn football.

“We do not know if he did anything but it is shocking to see his name thrown in there,” said Jordan Garcia.

The suspensions spurred plenty of fan discussion about the state of the program, but many were complimentary of Mack Brown’s handling of the incident and refused to blame coaches.

“You have got a bowl game coming up, don’t even put yourself in that situation,” said Pat Pentalow.

Joey Garcia agreed.

“The players have to behave themselves. The coaches can only do so much.”