Laurel didn't resemble Hardy, especially around the waistline.

Felix was to clean as Oscar was to dirt.

And Donnie was a little bit rock 'n roll, while Marie stayed a little bit country.

But all three duos, as diverse and opposite as they could be, could dance like Fred and Ginger on screen or on stage. The twosomes needed each other, fed off each other, held each other's hands as they soared to whatever successes they had.

Which brings us to Texas A&M and Texas. Lately, the two football programs have been coordinated in their efforts like a green freshman two-stepping with a savvy counselor at Fish Camp.

There's been a lot of stumbling, even if the maroon half of the duo has taken most of the right steps. Meanwhile programs like Florida and Florida State have been sliding across the floor, step for step, alternating who leads like a pair of dance instructors attached at the belt loop.

Recently, the Aggies have been the leader of the Thanksgiving dance in the state of Texas, winning five of the last eight games between the state's two marquee programs. For the record, the Aggies have won 11 of the last 14 meetings, which included a run of six straight from 1984-89.

Yet, the rivalry has lost some of its luster, especially for anyone outside the borders of this state.

Florida-Florida State and Ohio State-Michigan have garnered the big headlines in late November, while the Aggies and Horns have battled in relative obscurity. Yes, the Aggies and Horns ring the breakfast bell at 10 a.m., but no one nationally really has made it a point to roll out of bed.

Thankfully, that's all about to change. And it begins this year, when the two Nebraska slayers collide in Austin.

The game means something again. The teams feature All-Americans again. The orange stands in the way of the maroon again. Like it should.

For most of the last 15 years, the Aggies have disposed of the Horns en route to bigger and better things like Cotton Bowl appearances or spots in conference title games. Sure, the Longhorns have had their moments, but really it has been only the Aggies who have stayed consistent over the last decade and a half.

Texas has been way up, then way down, and always on the way back, or so the Orangebloods claim. And, unfortunately for the rivalry, when the Horns were way up, the Aggies were often down, as was the case in 1996.

It's not a coincidence that the best game of the decade, it not one of the best of the historical series, came in 1990 (see pages 22-24), when both teams had solid squads with premier players. In that game, which the Aggies lost, both teams took swings at each other all game long, with Texas connecting with the final blow, 28-27. But it was a game for the ages, and one that can be matched again.

Perhaps this year.

The Aggies head into the game with the nation's best linebacker in Dat Nguyen, while Texas will try to ride their big horse ÑÊRicky Williams ÑÊone more time into the sunset.

Conference titles remain at stake, as do national rankings. Suddenly, no one is sure who will win the 105th meeting between the two schools.

"The kind of season they're having and to have two teams here that are having good years, that's positive for college football in the state of Texas," A&M coach R.C. Slocum said "Ricky Williams has gotten a lot of publicity. and Dat Nguyen has gotten a lot of publicity. It's been fun for me and rewarding to see it happen, not just for us, but for them, too.

"I've felt way too much was made in the past of the decline or absence of major college football (in Texas), so it's encouraging to see that some of that has changed."

Slocum has seen his fair share of A&M-Texas games, some 25 now. He has been there when national titles were on the line and Heisman Trophy running backs were on the field.

He has felt the stadiums shake and felt the heat radiate from the perimeter around Bonfire and the one encircling the captains for the coin toss at midfield.

The early start time mandated by ABC has put a downer on the game day atmosphere for the rivalry, and the supercharged air surrounding the game hasn't really been felt since the blue norther and Leeland McElroy blew through Kyle Field in 1993.

But now, the two bullies of this state appear to be standing on the same corner, both pushing for Big 12 South supremacy for years to come. And, sorry Red Raider or Bear fans, but that's how it should be.

"Let's have the showdown in Austin," says senior Dan Campbell. "That's what it's all about. There's going to a packed house in Austin and national television. You couldn't ask for anything more. That's what true teams are made of... Let's see who can take it all the way.

"Let's make the state of Texas have a big game again. And more than anything, let's keep the recruits in Texas and keep them from going out of state. And that's exactly what a game like this will do for a lot of people."

Indeed, impressionable recruits have been impressed by what the Seminoles and Gators have done over the years. Usually, a spot in the national title game is at stake, as both teams have corralled most of the talent in the state of Florida and pushed each other for greatness since Steve Spurrier took over the Gators in 1990.

Spurrier, no doubt, has kept Bobby Bowden on alert, at least since the Miami Hurricanes began to lose their gale force wins.

Since Mack Brown arrived at Texas, the Longhorn program seems energized and revitalized. And that's fine with Slocum, who knows he must continuously try to upgrade his own program.

The key to the Aggies' recent successes has been the fact A&M and Slocum have built a foundation. Texas, meanwhile, was leaning on a facade for most of the last decade.

Are both rock solid now? No, the Horns are still in the rebuilding process, but you get the feeling both A&M and Texas will be standing like the Twin Towers in the Big 12 for years to come. Just ask the Nebraska Cornhuskers. But the Aggies and Horns have to walk down the path together to really make an impact nationally.

"You always want to be on a big-time team," running back Dante Hall said. "Texas is coming back around, and we're doing pretty well this year. I think the recruiting in Texas will be great this year, because we both have it this year."

Indeed, the Aggies and Horns seem poised for banner recruiting years, as regional rivals Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Baylor and LSU are all having problems with poor play or NCAA probation.

And by both teams beating mighty Nebraska, and with the Aggies scaring FSU in August, it's apparent high school studs don't have to go off to Tallahassee or Lincoln to play before the bright lights.

For those on the bubble, maybe this year's A&M-Texas game will be the deciding factor to stay home and play for one of the Big Two.

"A month ago, we were talking about it, even before Texas was in the picture," Hall added. "This used to be the hyped game of the year because it meant so much. Now, for a couple of years, it hasn't meant so much. Either we were on a down slide or they were. I think a lot of guys haven't gotten a real feel of what that rivalry is about because the last couple of years it hasn't had too many implications. But this year, it's going to have a lot. It’s very fun for a game to mean something."