Alabama football hadn’t allocated their school tickets for that spot. The Texas fans were there anyway, in the northeast corner of Bryant-Denny Stadium’s lower bowl, eager to celebrate with their beloved Longhorns.

Texas was putting the finishing touches on a 34-24 victory against Alabama. Its fans were letting the world know which conference the current Big 12 member is heading to after the 2023 season.

“SEC, SEC, SEC,” the fans howled, as a sea of cell phone cameras pointed their way from the sideline.

A few minutes later, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers took the snap, planted his knee in the grass and ended the game. Texas players rushed to the center of the field and celebrated with each other.

Then they headed for their fans in the northeast corner. Across a fence, the group deliriously cheered, breaking into an off-key acapella rendition of “The Eyes of Texas,” a school song, known both for its similarity to childrens favorite “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” and its controversial ties to the Confederacy.

Then, the players joined in on the chanting.

“SEC, SEC, SEC,” came the cheers once more, as Texas continued to celebrate its revenge for Alabama’s narrow win in Austin last season. The Longhorns and Crimson Tide won’t meet next season as part of the 16-team SEC’s new schedule, but the game will become part of a regular rotation.

Alabama will face South Florida on the road next week.