Texas vs The Nation

The inaugural Texas vs. the Nation Challenge kicked-off Friday, February 2, 2007 at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas. Texans have always had a sense of pride in their football and the Texas vs. the Nation Challenge provided a venue to feature all-star collegiate seniors from Texas pitted against the best from around the United States. In the inaugural game, Team Nation ultimately came through defeating the Texans 24-20.

In its first year, the Texas vs. the Nation Challenge stood out in the all-star football world setting multiple records for first-year bowls. The 108-man roster saw 79 players sign with the NFL, the highest number of signees ever to come out of a first year all-star game and a top 10 all-time record for signees in an all-star game. 21, 548 fans watched Team Nation squeeze by Texas breaking an attendance record for first year all-star games.

The Roster was headlined by twelve players selected in the 2007 NFL draft including five 4th round picks, three 6th round picks, and four 7th rounders. Former Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Buddy Ryan put the Nation on the board leading the team to a victory over Texas. Backed by a coaching staff with nearly 100 years of combined NFL coaching experience, Ryan defeated UTEP Head Coach Mike Price and Team Texas to give the Nation bragging rights. Ryan and his staff will return to defend the Nation's title in the 2008 game.

The city and county of El Paso have rallied around Texas vs. the Nation making the west Texas town the ideal sight for the show-down, hopefully for years to come.