The old expression was: "As dumb as a bag of hammers." Well, now it needs to be changed to "As dumb as a box of hammers. " As in Richard Box, an A&M regent and, of course, a former Aggie. Here is a quote from Pat Forde's story about his trip with Mike Slive this last weekend.

The process was acrimonious, controversial and complicated. But by Friday night, on the eve of the first SEC game, there was jubilation at the feeling of liberation from Texas' massive shadow.

"I haven't seen it like this around here since Bear [Bryant] was here," said regent Richard Box, a 1961 undergraduate.

Yet even free and clear from the perceived oppression of the Longhorns, post-dinner conversation among the regents inevitably turned to Texas. The ancient rivalry has been halted, but those in College Station envision a day when it is renewed – and the balance of power is different, thanks to SEC membership.

"When we do play again," Box said, "we'll be the controlling brand."

Oh, yeah. In Aggie dreams. As I said, as dumb as a box of hammers.