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Texas A&M head equipment manager Matt Watson remembered the joy that filled the Aggie charter plane returning from the 1998 Big 12 Championship game.

The Aggies claimed the title in a 36-33 double-overtime win over Kansas State at the Trans World Dome in St. Louis. Branndon Stewart's two touchdown passes to Sirr Parker, along with a two-point conversion, led the Aggies to the comeback victory.

"It's a memory that I will always treasure," Watson said.

Twenty years later, Watson was a key cog in resurrecting the uniforms worn in that game, with a modern twist.

On Saturday, A&M will sport those replicas in Kyle Field against No. 13 Kentucky, complete with the oversized block T on the helmets and mesh holes on the jersey numbers.

"It was really kind of a no-brainer to do it," Watson said. "It's kind of a real classic, iconic look for A&M. Really basic, but a look a lot of people really like and enjoy."

Each jersey is highlighted by the "Southwestern pattern" collar that was a staple of the uniform.

To give the uniform a retro flair, the program received clearance from the College Football Playoff to place old Bowl Championship Series stickers on the back of the helmets, Watson said. The small detail was a hat tip to the Aggies' Sugar Bowl appearance in the first year of the BCS.

Next to the BCS logo is the "pennant" SEC logo, which A&M received permission from the conference to use on the helmet and jersey, Watson said. Although A&M was in the Big 12 in 1998, every conference used this logo style.

"Whenever we're doing throwbacks, I always try to dive into the weeds and come up with something unique that no one has done with a throwback uniform," Watson said.

To complete the look, the Aggies will wear solid white pants, white socks, black shoes and black gloves.

"I'm excited. It's a real sharp look," Texas A&M 12th Man Cullen Gillaspia said.