The devastation of Hurricane Harvey has been widespread throughout Houston and the Southeastern part of Texas. But it's when times get bad that people come together. The outpour of support from all channels in the wake of Harvey's destruction has been inspiring. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has already raised more than $15 million for recovery. But college football is playing a role as well.
Ohio State and Indiana wore "Houston Strong" decals on their helmets for their Thursday night game, and the Buckeyes pledged $10,000 to help with recovery efforts. Across the landscape on Saturday, teams did their part to bring about awareness of Harvey's impact and relief efforts that have started.
Both Maryland and Texas are sporting decals with an orange heart over the southeastern part of the state for their opener in Austin ...
Go Terps!
— Equipment Guy (@DHamptonEqMgr) September 2, 2017
Kickoff to 2017 @TerpsFootball season.#HoustonStrong pic.twitter.com/OpkE9nB6dW
Stay strong Texas. #TexasIsUnited pic.twitter.com/yu7x7V34EP
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 1, 2017
Texas, of course, aided the University of Houston in its time of need by allowing the Cougars to practice in Austin last weekend. Houston's opening game against UT-San Antonio has been postponed so that players and coaches can help rebuild their community.
Similarly, Mississippi State will wear this decal for its game against Charleston Southern. Texas A&M is playing on the road at UCLA, but their minds will obviously be on their home state as well ...
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by #HurricaneHarvey. We will wear this helmet decal in their honor for Saturday's game. pic.twitter.com/8pLRH75Mrh
— MSU Football 🏈 (@HailStateFB) August 30, 2017
#ICYMI – @AggieFootball will wear this helmet decal on Sunday to bring awareness to the thousands of families impacted by #HurricaneHarvey. pic.twitter.com/A9OMClMwy6
— SEC (@SEC) August 30, 2017
It wasn't just the teams showing their support, either. Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts, a Texas native, had "Pray 4 Houston" on his arm band for the Crimson Tide's game against Florida State.
https://twitter.com/ChrisKirschner/status/904122207932121092/photo/1
Several Texas schools have been assisting the area as well in other ways. TCU allowed Rice to set up headquarters in Fort Worth as the Owls made their way back from Australia and their Week 0 game against Stanford. Rice returned to Houston this past week and immediately began assigning relief tasks for teammates whose families were affected by the storm.
Moments after arriving, team meeting to assign teams to assist teammates whose homes were damaged. pic.twitter.com/Fv1F7qTumT
— Rice Football (@RiceFootball) September 1, 2017
Baylor assisted Sam Houston State and Richmond by hosting their season opener at McClane Stadium on Friday, Sept. 1. Additionally, Baylor will provide free admission and meals for Harvey evacuees during Saturday's game between the Bears and Liberty.
Baylor, SMU, North Texas and others have also been shipping supplies to the affected areas.