I think it is just a Texas thing. My brother in law is from Texas and they HAVE to have the best of everything: best BBQ, best pizza (in College Station!?), best donuts, etc. While the rest of the nation speaks in probables, Texas speaks in absolutes. No regards for the fact that people have different preferences, regional parts have different styles of preparing foods, etc.
I will say that Texas does have good brisket, but that is it. One type of meat does not make you the king of BBQ. The ribs are terrible in Texas and they can't seem to figure out how to make chicken or pulled pork AT ALL (some so-called BBQ places don't even have either on their menu!). I'd also like to point out that Austin, TX is overrated. The music scene is good, but the college students are extremely annoying and the whole city seems to be full of smelly hippies and homeless people under EVERY bridge.
I won't comment on most of this because i'm obviously extremely biased, but I have to say -- i agree completely on Austin. I honestly can't stand it here. I actually live outside Austin proper because I can't stand being in Austin for an extended period of time.