By Joseph Simmons
COLLEGE STATION, TX — In a fantastic showdown that marked the revival of a storied rivalry, the Texas Longhorns emerged victorious, defeating the Texas A&M Aggies 17-7 on the road. This encounter was not just a regular matchup but the first clash between the two teams as SEC opponents since 2011.
The Longhorns’ defense was nothing short of spectacular, forcing two critical turnovers and restricting the Aggies to just 244 yards of total offense. Defensive stars like Vernon Broughton, who recorded two sacks and a fumble recovery, and Michael Taaffe, who snagged an interception, played pivotal roles in this dominant performance. Anthony Hill Jr. made significant contributions across the field despite being overlooked as a Butkus Award finalist. Currently, ranked second by Pro Football Focus, the Texas defense, alongside Ohio State, has allowed the fewest touchdowns in the nation with just 14, underscoring their elite status in college football.
Offensively, Quintrevion Wisner had a standout performance with a career-high 186 rushing yards for Texas. Quarterback Quinn Ewers was effective, throwing a touchdown pass and completing 17 of 28 attempts for 218 yards, with one interception.
“It’s been a tradition for a long time, and then it went away for a little bit. Now it’s back, and it’s fun to be on top, for sure,” Ewers spoke about the rivalry.
Arch Manning added to the score with a rushing touchdown, exemplifying Texas’s diverse offensive potential. The team needs more consistent offensive performances as it gears up for the conference title game and aims for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
On the Aggies’ side, quarterback Marcel Reed initially seemed to have cracked the code of the Texas defense during the first drive. However, he struggled to find rhythm thereafter, unable to utilize his arm or legs effectively throughout the game. Consequently, Texas A&M’s offense failed to score despite a single early effort.
“It’s a great way to end the regular season,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “This is where we wanted to be. We knew when we had the slip-up earlier in the season that we would have to win out to get back to a championship game. And we’ve earned that right.“
Texas will face Georgia in the SEC Championship game on December 7, aiming to avenge a previous loss this season. As the Longhorns seek a path to the National Championship, learning from past mistakes and enhancing offensive consistency will be crucial in navigating the challenges that lie ahead.
