Texas Defeats Texas A&M 27-17: Rivalry Renewed with a Longhorn Victory
COLLEGE STATION — The wait was worth it.
In the first meeting between these historic rivals since 2011, the Texas Longhorns walked into Kyle Field and emerged with a 27-17 victory over the #3 Texas A&M Aggies, reasserting their dominance in the state of Texas and keeping their College Playoff hopes alive.
The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Kyle Field was electric, with over 108,000 fans witnessing the renewal of the Lone Star Showdown. For the first time as SEC conference foes, the hatred and passion that defined this rivalry for a century were back on full display.
Game Summary
After falling behind 10-3 at halftime, Texas dominated the second half, outscoring the Aggies 24-7.
Key Performers
- Arch Manning (Texas QB): 232 total yards, 2 Passing TDs, 1 Rushing TD. Manning was poised in the hostile environment, making critical throws on third down.
- Quintrevion Wisner (Texas RB): 155 rushing yards. Wisner was the workhorse, wearing down the Aggie defensive front in the fourth quarter.
- Texas Defense: Forced 2 crucial interceptions from A&M quarterback Marcel Reed in the fourth quarter, sealing the game.
Turning Point
With the game tied 17-17 early in the fourth quarter, Arch Manning escaped pressure and found Ryan Wingo for a 42-yard gain. Three plays later, Manning called his own number on a read-option, sprinting 35 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. The Texas defense then forced a turnover on the ensuing possession, leading to a field goal that put the game out of reach.
What It Means
For Texas (9-3, 6-2 SEC): This win is a massive résumé booster. Beating the #3 team in the country on the road puts Texas firmly back in the College Football Playoff conversation, though they likely need some help during conference championship week.
For Texas A&M (11-1, 7-1 SEC): The loss ends A&M’s perfect season but doesn’t end their championship dreams. They still head to the SEC Championship Game (thanks to tiebreakers), but their path to the #1 overall seed has taken a hit.
Post-Game Quotes
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized accurately that his team ignored the outside noise and focused on playing their brand of football in a hostile environment, securing a win that matters deeply to the University of Texas.
Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Elko acknowledged the difficulty of losing such a pivotal game at home but reiterated that the Aggies still have significant goals ahead of them in the postseason.
Looking Ahead
Texas awaits its bowl destination, hoping for an at-large bid to the 12-team College Football Playoff. Texas A&M heads to Atlanta to face Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.
