No. 16 Texas spoiled the perfect season of No. 3 Texas A&M with a 27-17 victory on Friday night in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns” win not only marked a significant moment in the storied rivalry but also knocked the Aggies out of contention for the Southeastern Conference championship game.
Quarterback Arch Manning played a pivotal role for Texas, throwing a crucial touchdown pass and later securing a touchdown on the ground late in the fourth quarter. In the third quarter, Manning connected with Ryan Wingo for a 29-yard touchdown pass, giving Texas a 13-10 advantage. With just over seven minutes remaining, Manning sprinted 35 yards on a third down to extend the lead to 27-17.
This victory keeps Texas in the conversation for a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, as they now hold a record of 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the SEC. Although the Aggies, with an impressive record of 11-1, are likely to secure their first playoff berth despite this setback, their dreams of an undefeated season were dashed by their long-time rivals.
The loss for Texas A&M stings even more as it impacts their playoff positioning and diminishes the late-season surge of quarterback Marcel Reed, who was being considered as a Heisman Trophy candidate. This defeat will resonate with the Aggies for a considerable time, given the implications it has for their season.
In another notable game, No. 4 Georgia managed to fend off No. 23 Georgia Tech with a close 16-9 victory, marking their eighth consecutive win in this rivalry. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears continued their winning streak, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-15, driven by a strong rushing performance.
In coaching news, Lane Kiffin, following his team”s victory over Mississippi State, expressed uncertainty about his future with Ole Miss but is expected to make an announcement soon. Additionally, the Big 12 championship game has been set with Texas Tech facing BYU, while Indiana celebrated retaining the Old Oaken Bucket after a significant win over Purdue.
As the college football season progresses, the stakes continue to rise, with teams vying for playoff spots and preparing for championship matchups.
