Texas defeated Texas A&M in a fierce rivalry clash, handing the Aggies a 27-17 defeat that not only spoiled their perfect season but also dashed their hopes for a Southeastern Conference title. This loss is particularly painful for Texas A&M, as it marks their second consecutive defeat to the Longhorns since the rivalry resumed after a decade-long hiatus.
The outcome of the game significantly impacts the Aggies” potential positioning in the College Football Playoff. Although the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, Marcel Reed, the Aggies” quarterback, remains optimistic. “There”s still a lot to be proud of,” Reed stated, reflecting on the team”s achievement of winning 11 regular-season games for the first time since 1992. He further emphasized, “I think we believe that we can make it to the national championship. And so we”re just going to put our heads down and grind.”
With an overall record of 11-1 and a conference record of 7-1, Texas A&M stands a strong chance of making the playoffs for the first time in their history. However, the sting of losing to their archrival lingers heavily. Head coach Mike Elko expressed the team”s disappointment, saying, “We”re just thinking about not getting the job done tonight. Right now it just hurts that we lost to our rival.”
Texas A&M has yet to appear in an SEC championship game since joining the league in 2012, while Texas made it last season in their inaugural year in the conference. The Longhorns, who started the season ranked number one, now have an opportunity to position themselves for the playoffs following their victory. Taurean York, a linebacker for the Aggies, voiced the team”s frustration, stating, “We”re tired of losing to the same team back-to-back years, tired of not winning that trophy.”
In the game, Reed had a chance to enhance his Heisman Trophy candidacy. Despite an early ankle injury scare, he led Texas A&M to a 10-3 halftime advantage. However, he was ultimately outperformed by Texas” Arch Manning, who had started the season as a Heisman favorite before experiencing a rough patch. Although the Aggies attempted to rally and closed the gap to 20-17, Manning”s decisive touchdown and Reed”s two late interceptions sealed the game. Reed concluded the night with 180 passing yards.
As the season progresses, Texas A&M will look to regroup and focus on their playoff aspirations, despite the disappointment of this rivalry loss.
