AUSTIN, TX — The No. 16 Texas Longhorns had the last laugh in the latest rivalry game against the No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies. A slow start turned into a hot final two quarters for the Longhorns' offense as Arch Manning led Texas to a 27-17 win over the undefeated Aggies.
Texas took the lead early in the 2nd quarter on a 41-yard field goal before the Aggies answered with a field goal of their own. Texas A&M took its first lead of the contest with less than a minute to play in the 2nd quarter on an 8-yard touchdown run by KC Concepcion. The Aggies took a 10-3 lead into the half, but that is the closest the Aggies would get to winning this game.
In the second half, Texas exploded on offense. Arch Manning connected with Ryan Wingo on a 29-yard touchdown pass to take the lead midway through the 3rd quarter, 13-10, and the Longhorns never looked back. Tight End Nick Townsend added a 2-yard touchdown run to extend Texas' lead to 10 points before A&M finally answered.
In the 4th quarter, Aggies' quarterback Marcel Reed scrambled on a 3rd and 21 for a gain of 13 yards, but a facemask penalty kept the drive alive. A few plays later, E.J. Smith broke through the Texas defense to pull the Aggies within three points. Texas had to answer to put the game to bed, and Manning delivered. He broke off a 35-yard run to the house, keeping Texas up by 10 points.
It was all up to the Texas defense after that. Marcel Reed led the Aggies deep into Longhorn territory before he threw an interception at the goal line. Texas iced the game and claimed victory, 27-17.
With the loss, Texas A&M's bid for a perfect season comes to an end. The Aggies' offense missed too many opportunities early, and Reed could not find that same magic that sparked the comeback against South Carolina.
The Longhorns kept their postseason hopes, however small, alive with a top-five win. Now, it is up to the playoff committee to decide if Texas has an impressive enough resume to get into the College Football Playoff.
Texas Longhorns Arch Manning in action against Texas A&M
(Credit: x.com/texasfootball)
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