Texas Longhorns Defeat Texas A&M, Eliminate Aggies from SEC Title

No. 16 Texas secured a crucial 27-17 victory over No. 3 Texas A&M on Friday night, effectively ending the Aggies’ hopes for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship title. The match took place in Austin, Texas, and was pivotal for the Longhorns as they fought to keep their College Football Playoff aspirations alive.

Arch Manning showcased his skills by passing for one touchdown and rushing for another. He completed 14 of 29 passes for 179 yards and added 53 rushing yards on seven attempts. His performance was complemented by Ryan Wingo, who caught a touchdown pass, and Nick Townsend, who rushed for a score. Jack Endries made a significant impact with four receptions totaling 93 yards. The Longhorns improved their season record to 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the SEC.

Texas A&M, now at 11-1 and 7-1 in conference play, is not at risk of missing the College Football Playoff. However, this defeat eliminates them from contention for a place in the SEC Championship game next weekend. Georgia has now clinched a spot in the final, while their opponent will be determined after Alabama’s game against Auburn on Saturday.

The game was tightly contested in the first half, with Texas A&M taking a 10-3 lead into halftime. KC Concepcion scored the Aggies’ only touchdown with an 8-yard run, while Texas managed just a 41-yard field goal from Mason Shipley to open the scoring. The Aggies tied the game with Jared Zirkel’s 31-yard field goal before Concepcion’s touchdown put them ahead.

Texas turned the tide in the second half, scoring the first 17 points to establish a 20-10 lead. Shipley’s 46-yard field goal narrowed the gap before Manning connected with Wingo on a 29-yard touchdown pass, giving the Longhorns a lead they would not relinquish. Manning’s impressive 54-yard pass to Endries set up a touchdown by Townsend early in the fourth quarter.

The Aggies attempted a comeback, narrowing the deficit to 20-17 when EJ Smith scored on a 13-yard run. However, Texas swiftly responded with a four-play, 63-yard drive culminating in Manning’s rushing touchdown, bringing the score to 27-17 with just over seven minutes left.

Texas A&M’s attempts to close the gap were thwarted when quarterback Marcel Reed was intercepted twice in the final minutes, leading to Texas running out the clock and sealing their victory. Reed finished the game with 180 passing yards but struggled with two critical interceptions.

This outcome not only marks a significant victory for Texas but also reshapes the landscape of the SEC Championship race, confirming Georgia’s position while leaving Texas A&M to reflect on their missed opportunity.