Texas vs Texas A&M Game Recap — Longhorns Spoil Aggies’ Perfect Season
In a dramatic showdown at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, the Texas Longhorns defeated the previously undefeated Texas A&M Aggies 27–17 on Friday night, abruptly ending A&M’s bid for a spotless 12–0 regular season. The loss also eliminates the Aggies from contention for the SEC Championship Game.
🔥 Game-Deciding Plays & Standout Performances
Quarterback Arch Manning ignited the second half, throwing a touchdown and finishing with 179 passing yards plus a crucial 35-yard rushing TD late in the fourth quarter that sealed the win.
Running back Quintrevion Wisner powered the Longhorns’ renewed ground attack with a season-high 155 rushing yards, helping Texas control tempo and time of possession.
On defense, senior safety Michael Taaffe picked off A&M’s late drive — one of two fourth-quarter turnovers forced — preserving the Longhorns’ lead.
What This Means for CFP Rankings & Postseason Scenarios
With this win, Texas (9–3) has revived its case for inclusion in the College Football Playoff (CFP), riding a résumé that now includes wins over multiple top-10 teams this season.
For Texas A&M, the loss drops them out of SEC Championship contention — handing a SEC berth to Georgia Bulldogs. The Aggies will now likely host a first-round playoff game but have lost the chance at an SEC title.
The upset reshuffles the “CFP rankings” conversation: with Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama and Oregon ahead, voters will weigh Texas’ three-loss but high-quality schedule vs. undefeated (or one-loss) teams with softer schedules.
🔎 Texas Football’s Post-Game Fallout & What’s Next
Longhorns: Playoff Hopes Stay Alive — but Road Ahead Tough
While the Longhorns made a statement with a big-time win, their three losses earlier this season remain a hurdle. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has already positioned Texas as “a playoff team,” citing their strength of schedule and monster wins.
Their next steps: monitor how other teams fare, hope for favorable moves in the CFP rankings, and watch if their resume holds up against’ other top contenders.
Aggies: From Perfect Season to Uncertain Finish
For the Aggies, the defeat is more than just a rivalry loss — it’s a lost chance at the SEC Championship and a blow to their aspirations for a top seed or bye week in the playoffs. Their playoff spot still seems likely, but the path is significantly tougher.
Quarterback Marcel Reed, once a Heisman hopeful, saw two key fourth-quarter interceptions that derailed A&M’s comeback bid.
✅ Key Takeaways for Fans & College Football Followers
The Texas vs Texas A&M game rewrote expectations for both programs — reaffirming Texas’ bounce-back potential and ending A&M’s SEC title chase.
As “CFP rankings” are recalculated over the next two weeks, strength of schedule and quality wins may carry more weight than a clean record.
For those following Texas football, this season pivots on whether the Longhorns can convert this adrenaline win into a playoff berth. For A&M followers — it’s a time for regrouping and refocusing on postseason performance.
