Thirteen years ago today, one of the most memorable moments in Texas Longhorns football history unfolded. On Nov. 24, 2011, Justin Tucker’s 40-yard field goal as time expired gave Texas a thrilling 27-25 victory over Texas A&M in College Station.
It was a fitting sendoff to one of college football’s most storied rivalries, as the Aggies’ move to the Southeastern Conference marked the end of the 118-game series—until now.
With the game on the line, quarterback Case McCoy orchestrated a clutch drive to set Tucker up for his iconic kick. “It just means more,” Tucker told the Austin American-Statesman in 2021. “To be able to put that game away in that moment and then celebrate with my teammates, it’s absolutely one of my favorite football memories.”
Justin Tucker, Texas vs. Texas A&M, and an unforgettable Thanksgiving Day kick https://t.co/yGpOlxIkE0 pic.twitter.com/3O9snlSV1T
— Ron Bohning (@RonBohning) November 15, 2023
The rivalry’s hiatus spanned 12 seasons, but with Texas now in the SEC, the Longhorns and Aggies are set to renew hostilities this Saturday in College Station. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Currently ranked third and 15th in the College Football Playoff rankings, Texas (10-1, 6-1) and Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2) will be battling for a spot in the SEC championship game.
What started with Tucker’s game-winner has come full circle, reigniting the rivalry with new stakes and a new stage.
Danny Davis’s at the Austin American-Statesman originally reported this story.