Category: Texas A&M Aggies

Look: The Texas A&M football team arrives at Kyle Field ready to play

View some of the best photos from the Texas A&M football team arriving at Kyle Field

The time is here, and a decade’s worth of trash-talking will be settled on the field Saturday night. No. 20 Texas A&M will battle No. 3 Texas for the spot opposite Georgia in the SEC championship game.

Everyone in Kyle Field in the surrounding area better have their earplugs ready because the volume is going to be turned up to the max. With a title shot on the line, the Aggies and Longhorns will renew their rivalry that spans over 130 years, 118 meetings, and 3 conferences in front of what should be a record crowd.

A&M is a heavy underdog, but we all know when it comes to rivalries everything can be thrown out the window no matter what the analyst may say leading up to the game. The Lone Star Showdown is back, and college football will be a better place because of it.

Below are some of the best photos from the Aggies arrival to the stadium:

 

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Instant reaction to Texas A&M basketball’s 80-77 win over Rutgers

Texas A&M holds off Rutgers to take fifth place in the Players Era Festival Tournament

Saturday afternoon, No. 20 Texas A&M Aggies (6-2) defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-3) in their final game to take fifth place in the Inaugural Players Era Festival Tournament at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

It’s still early and Coach Buzz Williams always gets his team whipped into shape if conference ball starts. They have a clear identity on both sides of the ball and the staff knows exactly what they want to do. However, the win against a good but inexperienced Rutgers team was another poor shooting night. It was another game where they shot below 40% in the first half and under 80% from the free-throw line.

Rutgers young guns Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey gave them all they could handle for a combined 42 points and 13 rebounds, keeping the Scarlet Knights in the game and even taking the lead a few times. The Aggies were led by All-SEC guard Wade Taylor, who scored 24 points, while Solomon Washington, Henry Coleman III, and Manny Obaseki all pitched in with 11 a piece.

A&M has all the right pieces and has been put in a great position to be 8-0 against quality competition. They are buying into what Buzz is selling and for the most part, it’s working.

However, they have to reward their coach by finishing shots and closing out teams earlier. The SEC is too competitive to leave points on the court on makeable shots.

They continue to look the part of a top-25 team but if they want to make some noise late in the season, the shooting percentage have to improve dramatically. Still the Aggies showed their resiliency holding off a dangerous team for an 81-77 win to close out their time in Las Vegas.

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Watch the final Texas A&M vs Texas pregame hype video

Texas A&M LT Trey Zuhn narrates final pregame hype video before facing Texas

There’s no better script written in college football today than the No. 20 Texas A&M vs No. 3 Texas in the primetime slot at Kyle Field.

You can throw the records out the window when they take the gridiron in a rivalry stewing for over a decade with the Lone Star Showdown being the hottest event on the schedule Saturday night. With rivalry games come bragging rights, recruiting wins, and electric energy power enough to light a city block.

What makes this game so much more are the stakes for Texas A&M. There would be nothing worse than for the Longhorns to knock the Aggies out of the CFP while securing an SEC Championship berth. According to the experts that’s exactly how it will play out. But don’t tell that to the Aggies; they are ready to defend their home turf and punch their ticket to Atlanta.

The Texas A&M vs. Texas game starts at 6:30 pm CST and can be seen on ABC/ESPN+.

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The average ticket price for Texas A&M-Texas is more expensive than seeing Taylor Swift

Seeing Texas A&M-Texas live is more expensive than attending a Taylor Swift concert in 2023

Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2 SEC) will host the Texas Longhorns (10-1, 6-1 SEC) for the first time in 13 seasons. The winner of Saturday night’s primetime showdown will advance to the SEC Championship game to take on Georgia on Dec. 7.

Everything is on the line for the Aggies under first-year coach Mike Elko, as a loss would result in an average 8-4 finish. At the same time, a win would vault the Aggies to the conference title game for the first time in program history and a shot at an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.

If there was ever a doubt, College GameDay made its way to College Station for the second time this season. For those who haven’t been paying attention, the average ticket price to Saturday night’s game is more than most can afford, but the expectation is that the game will be sold out or close to it.

Thanks to ESPN and The Eagles’ Alex Miller for posting it, the average ticket price for Saturday’s game is $1,025. This is reportedly more than the average price of superstar recording artist Taylor Swift’s 2023 Era Tour in Houston, which is listed at $909.

No. 19 Texas A&M will host No. 3 Texas on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 pm. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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‘The hardest place to play in the SEC’ Nick Saban praises Kyle Field ahead of Texas A&M vs. Texas

Kyle Field will be rocking on Saturday night

Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2 SEC) will host the Texas Longhorns (10-1, 6-1 SEC) for the first time in 13 seasons. The winner of Saturday night’s primetime showdown will advance to the SEC Championship game to take on Georgia on Dec. 7.

With everything on the line, the Aggies are looking at an average 8-4 finish or a chance to reach the conference title game for the first time in program history, knowing that defeating their bitter rivals is what’s standing in the way of their postseason dreams.

While Texas A&M coach Mike Elko and his team are confident in their abilities, Texas isn’t 10-1 by mistake, as the Aggies’ are well aware of the offensive firepower and elite secondary the Longhorns possess. Still, at the least, the Aggies have Kyle Field on their side.

On Saturday, College GameDay crew member and Hall of Fame head coach Nick Saban, who held a 10-2 record against Texas A&M, noted that despite his nearly perfect record and one road loss during the 2021 season, Kyle Field is by far the toughest venue to play in.

‘Of all the places in the SEC this was the place I respected most … the hardest place to play in the SEC’

Saban, alongside Lee Corso, picked the Longhorns outright, while Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee picked the Aggies.

No. 19 Texas A&M will host No. 3 Texas on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 pm. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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Texas A&M HC Mike Elko praises QB Marcel Reed’s continued improvement

Redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed needs to produce against the Texas Longhorns

Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2 SEC) enters the final week of the regular season with everything on the line, as the Aggies will face the Texas Longhorns (10-1, 6-1 SEC) for the first time in 13 seasons, as the epic rivalry has returned for good.

Even more important, the winner of Saturday’s game will take on Georgia in the SEC Championship game, as the Aggies’ season was saved after Alabama’s shocking Week 13 loss to Oklahoma. Knowing the challenge ahead, Texas A&M starting quarterback Marcel Reed must have a big day through the air to give the Aggies a chance.

On College GameDay, head coach Mike Elko took the stage with Kirk Herbstreit, whose sons played with Marcel Reed in high school, to discuss Reed’s maturation this season after taking over as the full-time starter.

Reed’s best moment was in the second half of the 38-23 comeback win over LSU when he led the Aggies to five consecutive scoring drives. However, Elko praised Reed’s improvement as a passer, especially in the middle of the field, highlighting his perfect pass to Noah Thomas that led to a 73-yard touchdown in the loss to Auburn.

Against Texas’s elite secondary, Reed must display proper footwork and throw with timing and accuracy to hit his open targets, which will open up the running game.

No. 19 Texas A&M will host No. 3 Texas on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 pm. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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College GameDay crew picks Texas A&M vs. Texas

The College GameDay crew is split on Texas A&M vs. Texas

After over 4,000-plus days, Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2 SEC) will host the Texas Longhorns (10-1, 6-1 SEC) on Saturday night for a spot in the SEC Championship Game and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.

With so much on the line, it was a no-brainer for ESPN’s College GameDay crew to make their way to College Station for the season finale, as the Aggies’ postseason dreams were saved after Alabama’s shocking loss to Oklahoma in Week 14.

However, A&M has lost two of its last three SEC games. While both were on the road, the Aggies have struggled to find early consistency, relying on late scoring, including enduring a 21-0 deficit to Auburn in the first half before eventually losing in quadruple overtime.

Throw out everything I just said because this is the rivalry of all rivalries, and I fully expect the Aggies to play their best football, but Texas will certainly be the season’s biggest challenge.

So, how does College GameDay see the game shaking out? Desmond Howard chose the Aggies, citing Kyle Field’s influence and A&M’s defensive line, while Nick Saban went with the Texas Longhorns. Pat McAfee, in his usual fiery demeanor, went with the home team, while Dude Perfect obviously went with Texas A&M as well.

Last but not least, Lee Corso tossed the Sergeant hat aside for the Lonhorn headdress, sticking with the team he picked to win the National Title.

No. 19 Texas A&M will host No. 3 Texas on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 pm. CT. The game will air on ABC.

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ESPN CFB insider Pete Thamel confirms Texas QB Quinn Ewers’ injury issues

Texas QB Quinn Ewers isn’t 100%

No. 20 Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2 SEC) hosts No. 3 Texas (10-1, 6-1 SEC) on Saturday night, ESPN CFB insider Pete Thamel confirmed on College GameDay that Longhorns starting quarterback Quinn Ewers is still dealing with a high ankle sprain, but will start on Saturday night.

However, backup quarterback Arch Manning could see the field if Ewers struggles, especially if the Longhorns struggle to move the ball with the junior under center. Texas A&M’s deep defensive line needs to make an impact regardless of the quarterback they’re facing.

While the final injury report will show Quinn Ewers as the starter, Manning’s dual-threat ability could hurt the Aggies. The Aggies have struggled against running quarterbacks this season, including the last two SEC losses against South Carolina and Auburn.

In six games this season, Manning has thrown for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, including two starts against ULM and Mississippi State.

No. 19 Texas A&M will host No. 3 Texas on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 pm. CT. The game will air on ABC.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

3 Keys to victory for No. 20 Texas A&M vs. No. 3 Texas on Saturday night

Saturday night could go either way, but the Aggies need to play smart football

It all comes down to Saturday night, as No. 20 Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2 SEC) will host the No. 3 Texas Longhorns for a spot in the SEC Championship game against Georgia on Dec. 7. The Aggies and Longhorns will meet on the field for the first time in 13 seasons.

It’s been quite the season for first-year head coach Mike Elko, who would exceed expectations with a win over the Longhorns but has dealt with plenty of adversity ranging from roster health to penalty issues.

At the same time, Texas has cruised through its first SEC schedule outside of the October home loss to Georgia. However, with everything on the line, the Aggies are playing for everything, while the Longhorns currently have a 97% chance to make the College Football Playoff and will likely be in regardless of the loss.

Playing inside a packed and very loud Kyle Field, here are the three keys to victory for Texas A&M before both teams take the field on Saturday night:

Keep Quinn Ewers/Arch Manning in the pocket:

Yes, Texas quarterback Arch Manning is now in the conversation amid Quinn Ewers’ ankle issues, but it’s expected that Ewers will start. Throughout the season, Ewers has relied on his check-down option while avoiding vertical shots due to pressure in his face, meaning Texas A&M’s defensive line needs to show up on Saturday night.

Defensive ends Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart are likely off to the NFL next season, but in the overtime loss to Auburn, both players were basically invisible. If the Aggies have any chance at winning, both players, combined with Cashius Howell, Shemar Turner, and Rylan Kennedy, need to wreak havoc in the backfield.

Keep Texas’s passing attack in the middle of the field:

Cover 2 is a popular coverage scheme that has kept explosive offenses from taking the top off the defense. It forces the quarterback to “dink and dunk” down the field and allows defenses to blitz more often. Interestingly enough, Longhorns’ tight end Gunnar Helm leads the team in receptions and receiving yards and has been the most consistent receiver on the roster.

Texas A&M’s secondary has been average to above average for most of the season, mainly due to the lack of continuity and the loss of senior cornerback Tyreek Chappell. However, this is the final game of the regular season, and playing disciplined football while not allowing receivers to leak out for big gains is the key to keeping the Longhorns from blowing the game wide open.

QB Marcel Reed needs to make plays for four straight quarters:

Texas A&M’s defense needs to step up, but if this is going to be a back-and-forth scoring fest, which is possible, Texas A&M’s dual-threat signal caller will need to be the playmaker we saw during the second-half comeback against LSU.

OC Collin Klein’s job is simple: run the ball and set up play-action passes while sprinkling so QB runs when warranted. After calling a relatively poor game in the loss to Auburn, Klein has a lot to prove, so utilizing Reed’s skillset, trusting his arm, and providing easy passing outlets will only elongate the Aggies’ offensive possessions to drive the field.

No. 19 Texas A&M will host No. 3 Texas on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 pm. CT. The game will air on ABC.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas A&M vs. Texas Friday availability report ahead of Saturday’s matchup

Here is the latest availability report, including an update on Texas A&M starting left guard Chase Bisontis

Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2 SEC) enters the final week of the 2024 regular season with everything on the line when the Aggies host the Texas Longhorns on Saturday night for a bid to the SEC Championship game against Georgia.

While it looked highly unlikely that the Aggies would even have a shot at the  College Football Playoff, Alabama’s shocking loss to Oklahoma opened the door for the Maroon & White to win their way in, no matter how tough that may seem on paper.

Throughout the week, head coach Mike Elko and his team will try to enjoy Thanksgiving on Thursday, but that’s a hard ask given what’s coming while needing to prepare for the toughest overall battle this season.

Several injury reports have been released during the week. Friday’s latest availability report included an update on Texas A&M starting left guard Chase Bisontis, while Texas starting quarterback Quinn Ewers (ankle) remains probable to play.

Texas A&M injury updates:

  • Le’Veon Moss- RB (Out for the season)
  • Mark Nabou – OL (Out for the season)
  • Cyrus Allen – WR (Out for the season)
  • Tyreek Chappell – DB (Out)
  • Rueben Owens – RB (Questionable)
  • Jaydon Hill – CB (Questionable)
  • Will Lee III – CB (Questionable)
  • Jaylen Henderson – QB (Questionable)
  • Chase Bisontis – OL (Probable)

Texas injury updates:

  • Derek Williams Jr. – DB (Out)
  • CJ Baxter – RB (Out)
  • Christian Clark – RB (Out)
  • Velton Gardner – RB (Out)
  • Quinn Ewers – QB (Probable)

Chase Bisontis Update:

Texas A&M’s star left guard is now listed as probable as of Friday, giving him a 75% chance to start, which automatically boosts the Aggies blocking up front. A healthy Bisontis is a huge boost when you need to control the ball and elongate drives.

Quinn Ewers Update:

Quinn Ewers is almost guaranteed to start, as the junior has been listed as probable throughout the week. Still, his ankle could be an issue early if the Aggies’ defense line makes an early impact, which could lead to the insertion of backup QB Arch Manning.

No. 19 Texas A&M will host No. 3 Texas on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 pm. CT. The game will air on ABC.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.