There’s a lot on the line when Texas and Texas A&M renew their hated rivalry after a 13-year break. The winner earns a trip to the SEC Championship Game to face the Georgia Bulldogs.
This level of importance is actually pretty rare in this rivalry. Between 1997-2011 at least one of the teams was ranked. The Longhorns and Aggies have met with both ranked in the top 20 just seven times in the modern era: in 1941, 1943, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1985 and 1995.
The biggest impact on the national title came in 1975 when No. 2 A&M beat No. 5 Texas to remain unbeaten. The Aggies would go on to drop their final two games of the season.
Ticket prices for the game are also through the roof. The average ticket is selling for $1,100 and the cheapest seat for $520, according to StubHub. As of Wednesday, the most expensive tickets from the vendor are a pair located along midfield selling for roughly $2,600 apiece. According to another reseller, TickPick, Saturday’s game “is the most expensive regular season football ticket on record,” college or NFL.
’s Prediction:
The game we’ve all been waiting for, some more than others, I think Texas comes in passionate, not too passionate to the level of arrogance, but passionate. This team is a CFP caliber team, every analyst can agree on that. Kyle Field is a unique place; I think there’s a few flukes in the beginning but Texas bounces back. Texas A&M will keep it close but I’m counting on a Notre Dame like last minute burst from Texas.
Final Score: Texas 38, Texas A&M 27
Trey Luerssen’s Prediction:
Oh boy. This game is the definition of “throw the record books out the window.” On paper, Texas is a much better team. UT is stronger at almost every position. The wild cards are obvious. Kyle Field can be a madhouse, Ewers is gimpy and there’s the pressure of fulfilling expectations with a trip to the SEC Championship Game. I think Texas pulls it out, but it’s not going to be easy.
Final Score: Texas 27, Texas A&M 17