One of the best rivalries in college football will be restored this weekend when Texas heads to College Station to face their state foes, Texas A&M. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at Kyle Field. The No. 3 Longhorns are coming off a huge 31-14 victory over Kentucky in Week 13, improving them to 10-1 on the season. As for the No. 20 Aggies, they suffered a shocking loss in four overtime to the Auburn Tigers. Below, we’ll discuss the history of this clash and preview the game.
College Football: Texas vs Texas A&M Betting Preview
College Football: Texas vs Texas A&M Betting Preview
Highlights
- Texas faces Texas A&M on Saturday
- The Longhorns are a slim road favorite
- Find the preview below
Head-to-head history
There have been 118 total meetings between these two programs, with Texas holding the 76-37-5 edge. However, they haven’t faced off since 2011 because the A&M left for the SEC. Now, the Longhorns have joined the conference as well, which means the rivalry is alive and well again.
Texas looking to lock itself in
Win or lose, the 10-1 Longhorns appear to be a lock for the College Football Playoff. But if they did come out victorious, Texas would get to play for the SEC Championship against probably Georgia. After making the CFP last season, Steve Sarkisian’s squad has been just as dominant in 2024.
Their only loss came to the Bulldogs but the Longhorns have also beaten numerous respectable opponents including Oklahoma State, Florida, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Texas has a very electric offense, ranking 17th in the country in total yards, 16th in passing yards, and 15th in points. QB Quinn Ewers has been pretty consistent, completing 68% of his passes for 2,089 yards and 23 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Ewers suffered an ankle injury against Kentucky but he’s expected to play in College Station.
The Texas WR room is led by Gunnar Helm and Matthew Golden, who have combined for nearly 80 catches for 13 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards receiving. The Longhorns’ run game is also potent, with Quintrevion Wisner, Jaydon Blue, and Jerrick Gibson all averaging a minimum of five yards per carry. Defensively, Texas only allows 12.1 PPG. and ranks top-two in the nation in total yards allowed. This program is legit on both sides of the ball and it’s why they’re favored versus A&M at Sports Interaction.
Texas A&M looking to respond
The Aggies sit at 8-3 and suffered a surprising loss last Saturday to Auburn. They’ve now lost two of their last three games and have turned the ball over eight times in the last five games. It’s an issue that must be fixed against a Texas team that will certainly take advantage. Texas A&M is no joke though and will have the electric crowd on their side.
Mike Elko’s team is scoring 32.5 points per game and thrives especially on the ground, ranking 17th in rushing yards. That’s thanks to Amari Daniels, who has run for 5.1 yards per carry and eight touchdowns. His backfield partner Le’Veon Moss suffered a season-ending injury earlier this month, which means the load has been strictly on Daniels’ shoulders.
However, he’s done well. Daniels ran for 90 yards and a TD in the defeat to Auburn. While he will have his work cut out for him on Saturday, he has been very consistent. This contest will also be a serious test for young QB Marcel Reed. He threw for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns a week ago. That was his best game of the season and hopefully, Reed can build off it. The Aggies are a slim underdog at online betting sites.
Quinn Allen is a seasoned sports journalist from Vancouver, Canada. Quinn is a full-time senior editor for ClutchPoints where he specializes in baseball, soccer, basketball, and football. Quinn has been working in the industry for five years and brings a unique outlook to sports journalism, having played high-level soccer and baseball growing up. Quinn resides in Kelowna, Canada, and enjoys playing soccer and going to the gym.