Staff Predictions: No. 3 Texas Longhorns @ No. 20 Texas A&M Aggies

After twelve long years, it is back. The Texas Longhorns (10-1, 6-1 SEC) and Texas A&M Aggies (8-3, 5-2) will face off for the 119th time in history, with plenty on the line for both programs. Saturday’s winner vaults themselves into the SEC Championship on December 7th, setting up a matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs. The game will take place at Kyle Field, where the Longhorns are 5-1 since 2000. The Longhorns are have also won nine of the last twelve games over that span. Steve Sarkisian’s team is currently riding a 10-game road win streak, and they are looking to carry that momentum into the rivalry matchup in College Station. They also sit atop the SEC Standings.

Last out, Texas defeated Kentucky at home 31-14 to finish 6-1 at DKR this season. Texas A&M fell to Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium last weekend and are 5-1 this year at Kyle Field. Texas leads the all-time series record 76-37-5.

Will the Longhorns tune out the noise, literally and figuratively, and get the job done in the lion’s den? Will Texas A&M keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive with a win over Texas? Our staff provides their score predictions and thoughts on Saturday’s game between the Longhorns and Aggies.

Jameson McCausland (10-1)

The health of Quinn Ewers is the big question heading into this game. He did not look good at the end of the Kentucky game and it’s hard to imagine an ankle sprain healing 100% in 6 days. Texas A&M has one of the better defensive lines in the country, so the ability of Ewers to move in the pocket is going to be paramount.

For Texas defensively, this seems to be a good matchup as the Longhorns have been solid against mobile quarterbacks this year and A&M has struggled to run the ball since the season-ending injury to Le’Veon Moss. 

I expect a low-scoring game with a lot of momentum swings. The Texas defense has come through almost every game this year, and Saturday will be no different.

Score Prediction: Texas 21, Texas A&M 17

Devon Messinger (10-1)

It has been thirteen years since this glorious rivalry last took place. The beauty of the rivalry? Neither of these fanbases like each other one bit. However, after thirteen years, that hatred has not cooled down one bit.

On Saturday, Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns will march down to Kyle Field in College Station, TX, looking to control their own destiny in their hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff. With a win, Texas is all but in. Meanwhile, for Texas A&M, Mike Elko’s Aggies need a win on Saturday for a chance at staying alive in the conversation.

Expect Saturday’s matchup to be a slugfest, with the team that is able to take the most hits to be the one that remains standing at the end of the day. If Texas can maintain some semblance of a running game, and if Quinn Ewers can showcase enough mobility in the pocket, the Longhorns will be well-positioned to be the victor.

Score Prediction: Texas 27, Texas A&M 24

Aaron Carrara (10-1)

Texas hopes Quinn Ewers’ ankle has healed and progressed from the tweak last week against Kentucky. The Longhorns need him to be able to plant and throw well, as well as be able to move when the need arises. Texas will have to deal with a loud and rowdy crowd, and it is important to avoid mistakes – especially early on from Ewers. I expect Sark to try and get the running game going early on against a decent Aggie rush defense.

On the defensive side, Pete Kwiatkowski has game planned for dual-threat quarterback Marcel Reed. The Texas defense has proven that they can stop the run regardless of who they play, giving up just an average of 104 yards per game. They have forced multiple turnovers in the last six games and I expect that trend to continue again on the road. The athleticism of linebackers Anthony Hill and Colin Simmons will play a critical role in this.

I think Texas comes out of the gate strong and fights their way to a big win thanks to solid play from Ewers and company, and elite play from the defensive side of the ball.

Score Prediction: Texas 24, Texas A&M 17

Marc Henry (10-1)

Texas heads to College Station to renew their rivalry with Texas A&M, and starting fast offensively will be key. Quarterback Quinn Ewers must play mistake-free football, making smart decisions and avoiding turnovers, while a quick-tempo offense can keep A&M’s defense off balance. Defensively, the Longhorns must stay disciplined in their rush lanes to contain quarterback Marcel Reed, a dangerous runner, while still applying aggressive pressure to disrupt his timing. Winning the turnover battle and maintaining gap integrity will be crucial for Texas to leave with a statement victory in this heated matchup.

Score Prediction: Texas 24, Texas A&M 14

Dylan DeRaud (9-2)

Texas A&M comes into the matchup licking their wounds after a quadruple-overtime loss to Auburn. However, the Aggies will have their 12th man ready to be as loud as humanly possible in College Station on Saturday. With the atmosphere and energy surrounding this game, the rivalry will hinge on the performance of the Longhorns’ offensive and defensive trenches. These two units travel well for road games and form the core of Texas’s identity. I believe the Longhorns will secure a victory through their run game behind Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue and the defense anchored by Anthony Hill, winning the first matchup since 2011 between these hated rivals.

Score Prediction: Texas 23, Texas A&M 17

Mitch Lovell (10-1)

Texas has an elite defense and the Aggies have a streaky offense. Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed is very dynamic but Anthony Hill and company will spy him all night similar to what they did vs OU quarterback Michael Hawkins. Quinn Ewers has often performed his best on the road in big matchups. Examples being @Bama in 2023, @Michigan this year. Expect nothing different as long as his ankle is healthy enough. The Aggies will keep it close before a turnover and quick score helps the Longhorns pull away for a victory in the first Lone Star Showdown since 2011.

Score Prediction: Texas 28, Texas A&M 17