Happy Thanksgiving Longhorn Fans!
Texas Longhorns 52, Arkansas Razorbacks 37
Arch Manning carved up the Hogs with 6 touchdowns – 4 passing, 1 rushing, and 1 receiving. That’s a Longhorn first. A great day on The Forty Acres that started the night before at the Texas Union where the Texas Exes honored six Distinguished Alumni, including great friends Gary Farmer and Del Williams. A glorious Juan Heisman Tailgate Party, and then the best was watching Arch Manning play such great football and lead the Longhorns to victory. Hopefully in 2027 when the Hogs come back to Austin we will hang 52 on them again.
Monday Morning Highlights:
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1992957646673203658?s=20
I love the DeAndre Moore, Jr. handshakes. Hope we see a bunch Friday night!
Y, los Longhorns in Español, Insta y X
https://x.com/TexasFootball/status/1993683224627650604
No. 3 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical vs. No. 16 Texas Longhorns
This will be Game No. 120 in the historic rivalry that began 1894, a rivalry Texas leads 77-37-5. Huge stakes for both teams. The Horns need a win to keep alive any hope of the College Football Playoffs, while for the Aggies a loss might cost them a spot in the SEC Championship Game – and a Top 4 seed. The Texas Defense is going to have play its best game against a very good Aggie Offense. Aggies are playing for the best start in school history. The Aggies and Horns are fairly evenly matched in a few areas, but the Texas pass defense weakness may be the most glaring advantage point for the Aggies (Texas No. 108, Aggies No. 30 passing offense). Tied for 14th in PFF Grades overall.
The game kicks off at 6:44 p.m. at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium and will be broadcast on ABC. Sean McDonough with the call, Greg McElroy with analysis, and Molly McGrath reporting from the sideline. In recent games called by McDonough, Texas is 4-1.
The game can be heard around the world on the Longhorn Radio Network with the Voice of the Longhorns Craig Way, joined by Roger Wallace in the booth and by Will Matthews on the sidelines. Listen in Austin on the Flagship, KVET 1300 AM and 98.1 FM. Listen in Midland on KBAT 99.9 FM, in Henderson on KBME 790 AM, and in San Angelo and the Concho Valley with Mr. McLaughlin on KKSA 1260 AM. Dr. Rubén Pizarro-Silva and Jesus Mendoza with the call in Spanish on certain Longhorn Radio Network affiliates and streaming on the Texas Longhorn App and online. Stream through the Texas Longhorn app or mobile player https://texas.leanplayer.com/.
Some highlights over the years: https://x.com/TexasLonghorns/status/1991627616974156021
After opening as 10.5 point favorites, the betting odds, Sunday night:
The odds early Thanksgiving morning.
101 years ago, Texas Memorial Stadium was dedicated to the 198,000 Texans who served in World War I and to the 5,280 who died. (No comment on John Sharp insisting that we restart the rivalry at Kyle Field last year, instead of the stadium in Austin dedicated to Longhorns, Aggies, and all Texans on the 100th anniversary of its dedication.) The Frank Denius Veterans Memorial Plaza, at the northwest corner of the stadium, reminds us of the significance of this place as a war memorial. To all Texans, including all the Aggies (I commend this article to your reading). My great friend Jody Ferguson wrote a nice piece on Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium:
College Football Last Weekend
Oklahoma took care of business against Missouri, 17-6. Oregon gave Southern Cal a pretty solid 42-27 beating. Notre Dame crushed the Syracuse Orange 70-7. Pittsburgh with a surprising 42-28 win over Georgia Tech. No. 20 Tennessee stomped Florida in the Swamp, 31-11; Volunteers led 31-0 at half.
College Football This Weekend
Rivalry week, and more good football than you can watch without multiple screens. Truly some of the great games in our beloved sport. Friday morning at 11:00 on ABC, the Egg Bowl – No. 7 Ole Miss at Mississippi State. No. 4 Georgia and No. 23 Georgia Tech, 2:30 on ABC. Friday night, No. 25 Arizona vs. Arizona State, 8:00 p.m. on FOX.
Saturday morning, a huge game in the Big House and one of the sports’ greatest rivalries, No. 1 Ohio State and No. 15 Michigan, 11:00 a.m. on FOX. At 2:30 on ABC, No. 14 Vanderbilt at No. 19 Tennessee. Virginia Tech at No. 18 Virginia, 6:00 p.m. on ESPN. No. 10 Alabama at Auburn in the Iron Bowl is 6:30 p.m. on ABC. No. 9 Notre Dame at Stanford, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN. A bunch more great games, the top ones previewed below. Going to be a great day watching football!
2025 Texas A. and M. Aggies
The Roster
Aggie Offense
Marcel Reed (No. 10, 6-1, 185 pounds sophomore from Nashville) quarterbacks the Aggies and leads one of the best offenses in the nation. 2,572 yards and 25 touchdowns on 189 for 306 passing. 61.8% completion percentage, 8 interceptions and just 9 sacks for 69 yards. Second in the SEC in touchdowns, 5th in yards. A true dual-threat, Reed is second on the team in rushing with 395 yards on 77 carries, with 6 touchdowns (tied for best). Reed has a QB rating of 159.0, which is 3rd in the SEC and 16th nationally, and his QBR is 79.2, which is 6th in the SEC and 14th nationally. Texas has beaten 2 of the SEC QBs ahead of Reed in QBR, Pavia and Green, and lost to the top, Gunner Stockton. You may recall the QB comparison between Stockton and Manning I did before the Georgia game. The East Texan superstitious Tim thought about not doing that this week, but the Burnt Orange Kool-Aid mixing TCT was “why the hell not?” So here you go. Didn’t have time to figure out all the rankings, the ones I have are national.
Passing |
Arch Manning |
Marcel Reed |
| Yards per game | #27 – 251.2 | #28 – 250.2 |
| Yards | #22 – 2,763 | #23 – 2,752 |
| Attempts | #24 – 341 | #49 – 306 |
| Completions | #34 – 213 | #57 – 186 |
| Completion Percentage | #78 – 62.5% | #84 – 61.8% |
| Yards/Attempt | #35 – 8.1 | #17 – 9.0 |
| Yards/Completion | 12.97 | 14.79 |
| Touchdowns | #17 – 23 | #8 – 25 |
| Interceptions | 7 | 8 |
| Rating | #37 – 148.7 | #16 – 159.0 |
| QBR | #46 – 67.2 | #14 – 79.2 |
Rushing |
Arch Manning |
Marcel Reed |
| Yards | 191 | 395 |
| Yards per Game | 17.36 | 35.91 |
| Yards per Attempt | 2.51 | 5.13 |
| Touchdowns | 7 | 6 |
Wide Receivers
KC Concepcion (No. 7, 5-11, 190 pounds, junior) leads A&M with 52 catches for 829 yards and 9 touchdowns. 15.9 yards per catch, and he is quick. Mario Craver (No. 1, 5-9, 165 pound sophomore) has 781 yards and 4 touchdowns on 47 catches, and he has 10 rushes for 80 yards and a score. Ashton Bethel-Roman (No. 3, 6 foot, 185 pound RS freshman from Missouri City) only has 18 catches for 442 yards, but 5 of those are touchdowns.
Tight Ends
The Aggies have two excellent tight ends. Nate Boerkircher (No. 87, 6-4, 250 pounds, Graduate transfer from Nebraska) has 16 catches for 157 yards and 3 touchdowns. Theo Melin Öhrström (No. 17, 6-6, 257 pound junior tight end from Stockholm, Sweden) has 15 catches 124 yards and 1 touchdown.
Running Backs
Rueben Owens II (No. 4, 5-11, 215 pounds, sophomore from El Campo) leads the Aggies in rushing with 570 yards on 99 carries, a very healthy 5.8 yards per carry. Owens also has 9 catches for 116 yards. Le’Veon Moss (No. 8, 5-11, 210 pounds, Senior) has 389 yards and 6 touchdowns on 70 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per rush. Moss is listed as doubtful, but my guess is he tries to play. Amari Daniels (No. 5, 5-8, 197 pounds, Senior ) has 41 rushes, 216 yards, and a score. Jamarion Morrow (No. 23, 5-9, 205 pounds, freshman from Memphis) also has 41 rushes with 179 yards and a score. EJ Smith (No. 22, 5-11, 211 pounds, graduate transfer from Stanford, Dallas Jesuit, son of Emmitt) has 36 carries, 164 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Five very solid running backs plus Reed are why the Aggies are No. 3 in the SEC in rushing.
Aggie Defense
The Aggies once again have a very solid defense – top 5 in the SEC, and their strength is their pass defense. Not going to be easy for Arch Manning.
Linebackers
Taurean York (No. 21, 5-10, 227 pounds, Junior from Temple) leads a solid linebacking corps and leads the Aggie defense with 56 tackles (25 solo), a sack, and two passes defended. Daymion Sanford (No. 27, 6-2, 222 pounds, junior) is third with 46 tackles (20 solo), 3.5 sacks (33 yards), an interception, and 2 forced fumbles.
Defensive Backs
Marcus Ratcliffe (No. 3, 6-2, 209 pounds, Junior safety) has 55 tackles (30 solo). Will Lee III (No. 4, 6-1, 189 pounds, Senior cornerback, transfer from K State) has 42 tackles (37 solo), a sack, and 6 passes defended. Dalton Brooks (No. 25, 6 foot, 193 pounds, junior from Shiner) has 42 tackles (28 solo), a sack, and an interception). Tyreek Chappell (No. 7, 5-11, 180 pounds, Senior cornerback) has 32 tackles (21 solo). Dezz Ricks (No. 2, 6-1. 188 pounds, sophomore cornerback) has 22 tackles (19 solo).
Defensive Line
Unlike so many of the other teams we have faced, where linebackers and defensive backs dominate the tackling statistics, the Aggies have a bunch of guys on the line who are up there. The Aggies list their Edge guys as Defensive ends, and at least a few of them play like linebackers. Cashius Howell (No. 9, 6-2, 248 pound senior defensive tackle, transfer from Bowling Green) has 26 tackles (18 solo) and 11.5 sacks for 80 yards, 6 passes defended, and a forced fumble. Howell leads the SEC in sacks, 1.5 ahead of Colin Simmons; Howell is second in the nation. T.J. Searcy (No. 18, 6-5, 255 pounds, Junior defensive end) has 22 tackles (8 solo) and 1.5 sacks. Marco Jones (No. 10, 6-5, 258 pounds, freshman defensive end) has 20 tackles and 2.5 sacks for 15 yards. Dayon Hayes (No. 60, 6-3, 264 pounds, Graduate defensive end, transfer from Colorado) has 18 tackles, 4.5 sacks for 38 yards, and a forced fumble.
Tyler Onyedim (No. 11, 6-3, 295 pounds, Graduate defensive tackle, transfer from Iowa State) has 41 tackles (15 solo) and 1.5 sacks. Albert Regis (No. 17, 6-1, 317 pounds, graduate defensive tackle) has 38 tackles (17 solo) and 2 sacks. D.J. Hicks (No. 5, 6-3, 295 pounds, Junior defensive tackle) has 21 tackles and 3 sacks for 15 yards.
Aggie Special Teams
Randy Bond has done most of the kicking. He is 11 of 18 on field goals; 5-8 between 40 and 49 and 0 for 3 beyond 50. Jared Zirkel has 3 field goals on 4 attempts, none over 40.
The 2026 Aggy Season
Game 1: No. 19 Aggies 42, UT San Antonio 24. Aggies were 23.5 point favorites. Marcel Reed had a good day passing – 22/34 for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns, but the Aggies didn’t generate much on the ground. Reed had 39 yards, Owens had 37, and Moss had 19. EJ Smith had the only rushing touchdown. Mario Craver had 8 catches for 122 yards and 2 scores. KC Concepcion had 3 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. Theo Melin Öhrström had 3 catches and a touchdown.
The Roadrunners ran for 203 yards, led by Robert Henry Jr. who had 177 yards on 16 carries with 2 scores. Taurean York had 10 tackles and a TFL. Marcus Ratcliffe had 7 tackles and a TFL. Will Lee III and Albert Regis each had 5 tackles.
KC Concepcion had an 80 punt return for a touchdown.
Game 2: Utah State Aggies 22, No. 19 Aggies 44. Aggies were 34.5 point favorites. Reed was 19/28 for 220 yards and 3 scores, and he ran for 66 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Mario Craver had 5 catches for 114 yards and a score – a 72 yard touchdown. KC Concepcion had 6 catches for 73 yards and 2 scores. Terry Bussey had 4 catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. Le’Veon Moss had 68 yards on 10 carries and a score. Rueben Owens II had 40 yards on 7 runs.
Scooby Williams led the Aggy D with 6 tackles and a sack. Cashius Howell had 4 tackles and 3 sacks. Utah State was held to 78 yards rushing.
Game 3: No. 16 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 41, No. 8 Notre Dame 40. A big win for the Aggies at Notre Dame, a win that is one of the best in the season for anyone. Aggies were 7.5 point underdogs. Marcel Reed was 17/37 for 360 yards, 2 scores, and a pick. Craver had 7 catches for 207 yards and an 86 yard touchdown. Concepcion had 4 catches for 82 yards. Le’Veon Moss had 81 yards and 3 touchdowns on 20 carries. Reed had 37 yards on 7 carries.
The Aggie defense held Jeremiyah Love to 94 yards and 1 score on the ground, and Love had 53 yards and a touchdown receiving. CJ Carr was 20/32 for 293 yards, 1 TD, 1 pick. Marcus Ratcliffe led the Aggies with 8 tackles. Albert Regis, Daymion Sanford, and Tyler Onyedim each had 7 tackles, and Regis and Sanford had sacks.
I hated to see this great game decided by a blown call.
Game 4: Auburn 10, No. 9 Aggies 16. Aggies were 6.5 point favorites. Not a good game for Marcel Reed. Auburn did that to a couple of quarterbacks this season. Reed was 15/22 for 207 yards and was intercepted, and he was minus 23 yards on 7 carries, sacked 4 times. His QBR was just 31.0. The lone Aggie touchdown was Le’Veon Moss’ 1 yard run on the Aggies’ first possession. Concepcion had 7 catches for 113 yards, Craver 4 for 34.
Auburn was held to 125 yards passing and 52 yards rushing. Taurean York led the aggies with 7 tackles and a sack. Will Lee II had 6 tackles. Onyedim and Regis each had 5.
Auburn punted 9 times, the Aggies 6.
Game 5: Mississippi State 9, No. 6 Aggies 31. Aggies were 17.5 point favorites. Marcel Reed was 13/23 for 180 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 pick; he added 30 yards and a touchdown rushing. Rueben Owens II had a big game – 21 carries for 142 yards. Mario Craver had 6 catches for 80 yards and he had a 28 yard touchdown run. KC Concepcion had 4 catches for 61 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Blake Shapen was limited to 142 yards passing (15/20), 1 score, 1 pick. He was sacked 4 times. The Bulldogs netted 77 yards on the ground. Taurean York had 10 tackles, Daymion Sanford had 9 and a sack, and Ratcliffe had 8 tackles. Cashius Howell had 2.5 sacks.
Game 6: Florida 17, No. 6 Aggies 34. Aggies were 6.5 point favorites. Marcel Reed was 16/26 for 234 yards, 1 touchdown, and an interception. He added 37 yards and a score rushing. Craver had 2 catches for 77 yards, including a 67 yarder. KC Concepcion had 4 catches for 46 yards. Jamarion Marrow had the only touchdown catch. Rueben Owens II had 17 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown, Le’Veon Moss 56 yards and a touchdown on 5 carries. Aggies had 183 yards on the ground.
DJ Lagway was 21/37 for 245 yards. Gators rushed for just 74 net yards. Aggies sacked Lagway 3 times. Daymion Sanford led the Ags with 8 tackles. Tyreek Chappell, Taurean York, and Marcus Ratcliffe each had 5 tackles.
Game 7: No. 3 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 45, Arkansas 42, in Fayetteville. Aggies were 8.5 point favorites. Marcel Reed was 23/32 for 280 yards and 3 scores, and he had 55 yards on the ground (including a 46 yard run) and a touchdown. Ashton Behtel-Roman had 4 catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. KC Concepcion 5 for 53 yards and a touchdown. Nate Boerkircher had 3 catches for 23 yards and a score. Rueben Owens II had 69 yards and 2 scores on 14 carries. EJ Smith had 6 runs for 55 yards and a touchdown. Aggies ran for 217 yards.
For the Hogs, Green was 19/32 for 256 yards with 3 touchdowns and ran for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns on 12 carries. Mike Washington, Jr. had 147 yards on 16 carries. O’Mega Blake had 7 catches for 118 yards and a touchdown. Dalton Brooks led the aggies with 9 tackles and a sack with 2.5 TFL. Ratcliffe and Will Lee III each had 7 tackles.
Game 8: No. 3 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 49, No. 20 Louisiana State 25, in Baton Rouge. TAMU was favored by 1.5. Aggies trailed 18-14 at half before exploding for 21 unanswered in the third quarter and eventually smothering the line and the Tigers. Reed was 12/21 for 202 yards with 2 TDs and 2 picks, but he led the Aggies in rushing with 108 yards and 2 scores on 13 attempts (including a 41 yard TD run). QBR of 94.1. Reed spread the ball around – Bethel-Roman had 1 catch for 47 yards, Concepcion 3 catches for 45 yards and a score, Craver 4 catches for 42 yards. Owens had 8 carries for 44 yards. Aggies ended up with 224 yards rushing – 26 from Morrow, 23 from Daniels, 19 from Craver, among that.
Aggies held the Tigers to 60 yards rushing, although Nussmeier was minus 44 yards and sacked 7 times. Howell had 2 of those sacks. Dalton Brooks had 6 tackles, Marco Jones had 5. 6 aggies with 4 tackles each.
KC Concepcion had a 79 yard punt return for a touchdown.
Game 9: No. 3 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 38, No. 22 Missouri 17, in Columbia. The Tigers started their third string freshman quarterback Matt Zollers, and it didn’t work out so well for Missouri. The poor kid was 7/22 for 77 yards and minus 14 on 3 official carries, sacked twice, and fumbled. Zollers had a QBR of 18. Marcel Reed was a solid 20/29 for 221 yards and 2 scores, rushed for 29 (although 28 was on 1 play). Concepcion had 4 catches for 84 yards and a score, including a 48 yard TD reception. Craver had 6 catches for 59 yards, and Bethel-Roman had 2 for 26 yards and a score. The Aggies rushed for 243 yards, led by Rueben Owens II who had 2 touchdowns and 102 yards on 13 carries, including a 57 yard TD run. Dalton Brooks (the safety) had 1 carry for 48 yards. EJ Smith 6 runs for 24 yards and a score. Craver had 3 carries and Concepcion had 2. Elko really likes getting his receivers involved in the running game.
Ratcliffe and Brooks led the Ags with 6 tackles each. Sanford, Onyedim, and Howell each had 5 tackles, and Howell had another sack.
Game 10: South Carolina 30, No. 3 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 31, in Aggieland. Aggies were favored by 16.5. It took the biggest comeback in Aggie history to save this game. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical managed just 64 yards rushing and 1 ground touchdown, from EJ Smith. Owens 28 yards on 8 carries, Smith 25 on 7, and Marcel Reed 13 yards on 7. It was Reed’s arm that saved the day for the Farmers, despite his 2 interceptions. He ended up throwing for 439 yards and 3 touchdowns (22/39). Huge plays in the second half. Concepcion had 7 catches for 158 yards. Bethel-Roman 4 catches for 139 yards.
York led the Aggies with 8 tackles and had a TFL. Sanford had 7 tackles. Lee, Chappell, and Onyedim had 5 tackles each. Howell, Brooks, and Searcy 4 tackles each, and Howell and Brooks had sacks. Brooks also had a pick.
Game 11: Samford 0, No. 3 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 31, in Aggieland. Not much useful information. Reed threw for 120 yards and 3 touchdowns before sitting down, and Elko played 3 other quarterbacks. Leading rushers were Amari Daniels, Jamarion Morrow, and Tiger Riden, Jr. Bethel-Roman had 2 touchdown catches, Concepcion 1. 31 aggies played defense.
This is a great Aggie football team. Last year before we went to Kyle Field and beat them to reinstate the rivalry, I wrote “I think Mike Elko has a chance of getting them to a national title game, but I don’t think it is this season.” I was right, and regardless of Friday’s outcome, Elko might get the Farmers to that title game this year. To my Aggie friends – I remember 2005, and I will remember when it is your turn.
An incredibly great season so far for the Fightin’ Texas Aggies. Going to be such a pity if the Longhorns spoil it.
The Statistics
The first ranking is national, the second is SEC.
Offense
Statistic |
Texas |
Texas A. and M. |
| Rushing Offense | #110, #14 – 121.6 ypg | #25, #3 – 195.9 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #35, #7 – 259.9 ypg | #30, #6 – 269.2 ypg |
| Total Offense | #74, #10 – 381.5 ypg | #15, #4 – 465.1 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #50, #10 – 29.8 ppg | #10, #3 – 38.1 ppg |
| First Downs | #101, #14 – 18.5/game | #24, #7 – 23.0/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #78, #8 – 21, 121 yards | #11, #1 – 11, 80 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #92, #11 – 63, 245 yards | #2, #1 – 32, 121 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #63, #11 – 40.8% | #50, #10 – 41.8% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #99, #15 – 46.7% (7/15) | #6, #2 – 73.3% (11/15) |
| Touchdowns | #55, #10 – 40 total, 27 RZ | #10, #3 – 54 total, 34 RZ |
| Red Zone Attempts | #53, #10 – 43 | #17, #5 – 50 |
| Red Zone Offense | #76, #14 – 84% / 63% | #59, #11 – 86% / 68% |
| Long Run Plays | #116, #14 – 38/10, 6/20, 4/30, 1/40 | #33, #5 – 63/10, 19/20, 9/30, 5/40 |
| Long Pass Plays | #33, #8 – 112/10, 40/20, 24/30, 12/40, 7/50 | #17, #6 – 119/10, 47/20, 19/30, 11/40, 5/50 |
| Long Punt Returns | #4, #1 – 7/20, 6/30, 6/40, 2/50 | #7, #2 – 6/20, 4/30, 2/40, 2/50 |
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
Texas A. and M. |
| Rushing Defense | #8, #3 – 92.7 ypg | #27, #7 – 118.8 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #107, #12 – 242.8 ypg | #23, #4 – 183.1 ypg |
| Total Defense | #39, #9 – 335.5 ypg | #16, #5 – 301.9 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #24, #6 – 20.0 ppg | #38, #9 – 21.5 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #58, #9 – 19.2/game | #13, #4 – 15.8/game |
| Sacks | #3, #3 – 37, 232 yards | #2, #2 – 32, 298 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #23, #6 – 74, 325 yards | #2, #2 – 94, 426 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #37, #7 – 35.0% | #1, #1 – 22.0% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #6, #1 – 33.3% (8/24) | #18, #3 – 41.2% (7/17) |
| Red Zone Attempts | #12, #2 – 27 | #22, #6 – 30 |
| Red Zone Defense | #79, #12 – 85% / 67% | #130, #16 – 93% / 60% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #20, #5 – 35/10, 8/20, 2/30, 1/40 | #67, #14 – 49/10, 16/20, 8/30, 6/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #110, #12 – 105/10, 37/20, 11/30, 6/40 | #27, #4 – 71/10, 25/20, 15/30, 7/40 |
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
Texas A. and M. |
| Turnovers | #7, #2 – 8 (1F, 7I) | #69, #9 – 14 (4F, 10I) |
| Turnover Margin | #10, #2 – 18:8 +8 | #109, #14 – 9:14 minus 5 |
| Penaltiesπ | #121, #16 – 89, 725 yards | #115, #15 – 82, 712 yards |
πBased on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
Texas A. and M. Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 121.6 ypg | 118.8 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 259.9 ypg | 183.1 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 381.5 ypg | 301.9 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 29.8 ppg | 21.5 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 18.5/game | 15.8/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 1st Down Offense – | – First Down Defense |
| 3rd Down Offense – 40.8% | 22.0% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 46.7% | 41.2% – 4th Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 84%/63% | 93%/60% – Red Zone Defense |
| LRP – 38/10, 6/20, 4/30, 1/40 | 49/10, 16/20, 8/30, 6/40 – LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 112/10, 40/20, 24/30, 12/40, 7/50 | 71/10, 25/20, 15/30, 7/40 – LPP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
Texas A. and M. Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 92.7 ypg | 195.9 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 242.8 ypg | 269.2 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 335.5 ypg | 465.1 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 20.0 ppg | 38.1 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 19.2/game | 23.0/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 35.0% | 41.8% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 33.3% | 73.3% – 4th Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 85%/67% | 86%/68% – Red Zone Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 35/10, 8/20, 2/30, 1/40 | 63/10, 19/20, 9/30, 5/40 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 105/10, 37/20, 11/30, 6/40 | 119/10, 47/20, 19/30, 11/40, 5/50 – LPP |
BCF Toys
If you take the time to look at these, and you should, compare the Texas defensive or offensive ranking to the counterpart ranking for Texas Agricultural & Mechanical. For example, in Available Yards Percentage, the Horns offense is No. 66 and the Aggy defense is No. 7. Conversely, the Texas defense is No. 26 and the Aggy offense is No. 26. In the end, some places we match-up, others the Aggies have the advantage. Not determinative of course, but insightful.
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | |
| Texas | No. 21: 0.84 | No. 36: 0.18 | No. 13: 0.57 | No. 11: 0.12 |
| Texas A. and M. | No. 10: 1.18 | No. 10: 0.60 | No. 16: 0.56 | No. 39: 0.05 |
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 34: 0.082 | No. 66: 0.481 | No. 26: 0.399 |
| Texas A. and M. | No. 8: 0.219 | No. 26: 0.563 | No. 7: 0.344 |
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 29: 0.88 | No. 42: 2.54 | No. 19: 1.67 |
| Texas A. and M. | No. 12: 1.38 | No. 18: 3.05 | No. 20: 1.67 |
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 46: 0.52 | No. 62: 5.73 | No. 32: 5.21 |
| Texas A. and M. | No. 16: 1.66 | No. 16: 6.74 | No. 27: 5.08 |
| PVE | OVE | DVE | SVE | |
| Texas | No. 24: 0.50 | No. 53: -0.01 | No. 16: 0.40 | No. 10: 0.10 |
| Texas A. and M. | No. 14: 0.66 | No. 22: 0.29 | No. 22: 0.36 | No. 42: 0.03 |
BCF’s F+ ratings (Brian Fremeau’s FEI ratings combined with Bill Connelly’s SP+ ratings).
| F+ | OF+ | DF+ | SF+ | |
| Texas | No. 21: 1.12 | No. 38: 0.61 | No. 12: 1.28 | No. 17: 1.06 |
| Texas A. and M. | No. 9: 1.66 | No. 8: 1.76 | No. 16: 1.19 | No. 54: -0.24 |
Looking at last week’s ratings, the Aggies are fairly similar to Arkansas in most offensive categories; however, defense is another story.
Not surprising, the BCF metrics give the nod to Texas Agricultural & Mechanical.
BCF Game Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas A. and M. | Texas | .624 | 4.5 | 28.1 | 23.6 | 51.7 |
I decided to look at every Texas game this season and see what BCF projected and what the actual result was. Fremeau’s projected result (W/L) was correct in 9 games. The only ones where the BCF projection missed the winner were Florida and OU. Several of the game score projections were very close, some off by a lot. But it is interesting how accurate it has been, especially when you think about what a sad anomaly the Florida loss was, and, with respect to the Land Thieves, that computers and metrics cannot account for rivalries. You can see the full results here:
Texas Longhorns Results – BCF Game Projections 2025 – Austin Horns Fan Dispatch
PFF
Texas and the Aggies each have an overall rating of 91.6, tied at No. 14. The numbers below are just the PFF grades.
| Offense | Passing | Pass Blocking | Receiving | Run | Run Blocking | |
| UT | 81.0 | 84.3 | 67.5 | 78.6 | 80.6 | 67.3 |
| A&M | 79.8 | 68.2 | 76.6 | 78.8 | 85.2 | 32.4 |
Texas Offense is ranked 31, Aggies 39.
| Defense | Run D | Tackling | Pass Rush | Coverage | |
| UT | 91.9 | 93.3 | 88.9 | 86.7 | 82.1 |
| A&M | 92.0 | 91.4 | 66.1 | 84.4 | 89.0 |
Aggie defense is No.. 14, Texas is at 19/ Texas rush defense is ranked 11, Aggies 26.
Special Teams: Texas has a 77.9 grade and is ranked 43rd. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical has a 84.3 grade and is ranked 15th.
Official Game Notes from The University:
https://texaslonghorns.com/documents/2025/11/24/12_-_Texas_A_M.pdf
Week 14 Notes from the SEC:
https://www.secsports.com/football-weekly-release
Previews:
CBS Sports , about 13 minutes.
Josh Pate, 8 minutes. He picks the aggies.
On Texas Football, about 30 minutes.
On3, about 13 minutes:
SEC Student Availability Report
The ESPN Matchup Predictor
Parker Fleming (@statsowar on X)
All the terms here: CFB GRAPHS – College Football Analytics
Opponents & Records
Texas Opponents & Records |
Texas A. and M. |
| L, 7-14 – @ No. 1 Ohio State: 11-0 | W, 42-24 – UT San Antonio: 6-5 |
| W, 38-7 – San Jose State: 3-8 | W, 44-22 – Utah State: 6-5 |
| W, 27-10 – UTEP: 2-9 | W, 41-40- @ No. 8 Notre Dame: 9-2 |
| W, 55-0, Sam Houston State: 2-9 | W, 16-10 – Auburn: 5-6 |
| L, 21-29 – @ Florida: 3-8 | W, 31-9 – Mississippi State: 5-6 |
| W, 23-6 – No. 6 Oklahoma: 9-2 | W, 34-17 – Florida: 3-8 |
| W, 16-13 OT – @ Kentucky: 5-6 | W, 45-42 – @ Arkansas 2-9 |
| W, 45-38 OT- @ Mississippi State: 5-6 | W, 49-25 – @ No. 20 LSU: 7-4 |
| W, 34-31 – No. 9 Vanderbilt: 9-2 | W, 38-17 – @ No. 22 Missouri: 7-4 |
| L, 10-35 – @ No. 5 Georgia: 10-1 | W, 31-30 – South Carolina: 4-7 |
| W, 52-37 – Arkansas: 2-9 | W, 48-0 – Samford: 1-11 |
The Florida loss eats at me every time I do any analysis or review like this. Think about it – but for that loss, our only losses would be to the No. 1 and No. 5 (No. 4 this week) teams with a combined record of 21-1. And even a loss on Friday to the No. 3 undefeated Aggies might not keep us out of the playoffs. But the Gator loss will.
On a related note, a lot of online commentators that I like and respect said, after the CFP rankings came out Tuesday night, that Texas was being punished for the out-of-conference loss to Ohio State, and that the Texas ranking would discourage these early season marquee match-ups that are so much fun (especially for Texas!). I think you can argue both sides, but the bottom line is that the new strength of record metric plus the Florida loss really, really hurt Texas. Also, our 2 non-conference opponents are a combined 7-26, while the Aggies’ non-conference opponents have a combined record of 13-21. It will be interesting to see how this plays out (especially if Texas wins Friday night) and then enjoy the post-mortem analysis.
TCT Thoughts
What a great game in this great rivalry. Probably the best Aggie team in their history coming to Austin to play their biggest enemy, the preseason No. 1. I remember how much fun it was last spring in baseball when the aggies came to the Disch and we swept them – after Texas Agricultural & Mechanical had started the baseball season ranked No. 1. It is an extra measure of inflicted pain.
I trust the Texas run defense. They have given up a few stinkers recently (like the Mike Washington Jr. 41 yard run on the first play from scrimmage last Saturday, which ended up accounting for 22% of the Hogs rushing yardage for the game; his 22 yard run in the 2nd quarter accounted for 12%), but overall the Longhorns can stop the opponents from running the ball. It will be hard given how good the Aggie line is, along with a very competent running back corps. But if Le’Veon Moss is limited or out, I will give the edge here to Texas.
The Texas pass defense versus the Aggie passing game is a different story. What I am worried about most is that so much of A&M’s passing explosivity starts with short passes off of play action. Concepcion and Craver are among the best wide receiver pairs in the country, and if they keep finding open spaces in soft zone coverage, Reed will find them, and then those guys will exploit the defense and explode for big, big yards. The Aggies are third in the country in yards after catch. Unless PK and Akina have a better scheme that is better executed than most of the last month or so, the Aggies could put up a lot of yards and a lot of points through the air. Better figure out a way to blitz Reed and not let him use that to dump it underneath or take off downfield. Both worry me.
Texas has to somehow keep it close in the first half. If Hill can’t play, and we know Ty’Anthony Smith is sitting for the first half, then the rest of the Texas defense faces a monumental task to keep aggy in check. Elko is a smart coach, and he is going to have Marcel Reed and the Aggie offense come out swinging like Marvin Hagler against Hearns in 1985. Sark is going to have do the same, but it will be up to Kwiatkowski and the Texas defense to hold the line for the first 30 minutes. Need Liona Lefau to play as well or better this year as he did last year in College Station (6 tackles, a forced fumble, no pass yards allowed, a PFF grade of 92.7). Watch for Kade Phillips to have a good game. He had a big game against the pigs.
This is one of the better offenses the Aggies will have played this year (Notre Dame clearly a step higher), and so I think Arch and Texas can put up points in this game. The offense has been clicking, Arch is hitting his stride and hitting his receivers in stride. We have a lot of weapons and speed in the passing game. Per Justin Nash, since the offensive line was reset (Goosby at LT, Hutson at LG, Robertson at center, Campbell RG, and Baker at RT), the Texas line is ranked No. 13 in sacks allowed (3) and No. 9 in TFL allowed (10). Dramatic improvement. Aggy defense is good, but not unbeatable (well, I guess technically they have been unbeatable).
After much thought, I have realized that unlike so many games where I tend to think if different units and players just play at close to their capabilities, then there are 2 or 3 keys to victory. After an intense couple of nights of looking at this Aggie football team and reflection, I have decided there a lot of keys that will have to be used by the Longhorns to open the door for a win in this game.
First, the Texas defense has to have an tectonic shift in performance against the pass. As quickly as it descended from a respectable defense in October (after the win over the Land Thieves, Texas was ranked #32 in the nation, allowing 185.5 yards per game) to our current depth (#107, allowing 242.8 yards per game), Kwiatkowski and Akina and their on-field general, Michael Joseph Taaffe, must restore order in the secondary. Not only with respect to pure pass defense, but also with respect to being ready to plug the gaps and stop the explosive plays.
Arch Manning needs to continue his rapid ascent in improvement and have as good a game or better than he did against Arkansas. That will be tough against this solid Aggie defense. CJ Vogel noted that in the last four games, Manning:
- 1314 yards passing
- 5 yards per game
- 1% completion
- 11 passing TD
- 2 rushing TD
- 1 receiving TD
Third, some semblance of a rushing attack – anything to not be constantly behind the chains so Elko and his good defense know that Texas is throwing, and those excellent Aggie defenders, led by Howell, can pin their ears back and come after Arch Manning. Arch will not get the extra time he had last week against Arkansas. I am not saying, nor am I expecting, a 150 plus yards on the ground, but just a decent yards per carry on first and second downs, would go a long way
Fourth, stay the course on turnovers – we are among the best, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical among the worst. Texas probably needs to be plus 2 in the turnover battle to win (and not have any Texas turnovers that turn to Texas Aggie touchdowns).
Finally, Texas needs to figure out a way to play a clean game. Both teams are among the most penalized in the country. If the Longhorns can avoid the penalties, especially the really bad ones (big returns or offensive plays called back) and the hurtful ones (holding calls on 1st or 2nd down to put Texas way behind the chains), then this might be one of the edges that can get Texas in the win column.
I was leaning towards not predicting a score. I really think this is going to be hard game to win. But I got a feeling Arch Manning and Sark on offense and the Texas defense find a way to get to the next level, which is what it is going to take.
Texas Longhorns 38, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 35
History
The rivalry with the Aggies is one of our longest and most played, ranking only behind the Longhorns’ greatest football rivalry – The Red River Shootout with the Land Thieves. However, I think that viewed across all sports, the Lone Star Showdown is now back at the top. So many families with Longhorns and Aggies, and that will continue in the years ahead, as A&M has improved academically and has grown so much.
Across all sports, Texas is head and shoulders above the Aggies. Texas has 68 national championships, the Aggies 19. Texas has 663 conference championships, the Aggies have 151. They will inevitably talk about swimming trophies, but you know what, I kind of like swimming and diving championships. And volleyball and baseball. Better than meat judging.
The football rivalry judged on a national historical basis isn’t much of a competition. Bear in mind that 2 of the national championships that Texas Agricultural & Mechanical claims were awarded by computers decades after the fact. The first was Dana X. Bible’s undefeated 1919 team, that was retroactively given by the Billingsley Report in 1999. A college football fan named Richard Billingsley from Hugo, Oklahoma, created a ratings methodology that used some of the old BCS formula to name mythical national champions. The 1927 aggies were awarded the Jeff Sagarin MNC.
The Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas won the 1939 National Championship, a great team that went 11-0. One of their games was a 33-7 win over Villanova, played at Tyler High School as the Rose Festival Classic. The Aggies ran the table in the Southwest Conference, including a 6-2 home win over No. 14 Southern Methodist and a 20-0 shutout of Texas at Kyle Field. The Aggies Beat No. 5 Tulane 14-13 in the Sugar Bowl.
Texas A&M University
The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas was founded in 1871 as a Morrill Act Land-Grant college. It has grown to be the biggest public university in the country, with over 72,000 students. Texas A&M System shares the Permanent University Fund with The University of Texas System. The Aggies get 1/3 of the annual revenues, and Texas gets 2/3. People often wonder about that, but the answer is simple: it was going to be a 2/3, 1/3 split, and the Aggies got to choose first. 👍
Texas A&M has a great history and a wealth of traditions, some of them almost normal, and some of which are really cool (e.g., Aggie Muster). When the great General James Rudder was president in College Station, the school desegregated, went coed, and made the Corps of Cadets optional. A pivotal time for the Aggies, including the change of the formal name of the school to Texas A&M University. In 2001, with support from Rice and The University of Texas, Texas A&M joined the Association of American Universities.
Academic Rankings |
||
National |
||
Texas |
Texas A. and M. |
|
| Forbes | 46 | 70 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 30 | 51 |
| Washington Monthly | 98 | 59 |
| WSJ/College Pulse | 41 | 28 |
Global |
||
| ARWU | 45 | 201-300 |
| QS | 68 (#4 U.S. Publics) | 144 |
| THE | 50 | 143 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 65 | 187 |
I do love the Aggie band.
Seriously, I really do love the Aggie band.
My favorite memory from an Aggie game was Ricky’s run for the record. It was the last game I went to with my brother-in-law Bobby McMillan, Kathy was there, and I think Charles.
Texas Longhorns 52, Arkansas Razorbacks 37
The most favorable takeaway from this great win is Arch Manning’s performance and the offensive line’s improvement. Huge. The least favorable are the explosive plays that Arkansas made (Aggies are very explosive) and our inability to run the football against a mediocre defense.
It is a short week, and shaving two nights of writing off the schedule sort of made it impossible for me to do a decent review of this fun win. So a few thoughts.
I am so glad that Arch Manning and this offense finally put up some big numbers, at least in the passing game. I am surprised, and very pleased, that we were able to win this game without establishing the run game. However, worth noting that Wisner averaged 4.5 yards per carry (and that isn’t warped by a big run – his longest was 12 yards). Manning’s 13 yards per passing attempt average is good, and his 21.6 yards per completion average fantastic. Do that on Friday, and Texas wins.
On the explosive plays:
- 46 yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore, Jr. for the first Texas touchdown.
- 25 yard pass to Mosley on third and 5 on the second possession, Texas into plus territory, scored a touchdown (Livingstone to Manning)
- Manning to Livingstone for the 54 yard touchdown. That made the score 21-13
- First play of the third quarter, 30 yards to Mosley. 2 plays later, 35 yards to Endries. 2 plays later, Manning rushing touchdown. 31-20 Texas.
- 20 yard touchdown pass to Moore put Texas up 45-23 and put the Hogs away.
In the first half, Arkansas kept it close because of explosive plays and Texas penalties. Texas had a chance with a 21-13 lead to hold Arkansas to a field goal in the second quarter, but a holding call on third and 5 gave Arkansas a first down on the Texas 7 yard line. Arky got the touchdown. 21-20 Texas. The rest of the second quarter was abysmal, as each team had 2 empty possessions before Texas was able to get field position and kick a field goal as the half ended. Texas led 24-20.
Texas dominated the third quarter 21-3, and the 45-23 score going to the fourth looked, and was, insurmountable. Recall that the Simmons strip-sack and Lefau touchdown was on the first series in the fourth quarter, and that made the score 52-23 with under 12 minutes to play. Everything after that was garbage time. Arky got a couple of scores against the back-ups (again, a penalty or two helped the Hogs).
In this particular game, the PK bend but don’t break defense worked. Arkansas had 324 yards of offense and had the ball for 33:55. But the quick strike Horns, some good field position work, and the defensive score made this a very enjoyable lopsided win for Texas.
I missed on the score (Texas 41, Arky 27), but I am frankly more pleased with the final score we got than the one I predicted. And my prediction was more aggressive than BCF (Texas 33, Arkansas 24) and Bill Connelly (Texas 33, Arkansas 23).
Let’s complete the 2025 Rivalry Sweep by beating Texas Agricultural & Mechanical.
Highlights from ESPN, about 18 minutes.
Arch Manning Highlights, about 6.5 minutes
This is a post of still pictures by Sara Diggins, an excellent photographer
Gratitude
Faith, family, friends. The foundation of my life, and for which I am infinitely grateful.
“Even ordinary mercies should awaken your gratitude.”
“For God’s infinite goodness there should be measureless thanks.”
Charles Spurgeon preached and wrote on gratitude so well. I recommend this to your reading.
The Spurgeon Library | Giving Thanks with Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Nice comments from Chairman Eltife.
Responding with Gratitude
Share your gifts. This time of year, a great way is to make sure people are fed. Central Texas Food Bank feeds thousands in Central Texas. Support CTFB or your local food bank.
Week Fourteen in the Southeastern Conference
Friday
The Egg Bowl. No. 7 Ole Miss (10-1, 6-1) at Mississippi State (5-6, 1-6), 11:00 a.m. on ABC from Davis wade Stadium in Starkville. This time last week, I assumed the Kiffin Kerfuffle would have resolved itself and Lane would be staying in Oxford. I am shocked that he appears to be thinking about leaving Ole Miss. Not a good decision in my opinion. Rebels favored by 7.5, over/under is 62.5. Hope Ole Miss can stay focused. Ole Miss to win. Hotty Toddy! BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Ole Miss | Mississippi State | .739 | 9.4 | 33.7 | 24.2 | 57.9 |
No. 4 Georgia (10-1) at No. 23 Georgia Tech (9-2), 2:30 p.m. on ABC from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. Game No. 119 in this rivalry, which Georgia leads 72-41-5. Bulldogs favored by 13.5, over/under is 59.5.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Georgia | Georgia Tech | .694 | 7.4 | 25.8 | 18.4 | 44.2 |
Saturday
Clemson (6-5) at South Carolina (4-7), 11:00 a.m. on the SEC Network from Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. The Palmetto Bowl. Clemson leads the series 73-44-4; first game was November 12, 1896. Gamecocks favored by 3.5, over/under is 46.5. Go Cocks.
Kentucky (5-6) at Louisville (7-4), 11:00 a.m. on ACC Network. Cardinals favored by 2.5, over/under is 46.5. The Governor’s Cup.
Louisiana State (7-4, 3-4), at No. 8 Oklahoma (9-2, 5-2), 2:30 p.m. on ABC from Norman. The Land Thieves are favored by 10.5, over/under is 36.5. Sooners to win and cover. BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Land Thieves | Louisiana State | .848 | 15.1 | 24.4 | 9.3 | 33.7 |
No. 14 Vanderbilt (9-2, 5-2) at No. 19 Tennessee (8-3, 4-3), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN from Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. A huge game for the Commodores to keep their playoff hopes alive. First game was October 21, 1892, and Vandy dominated the series early, going 19-2-3. But from 1928 to 2011, the Vols went 71-9-2. Tennessee leads the series 79-32-5. Volunteers favored by 2.5, over/under is 65.5. Vols to win by 1. BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Vanderbilt | Tennessee | .542 | 1.5 | 32.4 | 30.9 | 63.3 |
Missouri (7-4, 3-4) at Arkansas (2-9, 0-7), 2:30 p.m. on the SEC Network from Razorback Stadium in Fayettenam. Tigers favored by 2.5, over/under is 55.5. Tigers to win and cover.
Florida State (5-6) at Florida (3-8), 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2 from the Swamp. C’mon Gators, get a win. Florida favored by 1.5, over/under is 50.5. Gators to win and cover.
No. 10 Alabama (9-2, 6-1) at Auburn (5-6, 1-6), 6:30 p.m. on ABC from Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. The Iron Bowl. Game number 90, the first one was played February 22, 1893. Alabama leads the series 51-37-1. State Flagship versus Morrill Act Land Grant school originally named the Agricultural & Mechanical College. Crimson Tide favored by 6.5, over/under is 46.5.
One of the greatest endings ever to a college football game, but make sure and watch the full story from Verne. https://youtu.be/8GKmkD1pUG0?si=nD9eBF_Kejr0glpL
Verne Lundquist on Kick Six: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BtxhxtvS1gc
BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Alabama | Auburn | .731 | 9.1 | 26.9 | 17.8 | 44.7 |
Week Fourteen: Service Academies
Thursday
Navy (8-2, ,6-1) at Memphis (8-3, 4-3), 6:30 p.m. on ESPN from Liberty Stadium in Memphis. A critical game for the Midshipmen to keep a shot at the American Conference championship game. Glad to have something to watch of Thursday night after dinner. Tigers favored by 3.5, over/under is 58.5. Go Navy.
Friday
Air Force (3-8) at Colorado State (2-9), 2:00 p.m. on FS1. Game 63, AFA leads 39-22-1. Falcons favored by 2.5, over/under is 54.5. Would be nice for the Academy to close a rough year with a win over their rival.
Saturday
Army (5-5, 3-4) at UT San Antonio (6-5, 4-3), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN+ from the Alamodome. Should be a great crowd with all the soldiers and veterans in Bexar County. Roadrunners favored by 7.5, over/under is 52.5.
Top 25 – Week Fourteen
Friday
No. 13 Utah (9-2, 6-2) at Kansas (5-6, 3-5), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN from David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence. Per ESPN, tickets as low as $7. That’s sad. Utes favored by 10.5, over/under is 60.5. Utah to win and cover.
No. 2 Indiana (11-0) at Purdue (2-9), 6:30 p.m. on NBC from Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. The 127th contest for the Olden Oaken Bucket, a rivalry that dates to 1891. The Boilermakers lead the series 77-43-6. Hoosiers favored by 28.5, over/under is 54.5. Indiana to win and cover.
No. 25 Arizona (8-3, 5-3) at No. 20 Arizona State (8-3, 6-2), 8:00 p.m. on FOX from Tempe. The Duel in the Desert, the Wildcats and Sun Devil play for the Territorial Cup, reported as the oldest rivalry trophy in college football. Arizona favored by 1.5, over/under is 48.5. If there is any place in college football where upsets seem to happen with great regularity, it is Tempe. Sorry Scott, going with the Sun Devils in this one.
Saturday
No. 1 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0) at No. 16 Michigan (9-2, 7-1) 11:00 a.m. on FOX from what will be a cold Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. This will be the 121st game in a rivalry that began in 1897 and which the Wolverines lead 62-51-6, including winning the last four (and each time, Ohio State was ranked No. 2). One of the greatest rivalries in college football, filled with hatred and animosity that amazes even me. So bitter than I am told Ohio State fans view last year’s national championship as “stained” because they lost to Michigan. I love that the Buckeyes spend days going all over their campus covering the letter “M” on every sign with red tape. If you are bored, the Wikipedia article is pretty good. Ohio State favored by 9.5, over/under is 43.5. Michigan has had the Buckeye’s number, but I think that streak ends on Saturday. OSU to win, Big Blue to cover. BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Ohio State | Michigan | .801 | 12.5 | 28.7 | 16.2 | 44.9 |
Parker Fleming’s Advanced Stats Preview:
No. 12 Miami (FL) (9-2, 5-2) at No. 22 Pittsburgh (8-3, 6-1), 11:00 a.m. on ABC. Canes favored by 6.5, over/under is 49.5. For the Horns to have a hope, we need the Hurricanes to lose. Hoping that the Pitt Panthers help us! BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Miami | Pittsburgh | .752 | 10.1 | 28.6 | 18.6 | 47.2 |
No. 5 Texas Tech (10-1, 7-1) at West Virginia (4-7, 2-6), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN from Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown. When I end up writing about the Sand Aggies for the College Football Playoffs, you are going to be surprised at how good they are statistically. I think they win easily Saturday and then win the Big 12 Championship Game against BYU. Tech favored by 23.5, over/under is 52.5.
UCF (5-6) at No. 11 Brigham Young (10-1, 7-1), 12:00 noon on ESPN2 from LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. Cougars favored by 17.5 over the Knights. Over/under is 47.5. BYU to win and cover.
No. 6 Oregon (10-1, 7-1) at Washington (8-3, 5-3), 2:30 p.m. on CBS from Husky Stadium. The Cascade Clash, first contested December 1, 1900, this will be the 118th meeting. Washington leads 63-49-5. Oregon favored by 6.5, over/under is 51.5. Going to be a good football game. Washington to cover.
Virginia Tech (3-8, 2-5) at No. 18 Virginia (9-2, 6-1), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN form Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, playing for the Commonwealth Cup. 105 meetings in this one, with VPI leading 62-38-5. . The Hokies have owned the Cavaliers for a quarter of a century. Since 1999, UVA has won twice, in 2003 and 2019, both in Charlottesville. Wahoos favored by 9.5, over/under is 53.5. Hoos to win! BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Virginia | Virginia Tech | .814 | 13.3 | 33.8 | 20.4 | 54.2 |
University of California, Los Angeles (3-8, 3-5) at No. 17 University of Southern California (8-3, 6-2), 6:30 p.m. on NBC from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, playing for the Victory Bell. Game 95, Southern Cal leads 51-34-7. Tough year for UCLA. Trojans favored by 21.5 over the Bruins, over/under is 58.5 Fight On. ✌️ Southern Cal to win and cover. BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Southern Cal | UCLA | .954 | 22.7 | 39.4 | 16.8 | 56.2 |
Charlotte (1-10, 0-7) at No. 24 Tulane (9-2, 6-1), 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU from Yulman Stadium in the Big Easy. Green Wave favored by 30.5, over/under is 52.5. Tulane to win and cover.
No. 21 Southern Methodist (8-3, 6-1) at California (6-5, 3-4), 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2 from California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. Wonder if Jay will be there as JB’s guest. Mustangs favored by 13.5, over/under is 52.5. Mustangs to win, Golden Bears to cover.
No. 9 The University of Notre Dame (9-2), at Leland Stanford Junior University (4-7), 9:30 p.m. on ESPN. A 100 year old rivalry between two of the nation’s best universities, a series which Notre Dame leads 23-14. Since 1989, they play for the Legends Trophy, an Irish crystal bowl sitting on California redwood. Fighting Irish favored by 31.5 over the Cardinal, over/under is 50.5. Notre Dame to win. Not sure about the line, but after last week, I am not betting against the Irish. BCF Projection:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Notre Dame | Stanford | .990 | 30.3 | 37.3 | 7.0 | 44.3 |
Other Games of Interest – Week Fourteen
Friday
Iowa (4-4) at Nebraska (7-4), 11:00 a.m. on CBS from Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Playing for the Heroes Trophy. Hawkeyes favored by 5.5, over/under is 39.5. GBR.
Temple (5-6) at North Texas (10-1), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN from Denton. The Mean Green’s dream season continues, but the news of Coach Eric Morris’ hiring by Oklahoma State has to be a bummer for (most of) the kids in Denton. Happy for Eric, but timing sucks for North Texas. Mean Green favored by 19.5, over/under is 65.5. UNT to win and cover.
Saturday
Ball State (4-7) at Miami (6-5), 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN from Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio. Miami’s quarterback, Dequan Finn, announced he was quitting his teammates to get ready for the NFL. A lot of stuff to dislike in the new age of college football, but this BS is at top of the list for me. Miami favored by 17.5, over/under is 41.5. Go Redhawks.
UTEP (2-9) at Delaware (5-6), 12:00 noon on ESPN+ from Delaware Stadium. Blue Hens favored by 4.5.
South Alabama (4-7) at Texas State (5-6), 2:00 p.m. on ESPN+ from UFCU Stadium in San Marcos. Bobcats favored by 9.5, over/under is 62.5
Cincinnati (7-4) at Texas Christian (7-4), 2:30 p.m. on FOX from Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth. Frogs favored by 3.5. Texas Christian to win and cover at the Carter.
Oregon State (2-9, 1-0) at Washington State (5-6, 0-1), 5:30 p.m. on the CW Network from Martin Stadium in Pullman. Sound like déjà vu all over again? You are correct! The Beavers and Cougars played on November 1, and Oregon State won 10-7. I had not looked ahead, and I mistakenly assumed that Oregon State had wrapped up the Pac-12 title. Not so fast my friend! Cougars favored by 13.5, over/under is 41.5. They might end up co-champions, or will the Beavers remain undefeated in the Conference of Champions and take the crown?
North Carolina (4-7) at North Carolina State (6-5), 6:30 p.m. on the ACC Network. Wolfpack favored by 7.5.
Rice (5-6) at South Florida (8-3). 6:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Of interest because I would love for the Owls to upset the Bulls; not going to happen. USF favored by 28.5, over/under is 59.5.
All the games and schedule here: College Football Scores – FBS 2025 Season – ESPN
Bill Connelly’s SP+ Picks
Bill gives Texas a 37% chance of winning, and he projects the score to be Texas 25, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 30.
Juan Heisman Tailgate
We had a spectacular Juan Heisman Tailgate party last Saturday, thanks to the particularly good work of the Early Crew, led by Chief Hunter Wilcox and joined by Sloan Byerly and three men who have been on Early Crew for decades now, Scott Ferguson, Rick Whiteley, and Bill Skeen. Bobby Zamen and Ben Bennitt were there early to help, and JHT CFO & CBW Brad Laughlin was there, as always, with a loaded Ford pick-up truck and all the beer. We were serving lamb chops, and earlier in the week Tony Dewar saved our chops after a glitch with HEB, and Ivan Young delivered the lamb from Dallas. Kent Lance provided some excellent red wines, including an amazing 2000 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, of which I was fortunate to partake a glass or two. That, some Sea Smoke pinot noir, several excellent cabernet sauvignons (Teeter Totter and a 2016 Lyndenhurst), and others made for a memorable afternoon (and maybe not so rememberable for others). Our Top Hand Griffin Shavor did his usual great work.
A couple of 1969 Longhorns would be good to include – Tom Campbell on the left and Bill Hall on the right.
This week is the annual Tamale & Frito Pie Juan Heisman Pachanga. Rose Marie Hagman’s sister’s most excellent homemade Del Rio tamales, Rose’s homemade salsa and queso, traditional Texas frito pie, and venison sausage. Plus plenty of Tito’s Handmade Vodka and lots of cold beer. Look forward to having all our friends, even aggies, at JHT Friday afternoon.
Some more photos from the Arkansas JHT
Texas Men’s Basketball
The Longhorns went to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational this week. After dropping the first game to Arizona State, 86-87 in the closing seconds, they hammered host Chaminade 119-78. Against the Silver Swords, Tramon Mark had 19 and Dailyn Swain had 18. Wednesday night, they finished with a win over No. 23 NC State, 102-97. Against the Wolfpack, Pope paced the Horns with 28 points, including 7 of 13 from beyond the Arc. Next up, Texas has the Virginia Cavaliers at the Moody Center, this Wednesday night at 8:15. Going to be huge!
Texas Women’s Basketball
The No. 4 Longhorns got a huge win Wednesday in the Player’s Era tournament in Las Vegas, beating No. 3 UCLA 76-65. The Horns play No. 2 South Carolina at 7:00 p.m. Thursday night, game broadcast on truTV.
Texas Volleyball
Texas finished second in the SEC tournament, falling to Kentucky in the championship match. Tough loss, but getting there was sweet, as Texas swept Ole Miss then beat Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 3-1 in the semifinals. Horns finish 23-3 and should be a lock to be a top 8 seed in the NCAA tournament, hosting a regional and super regional in Austin.
Accolades
A whole bunch this week.
Arch Manning was named National Player of the Week by all four major organizations:
- Associated Press
- Maxwell Award
- Walter Camp Award
- Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.
Arch was also named on the Davey O’Brien Great 8 list and a Manning Award “Star of the Week”.
Colin Simmons was SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week, again.
Ryan Niblett was named a finalist for the Jet Award, given to the top return man in the country.
Anthony Hill, Jr. is a finalist for the Butkus Award.
Michael Taaffe is one of three finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy, given to recognize players who exemplify community service, academic excellence, and athletic achievement. Well deserved Mookie.
Week Thirteen in the Southeastern Conference
No. 3 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 48, Samford 0.
No. 22 Missouri 6, No. 8 Oklahoma 17. Sooners to win and cover. ✔️
Charlotte 3, No. 4 Georgia 35.
Eastern Illinois 0, No. 10 Alabama 56.
Mercer 17, Auburn 62. Tigers need to beat Bama in the Iron Bowl to get to a post-season bowl.
Kentucky 17, No. 14 Vanderbilt 45. Pavia went off for 484 yards and 5 touchdowns on 33/39 passing, and he ran for another. He did not have a receiving touchdown.
Coastal Carolina 7, South Carolina 51.
No. 20 Tennessee 31. Florida 11.
Western Kentucky 10, Louisiana State 13. Tigers were favored by 21.5, and I missed big on that one.
Week Thirteen: Service Academies
Tulsa 26, Army 25 in a heartbreaker. Army led 25-14 going to the fourth quarter. The Golden Hurricane with 12 points in the final frame to upset the Black Knights.
New Mexico 20, Air Force 3.
Top 25 – Week Thirteen
Rutgers 9, No. 1 Ohio State 42.
No. 13 Miami (FL) 34, Virginia Tech 17. Well, at least the Hokies covered.
No. 15 Southern Cal 27, No. 7 Oregon 42. Ducks easily cover the 10.5 line and the loss reignites the Riley rumors.
Syracuse 7, No. 9 Notre Dame 70. Fighting Irish were favored by 35.5 and I thought they would be challenged to cover. Not so much. Syracuse was bad. They had a pick 6, punt returned for a TD, and another pick 6 to start the game. CJ Carr had a 21 point lead before he took a snap. Jeremiyah Love with 8 carries for 171 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 45 yard run and a 68 yard run. Peter Dean told Kathryn and Mark that “Papa missed on the score”. Yes I did! What a pounding.
No. 24 Tulane 37, Temple 13. Helluva a year for the Green Wave.
Kansas State 47, No. 12 Utah 51. Utes were favored by 17.5. “Utah to win, Wildcats to cover.” ✔️
No. 18 Michigan 45, Maryland 20. Wolverines were favored by 13.5. ✔️
Texas Christian 17. No. 23 Houston 14. “Frogs to win.” ✔️
Pittsburgh 42, No. 16 Georgia Tech 28. The Panthers jumped out to a 21-0 first quarter lead and the Yellow Jackets couldn’t recover.
No. 21 Illinois 10, Wisconsin 27. Nice win for the Badgers in an otherwise bleak year.
No. 11 Brigham Young 26. Cincinnati 14. Cougars were favored by 2.5. ✔️
No. 25 Arizona State 42, Colorado 17. Sun Devils covered ✔️.
Other Games of Interest – Week Thirteen
North Carolina State upset Florida State 21-11.
Southern Methodist 38, Louisville 6. Great win for the Mustangs.
James Madison beat Washington State 24-20. The Dukes are 10-1.
Arizona 41-17 over Baylor.
New Mexico State 34, UTEP 31. The Miners got a football recruit who announced social media he was going to “The University of UTEP”.
East Carolina 24, UT San Antonio 58. Odd year for the Roadrunners, who have laid some eggs then turned around and blistered some teams. They were 2.5 point underdogs.
Louisiana Monroe 17, Texas State 31. Warhawks cover.
Nebraska 10, Penn State 37. Bummer.
California 10, Stanford 31. Congrats to the Cardinal. A big win in the Big Game.
North Texas 56. Rice 24. Line was UNT by 18.5. ✔️
Washington 48, UCLA 14. What a mess with the Bruins apparently abandoning the Rose Bowl for SoFi.
San Jose State 3, San Diego State 25.
UTRGV Vaqueros 33, East Texas A&M 14. What an inaugural season for UTRGV. 9-3 overall and 5-3 in the Southland.
Washington & Lee University
The Generals beat Lycoming 14-12 in the Cape Charles Bowl. W&L finishes with a 7-4 record. No. 2 rushing offense in Division III, with 316.9 yards per game.
If you have ever wondered about Washington & Lee, look at this:
The Polls
In one of my text groups (which is very akin to group therapy), we had a discussion about the new CFP metric, “strength of record”. I think this was part of what the SEC pushed for, and it makes sense. This metric is intended to look at a team’s strength of schedule then assess how the team performed against that schedule. It rewards wins against high quality opponents and minimizes losses to high quality opponents. Also, a team is not rewarded much for defeating a bad team, but is penalized more for losing to a bad team. Thus, at this point in time, Texas is not penalized for the loss to Ohio State, but the Florida loss is hurting us.
ESPN’s FPI metric which I usually include also does a “Resume” ranking, which is, supposedly, similar to strength of record. It has the Aggies ranked first right now. You can check it out:
2025 Resume College Football Power Index – ESPN
There is also a strength of record metric in Brian Fremeau’s FEI system. Aggies are ranked No. 1, Texas No. 12.
AP Top 25 & the Coaches:
2025 College Football Rankings – ESPN
FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll
This poll is jointly conducted by the Football Writers Association of America and the National Football Foundation.
ESPN’s FPI
2025 College Football Power Index – ESPN
Bill Connelly’s SP+
SP+ is a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency. SP+ is intended to be predictive and forward-facing.
The Ohio State University No. 1, followed by Indiana, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, Oregon, Georgia, Texas Tech, Notre Dame, Brigham Young, Alabama, and Ole Miss. Land Thieves are 11, Vanderbilt 14, and Texas is 17.
PFF
PFF has The Ohio State University No. 1, followed by Indiana, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, Georgia, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Oregon, Brigham Young, the Land Thieves, and Alabama. Notre Dame is at 12, Vanderbilt at 13, and Texas at 16.
Kelley Ford Ratings
Max Olson’s Defensive Stop Rates
Aggies are ranked No. 30 with a 67.8% stop rate and 1.82 points per drive.
College football defensive stop rate after Week 13 – ESPN
PFF Grades
Music
Thanksgiving Week means The Last Waltz. If you don’t know what I am talking about, look at this.
Then you can enjoy one of the legendary nights in American music.
Jim Nicar
With the U.T. Austin Tower renovation underway, the north side of the Main Building once again shows its alphabets in gold leaf. Egyptian hieroglyphics, Phoenician, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin all contributed to the development of the English language.
From Jim’s post on X on November 13, 2025.
Picture of the Week
Love this photo, partly because of the moon, but also because I love the dusk sunset light reflecting off of downtown.
Erin Newman-Mitchel. This photo is from her November 14, 2025, post on Instagram.
Reel of the Week is from Henry Alejandro, with a late dusk shot of downtown.
