Happy Thanksgiving!
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)(David J. Phillip / AP)
No. 3 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 20 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical Aggies
The Longhorns travel to College Station to renew their rivalry with the Aggies Saturday night at Kyle Field. A game played with extraordinarily high stakes after a 13-year hiatus. Game No. 119 in the historic series that began 1894, a rivalry Texas leads 76-37-5.
Texas is No. 3 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, alone in first place in the Southeastern Conference, and has a 10-1 record, 7-1 in the SEC. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical is ranked 20, in fourth place in the SEC and is 8-3 overall with a 5-2 record in SEC play. And the Aggies are coming off a tough, hard fought 4-overtime loss to Auburn, who stormed the field after getting their second SEC win of the year.
The game will be broadcast on ABC, and kick-off in Kyle Field will be a little after 6:30 p.m. Saturday night. The World Wide Leader’s A-Team will be there calling the game. Chris Fowler with the Play-by-Play, Kirk Herbstreit with analysis, and Holly Rowe on the sidelines. College Gameday will be in Aggieland. The eyes of Texas and most of the college football world will be on Aggieland.
Tom Campbell, a regular at the Juan Heisman Tailgate, talking about when the Aggies came out and ran the Wishbone against the Longhorns:
https://x.com/NashTalksTexas/status/1861246292724166811
The Voice of the Longhorns will be calling the game on the Longhorn Radio Network; Craig Way, joined by Roger Wallace and Will Matthews. You can listen in Austin on the Flagship, KVET 1300 AM and 98.1 FM. In Tyler on KTBB 600 AM, 92.1 FM. Listen in San Angelo with Mr. McLaughlin on KKSA 1260 AM. Around the country on Sirius/XM 82.
Texas was favored by 7.5 when the line opened Sunday, down to 6 points Sunday night. Here in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Day the line is Texas minus 5.5, and the over/under is 48.5. The moneylines are Texas minus 210, Texas Agricultural & Mechanical plus 175.
The winner goes to Atlanta to play Georgia for the Southeastern Conference championship.
They are still our fellow Texans. We will always remember 1999. An excellent article:
Remembering a moment of unity between Texas and Texas A&M – ESPN
The new Longhorn Network has a great 34 minute film on the rivalry. A great watch for your Thanksgiving! For you young folk, and for your kids and grandkids, this should be mandatory watching before Saturday. Great work Nicky!
Me, making a stop before heading to College Station.
College Football Playoffs
With Tuesday night’s rankings, most smart sportswriters agree that with Texas at No. 3, the Longhorns will be in the playoffs, regardless of the outcome Saturday night. That is awesome, and quite an accomplishment for Coach Sarkisian, for all of the coaching staff, and of course for Quinn Ewers and the team.
I agree the Horns should be in, but winning Saturday night is hugely important for the University of Texas, for the seniors and other guys finishing their time on the Forty Acres, and for putting the proper bookend on the Hiatus. Below is the bumper sticker Tom Terkel, me, and some of the other Juan Heisman Tailgate guys had printed up after the last game. I’d like to print up another batch.
Texas Longhorns 31, Kentucky Wildcats 14
The Texas Longhorns got their 10th win of the season and remain in first place in the Southeastern Conference after a solid win over the Wildcats. Brief recap of the game below.
The Monday Morning Highlights, on Instagram:
College Football
It was a big weekend, full of upsets and close calls. Seven ranked teams lost, including (as predicted) the Fighting Texas Aggies in a quadruple overtime thriller, and the Land Thieves kicked Alabama’s butt (!).
This weekend looms large. Our game in College Station will determine who gets to play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. Georgia has a rivalry game with a much-improved Georgia Tech. Clemson needs Syracuse to beat Miami (Florida) so they can get a shot at Southern Methodist in the ACC CG. Otherwise the Mustangs play the Hurricanes.
The Big 12 is a complete cluster, with Colorado, Arizona State, Iowa State, and Brigham Young all tied for first with 2 losses, and 256 scenarios for who ends up in the Big 12 CG. Adding fuel to the fire: Arizona State is the highest ranked team at No. 16. Which means barring a lot of crazy upsets, the only Big 12 team in the CFP is whoever wins in Jerry World on December 7.
To make this Thanksgiving holiday even better, it is Rivalry Weekend, with some of the game’s greatest rivalry games. Going to be awesome.
Texas Longhorns
Coach Matt Scoggins still doing great work on The Forty Acres.
The 2024 Texas A. and M. Aggies
Game 1: The Aggies opened the 2024 season with a huge home game against the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and a 23-13 loss. QB Connor Weigman (No. 15, 6-3, 220 lbs, Sophomore from Cypress) was a miserable 12/30 for 100 yards, and 2 interceptions, and he rushed 7 times for 26 yards. QBR of 38.0. RB Le’Veon Moss (No. 8 rushed 20 times for 70 yards and 1 score. Jahdae Walker (No. 9. 6-4, 205 lbs Senior WR from Shaker Heights in Cleveland, Ohio) had 6 catches for 31 yards. The Aggie defense was led by Will Lee III (No. 26, 6-3, 190 lbs Junior DB from Kirkwood HS in St. Louis, K State transfer) with 9 tackles, 8 solo, and half a TFL, and Taurean York (No. 21, 6 foot, 235 lbs sophomore LB form Temple) who had 9 tackles (3 solo). The Aggies had 7 tackles for loss. The Irish rushed for 198 yards.
Notre Dame is ranked 5 in the CFP and is 10-1, with that still inexplicable 16-14 loss to NIU. The Irish have not had a terribly tough schedule, but have defeated 4 ranked teams (No. 15 Louisville, 31-24; No. 24 Navy, 51-14; and No. 19 Army 49-14).
Game 2: Aggies 52, McNeese Cowboys 10. Weigman was 11/14 for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns. Freshman Marcel Reed (No. 10, 6-2, 180 lbs, Freshman from Nashville) played, 5/11 for 17 yards and rushed 7 times for 43 yards. Le’Veon Moss had 9 carries for 84 yards and 2 scores. Amari Daniels (No. 5, 5-9, 215 Junior from Miami, FL) carried 12 times for 75 yards and 2 scores. Terry Bussey (No. 2, 6 foot, 195 lbs, Freshman WR from Timpson) had 1 carry for 65 yards and a score. Cyrus Allen (No. 6, 6 foot, 178 lbs Junior WR, New Orleans, La Tech transfer) had 5 receptions for 72 yards. Jordan Lockhart (No. 45. 6-1, 225 lbs freshman LB from Redlands, CA) had 6 tackles (4 solo), and Myles Davis (No. 29, 6-2, 200 lbs freshman DB from Converse Judson) and Tristan Jernigan (No. 32, 6-1, 235 lbs freshman LB from Tupelo, MS) each had 5 tackles.
McNeese is 6-6 and finished in 5th place in the Southland Conference. Losses to Tarleton State, Houston Christian, Incarnate Word, Nicholls, and Lamar. Wins over Southern, Stephen F. Austin, Alcorn State, Weber State, East Texas A&M, and Northwestern State.
Game 3: Texas Aggies 33, Florida 20. Marcel Reed was 11/17 for 178 yards and 2 scores, rushed 83 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. QBR of 94.0. Le’Veon Moss 18 carries, 110 yards, Amari Daniels 13 carries 68 yards. Cyrus Allen had 3 receptions for 81 yards and a score (long of 73). Theo Melin Öhrström (No. 17, 6-6 265 pound Sophomore tight end from Stockholm, Sweden, 6-6) had a 17 yard touchdown catch. 6 Aggies had 1 catch. Marcus Ratcliffe (No. 3, 6-3, 210 lbs sophomore DB from Chula Vista, CA) had 5 tackles (3 solo, 1 TFL). Shemar Stewart (No. 4, 6-6, 290 lb Junior DL from Miami, FL) had 5 tackles, 2 solo plus half a sack. Taurean York had 5 tackles and half a sack. Three interceptions for the Aggie D – Ratcliffe, Jayvon Thomas (No. 14, 6 foot, 195 lb sophomore DB from South Oak Cliff in Dallas), and Bryce Anderson (No. 1, 6 foot, 192 lb Junior DB from Beaumont) who retuned his pick 45 yards for a score.
Florida is 6-5, as it looks like Billy Napier has the Gators pointed in the right direction, with back to back wins over ranked teams – 27-16 over No. 22 LSU and 24-17 over No. 9 Ole Miss.
Game 4: The Aggies struggled with the Bowling Green Falcons, but got the 26-20 win. Marcel Reed 16/29, 173 yards and 2 TDs, ran for 91 yards on 12 carries. Le’Veon Moss had 16 carries for 90 yards. Jahdae Walker 3 catches for 45 yards and a score. Noah Thomas (No. 3, 6-6, 200 lbs Junior WR from Pearland) 5 catches for 38 yards. Theo Melin Öhrström with another touchdown catch (27 yards). Scooby Williams (No. 0) led the Aggie D with 7 tackles. Will Lee III and Nic Scourton (No. 11, 6-4, 285 lbs Junior DL from Bryan) each had 6 tackles (5 solo). Bowling Green QB Connor Bazelak threw for 250 yards and a score (1 INT).
The Falcons are 7-4 and tied for 1st in the MAC, with their other losses to No. 8 Penn State (27-34), Old Dominion, and Northern Illinois.
Game 5: The Aggies and Arkansas met in Jerry World, and Texas Agricultural & Mechanical won a hard fought game with the Razorbacks, 21-17. Marcel Reed was 11/22 for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns, and he rushed for another (although his ground game was 10 carries, 13 yards, with a long of 13 yards, so Arky contained him well). Le’Veon Moss 13 carries for 117 yards. Noah Thomas 6 catches for 109 yards and a score. Tre Watson (No. 84, 6-5, 250 lbs Senor TE from Rio Rancho, NM, transfer from Fresno State) caught the other TD, a 5 yarder. The Aggies forced 3 fumbles (all by Taylen Green), and recovered 2 of them; also picked him off. Dalton Brooks (No. 25, 6 foot, 195, Sophomore from Shiner) led the Aggie D with 7 tackles (5 solo, 2 TFL). Dezz Ricks (No. 10, 6-1. 195 lbs freshman DB from Norfolk, VA) and Marcus Ratlcliffe each had 5 tackles. Nic Scourton had 4 tackles, all for losses, and 2 of them sacks. Efficient.
A quick look at Arkansas vs. the Aggies and vs. Texas.
| Arkansas offense | Texas | Aggies |
| Taylen Green | 17/25, 149, 0 TD, 1 INT, 50.9 | 23/41, 279, 1 TD, 1 INT, 57.3 |
| Ja’Quinden Jackson | 11 carries, 56 yards, 1 score | 10 carries, 37 yards, 1 score |
| Arkansas Rushing | 34 rushes, 82 yards | 30 rushes, 100 yards |
| Total yards | 231 | 379 |
| Points | 10 | 17 |
| Arkansas Defense Allowed | Texas | Aggies |
| QB (Ewers/Reed) | 20/32, 176, 2 TD, 0 INT, 63.4 | 11/22, 163, 2 TD, 0 INT, 59.5 |
| RB (Blue, Moss) | 14 carries, 82 yards | 13 carries, 117 yards |
| Total yards | 315 | 297 |
| Points | 20 | 21 |
My main take: the Texas defense is the main key to beating the Aggies.
Game 6: The Aggies got No. 9 and undefeated Missouri in College Station and whipped the Tigers, 41-10. 24-0 at halftimes, as the Aggies ran for 5 touchdowns. Le’Veon Moss had 12 carries for 138 yards and 3 scores (a long of 75) and Amari Daniels scored twice on 9 carries (34 yards. Connor Weigman was back at QB for Elko and delivered. 18/22 for 276 yards; 94.1 QBR. Terry Bussey had 3 catches for 76 yards, and Noah Thomas had 3 for 65. Missouri had 68 yards rushing. Dalton Brooks led with 6 tackles; 4 other Ags had 4 tackles.
Missouri is 8-3, with their other losses to No. 15 Alabama (34-0) and No. 21 South Carolina (34+30). Conference wins over Vandy, Auburn, Oklahoma, and Mississippi State.
Game 7: The Aggies beat Mississippi State 34-24 in Starkville. (Recall Texas score was 35-13). Weigman was 15/25, 217 yards, 1 score, 2 interceptions, 63.5 QBR. Moss 17 carries for 65 yards and 2 scores; Daniels 12 carries for 47 yards and a score. Jabre Barber (No. 1, 5-10. 182 lbs Senior WR from Dothan, AL, transfer from Troy) had 6 catches for 92 yards. Thomas 2 for 37 with a score. 6 other Aggies had catches. Taurean York led with 12 tackles, Dalton Brooks had 9. Daymion Sanford (No. 27, 6-2, 230 lbs Sophomore LB from Katy) had 7 tackles, all solo, with a TFL. Bulldog Michael Van Buren Jr. was 22/24 for 242 yards and 3 scores (1 pick), 71.9 QBR. Against Texas, Van Buren was 12/23, 144 yards, no score, 55.7 QBR. Texas rushed for 198 against the Bulldogs, and Arch Manning threw for 325 yards and 2 scores.
Game 8: The Aggies won decisively in their rivalry game with No. 8 Louisiana State, 38-23. Aggies trailed 17-7 at half and scored 31 in the second half. Weigman got the start and was 6/18 for 64 yards and minus 14 on the ground (several sacks). Elko put Marcus Reed in, and he ran for 3 touchdowns. Daniels 12 carries for 91 yards, Moss 14 carries for 83 yards and 2 scores. Aggies pounded out 242 yards rushing. The Tigers only rushed for 24 yards on 23 attempts (makes me nervous). LSU QB Nussmeier threw for 405 yards and 2 scores, but he was intercepted 3 times.
Louisiana State is 7-4 and in 6th place in the SEC. After their season-opening loss to No. 23 Southern Cal, 27-20, the Tigers ripped off 6 wins before going to College Station. Southern Cal is not a top 25 team, and the Tigers big win was 29-26 over No. 9 Ole Miss, who has now stumbled as well. After losing to the Aggies, LSU lost to Bama and Florida, before rebounding to beat Vanderbilt 24-17. No question the Aggie win was a quality win, but not as high as it was that night (same can be said for the Horns – e.g., Michigan).
Game 9: The Aggies were riding high and ranked No. 10 (top of the SEC) when they went to South Carolina. The first half with Gamecocks was a lot like a good cockfight, would have made the Manziel family proud. 20-20 at halftime, as the Aggies fought back from a 14-3 deficit. But it was all South Carolina in the second half. The Aggie second half possessions: Punt, downs, punt, interception, punt, punt, fumble, ran out of time. Marcel Reed got the start and was 18/28 for 1 TD, 1 pick, rushed for 46. Amari Daniels 13 carries for 83 yards. Moss got hurt early. Meanwhile, the latest iteration of the Wrecking Crew got wrecked, as SC QB LaNorris Sellers threw for 244 yards and 2 scores and ran for 106 and a score. Gamecocks 286 yards rushing.
South Carolina is 8-3, 5th in the SEC. All 3 losses were to ranked SEC teams (No. 16 LSU, 33-36, No. 12 Ole Miss, 3-27, and No. 7 Alabama, 25-27). I don’t think I have gotten to use the phrase “best 3 loss team in the conference” yet this year, but I would aver that is USC.
Game 10: No. 15 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical pummeled New Mexico State 38-3. Reed played into the third quarter, 20/31. 268 yards, 2 scores, and he had 41 yards rushing and a score. Weigman played poor in relief, 2/5 for 37 yards and a pick; 3.2 QBR (3.2, like beer in Oklahoma).
Game 11: Saturday night’s game against the Auburn Tigers was great college football. Auburn came out fast and jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, and the Aggies trailed 21-7 at half. But Reed rallied the Fightin’ Texas Aggies, and it was 31-31 at the end of regulation. Reed was 22/35 for 297 yards and 3 scores, 1 pick, ran for 66 yards. Daniels 27 carries for 90 yards and a score. Taurean York 10 tackles, Scooby Williams 7.
This week’s injury report:
The Aggies
A general observation. This Aggie team is young, and there are a surprising number of kids from out-of-state. And not necessarily from the south, which is what I would have guessed. Scary how good Elko might have these kids playing in a couple of years.
Offense
Marcel Reed is a very good football player and the kind that can give Texas problems. He has thrown for 1,426 yards, completed 60% of his passes, and has 12 passing TDs and 3 picks. Reed has also run 441 yards and 6 touchdowns.
With Le’Veon Moss out (he had 765 yards and 10 scores, averaged 6.3 ypc), Amari Daniels will have most of the load, shared with Reed. Daniels is good, and he has stepped up with Moss hurt. 640 yards, 5.1 ypc, 8 touchdowns. Both explosive: Moss had a 75 yarder, Daniels 71.
The Aggies have a good receiving corps. I didn’t realize how good until diving into this week’s work. Noah Thomas: 31 catches, 514 yards, 16.6 yards per catch, a 73 yarder, 6 touchdowns. Jabre Barber has 29 catches for 325 yards and a score (long of 58), and Jahdae Walker has 24 catches for 277 yards and 2 scores (long of 40). Tight End Tre Watson has 15 catches, 200 yards, 1 score; Theo Melin Öhrström has 9 for 180 and 2 scores. He’s a big target, and he will probably have a big catch or two. They are good, but not close to the Longhorns.
Defense
Taurean York leads the Aggie D with 65 tackles (28 solo, 5 TFL), and an interception. Dalton Brooks and Scooby Williams each have 42 tackles. Marcus Ratcliffe and BJ Mayes (No. 20, 6-1, 195 lbs Senior DB from Houston) each have 3 interceptions. The Aggie defense is pretty balanced.
Randy Bond is 19/22 kicking field goals. 7/9 between 40 & 49, 2 of 3 over 50.
Punter Tyler White averages 44.61 yards per punt. He is good. Note this.
I do love the Aggie band.
My favorite memory of 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. Will never forget it.
https://x.com/LonghornClips/status/1861424687953387537
The Statistics
Offense
Statistic |
Texas |
Texas A. and M. |
| Rushing Offense | #58, #8 – 169.6 ypg | #17, #2 – 208.4 ypg |
| Passing Offense | #16, #4 – 279.7 ypg | #86, #13 – 208.7 ypg |
| Total Offense | #18, #4 – 449.4 ypg | #44, #9 – 417.1 ypg |
| Scoring Offense | #15, #3 – 36.5 ppg | #35, #7 – 32.5 ppg |
| First Downs | #38, #6 – 22.2/game | #46, #7 – 21.8/game |
| Sacks Allowed | #64, #7 – 21, 138 yards | #60, #6 – 20, 113 yards |
| Tackles for Loss Allowed | #94, #11 – 66, 265 yards | #17, #2 – 44, 169 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #30, #6 – 44.68% | #22, #5 – 45.64% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #75, #9 – 52.4%, 11/21 | #81, #10 – 50%, 7/14 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #10, #3 – 51 | #28, #6 – 45 |
| Red Zone Offense | #74, #10 – 84.3% / 72.6% | #2, #1 – 95.6% / 73.3% |
| Long Run Plays | #84, #13 – 49/10, 22/20, 7/30, 5/40 | #46, #7 – 59/10, 15/20, 7/30, 4/40 |
| Long Pass Plays | #20, #5 – 119/10, 53/20, 22/30, 10/40 | #60, #7 – 101/10, 30/20, 12/30, 6/40 |
| Explosive Plays* | #3, #2 – 75/20, 29/30, 15/40, 7/50 | #84, #12 – 45/20, 19/30, 10/40, 9/50 |
| Long Punt Returns | #14, #3 – 4/20, 2/30, 1/40, 1/50 | #112, #15 – none over 20 yards |
* I have added this stat – with “explosive plays” being plays that go for 20 or more yards. You should be able to see why.
Defense
Statistic |
Texas |
Texas A. and M. |
| Rushing Defense | #13, #3 – 104.0 ypg | #41, #10 – 128.4 ypg |
| Passing Defense | #2, #1 – 143.5 ypg | #81, #12 – 227.7 ypg |
| Total Defense | #2, #1 – 247.5 ypg | #56, #11 – 356.1 ypg |
| Scoring Defense | #3, #1 – 12.1 ppg | #36, #11 – 21.5 ppg |
| First Downs Allowed | #2, #1 – 14.7/game | #40, #10 – 18.5/game |
| Sacks | #11, #3 – 33, 228 yards | #57, #13 – 23, 142 yards |
| Tackles for Loss | #13, #5 – 80, 339 yards | #17, #6 – 78, 291 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | #9, #3 – 29.87% | #26, #8 – 33.33% |
| Fourth Down Conversions | #49, #5 – 50%, 11/22 | #49, #5 – 50%, 14/28 |
| Red Zone Attempts | #1, #1 – 22 | #15, #3 – 29 |
| Red Zone Defense | #10, #4 – 72.7% / 50.0% | #107, #16 – 89.7% / 55.2% |
| Long Run Plays Allowed | #8, #3 – 32/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40 | #57, #12 – 48/10, 17/20, 5/30, 5/40 |
| Long Pass Plays Allowed | #1, #1 – 57/10, 21/20, 6/30, 4/40 | #76, #11 – 98/10, 31/20, 19/30, 10/40 |
| Explosive Plays Allowed | #1, #1 – 22/20, 7/30, 5/40, 1/50 | #70, #12 – 48/20, 24/30, 15/40, 8/50 |
Other
Statistic |
Texas |
Texas A. and M. |
| Turnovers | #85, #11 – 17; 9F, 8I | #29, #3 – 11; 3F, 8I |
| Turnover Margin | #21, #2 – 24:17, +7 | #41, #7 – 15:11, +4 |
| Penalties | #79, #7 – 69, 579 yards | #117, #13 – 84, 729 yards |
*Based on total number of penalties.
Match-up Comparison
Texas Offense |
Texas A. and M. Defense |
| Rushing Offense – 169.6 ypg | 128.4 ypg – Rushing Defense |
| Passing Offense – 279.7 ypg | 227.7 ypg – Passing Defense |
| Total Offense – 449.4 ypg | 356.1 ypg – Total Defense |
| Scoring Offense – 36.5 ppg | 21.5 ppg – Scoring Defense |
| First Downs – 22.2/game | 18.5/game – First Downs Allowed |
| 3rd Down Offense – 44.68% | 33.33% – 3rd Down Defense |
| 4th Down Offense – 52.4% | 50% – 4th Down Defense |
| Red Zone Offense – 84.3%/72.6% | 89.7%/55.2% – Red Zone Defense |
| LRP – 49/10, 22/20, 7/30, 5/40 | 48/10, 17/20, 5/30, 5/40 – LRP Allowed |
| LPP – 119/10, 53/20, 22/30, 10/40 | 98/10, 31/20, 19/30, 10/40 – LPP Allowed |
| EP – 75/20, 29/30, 15/40, 7/50 | 48/20, 24/30, 15/40, 8/50 – EP Allowed |
Texas Defense |
Texas A. and M. Offense |
| Rushing Defense – 104.0 ypg | 208.4 ypg – Rushing Offense |
| Passing Defense – 143.5 ypg | 208.7 ypg – Passing Offense |
| Total Defense – 247.5 ypg | 417.1 ypg – Total Offense |
| Scoring Defense – 12.1 ppg | 32.5 ppg – Scoring Offense |
| First Downs Allowed – 14.7/game | 21.8/game – First Downs |
| 3rd Down Defense – 29.87% | 45.64% – 3rd Down Offense |
| 4th Down Defense – 50% | 50% – 4th Down Offense |
| Red Zone Defense – 72.7%/50.0% | 95.6%/73.3% – Red Zone Offense |
| LRP Allowed – 32/10, 1/20, 1/30, 1/40 | 59/10, 15/20, 7/30, 4/40 – LRP |
| LPP Allowed – 57/10, 21/20, 6/30, 4/40 | 101/10, 30/20, 12/30, 6/40 – LPP |
| EP Allowed – 22/20, 7/30, 5/40, 1/50 | 45/20, 19/30, 10/40, 9/50 – EP |
Some individual notes on Texas, since I always have so much on the other team:
- Anthony Hill Jr. is 8th in the SEC with 79 tackles.
- Anthony Hill Jr. is 2nd in the SEC with 15 TFL (9th nationally).
- Anthony Hill Jr. is 6th in the SEC with 7.5 sacks.
- Andrew Mukuba and Jahdae Barron are tied for first in the SEC with 4 interceptions each.
- Matthew Golden is tied for first in SEC with 8 touchdown catches
Quinn Ewers is 6th in the SEC with 232.1 yards per game. Despite playing only 9 games (all the other stats leaders have 10 or 11), Quinn is ranked as follows (SEC, some nationals parenthetically):
- Tied for 2nd with 23 touchdowns (tied 13th nationally).
- 2nd in completion percentage, at 68.0 percent (15th in nation)
- Third in attempts per game, 30.9
- Fourth in Quarterback Rating, at 154.09
- 9th in yards, at 2,089
- 8th in QBR at 70.9
Stop Rate
A basic measurement of success: the percentage of a defense’s drives that end in punts, turnovers. or a turnover on downs. Stop rate is a simple metric but can offer a good reflection of a defense’s effectiveness on a per-drive basis in today’s faster-tempo game.
Texas is No. 3, with a Stop Rate of 80.5%, points/drive of 0.92. Aggies are No. 50, Stop Rate of 65%, points/drive of 1.84.
BCF Toys
The Florida game and our offensive production really moved the needle on a lot of these categories and associated rankings.
| FEI | OFEI | DFEI | SFEI – Adj | |
| Texas | No. 2: 1.33 | No. 14: 0.40 | No. 2: 0.85 | No. 24: 0.07 |
| Aggies | No. 19: 0.70 | No. 28: 0.25 | No. 30: 0.36 |
| NAY | OAY | DAY | |
| Texas | No. 2: 0.289 | No. 23: 0.557 | No. 1: 0.268 |
| Aggies | No. 43: 0.059 | No. 56: 0.490 | No. 42: 0.431 |
| NPD | OPD | DPD | |
| Texas | No. 4: 2.21 | No. 11: 3.13 | No. 1: 0.92 |
| Aggies | No. 27: 0.71 | No. 44: 2.54 | No. 35: 1.83 |
| NPP | OPP | DPP | |
| Texas | No. 2: 2.71 | No. 23: 6.50 | No. 1: 3.80 |
| Aggies | No. 65: 0.08 | No. 69: 5.78 | No. 60: 5.70 |
Possession Efficiency. Possession Efficiency (PVE) is unadjusted scoring value calculated from the results of non-garbage possessions (NP) in FBS vs. FBS games.
| PVE | OVE | DVE | SVE | |
| Texas | No. 4: 1.09 | No. 18: 0.27 | No. 2: 0.80 | No. 66: 0.01 |
| Aggies | No. 33: 0.32 | No. 47: 0.02 | No. 38: 0.25 | No. 16: 0.08 |
In BCF’s F+ ratings (Brian Fremeau’s FEI ratings combined with Bill Connelly’s SP+ ratings), Texas is No. 2. Offensively, Texas is No. 9; defensively, Texas is No. 2. Aggies are No. 14, No. 21 offense, No. 20 defense.
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Texas | Aggies | 0.770 | 10.9 | 29.4 | 18.5 | 47.9 |
ESPN Analytics:
College Football Insiders:
Opponents & Records
| Texas Opponents & Records | Texas A and M |
| W – Colorado State: 7-4 (MW) | L – No. 7 Notre Dame: 10-1 |
| W– No. 10 Michigan: 6-5 (Big 10) | W – McNeese State: 6-6 (Southland) |
| W – UTSA: 6-5 (American) | W – @ Florida: 6-5 |
| W – Louisiana Monroe: 5-6 (Sun Belt) | W – Bowling Green: 7-4 (MAC) |
| W – Mississippi State: 2-9 | W – Arkansas: 6-5 |
| W – No. 18 Oklahoma: 6-5 | W – No. 9 Missouri: 8-3 |
| L – No. 5 Georgia: 9-2 | W – @ Mississippi State: 2-9 |
| W – No. 25 Vanderbilt: 6-5 | W – No. 8 LSU: 7-4 |
| W- Florida: 6-5 | L – @ South Carolina: 8-3 |
| W – Arkansas: 6-5 | W – New Mexico State: 3-8 (CUSA) |
| W – Kentucky: 4-7 | L – @ Auburn: 5-6 |
For all the sniping about the Texas schedule, as we head into the final weekend of the regular season, 8 of our 11 opponents have winning records and are bowl eligible.
Texas Homer:
The official Game Notes from The University of Texas:
Week 14 – Texas A (PDF) – University of Texas Athletics
The official Game Notes from Texas Agricultural & Mechanical:
14 – Texas – Texas A&M Athletics – 12thMan.com
TCT Thoughts
What a game. I have been looking forward to this game since the move to the Southeastern Conference was announced. I had no idea that this game would be this big.
Marcel Reed is the kind of quarterback that has given Texas defenses fits for years of late. Two things work in our favor: he is still young, and he can be forced into bad throws and maybe mistakes, and this Texas defense will be better than anything Mr. Reed, or any of the Aggies, have faced this year. Coach Kwiatkowski and the staff will need to have some stunts and schemes to bring pressure (blitzes can work well against Marcel), but they will have to also make sure defenders stay on task and contain. He scrambles well, and I think he is pretty good with RPO. He’s 15th rated QB in the SEC.
Big Noah Thomas is the top target, and he can get good yards after catch. Jahdae Walker is a good receiver. Barber is good, but our CBs should contain. TE Tre Watson is fair, not even good really. Bussey can bust one, and I bet we see more of him. But overall, the aggie passing game should not be very successful.
It is the Aggie rushing attack that concerns me. We have seen the Texas defense give up some big yards of late. The good news for Texas (I am sorry he got hurt) is that Le’Veon Moss got hurt. He’s out. So Amari Daniels is next Aggie up, and he is the kind of kid that might just decide to have his best game. He could hurt us, but again, this defense.
I think given the game and circumstances, the Aggies are going to put a few points on the board. Just not enough. My hope is that Texas gets a good lead, and Elko has to rely on Reed passing the ball. I am fairly confident that will not be the formula for Farmer success.
The better match-up for Texas Agricultural & Mechanical is the Aggy defense against the Longhorns offense. Stewart and Scourton on the edges are very good – two of the best in the conference. Linebackers are good, especially Scooby Williams. Those Aggies and more get pressure on quarterbacks, and as we have seen, Quinn can succumb to pressure. It worries me. Especially with a bum ankle, and most especially in the third quarter. Quinn needs the time to make his reads, which he is doing pretty well. But the environment Saturday night is going to be different than any game the Horns have played in this season.
One of the odd stats that is of concern (odd, because it surprised me) is the Aggies’ redzone offense. No. 2 in the nation, at nearly 96%. The Aggies have been in the redzone 45 times and scored 43, 33 of those were touchdowns. Texas has the same number of redzone scores, 43, but on 51 attempts, with 37 touchdowns. Also, Texas scores more from outside of the redzone. But something to watch.
Besides the usual (reiterated below), I think the key to this game will be explosive plays – who can make them, who can stop them. For Texas, that means big passing plays. Although some sweeps and the like with Wingo and Bond could yield big dividends. I am repeating and expanding those stats here, because I just have a feeling they will be important. I suspect we will see both defenses control big chunks of the game and scoring will be at a premium. Texas may just have to make some big plays to win this one.
| Texas | Texas A. and M. | |
| EP Rushing | #16, #2 –22/20, 7/30, 5/40, 2/50 | #54, #7 – 15/20, 7/30, 4/40, 4/50 |
| EP Passing | #6, #3 – 53/20, 22/30, 10/40, 5/50 | #86, #12 – 30/20, 12/30, 6/40, 5/50 |
| Explosive Plays | #3, #2 – 75/20, 29/30, 15/40, 7/50 | #84, #12 – 45/20, 19/30, 10/40, 9/50 |
| Texas | Texas A. and M. | |
| EP Rushes Allowed | #1, #1 –1/20, 1/30, 1/40, 1/50 | #96, #16 – 17/20, 5/30, 5/40, 1/50 |
| EP Passes Allowed | #3, #1 – 21/20, 6/30, 4/40, 0/50 | #47, #6 – 31/20, 19/30, 10/40, 7/50 |
| Explosive Plays Allowed | #1, #1 – 22/20, 7/30, 5/40, 1/50 | #70, #12 – 48/20, 24/30, 15/40, 8/50 |
No surprise that the best defense in the nation is also the best against big plays. However, in this game, a key for Texas will be making the big play on offense when they want to, not when they have to. That is, big strikes on 2nd and short, go for the jugular after a turnover. Not make the big play when they have to in order to convert a long third down. When Texas is on defense, I hope the numbers hold true. If so, Aggy will not have many big plays.
Texas will win if Texas plays clean football. Don’t turn the ball over, don’t commit penalties. Especially penalties that put Texas in third and long and a less than mobile Quinn (I am guessing) in an obvious passing down, the Aggies will pin their ears back and come hard.
The Horns have a huge task in front of them. A very good aggie team, a good football coach who has probably been preparing for this game since August, objectively more at stake for Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, because the only way they get to the CFP is a win on Saturday. And I will admit it – a real factor is the 12th Man and all the yelling, whooping, swaying, squeezin’ aggies – over 100,000, who are going to be juiced to the gills. But the Longhorns have to approach this with a Bill Bradley attitude. The Greatest Line ever delivered on the Gridiron. Super Bill was out for the coin toss before a game with Texas Agricultural & Mechanical. Texas won the toss, and the referee asked Bill whether they wanted to kick or receive. Without breaking eye contact with the aggies a few feet away, Bill said “We don’t give a shit.” I’d pay the fine to hear a Longhorn utter those words again.
Bill Bradley, TCT, Bill Hall
I am confident that former players and friends of the program have been making sure the young men on the 2024 Texas Longhorns football team know how important this game is. Some of the guys were about kindergarten age last time the Horns and Aggies played, others in elementary school. I assume that the kids who grew up in Texas and played high school football here have a reasonable grasp of the rivalry.
Texas doesn’t bring all of their freshman to campus before school starts and run an indoctrination program like Fish Camp at Texas Agricultural & Mechanical. Where innocent young boys and girls are taught all of the famous Aggie traditions, where they learn how to speak aggy, get ready for their senior ring chug and elephant walk, and most importantly, learn how to cheer along with the guys in the janitor uniforms (or overalls with their names on their butts). You can learn too, at this website: Yells. They even have YouTube videos of each yell, so you can practice along in the dorm before lights out. One of the great aggie traditions, you kiss your date when the aggies score. Sometimes.
If you have 8 minutes to spare, you can learn how to do Fightin’ Texas Aggie Yells. Didn’t’ know each yell had 4 former parts: Pass back, hump it, actual yell, and wildcat.
Josh Mancuso nailed it:
I digress.
From before they ever walk on the campus of Texas Agricultural & Mechanical as a not yet Former Student, where you can’t walk on the grass, you start learning to not like big brother, The University of Texas. You learn to sing about Texas, about sawing off horns, and how to whoop and squeeze ‘em. The rivalry from Texas is seared into the minds of every young aggy, and nothing means more to the Farmers than beating The University of Texas.
One other thing. Today (Thanksgiving Day, not the date) is the 100th anniversary of the dedication of Texas Memorial Stadium. A stadium dedicated to all Texans who served and all Texas who died in World War I. Today, as the Longhorns and Aggies restart one of the sports best rivalries, we are not doing that on the Centennial of Texas Memorial Stadium. Because little brother stomped his feet and got his way, and we are playing in College Station.
Texas defeated the Agricultural and Mechanical College 7-0 on November 17, 1924.
At this point, I am almost glad we are playing there. It will be even more sweet when we win. 27-25 in 2011, and 28-24 in 2024. The joy of winning, the added gift of delectable schadenfreude. Hook Em!
I think this will be a hard fought game, and one in which Texas is going to have to play near-perfect football to win. This is probably the best Aggy team since Johnny Manziel was playing in College Station, and Mike Elko is a fine coach. But I think the Texas Longhorns find a way to win a close one.
Texas wins 28-24.
Or, possibly, Sark opens a new fresh can of whup-ass, and some more plays Andy Reid wants to copy, and Texas pounds Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 41-17. Don’t rule out a Texas rout.
Here are links to some other previews.
Clean Pocket with Colt McCoy
Gerry Hamilton on College Football Addiction:
Reveille
The famous Aggie mascot is their beloved collie, Reveille. The current girl is Reveille X. Several years ago, a great kid from Austin, Ryan Crawford, was Reveille VIII’s handler. It is a big deal for an Aggie, an honor for a member of the famed Corps of Cadets. Anyway, Ferris Clements, son of Mr. Radio, Ed Clements, passed along this story and photo for this week’s edition of the Austin Horns Fan Dispatch.
With the renewed rivalry game kicking off Saturday evening, I thought it fitting to share a photo I took back in my undergrad days—specifically on December 16, 2011. Our dear friend Ryan Crawford took a brief hiatus from his Handler duties at Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, and decided to visit Austin for a night of revelry. His only request? That his “friend” be allowed to stay with us as well.
As you may recall, Mr. Crawford had the distinct honor of being Reveille’s handler during his sophomore year of college. What he didn’t anticipate was me discovering Reveille comfortably napping on my bed. Seizing the rare and golden opportunity of having our rival’s beloved mascot in my living quarters, I took the liberty of draping the ol’ gal in orange for a quick photo shoot:
Yes—what you’re looking at is a photo of Reveille VIII, unmistakably adorned in prettier colors. Feel free to include this in this week’s report; after all, a photo this iconic deserves its time in the spotlight. While it has been shared before, I think its significance is only amplified in light of the upcoming game.
Thanks Ferris! 🤘
Texas Longhorns v. Texas Aggies
In this great series, the Longhorns and Aggies have played in College Station 51 times. The record there is 25 Longhorn wins, 22 Aggy wins, and 2 ties. In Austin, Texas leads 46-13-1. Between 1908 and 1911, the teams played in Houston, and the record there is 2-2. Texas won 3 of the 4 games played in San Antonio and there was 1 tie (1899-1902). The only game contested in Dallas (1907) ended in a tie.
The beloved Aggie War Hymn was originally “Goodbye to Texas University”. The name change didn’t help, and the Aggies sing about the Longhorns more often than Django Walker does.
Texas Longhorns 31, Kentucky Wildcats 14
From Gallagher Studios Instagram
Ewers to Helm. Love it.
A brief look, as I spent most of my short week enjoying the Aggie stuff.
Texas again had a dominant first half. 24-7 on the scoreboard. My halftime stats may be off a couple of yards but: Texas with 295 yards of offense, 118 rushing, 177 passing. Over 19 minutes time of possession. Kentucky had about 100 yards, even between pass and run. Texas had 18 first downs to Kentucky’s 5, and the Horns converted 5/9 third downs and 1 of 2 fourth downs. Texas only passed for 14 yards in the second half.
Another dismal third quarter. The 15 minutes after halftime have been tough since the Georgia game, when the Horns rallied and outscored the Bulldogs 15-0 in the third. Since then: Vandy 7-3, Florida 10-7, Arkansas 7-3, and Kentucky 7-0. Puzzling and frustrating. Last Saturday, Quinn hurt his ankle in the first half, and I am sure it tightened up and contributed to a less than productive third quarter and second half generally.
Texas fumbled in the third quarter, and Kentucky missed a field goal. On the next series, Ewers’ fumble was returned for a touchdown. It was disappointing.
The good news? With 11:29 to play in the game and a now precarious (or seemed so) 10 point lead, Texas got the ball on its own 14 yard line after a Wildcat punt. Texas put together an 86 yard touchdown drive that consumed 8:22 of clock, and Quinn never passed the ball. Quintrevion Wisner had the first 5 carries, and got the ball to the Kentucky 44, with the last 2 being runs of 16 and 13 yards. Blue gave Wisner a rest and got us to the UK 45. Wisner and Blue traded runs, and Quintrevion had the honor of punching it in with 3:10 left to play, giving the Longhorns a 17 point lead and securing the win. An outstanding offensive possession, and great blocking by the line.
On the next Wildcat possession, Mukuba picked off Boley, and it was time for the victory formation, a genuflect, and singing the Eyes of Texas.
Quinn had a solid game, no interceptions, but the fumble in the pocket was costly. The other Texas turnovers were of more concern, but the Texas defense stifled the Wildcats. The Kentucky running backs picked up 85 yards, but the sacks and TFLs were minus 64, and UK ended up with 21 net yards on the ground.
The Texas defense controlled the game. 2 interceptions, 223 yards of offense; 73 yards on the Cats’ first half scoring drive, and that was UK’s only possession that went for more than 39 yards.
The Texas defense and offensive line won this one. Bless ‘em.
Highlights from ESPN College Football, a little over 16 minutes
Every play in 57 minutes from @TexasClips:
College Football Playoff Rankings
AP Top 25 & Coaches Poll
Massey Ratings
Ohio State, Ohio State, Texas, Notre Dame, Penn State, Georgia, Indiana, Miami (FL), Southern Methodist, and Alabama. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical is No. 18.
College Football Insiders
Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Texas, and Ole Miss are the top 5. Alabama, Notre Dame, PSU, Tennessee, and Miami (Florida) round out the top 10. Southern Methodist at No. 11. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical is No. 17.
PFF
Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, and Penn State are the top 5. Miami (FL), Notre Dame, Indiana, Tennessee, and Southern Methodist round out the Top 10. Texas Agricultural & Mechanical dropped to 17th. Florida entered at No. 25.
College Football Rankings: Top 25 entering Week 14
ESPN College Football Power Index
ESPN’s analytics have Texas with a 45.9% chance of winning the SEC, 96.72% of making the playoffs, a 34.5% chance of making the championship game, and a 20.5% chance of winning it all (highest).
2024 College Football Power Index – ESPN
ESPN SP+ from Bill Connelly
The Fightin’ Texas Aggies
The Aggies claim 3 national championships in football. 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 formulae 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.
The Aggies were supposed to win a natty with Jimbo Fisher, but that turned out to be an expensive dry hole. Still trying to plug it.
85 years, and the Aggies are still waiting for a title. I think Mike Elko has a chance of getting them to a national title game, but I don’t think it is this season.
Their conference titles are interesting too.
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 PUF 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 chose first.
Texas A&M has a grand 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. An epic amount of change for Texas Agricultural & Mechanical, including the change of the formal name of the school to Texas A&M University. But those changes laid the foundation for Texas A&M to become a modern university. That progress and growth has continued, and the Aggies have a fine school. 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 & M |
|
| Forbes | 46 | 70 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 30 | 51 |
| ARWU | 25 | |
| Washington Monthly | 98 | 59 |
| THE | 21 | |
| QS | 19 | |
Global |
||
| ARWU | 45 | 301-400 |
| QS | 66 | 154 |
| THE | 50 | 118 |
| U.S. News & World Report | 56 | 171 |
Famous alumni include Governor Rick Perry and Congressman Louie Gohmert, the aggy Heisman winners John David Crow and Johnny Manziel, and Lowry Mays and George P. Mitchell.
Outside of a wealth of family and friends, my two favorite Aggies are Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett. Some of the best Texas music, and it all began with Front Porch Song, written while there were students in Aggieland.
Week Fourteen in the Southeastern Conference
Friday
Mississippi State (2-9, 0-7) vs. No. 14 Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. on ABC. The Egg Bowl. Game No. 121 in a series started in 1901 with a Mississippi A&M 17-0 win. Ole Miss leads the series 65-46-6 Rebels coming off a tough, season-changing loss to Florida. Ole Miss favored by 26.5, over/under is 61.5. Hotty Toddy!
Georgia Tech (7-4) v. No. 7 Georgia (9-2), 6:30 p.m. on ABC. The 118th game in the rivalry known as Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. Since 2001, the Ramblin’ Wreck has just 3 wins. Georgia leads the overall series 71-41-5 and has won 6 in a row. Bulldogs favored by 19 at home between the hedges. Total is 51.5. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Georgia a 89.7% chance of winning.
Saturday
No. 8 Tennessee (9-2, 5-2) at Vanderbilt (6-5, 3-4), 11:00 a.m. on ABC. Vols favored by 10.5, total is 48.5. 119th game, Tennessee leads 78-32-5. Twenty of those 32 Vanderbilt wins came before 1939, when Texas Agricultural & Mechanical won its national championship in football.
No. South Carolina Gamecocks (8-3) vs. No. 12 Clemson Tigers (9-2), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. Big game for Dabo and the Tigers, who have to win to keep alive any hopes of playing in the ACC Championship Game. 121st game in the series that dates to 1896. Clemson leads 73-43-4. One of the few intrastate series where the agricultural school leads the flagship. Clemson favored by 3, over/under is 49.5. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Clemson a 57% chance of winning.
Louisville (7-4) at Kentucky (4-7), 11:00 a.m. on the SEC Network. Cardinals favored by 4, total is 49.5.
Auburn Tigers vs No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama favored by 11.5, total is 52.5. The Iron Bowl, and one of the bitterest rivalries in college football. Alabama leads the series 50-37-1. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Bama a 57.7% chance of winning.
Auburn was once the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. Legendary rivalry and antics. And also one of the greatest endings to a football game ever. Kick Six. Sorry Lee.
Arkansas (6-5, 3-4) vs. No. 21 Missouri (8-3, 4-3), 2:30 p.m. on SEC Network. Tigers favored by 3, total is 53.5.
Florida Gators (6-5) v. Florida State (2-7), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN2. Gators favored by 16.5, over/under is 45.5. Go Gata!
Land Thieves (6-5, 2-5) vs. Louisiana State (7-4, 4-3), 6:00 p.m. on ESPN. OU coming off a huge win over Alabama, Louisiana State trying to figure out Brian Kelly’s buyout. Tigers favored by 6, over/under is 47.5.
Week 14: Service Academies
Friday
Navy (7-3, 5-2) vs East Carolina (7-4, 5-2), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN. Navy 1.5 point underdogs at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Total is 56.5. Go Navy.
Saturday
UTSA (6-5, 4-3) vs Army (9-1, 7-0), 11:00 a.m. on CBSSN, Michie Stadium, West Point, New York. Black Knights favored by 7, total is 54.5. Jeff Traylor has his Roadrunners playing good ball, 3 wins in a row.
Air Force (4-7, 2-4) vs. San Diego State (3-8, 2-4), 9:30 p.m. on FS1. Air Force favored by 4, total is 43.5.
Top 25: Week 14
Thursday night
Memphis (9-2, 5-2) vs. No. 17 Tulane (9-2, 7-0) 6:30 p.m. on ESPN from Yulman Stadium in the Big Easy. Green Wave favored by 13.5, total is 55.5.
Friday
Oregon State (5-6) vs. No. 11 Boise State (10-1) 11:00 a.m. on FOX. That is an early morning in Idaho. Totally FOX Sports move, and not a good one. Broncos favored by 19, over/under is 57.5.
Oklahoma State (3-8, 0-8) at No. 25 Colorado (8-3, 6-2), 11:00 a.m. on ABC. Buffalos favored by 16, total is 65.5.
Saturday
Michigan (6-5, 4-4) vs. No. 2 Ohio State (10-1, 7-1), 11:00 a.m. on FOX. One of the most bitter rivalries in college football. Game No. 120, Michigan leads 61-51-6. Buckeyes favored by 20, total is 42.5. Praying for Wolverine win, but it doesn’t look likely. BCF Toys:
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Ohio State | Michigan | .985 | 25.9 | 36.5 | 10.6 | 47.2 |
No. 23 Illinois (8-3, 5-3) vs. Northwestern (4-7, 2-6), 11:00 a.m., BTN. Illinois favored by 7.5, total is 43.5.
Maryland (4-7, 1-7) at No. 4 Penn State (10-1, 7-1), 2:30 p.m. on BTN. Rarely for Maryland, but go Terps. Nittany Lions favored by 24.5, over/under is 50.5.
No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-1) vs. Southern Cal Trojans (10-1), 2:30 p.m. on CBS. Will be a good game to listen to on the drive to Brazos County. The 96th game between these two blue bloods, a series led by the Irish 49-37-5. The rivals play for the Jeweled Shillelagh. Notre Dame favored by 7.5, total is 51.5. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Notre Dame a 70.9% chance of winning. Sorry Art. Go Irish! 🍀
| Projected Winner | Projected Loser | PW | PM | PF | PA | PT |
| Notre Dame | Southern Cal | .715 | 8.4 | 29.2 | 20.8 | 50.0 |
No. 6 Miami (10-1) vs. Syracuse (8-3), 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Miami wins, and they play Southern Methodist for the ACC championship. Go ‘Cuse. Miami favored by 11, over/under is 67.5.
Cal Berkeley Golden Bears (6-5, 2-5) vs. No. 9 Southern Methodist Mustangs (10-1 7-0) 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2. The Ponies are favored by 13.5, total is 56.5. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Southern Methodist an 83.1% chance of winning. One of the best posts of last week was the Cal manager getting the love after tackling a would-be helmet thief.
https://x.com/MWCherrington/status/1861439051502624857
No. 16 Arizona State (9-2, 6-2) vs. Arizona (4-7, 2-6), 2:30 p.m. on FOX. If I was not going to be somewhere on Texas 21 on my way to College Station, I would watch this game. Cam Skattebo 7th in the nation in rushing and 2nd in the nation in yards from scrimmage. The Sun Devils with a real chance to play for a Big 12 title their first year in the league. Pretty cool. ASU favored by 8.5, total is 53.5. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Arizona State a 71.5% chance of winning.
Purdue (1-10, 0-8) vs. No. 10 Indiana ((10-1, 7-1), 6:00 p.m. on FS1. Hoosiers favored by 29, total is 56.5.
Washington (6-5, 4-4) vs. No. 1 Oregon (11-0, 8-0), 6:30 p.m. on NBC. The Border War. Game No. 117 in the series which was first contested in 1900. Huskies lead the series 63-48-5. Going to be tough for U-Dub playing the Ducks in Autzen. Oregon favored by 18.5, total is 50.5.
No. 24 Kansas State (8-3, 5-3) vs. No. 18 Iowa State (9-2, 6-2), 6;30 p.m. on FOX from Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Cyclones still have a shot at playing in Dallas. ISU favored by 2.5, total is 51.5. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Iowa State a 54.2% chance of winning.
Nevada (3-9) vs. No. 22 UNLV (9-2), 7:00 p.m. on CBSSN. Rebels favored by 17.5, total is 55.5.
Houston (4-7, 3-5) vs. No. 19 Brigham Young (9-2, 6-2), 9:15 p.m. on ESPN. 6:15 a.m. in Baghdad. Happy Thanksgiving Joe. Mormon Cougars favored by 13, over/under is 41.5. If the Bayou City Cougars win, Brigham Young is at home on December 7.
Other Games of Interest Week 14
Friday
Miami Redhawks (7-4, 6-1) vs. Bowling Green Falcons (7-4, 6-1), 11:00 a.m. on ESPNU. Huge game for Miami. A trip to Detroit to play for the MAC title on the line. BGSU favored by 2.5, total is 38.5. Moneylines are Miami +120, BGSU -140. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives the Falcons a 58.2% chance of winning.
Leland Stanford Junior University (3-8) vs. San José State (6-5). 3:00 p.m. on CBS. Spartans favored by 2.5.
Nebraska (6-5, 3-5) vs. Iowa (7-4, 5-3), 6:30 p.m. on FOX. Iowa favored by 3.5. GBR!
Saturday
Kansas (5-6, 4-4) vs. Baylor (7-4, 5-3), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN2. Kansas favored by 1.5.
West Virginia (6-5, 5-3) vs. Texas Tech (7-4, 5-3), 11:00 a.m. on FS1. Sand Aggies favored by 3.
North Texas (5-6) vs. Temple (3-8), 11:00 a.m. on ESPN+. Coach Eric Morris’ Mean Green looking to get to a bowl game.
South Florida at Rice, 1:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Probably would be a nice way to spend Friday afternoon if you are in Houston, cheering on the Owls. USF favored by 5.
NC State (5-6, 2-5) vs. North Carolina (6-5, 3+4), 2:30 p.m. on ACC Network. Sure hope the Tarheels win this one for Mack Brown. A good man.
Texas Christian (7-4, 5-3) vs. Cincinnati (5-6, 3-5), 5:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Frogs favored by 3.5.
Virginia Cavaliers (5-6, 3-4) vs. Virginia Tech (5-6, 3-4), 7:00 p.m. on the ACC Network. Lane Stadium tough place to play at night. Go Hoos. Hokies favored by 7.
Texas Longhorns Basketball
The Longhorns are 5-1 after last Friday’s 67-58 victory over Saint Joseph’s, winning the UKG Legends Classic. Horns back in action Friday night at The Moody Center, 8:00 game with the Delaware State Hornets.
Texas Longhorns Football
A look at the list of this week’s honors and awards
- Jahdae Barron, Jim Thorpe Award Finalist
- Kelvin Banks, Jr., Lombardi Award Finalist
- Kelvin Banks, Jr., Outland Trophy Finalist
- Anthony Hill, Jr., SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week
- Quinn Ewers and Gunnar Helm, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Semifinalists.
Texas One
The Texas One Fund is the official NIL collective that supports The University of Texas athletics. Texas One provides opportunities to Longhorns use their name, image, and likeness to promote charitable causes. Contributions to Texas One now count toward your Longhorn Foundation loyalty points. It is critically important to support Texas One and NIL for Longhorns. Consider a monthly donation. It makes a difference.
The Juan Heisman Tailgate
Last Saturday at Juan Heisman was another great annual Tamale & Frito Pie JHT Party. Special thanks to Rose Marie Hagman who got us the delicious homemade tamales from her cousin in Del Rio and also provided homemade salsa and queso. Thank you Rose Marie! Judd Messer’s pheasant poppers so good! – Thanks Caroline & Judd.
Great to have my sister Diana and her husband Scott join us.
Wonderful to have Chancellor JB Milliken and Nana and their guests at Juan Heisman! Grateful for Topo Chico!
Very honored to have the great Dr. Tom Hatfield attend Juan Heisman. Tom is a wonderful friend and an amazing historian and author. The leading American authority on D-Day and Normandy. He co-authored Frank Denius’ auto-biography, On The Way: My Life and Times, as well as penning General Earl Rudder’s biography, Rudder: From Leader to Legend.
Had a Texas bourbon tasting setup for our guests from Kentucky:
WKLF & TCT. UK JHT 2024. One of the best guys ever.
Gratitude
I got a lot of nice feedback on this last Thanksgiving, so reworking it for 2024.
As I have aged, and especially in the last 18 months, the more I understand and appreciate the importance of gratitude, and the more grateful I am. Just remarkable that something as simple as gratitude, that humans apparently learn as toddlers, can be such a complex, deep, and vital part of one’s life as you age. I appreciate more than one might imagine, as I still work too much, that one of the best steps in living life with an attitude of gratitude is slowing down, stopping to appreciate the “little things” in life. One of my favorite verses is from Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God”. It sounds simple, and in many ways it is. Just stop. Be still, be quiet, be with God. I have found it is more than that. When I am still, when I consciously try to shutout work and distractions, when I am on my walk and think about the simple beauties of His creation, I am more thankful. I use those quiet moments to reflect on God’s blessings, to give thanks, and to offer other prayers. Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.
I am blessed beyond measure with the fundamentals: Faith, Family, Friends. Those are the three pillars that sustain me spiritually and emotionally. We were blessed with Talley Fleming less than 6 weeks ago, and my grandchildren – and all my children (I include my sons-in-law) and Kathy are the great joy in my life. I try, not always successfully, to be constantly and consciously grateful for these blessings, and so many others. I have realized there is a fourth “F” for which I am more conscientiously grateful – Firm. My law firm – my partners, all of the people who work there. The support and friendships are deep and sustaining. Last January 1 marked the 25th anniversary of the merger of Small, Craig & Werkenthin and Jackson Walker. A quarter of century later, and we are the biggest firm in Texas and the biggest in Austin. A great quarter of a century with some of the best partners – in every sense of the word – that a lawyer, or any person in any profession, could ask for. And next May, I will have been practicing law with several of my partners for 38 years. It has been a remarkable run, and I am looking forward to many years ahead.
I discovered Charles Haddon Spurgeon several years ago.
Our gratitude ought to teach us the divine object of grace, and we ought to take care that it be attained. The Lord cannot have saved us at such an expense as the death of his own Son, for any reason less than that we should live unto him. What is the reckoning of all our grateful hearts about this? Is it not this, that if we are bought with a price, we are not our own: that if the Holy Spirit has given us a new nature, it must be that we should lead a new life, and that our new life must be consecrated to him who is the author of it? Beloved, true gratitude always leads us to serve, and it distinctly makes our healing Lord the object of our service; it puts him in the forefront.
From Spurgeon’s sermon The Ministry of Gratitude, delivered September 14, 1872.
Prayer works. Thanks giving works. Gratitude is healthy.
Washington & Lee University
The Generals conclude the 2024 campaign with a 7-4 record after a 40-11 win over Wilkes University in the Cape Henry Bowl. W&L rushed for 382 yards, led by Jacob Romero’s 151 yards on 19 carries, 1 touchdown, and Anthony Crawford’s 131 yards on 29 attempts. Ty Collins threw for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Congratulations to Harrison Donovan. A great career in Lexington. Jacob Romero was also first team All-ODAC, as were OL Tyler Halliday, Edge Will Mahmud, DB Jack Johnson, and DB Charlie Fleming. Senior linebacker Jalen Todd was ODAC Defensive Player of the Year and first team All-ODAC (124 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5.5 TFL).
Week Thirteen in the Southeastern Conference
As often happens in the short week of Thanksgiving, I am short on time for the Dispatch. That was especially true this week, as my interest in writing about the renewal of the rivalry with Texas Agricultural & Mechanical absorbed more time than most week’s matchups. So, not all games reviewed, but assume most of y’all skip this anyway.
Week 13 was full of upsets, and some of the biggest were in the SEC.
No. 15 Texas Agricultural & Mechanical 41, Auburn Tigers 43. What a football game. Four overtimes.
The Land Thieves got their biggest win since joining the conference with a big 24-3 beating of Bama. The OU defense shutdown Jalen Milroe, 11/26, 3 picks, 7 yards rushing, QBR of 15.4. Land Thief QB Jackson Arnold had a big day running, 131 yards. Land Thieves with 257 yards rushing.
Florida stunned No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17. Dart had 323 yards passing and 2 scores but also 2 picks. Ole Miss also fumbled. Rebels were favored by 11.5.
Georgia 59-21 over Massachusetts
Louisiana State 24-17 over Vanderbilt.
Tennessee beats UTEP 56-0.
South Carolina 56.12 over the Wofford Terriers.
Missouri 39-20 over Mississippi State.
Arkansas beat Louisiana Tech 35-14.
Week 13: Service Academies
No. 19 Army hammered by No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 49-14.
Air Force another win, 22-19 upset of Nevada.
Top 25 – Week Thirteen
No surprise that No. 2 Ohio State took care of business against No. 5 Indiana, 38-15. Buckeyes are very good.
No. 13 Southern Methodist Mustangs beat the Virginia Cavaliers 33-7.
No. 21 Arizona State 28, No. 14 Brigham Young 23. Skattebo 28 carries, 147 yards, 3 TDs.
Kansas with another upset, last week 37-21 over No. 16 Colorado.
No. 22 Iowa State 31-28 over at Utah. Utes are 4-7 with just 1 Big 12 win. Crazy.
All the Top 25 scores: College Football Scores Week 13, 2024 Regular Season – ESPN
Other Games of Interest – Week 13
North Carolina with a rough 41-21 loss at Boston College.
Stanford falls to Cal 24-21 in the Big Game.
Duke 31-28 over Virginia Tech.
Rice hammered 40-14 by UAB.
Texas Christian big over Arizona, 49-28.
Sand Aggies 56-48 over Oklahoma State. Tech scored 21 in fourth, Okie A&M scored 20. Nuts. Cowboys without a conference win.
Michigan 50-6 over Northwestern. Good win for the Wolverines.
Nebraska 44-25 over Wisconsin. GBR.
Southern Cal Trojans 19, UCLA Bruins 13.
Central Texas Food Bank
This season of the year is one in which gratitude and generosity are of prime importance. Helping the less fortunate is always at the top of my list, and helping feed the hungry is part of that. Help support the Central Texas Food Bank or the local food bank in your community.
https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/
Aggie Humor
Okay, some of the aggies won’t find this funny. I punt political correctness (and some might say good taste, right here). So, my aggie amigos, you might want to pass on the rest.
The Famous Aggie Hitler Rants. Some have been around for a while. For the record, I despise him and I despise and Nazis and fascism, and I don’t think aggies are either of those. Here are a couple of good ones.
2011, as the Aggies are preparing to go to the SEC.
Aggies lose to Arkansas:
I mentioned their traditions. I don’t get this one, and I really don’t want to.
The Ags are very proud of the Corps. And should be. They have produced a lot of fine officers and men and women who have served our nation. But the famous drawing of the saber against the Southern Methodist cheerleader is one of the most embarrassing aggie moves of all time.
https://youtu.be/dLM6UFrVPrU?si=Qg86ksEykLAvtqgK
If you have never been to Aggie Midnight Yell, check this out. Oh boy.
A great clip of one of the classic classless aggie moves. Throwing horse manure on the Texas band. Such great tradition!
Speaking of lack of class, how about this cheap shot.
From my great friend Brad Hawley, an Aggie Classic.
The only cow in the Texas A&M Dairy stopped giving milk. The graduate students in the dairy program did some research and found they could buy a cow from Texas Tech for $600.00.
They bought the cow from Lubbock, moved her to College Station and the cow was wonderful. It produced lots of milk all of the time, and the Aggie dairymen were pleased and very happy. They decided to acquire a bull to mate with the cow and produce more cows like it. Then they would never have to worry about their milk supply again.
So, they bought a bull and put it in the pasture with their Lubbock cow. However, whenever the bull came close to the cow, the cow would move away. No matter what approach the bull tried, the cow would move away from the bull, and he could not succeed in his quest.
The Aggie dairymen were very upset and decided to ask the Vet School Dean, who was very wise, what to do. They told the Dean what was happening: “Whenever the bull approaches our cow, she moves away. If he approaches from the back, she moves forward. When he approaches her from the front, she backs off. An approach from the side, and she walks away to the other side.”
The Dean thinks about this for a minute and asks, “Did you buy this cow in Lubbock?”
The Aggies were dumbfounded, since they had never mentioned where they bought the cow.
“You are truly a wise Vet,” they said. “How did you know we got the cow in Lubbock?”
The Dean replied with a distant look in his eye, “My wife is from Lubbock.”
Jim Nicar
Happy 100th birthday to U. T. Austin’s DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, dedicated on November 27, 1924. More than 35,000 fans watched Texas beat Texas A&M 7 – 0, while 27 persons were arrested for illegally bringing their “prescription whiskey” into the stadium with them.
From Jim’s Post on November 27, 2024.
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Pictures of the Week
My office is in this photo. 11th floor of 100 Congress.
From Aerial Austin’s Instagram post on November 26, 2024.
My first office working in Austin was on the 9th floor of the Littlefield Building. In this photo. First office to the right past the corner office over 6th and Congress (that was Walter Hall’s).
God Bless Texas
God Bless America
Dios y Tejas,
Tim Taylor
Member, Football Writers Association of America
Member, The Maxwell Football Club
Tailgating before Home Football Games
The Juan Heisman Tailgate
Lot 38, East of Sid Richardson Hall
HOOK EM HORNS!
The Austin Horns Fan Dispatch
Vol. XXI, No. 15
© Timothy C. Taylor, Sr. 2024. All Rights Reserved (as to original material).
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Tim Taylor P.O. Box 5371 Austin, Texas 78763-5371