Texas Shocks Undefeated Aggies: Can Three-Loss Longhorns Make Playoff?
The Texas Longhorns have once again asserted their dominance over their archrival, Texas A&M, in a thrilling college football showdown. The Longhorns’ stunning 27-17 comeback victory not only handed the Aggies their first loss of the season but also shook up the College Football Playoff (CFP) landscape.
The win, fueled by a remarkable second-half performance from quarterback Arch Manning and running back Quintrevion Wisner, has given Texas a glimmer of hope for a playoff berth. Their shot is slim—just 4 percent, if you believe The Athletic’s model—but hey, hope is hope.
Here’s a closer look at the game’s wildest moments, the players who changed everything, and what might be next for both teams.
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Texas Longhorns’ Second-Half Surge
The first half was rough for Texas. A&M’s defense clamped down, holding Arch Manning to only 51 passing yards.
The Aggies led 10-3 at halftime and looked like they might finally grab that elusive SEC championship berth. But Texas wasn’t about to roll over.
Quintrevion Wisner’s Breakout Performance
Quintrevion Wisner, whose season had been derailed by injuries, suddenly broke loose in the second half. His runs—48, 16, 17, and 11 yards—kept the chains moving and took some heat off Manning.
Wisner ended up with 155 yards on 19 carries. He was exactly the spark Texas needed, and you could feel the momentum shift.
Arch Manning’s Redemption
Manning started shaky, but he found his groove after halftime. He hit nine of his next 12 passes and made a statement with a 35-yard touchdown run that put the game out of reach.
That second half felt like a coming-of-age moment for Manning. He showed flashes of the guy Texas fans have been waiting for.
Impact on College Football Playoff Picture
With this upset, Texas now has wins over three current top 15 teams: Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt. Their playoff hopes are still faint, mostly because of their 9-3 record and that ugly loss to 3-8 Florida.
Coach Steve Sarkisian made his case for Texas in the CFP, pointing to their tough schedule and close loss to No. 1 Ohio State. It’s a long shot, but you can’t blame him for trying.
The Aggies’ Playoff Prospects
Texas A&M, even with the loss, is still in the CFP conversation at 11-1. They’ll probably drop out of the top four and miss a first-round bye, though.
Now it’s about regrouping. The Aggies have to shake this one off if they want to make a real run at the national championship.
Key Players and Moments
This game was packed with big plays and performances that swung the outcome. A few names stand out:
- Arch Manning: Shook off a rough start and led the comeback, making clutch plays through the air and on the ground.
- Quintrevion Wisner: His 155 rushing yards changed the tone, giving Texas the balance they’d been missing.
- Michael Taaffe: Came up huge with an interception at the Horns’ 3-yard line, pretty much sealing it.
- Tyler Onyedim: The Aggies’ defensive tackle was a problem all night, showing off his quickness and knack for disruption.
Defensive Struggles and Adjustments
Both defenses had their moments and their lapses. Texas A&M’s offense, usually explosive, got bottled up most of the night.
Texas’ defense, meanwhile, made the stops they needed—especially late in the game. Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Looking Ahead
This result shakes things up for both teams. For Texas, the win is proof they can hang with the big boys, even if the playoff door is almost closed.
For Texas A&M, it’s a gut punch, but the national title is still out there. They’ll need to bounce back fast.
Texas Longhorns’ Future
Playoff hopes? Not looking great, but this win over A&M gives Texas something real to build on. Manning’s growth and Wisner’s return to form are reasons for optimism.
Texas A&M’s Path to Redemption
The Aggies have to regroup fast as the CFP looms. Missing out on the SEC championship hurts, but honestly, this team still has the pieces to make a serious run at the national title.
KC Concepcion and Mario Craver—those two are going to be huge if Texas A&M wants to turn things around. You can feel the pressure on them, but maybe that’s what’ll push them to the next level.
If you’re looking for more details about the game or want to dig into the aftermath, check out the full article on the New York Times.
