In a high-stakes Texas vs Texas A&M rivalry showdown that carried playoff and conference implications, the Longhorns delivered a season-defining performance behind a dominant second half from Arch Manning. Trailing at halftime and struggling with inconsistency, Texas surged back to hand No. 3 Texas A&M its first loss of the season, reshaping the SEC race and reviving the Longhorns’ slim College Football Playoff hopes.
The win also marked Texas’ second straight victory over its in-state rival in a renewed matchup loaded with emotion, history and postseason consequence.
Key Takeaways: Texas vs Texas A&M Upset and Its Impact on SEC Title Race & CFP Rankings
- Texas ended Texas A&M’s undefeated season with a comeback powered by Arch Manning’s explosive second-half performance.
- The loss removed Texas A&M from SEC Championship Game contention and is projected to drop the Aggies from No. 3 to around No. 7.
- Texas strengthened its College Football Playoff case with its third top-15 win of the season.
- Late interceptions by Michael Taaffe and Kobe Black secured the Longhorns’ victory.
- The rivalry’s return highlighted the 15-year gap since A&M last defeated Texas.
A Tense Opening Sets the Tone for a Classic Rivalry Battle
The latest Texas vs Texas A&M clash opened with tension on both sidelines. Texas absorbed a pregame setback when linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. was ruled out, while the Longhorns attempted to generate instant momentum with a wide-receiver pass on the opening snap. Both teams then struggled to establish rhythm as early drops and stalled drives kept the score low.
Texas missed an early chance to seize control when a possible pass interference call involving Ryan Wingo went unflagged. Meanwhile, A&M faced its own concerns as quarterback Marcel Reed briefly left the field after appearing to twist his ankle. Despite these disruptions, the Aggies built a 10–3 halftime lead behind KC Concepcion’s eight-yard touchdown run and a steady field goal from Jared Zirkel.
Second-Half Surge: How Arch Manning Transformed the Game
The second half belonged entirely to Arch Manning. After a Texas defensive stop to open the third quarter, Manning launched a 54-yard strike to tight end Jack Endries that electrified the stadium and shifted momentum sharply in Texas’ favor. Moments later, he scrambled and connected with Ryan Wingo in the end zone for a drive that symbolized the Longhorns’ renewed confidence.
A&M responded through EJ Smith, but Manning maintained composure, leading another polished scoring march capped by tight end Nick Townsend. The defining moment arrived on a critical third-and-three when Manning kept the ball himself and sprinted 35 yards for a highlight rushing touchdown that showcased his growing command of the offense.
Based on your provided data, Manning completed 14 of 29 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown, while adding seven carries for 53 yards and a key rushing score.
Texas Defense Slams the Door on A&M’s Late Rally
The Aggies attempted a final push, but Texas’ secondary delivered the night’s most decisive blows. With 3:24 remaining, senior safety Michael Taaffe intercepted Marcel Reed in the end zone, eliminating a potential game-tying opportunity. On the subsequent possession, freshman defensive back Kobe Black picked Reed off again, enabling the Longhorns to drain the clock and secure the win.
Reed finished with 180 passing yards and 71 rushing yards on 13 carries, but the late interceptions proved costly.
How the Loss Reshapes Texas A&M’s Season
Texas A&M entered the matchup at No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings with control of its path to the SEC Championship Game. Your provided material confirms that the Aggies needed either a win against Texas or losses by both Alabama and Ole Miss. That scenario vanished earlier in the day when Ole Miss won the Egg Bowl, leaving a victory against Texas as their only route — and the upset shut it down.
Analysts project Texas A&M to fall outside the top four, potentially down to No. 7, although they remain positioned for a berth in the new 12-team CFP structure.
Texas Rekindles Its Playoff Hopes With a Signature Win
The upset victory marks Texas’ third top-15 win of the season after beating No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 11 Vanderbilt earlier in the year. With losses to No. 1 Ohio State and No. 4 Georgia already on their résumé, the CFP committee may weigh the Longhorns’ high-quality wins favorably.
Your sourced information notes that Texas entered the week ranked No. 16 and could rise into the top 12. However, history shows that three-loss teams face an uphill battle: last season’s 12-team playoff bracket included only one — Clemson, which qualified solely due to winning the ACC.
Still, this win keeps Texas in the national conversation heading into the next CFP ranking reveal.
A Rivalry Rooted in Decades of History and a Snapshot of 2010
Your materials traced the last Texas A&M victory over Texas back to 2010, highlighting performances by Von Miller and Ryan Tannehill and placing the moment within the cultural context of the time — Cam Newton’s Heisman season, Spain’s World Cup win, Rihanna’s chart dominance and the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
After a 13-year break caused by Texas A&M’s move to the SEC, the rivalry’s 2024 renewal carried emotional and historical weight that added depth to the Longhorns’ triumph.
A Night That Shifts Momentum and Rewrites Postseason Expectations
Texas’ comeback over Texas A&M was more than a rivalry victory — it was a pivotal moment that reshapes both programs’ postseason trajectories. Manning’s emergence, the Longhorns’ defensive resolve and A&M’s late-game miscues combined to upend the SEC picture and revive Texas’ narrow path to the College Football Playoff. As the rivalry resumes after years of absence, this edition of Texas vs Texas A&M will stand as a defining chapter for both teams.
FAQs on Texas vs Texas A&M: Arch Manning’s Stunning Longhorns Comeback
1. What was the key turning point in the Texas vs Texas A&M game?
Arch Manning’s 54-yard pass to Jack Endries early in the third quarter shifted momentum and sparked Texas’ second-half comeback.
2. How did Texas end Texas A&M’s perfect season?
Texas dominated the second half with Manning’s passing, a 35-yard rushing touchdown, and two late interceptions by the Longhorns’ defense.
3. How does this loss affect Texas A&M’s SEC Championship chances?
The loss eliminated Texas A&M from SEC Championship contention, as they needed either a victory over Texas or losses by Ole Miss and Alabama.
4. Can Texas still reach the College Football Playoff after beating A&M?
Yes, Texas remains a long-shot CFP contender due to three top-15 wins, though history shows three-loss teams rarely qualify without a conference title.
5. How did Arch Manning perform in the Texas vs Texas A&M rivalry match?
Manning completed 14 of 29 passes for 170 yards, added 53 rushing yards, and delivered two second-half touchdowns that fueled Texas’ comeback.
