The Texas Longhorns host bitter rival Texas A&M on Black Friday at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. This time, it is the Horns in the role of spoiler. The Aggies are trying for an unbeaten season. Texas has a very slim chance at the college football playoff. The Aggies are all but guaranteed.
That’s why a win by the Longhorns will burn Aggies fans for years. Texas is the A&M boogyman, the Big Brother that always ruins everything. The Horns are the team A&M joined the SEC to get away from, only to have the conference beg for Texas to join.
While Aggies fans are very confident, there has to be a fear Texas will do it again. There has to be trepidation that Texas has played a much tougher schedule than the Aggies. They have to dread Big Brother is coming.
Tommy Bresee Prediction:
If you asked me to make this pick on Monday, my answer is Texas A&M. Throughout the week, I’ve been convinced of two things that make me lean towards the Longhorns now.
First, I believe in Arch Manning’s ability to navigate the pocket, avoid pressure and make big plays for this offense. Second, I believe in the mental makeup of Texas, particularly the veterans.Anthony Hill Jr., Michael Taaffe, Tre Wisner and the rest of the leaders will have the focus and energy in the right place.
Call it wishful thinking, but I believe the Longhorns put together their best performance of the season and add a blemish to the Aggies resume.
Final score: Texas 31, Texas A&M 27
Jamie Gatlin Prediction:
The Longhorns will finish up the regular season against one of the best teams in the country in Texas A&M. Heading into play on Friday, the Aggies are ranked as the third-best team in the country. This will be a challenging game for Texas, which struggled in its last match-up against a ranked opponent.
To shock the college football world, they will need the offense firing on all cylinders like it was against Arkansas. The Aggies, however, will be ready for that and make life hard for Arch Manning. This should be a competitive game, but ultimately, Texas A&M should emerge with a win.
Final score: Texas A&M 30, Texas 20
Trey Luerssen Prediction:
The Aggies best win is a 41-40 victory at Notre Dame. A&M’s second best win? Against LSU, the game that got Brian Kelly fired? A&M has struggled against some teams they should have blasted, like Arkansas and South Carolina. If the Aggies played Texas schedule, would they be undefeated? There’s no way of knowing, unless of course they can’t beat Texas.
I just have a feeling it will happen to the Aggies again. I think mental blocks are real. I think Texas pulls the upset.
Final score: Texas 31, Texas A&M 28
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns Wire staff predictions for Texas Football vs. Texas A&M
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
