Texas A&M (11-0, 7-0 SEC) remains undefeated after shutting out Samford (1-11) 48-0 on Saturday afternoon, reaching 11-0 for the first time since 1992, and will now head to Austin later this week to take on the Texas Longhorns in the most crucial game of the year thus far.
Suppose the Aggies can leave DKR with a win. In that case, they’ll head to its first SEC Championship Game in program history, and while a loss wouldn’t hurt Texas A&M’s standing in the College Football Playoff, head coach Mike Elko and his determined roster are looking to seek some revenge after falling to the Longhorns 17-7 in Kyle Field last season.
Defeating a Samford team with just one win on the year isn’t impressive on its face, but A&M’s defense held the Bulldogs to 77 yards, which is the lowest yardage total since 1996. On offense, star quarterback Marcel Reed was pulled before the second half, but still threw for 120 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with WR Ashton Bethel-Roman for two of his three scores.
This game provided another opportunity to watch younger players on the roster, including freshman edge Marco Jones, who led the team with seven tackles. Still, getting out to a 28-0 lead at halftime was good news for head coach Mike Elko, who was able to rest his entire starting offense and defense heading into the short week.
Set to face a Texas team desperate for a win to have any shot at making the College Football Playoff, Texas A&M, even with a loss, is a lock for the CFP, but needs to finish 12-0 to impress the Selection Committee and earn a top 4 playoff spot.
After the win, the Aggies did not move in the latest AP Top 25 Poll, staying at No. 3 heading into Rivalry Week.
AP Top 25 after Week 13
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M stays pat in the latest AP Top 25 Poll after Week 13
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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