To close out the regular season, No. 3 Texas A&M (11–0, 7–0 SEC) heads to Austin to face No. 16 Texas (8–3, 5–2 SEC) in a rivalry matchup loaded with playoff implications. Texas hasn’t had many margin-for-error games this year… and this one might demand the best performance the Longhorns have put on the field all season.
Here’s the final chapter of the keys to victory series:
The Aggie defense
A&M’s defense has been legit all year, and they’ve got plenty of muscle on that side of the ball. Like everyone else, though, they bring strengths and weaknesses that Texas must understand and attack.
Strengths
Third down dominance
According to the Houston Chronicle, the Aggies' opponents are converting just 22% of their third-down attempts. Inside the SEC, teams are only 8-for-55. That’s elite territory. If Texas gets behind the chains, they’re in trouble.
Consistent pass rush
Per Pro Football Network, A&M ranks 20th nationally in pressure rate. They’re steady, disciplined, and disruptive up front. And every protection meeting this week should start with one name in big bold letters:
He’s sitting at 11.5 sacks with a 9.7% sack rate — that’s as dangerous as it sounds. Texas must know where he is on every snap.
Weaknesses
Giving up chunk plays
For as good as the Aggie front is, the secondary still coughs up the occasional deep shot — especially 20+ yards downfield. If Texas protects, there’s room to attack. Ryan Wingo and Parker Livingstone could feast if Sarkisian dials it up at the right time.
Manning’s keys to a Texas win
Keep it simple
Sarkisian's quick-game menu has been Manning’s comfort blanket all season. Those rhythm throws settle him in, get the ball out fast, and soften aggressive fronts. Start there, then sprinkle in the surprises once A&M starts sitting on tendencies.
Use your legs
Just like we saw in the Arkansas game, Manning’s mobility has to be a real factor. With A&M’s pressure, he’ll need to climb, escape, extend, and occasionally tuck it and move the sticks himself. His legs can neutralize the pass rush in ways the playbook can’t.
Final thoughts
This matchup has “classic” written all over it, and Marcel Reed is the engine for A&M’s offense. Manning is the spark for Texas. The spotlight is huge, the stakes are bigger, and the playoff picture could tilt on this one game. If Texas is going to punch a postseason ticket, they’ll need every ounce of focus, execution, and playmaking they’ve got.