Texas used big plays from both of its big-name quarterbacks to take a 17-0 halftime lead over Texas A&M, making an early statement in the much-anticipated resumption of a rivalry put on ice for 13 years by conference realignment.
Second-year backup Arch Manning spelled starter Quinn Ewers for one play during the Longhorns’ second drive and promptly ran for a 15-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-2 to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead. It was the first time all season Manning was used in a package play situation.
Manning was originally ruled out at the 1-yard line, and Ewers was set to come back in, but replay determined Manning had hit the pylon as he dove for the goal line. Ewers himself had ripped off a 26-yard run earlier on the drive to convert a third-and-10. Texas had 87 rushing yards as a team in the first quarter.
Mobile Manning™️@ArchManning pic.twitter.com/ahLQVQjne4
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 1, 2024
Ewers came back on for Texas’ next possession and capped off an 80-yard drive by threading a ball into the arms of running back Jaydon Blue in the back corner of the end zone from seven yards out. The touchdown marked the Aggies’ fourth consecutive SEC game in which they faced a double-digit first-half deficit (a win against LSU and losses to South Carolina and Auburn).
Right on the money 🎯🤘@QuinnEwers @Jaydonblue23 pic.twitter.com/libA5zl92I
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 1, 2024
Ewers again led the Longhorns deep into A&M territory on their next drive, but they had to settle for a 28-yard Bert Auburn field goal. Auburn could not connect from 48 yards out on the final play of the half.
Saturday night’s game is the first meeting between the teams since 2011; the rivalry was paused when Texas A&M left the Big 12 for the SEC and restarted when Texas followed suit 13 years later. The winner will play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game next week in Atlanta. Texas (10-1, 6-1 SEC) entered the night with a greater than 99 percent chance of making the Playoff according to projections from The Athletic’s Austin Mock; for the 8-3 Aggies, the only remaining CFP path appeared to be through an SEC title.
(Photo: Tim Warner / Getty Images)
