In college football, the Texas A&M Aggies and Texas Longhorns are getting plenty of attention as they tackle a season packed with big games and even bigger expectations. The Aggies, sitting at No. 3, are hoping to punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff, but first, they’ve got to get past a tricky road game at Missouri.
The Longhorns, meanwhile, are on a four-game winning streak. Their upcoming schedule could make or break their playoff hopes. Columnists Kirk Bohls and Cedric Golden have weighed in, offering their takes on both teams and the season’s biggest stories.
Texas A&M’s Road to the College Football Playoff
Texas A&M looks like a team built for a deep playoff run. But before they can even think about that, they’ll need to handle Missouri—a game that feels like it could be a trap.
The Aggies have already proven themselves with tough road wins over Notre Dame and LSU. Still, Missouri might be their toughest test yet.
Key Players and Matchups
Missouri’s starting quarterback, Beau Pribula, is out. That means Ahmad Hardy steps in—he’s been impressive, racking up 11 touchdowns and 937 rushing yards.
Even with Hardy’s numbers, Missouri’s leaning on a freshman backup at quarterback. That’s a tall order against Texas A&M’s defense, especially with edge rusher Cashius Howell, who’s in the running for the Nagurski Trophy, coming after him.
Bohls and Golden both pick the Aggies to win, calling it 34-21 and 38-28. They’re betting on A&M’s complete team effort and Missouri’s struggle to keep up for all four quarters.
The Texas Longhorns’ Playoff Aspirations
The Texas Longhorns are making their case for a playoff spot. They’ve won four straight and knocked off Top 10 teams like Oklahoma and Vanderbilt.
Their only loss? A close one, on the road, to Ohio State.
Strengths and Challenges
Kirk Bohls points to the Longhorns’ hot streak and a surging offense. Quarterback Arch Manning is finally looking like the guy everyone expected—18 touchdowns, 2,123 yards, and counting.
The offensive line has stepped up, and Manning’s been sharp lately: six touchdowns, just one pick in his last two games. That’s got people talking.
Golden’s on the same page. He credits Manning’s breakout and the O-line’s best stretch of the year. The defense, even with injuries, has kept them in the playoff mix thanks to a respected coordinator.
Other Major Storylines in College Football
Outside of Texas A&M and Texas, plenty of teams and players are making waves. Bohls and Golden have thoughts on some of the season’s most interesting twists.
Potential Upsets and Key Games
Bohls is calling for an upset—he thinks Iowa could take down No. 9 Oregon. Iowa’s quarterback, Mark Gronowski, transferred from South Dakota State and brings a dual-threat game with 11 rushing touchdowns.
The Hawkeyes’ new-look offense might just help them squeak out a win. Golden agrees Iowa’s a threat, pointing to their improved attack. Both teams are fighting for a spot in the Big Ten title game, so there’s a lot on the line.
Coaching and Player Performances
Georgia Tech and Louisville are worth watching as the season winds down. Georgia Tech’s 8-1, with wins over Clemson and Duke. Louisville’s 7-1 and has a decent shot at the ACC championship game.
Both teams could shake things up in their conferences. Individually, Georgia quarterback Stockton’s taken a step forward, but he’s not quite elite yet. His mobility and a big game against Ole Miss stand out, though he’s still got something to prove nationally.
Final Thoughts
The Texas A&M Aggies and Texas Longhorns are both in a strong spot right now. They’re looking to shake things up in the College Football Playoff.
Their next few games? Absolutely crucial. Where they land in the final standings could come down to just a few key plays.
Meanwhile, teams like Iowa, Georgia Tech, and Louisville aren’t just sitting back. They’re pushing hard for a shot at postseason glory.
College football never really sits still, does it? Fans can count on some wild, unpredictable moments as the season winds down.
If you’re after deeper analysis and the nitty-gritty details, check out the full article on the Houston Chronicle’s website here.
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