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A&M Beats Texas in Thriller; Clinches Big 12 South
Austin, Texas-Texas A&M went into the annual day after Thanksgiving showdown with high hopes of continued greatness for the season, and in the end after many ups and downs of the game the Aggies again showed their toughness and resiliency to beat the Longhorns. The Aggies were looking for their first Big 12 South Title since 1998 and their third overall. The game was played in the worst of conditions as the rain poured down at DKR Stadium. The Longhorns were riding a 19 game home winning streak coming into this one and both teams had double digit win streaks, but the Aggies were not about to back down, and came out physical and firing on all cylinders.
Big Hit by the Aggies Sets the Tone
The Longhorns got the ball to start the game and the Aggies defense cam out ready to play. A couple of big hits and good coverage held Texas to a three-and-out. The Aggies got the ball and Tannehill looked to lead his team yet again. He drove his team right down the field into scoring position. Tannehill would be the story of the day as his ups and downs seemed to go up and down with the team and his ultimate injury would allow Texas to take a late lead. With the Aggies knocking on the door Tannehill decide he would stop at nothing to get into the endzone, and broke several Longhorn tackles to take the lead.
Tannehill Gives the Aggies the Early Lead
The Aggies were flying high after taking the early lead, and it showed by their play. The Aggies were flying to the ball on defense, and every hit they made could be felt throughout the entire burnt orange stadium. The Longhorns tried their best to answer the Aggies score, but the "Lone Star Defense" proved to be to tough again. Garret Gilbert was under pressure all game as the speedy Aggies defensive line virtually had its way with the Texas offensive line. The Aggies got the ball back and once again were able to move the ball on the elite Longhorns defense. After moving down into scoring range Tannehill found an open receiver in the back of the endzone for the 14-0 lead. Texas would stall again on it's next drive, but the Aggies would be faced with a big third down just shy of midfield. Tannehill would connect with McCoy over the middle to give the Aggies a new set of downs, and it would appear that the Aggies were on their way to a blowout.
McCoy Makes the First Down Catch
With the Aggies looking to take their largest lead in many years against the Horns, but then the Longhorns defense finally stepped up and made a play to keep Texas' hopes alive. Tannehill tried to force in a post route that was intercepted by the Texas linebacker. The Longhorns and Aggies would exchange punts giving Texas the ball back. A hit by Nealy on Gilbert knocked the first year starter out of the game temporarily. In stepped Harris who the Horns hoped could step in and lead the Horns down on a drive. The Aggies turned up the pressure with Harris in the game, and it payed of for the Aggies. Harris threw a rushed throw into double coverage that was intercepted by defensive leader and freshman star FS Ryan Williams, who was playing with a strained achilles.
Williams Makes a Pick Play for the Aggies
The WIlliams pick set the Aggies up with good field position. With a 14-0 lead it was vital for the Aggies to get at least some points in order to extend their lead. The Aggies played it conservative on the drive and settled for a chip shot field goal. Bullock nailed it and gave the Aggies a 17-0 lead. The half would come to an end after the Horns weren't able to move the ball and were forced to punt with under 20 seconds left in the half. The Aggies took a knee to send it to halftime with a 17-0 lead, playing good and looking like they had control over the game.
The second half would start the same as the Aggies would march down the field, but it would come with consequence, as Russell went down. It has been reported that he has a strained PCL and is questionable for the Big 12 Champioship game. The Aggies settled for a 45 yard field goal to take the 20-0 lead. The Longhorns were finally able to move the ball and scored their first touchdown to cut the lead to two scores late in the third quarter. The Aggies however were able to respond with a touchdown of their own, but again it would turn out to be costly as Tannehill went down for the game with an injury. The Aggies still had to feel good with a comfortable with a 27-7 lead. The Longhorns were able to score again to make the lead 27-14 with just over 3 minutes remaining. Texas kicked it deep and the Aggies got a solid return to the 40 yard line. After a first down the Aggies stalled out at midfield. With a 12 MPH wind at their back the Aggies elected to kick the 67 yard field goal. If they made it the game would be all but sealed, but a miss would give the Horns great field position. Bullock's kick was up and right on line, but the kick went off the front of the upright and fell short. The Horns were able to take advantage of the field position and score to cut the lead to one score with just under 2 minutes left at 27-21. The Longhorns went for the onside kick following the TD, and were able to recover it. After three play Gilbert hit Williams who broke a tackle and went in for the score from 50+ yards out giving Texas its first lead of the game 28-27 with 1 minute left in the game. Most ordinary teams would have folded in their tent, but the Aggies proved yet again that they are not ordinary. The Aggies got the kick and returned it to the Aggies 40 yard line. Dorman led his team down the field and Bullock would be given another chance with three seconds left on the clock. This time Bullock would easily make the much shorter kick, and the Aggies celebrated the victory 30-28.
Bullock Hits the Field Goal to Win the Big 12 South
The Aggies sidelined erupted as the kick went through the goal posts, and the Aggies had clinched their first division title in 12 years, and only their third overall. The Aggies, 1-1 in the Big 12 Championship Game, wait to see who they will play as Colorado, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State look like they will finish in a three way tie. Texas A&M beat heavy favorite Kansas State, who was in line to play in the National Championship, in 1998 36-33 in overtime, and lost to eventual National Champion Nebraska 54-15 in 1997. If Texas A&M were to play Kansas State the Wildcats would look to get their revenge from 1998 as the roles will be reversed with A&M poised to be in the Title game. The Aggies will have a couple of weeks to heal up before the game, and hopefully will be at full strength when they meet the North Champion in Dallas, Texas.
The Lone Star Showdown Trophy that the Aggies are Taking Home
