A recent study by The Athletic supports Texas A&M’s strategy for a successful SEC season, citing the importance of home-field advantage. With Kyle Field declared the toughest place to play in college football, Aggies coach Mike Elko is counting on the 12th Man to boost their chances against rival Texas.
The third-ranked Longhorns hold an edge at quarterback, but can Quinn Ewers hold off animosity from the hostile crowd? A&M’s success this season has been bolstered by such situations in previous games against Missouri and LSU.
This week’s matchup lacks controversy, as both teams have maintained sportsmanship throughout the lead-up to the game. The Aggies’ motivation for a win lies not only in clinching the SEC title but also avoiding another appearance against Georgia in the league title game.
The Longhorns’ path to the playoffs remains clear, even with a potential loss to A&M or Georgia. However, a victory over the Aggies could bolster their CFP case. Texas has already secured style points for beating Oklahoma and Florida, while A&M’s win over Notre Dame provides a strong resume boost under Elko’s steady leadership.
Quinn Ewers’ ankle injury raises questions about his mobility in big games. A strong pass rush by A&M could limit the Longhorns to one-dimensional play. While both teams have solid defenses, Kyle Field’s unique atmosphere might be the deciding factor in Saturday’s matchup.
Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-longhorns/2024/11/29/texas-longhorns-am-aggies-football-preview-rivalry