Momentum Shifts: Aggies fall in highly-anticipated rivalry renewal

This past weekend, the Aggies hosted the long-awaited return of the Lone Star Showdown, a rivalry that carries weight for the entire state. With more than a decade since our last clash, this game was not only about bragging rights — it was about a shot at the SEC Championship. The atmosphere was electric, and the stakes were monumental. However, the game ultimately fell short of its legendary potential and was filled with inconsistent offensive execution and missed opportunities on both sides of the ball. It was a defensive battle that saw both teams fail to capitalize on crucial moments.

Here are my thoughts about last weekend's performance.

The Bad

Offensive Struggles: Marcel Reed was 16-of-23 for 146 yards and an interception. Reed started hot, leading a sharp opening drive that had me hoping that the Aggies had turned a corner in the passing game. However, as the game progressed, the offense stalled and was unable to score any points.

Reed’s inability to connect with receivers downfield limited A&M’s ability to stretch the defense, and his interception was a crucial mistake that was not forced, but it was just a bad decision. Additionally, A&M’s momentum stalled when the Aggies tried to mount a comeback. The lack of rhythm in the passing game, compounded by struggles in pass protection and route timing, made it difficult to sustain drives.

Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Marcel Reed led A&M is rushing wth 56 yards.

Another issue for our offense was our struggles in the rushing attack. Being able to run the football consistently has been a centerpiece for the Aggies all season, but this weekend, it was not enough. The Aggies were held to just 102 rushing yards, well below our season average. The loss of Le’Veon Moss, Mark Nabou Jr. and the injury to Chase Bisontis have proven to be critical for our offense's overall success. What this team has been able to do despite all the injuries and adversity has been beyond impressive. They should be proud.

Missed Opportunities: Texas A&M had several golden chances to shift momentum, but costly mistakes in key moments kept them from seizing control:

• Missed sacks on third down: A&M’s defensive front often got into the backfield but failed to bring Quinn Ewers down on several third-and-long situations. Ewers turned potential drive-ending plays into backbreaking first downs, keeping Texas’ offense alive. Against a team of Texas’ caliber, these missed sacks are huge momentum-changing play.
• Dropped interceptions: Will Lee III had a chance to pick off Ewers in the red zone, a play that could have flipped the script early. Bryce Anderson’s missed opportunity on third-and-7 was even more painful, as the deflected pass landed perfectly in Gunnar Helm’s hands for a crucial first down. Both plays allowed Texas to extend drives and ultimately find the end zone. If the Aggies could’ve capitalized on these two plays alone, the outcome of the game might have been totally different.
• Red zone failures: The Aggies’ inability to convert in the red zone was perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the game. This season, the Aggies have been excellent in the red zone, being able to punch it in with our efficient running game. However, this weekend was a different story. On the opening drive, A&M reached fourth-and-1 in the red zone only to be stopped short, leaving points on the field. The same thing happened again on the final drive, with the offense once again being stonewalled on the 1-yard line. These failures to finish drives turned potential touchdowns into missed opportunities that haunted the Aggies.

Defensive Struggles Against the Run: Texas’ rushing attack was relentless, piling up over 240 yards on the ground. The Longhorns dominated the line of scrimmage, exposing gaps in the Aggies’ run defense and extending drives by grinding out tough yards. Tackling issues have been a problem in recent weeks, and Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner showed that by rushing for 186 yards. With this great rushing game, Texas controlled the clock and kept A&M’s defense on the field far too long. While the secondary effectively limited Ewers’ impact through the air, the inability to stop the run proved costly in the time management of the game.

Sara Diggins/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Will Lee III’s 93-yard pick-six accounted for Texas A&M’s only points of the night.

The Good

Second-Half Resilience: Trailing 17-0 at halftime, the Aggies looked lifeless. But credit must be given to the coaching staff and defense for the adjustments they made during the break. The Aggies pitched a shutout in the second half, holding Texas scoreless and giving the offense every opportunity to claw back into the game.

One of the game’s brightest moments came on defense — a pick-six that injected life into the crowd and the team. The play served as a reminder of this defense’s ability to make big plays in crucial moments.

Defensive Adjustments: The second-half improvements weren’t just about effort. They were tactical. The Aggies tightened their gaps, tackled more effectively and put pressure on Ewers in key situations. The ability to limit Texas to zero points after halftime speaks volumes about this team’s resilience and ability to adapt, even when things look bleak.

The Outlook - Year 1 under Mike Elko

When you step back and evaluate the bigger picture, this season has been nothing short of a major step forward. At the start of the year, few would have predicted that Texas A&M, under a first-year head coach, would enter the final game of the regular season with a chance to play for the SEC Championship. That in itself is a testament to what Mike Elko has accomplished in such a short time.

This loss to Texas, as painful as it is, highlights two things: the team’s incredible potential and the work still to be done.

The foundation is here. Elko has instilled a toughness and fight in this team that was evident in the second half, even when the game seemed out of reach. The next step is turning flashes of brilliance into consistent execution, especially in critical moments.

With one game left, the focus now shifts to finishing the season strong. The Aggies have a chance to cap off this year with momentum heading into the offseason and to solidify the culture that Elko is building. The road ahead is bright, and this loss, while disappointing, is just a chapter in what promises to be an exciting future for Texas A&M football.

Gig ’Em, and let’s finish strong!