Texas A&M Aggies vs. Texas Longhorns Preview: Keys to Victory

Both sides of the newly revived Lone Star Showdown will have a lot to prove when they hit the field for the final week of the regular season. Here are ways that both could emerge victorious with quite a bit on the line.

Nov 16, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) watches the play during the first quarter against the New Mexico State Aggies at Kyle Field. / Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

COLLEGE STATION, Tx. — As the Texas A&M Aggies look to punch their ticket to the SEC Championship game, there will be plenty of factors to watch.

Between Marcel Reed, Noah Thomas and a still-questionable Rueben Owens for the Aggies and a hampered Quinn Ewers, Jaydon Blue and Isaiah Bond for the Longhorns, the offensive side of both teams will make for an exciting matchup, and that's before considering the defensive stars on either end.

With the newly revived Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown — resuming after a 13-year hiatus as a result of Texas A&M leaving the Big 12 for the SEC — all eyes will be on Kyle Field, especially with potential playoff implications at stake.

That being said, here are some keys to the game for both squads in order to emerge victorious:

Controlling Momentum

Momentum will play a large role in the game, with the Longhorns being at a disadvantage. Kyle Field will be the loudest it has been in close to a decade, no doubt, but if Texas can generate early offense and take a lead, it could blow the game open and make life extremely difficult for Texas A&M.

On the flip side, the Aggies have a seemingly quick ticket to energy. Simple things like completing quick passes for first downs or staying on the field on third downs will be a way to feed off the crowd, while any-and-all defensive stops will also send the fans in a frenzy.

And if experience says anything, Texas should be weary of "Mo Bamba" — even if he is a former Longhorn himself.

Starting Fast

Times have shown that the Aggies struggle with playing from behind. They certainly have the talent to not only compete with the Longhorns but beat them — especially at home. In order to do so, however, they'll need to captivate the crowd and turn positive gains into points.

If Marcel Reed can make things happen with his legs and through the air, he'll set the Aggies up for offensive success, especially early on. Compound that with defensive stops, and they could take an early lead.

After that, the Aggies will have to fidn a way to keep it.

---

Join the Community:

You can follow us for future coverage by subscribing to our newsletter here. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @AllAggiesOnSI & follow us on Twitter at @TAMUAggiesSI

MORE TEXAS A&M AGGIES NEWS:

Texas A&M Aggies vs. Texas Longhorns Kickoff Time Announced

Texas A&M Aggies RB Rueben Owens Questionable vs. Texas Longhorns

Texas A&M Aggies vs. Texas Longhorns Tickets Reach Record Prices

Lone Star Showdown Reborn: Texas A&M Aggies vs. Texas Longhorns Preview

Mike Elko Provides Positive Injury Update vs. Texas Longhorns