SEC officials controversially overturn Andrew Mukuba targeting call, Mike Elko livid

Texas safety Andrew Mukuba was called for targeting late in the second quarter against rival Texas A&M, before the call was overturned on replay. That overturn was much to the chagrin of the Aggie faithful in Kyle Field or head coach Mike Elko.

After officials reviewed Mukuba’s hit on Aggies wideout Jabre Barber — a part of Mukuba’s helmet near the crown made contact with Barber’s facemask as the safety came across his face — and allowed him to remain in the game, Elko was livid. He rushed out to the officials on the field for an explanation.

But with the call already overturned, all Elko could do was make his anger known as the intensity ratchets up in a reborn rivalry.

Should this have been targeting on Andrew Mukuba? pic.twitter.com/hkiLioFCXH

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) December 1, 2024

Texas held a 14-0 lead over the Aggies at the time of the review, and forced a punt to get the ball back and try and take a bigger lead.

Texas held the lead going into the half

The first 30 minutes of the reborn Lone Star Showdown were good for Texas, with the Longhorns rolling into Kyle Field and commanding a 17-0 lead at the half. And much of that was because of solid play from the quarterback position.

And head coach Steve Sarkisian not only was pleased with the strong play of Quinn Ewers, who dealt with an ankle injury all week, but how backup Arch Manning has played when sprinkled in as a “change up.” At the half, Ewers had a passing touchdown and Manning a rushing touchdown.

“Well I think they’re both playing good football,” Sarkisian said to ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe at the half. “Quinn is moving well in the pocket. He’s taking advantage of some shots downfield. He’s being efficient. And Arch has got a great athleticism, we’re just trying to use him as a little change up.”

At the half, Ewers was 11-for-17 passing for 142 yards and a touchdown. Manning came in and carried the ball twice in the red zone for 17 total yards and the games opening score.

And on the flip side, the Longhorns defense was stout, stifling the Texas A&M attack from the jump, including a first-half takeaway via an interception.

“Well we’re winning on first and second down and then the key to the drill is winning on third down. But that big stop to start and then the turnover was big, as well,” Sarkisian said.