What we learned from Texas' 17-7 win over Texas A&M

In a much-anticipated showdown, Texas once again reminded everyone who owns this rivalry. The Longhorns controlled most of the game, but in true holiday spirit, they gave the Aggies just enough hope to keep things closer than it ever should have been.

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First-Half Dominance

Quinn Ewers came out looking like the Michigan version of himself—calm, confident, and locked in. He was standing tall in the pocket, reading the field like a pro, and even taking off when he needed to. His deep-ball accuracy and anticipation? The sharpest we’ve seen all season since Michigan?

Then the third quarter happened, and Ewers started “Quinning.” A pick-six and a red-zone fumble completely flipped the momentum, giving the Aggies life they didn’t deserve. If Texas wants to compete for a national championship, Ewers has to stay focused and bring that first-half energy for all four quarters.

Arch Manning’s Breakout Moment

Sark continues to show why he’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. Putting Arch Manning in for read-option plays was a genius move. That fourth-down touchdown run where he powered through defender, that wasn’t just a play; it was a statement.

ARCH MANNING 😤 pic.twitter.com/t6Qvj0t0bT

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) December 1, 2024

This wrinkle in the offense will give defensive coordinators nightmares. Are we witnessing Chris Leak and Tim Tebow 2.0? Who knows, but the potential is real. Manning adds a dynamic that we haven’t had in years.

Tre Wisner: Texas’ Next Great RB

Tre Wisner is officially that guy. Over the past two games, he’s shown he’s a force to be reckoned with. Against the Aggies, he ran like his life depended on it—breaking tackles, making defenders miss, and grinding out extra yards after contact.

Wisner has gone from special teams ace to offensive centerpiece. He’s earned the spotlight, and he’s going to shine.

Kyle Flood’s Offensive Line: A Game-Changer

The offensive line? They deserve all the praise. Earlier this season, the lack of a push in the run game was glaring, but now? After two dominant performances, they’ve silenced the doubters.

Even without Kelvin Banks, the depth was unreal. Trevor Goosby stepped in like a seasoned vet and played lights out. The entire line played with the kind of nastiness we’ve been waiting for all year, creating running lanes so wide even I could have gotten a few yards. This is the O-line we expected to see in August, and they’re finally living up to the hype.

The WRs and TEs: Playmakers Everywhere

The wide receivers and tight ends had themselves a solid game. Gunnar Helm made a ridiculous catch that saved what could’ve been a pick-six. And let’s talk about Matthew Golden—he’s looking like the new No. 1 target. Every time his number is called, he delivers. But with this group, it’s not about one guy; anyone can step up at any moment, and that’s what makes them dangerous.

The Burnt Orange Curtain: Defensive Dominance

The defense was lights out. The D-line—aka the Burnt Orange Curtain—was everywhere, and what makes them special is the depth. On any given night, anyone can take over. Against the Aggies, it was Vernon Broughton and Trey Moore leading the charge, but the entire unit contributed to the chaos. From goal-line stands , 4th and 1 stops, to game-sealing sacks, they were relentless.

Anthony Hill and the linebackers were just as dominant. The LB’s were flying to the football, cleaning up anything the defensive line didn’t take care of. 

Michael Taaffe. That early interception set the tone for the defense. Outside of a couple of misreads, the secondary clamped down hard. By the second quarter, Aggie receivers weren’t even a factor anymore.

Special Teams: A Rollercoaster

Special teams? They’re still stressing me out. This unit has the potential to cost us a championship if they don’t tighten up. A blocked punt and a missed field goal by Bert Auburn? That’s unacceptable in games this big.

While the defense keeps stepping up and making big plays, special teams always leave me wondering who’s going to mess up next. It’s frustrating, and it needs to be fixed—fast.

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Little Brother is Still Little Brother

The Aggies came into this game with a lot of hype, but Texas reminded them who runs this rivalry. Little brother is still little brother. Now, it’s time to shift focus to the Bulldogs. Revenge is waiting, and Texas is ready to deliver it.