With almost 100 years of physical, competitive matchups filled with pure hatred and spite, this year’s rendition of the Lone Star Showdown between Texas A&M and Texas has no shortage of storylines and major implications.
For Mike Elko’s squad, Friday’s contest in Austin, Texas, provides an opportunity to clinch a spot in the Southeastern Conference Championship game for the first time in program history, while also finishing the season with an unblemished record and locking a high seed in the College Football Playoff.
Heisman candidate Marcel Reed continues to impress with his outstanding sophomore campaign, which has featured leading the Aggies to just their third 11-0 start in school history and ranking 15th in the FBS in total offense.
Texas A&M must be sharp on the offensive side of the ball and avoid making costly mistakes if it seeks to topple Texas and keep the team’s SEC title hopes alive and well, and it all starts with Reed at quarterback against a consistent Longhorns‘ defense. On the flip side, finding ways to stop Texas signal-caller Arch Manning and preventing him from being mobile will be integral at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium this week.
Here are the five things to watch in the 99th edition of the Lone Star Showdown between the Aggies and Longhorns:
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Which team can establish success on the ground?
Entering Week 14, Texas A&M’s rushing attack ranks third in the conference with 195.91 yards recorded per contest, while Texas sits at No. 14 in the league with just 121.64, respectively. For both teams, establishing the ground game early will allow each offense to open the playbook further and wear down the opposing defense. Texas A&M must remain headstrong in the trenches and keep Texas honest in the run game.
Will Texas A&M’s pass rush force Manning to make some mistakes?
Texas A&M’s ability to apply pressure and make quarterbacks uncomfortable has been one of its biggest strengths in 2025. Defensive end is tied at third in the FBS with 11.5 sacks this season and is averaging 1.05 sacks per game. His dominance on the gridiron, combined with the additional veteran presence of linebacker Taurean York, gives the Aggies a massive advantage. Making Manning feel the heat will be key in stopping this game from becoming a track meet.
How will the Aggies handle Manning’s dual-threat ability?
Manning scored four passing touchdowns, one score on the ground and a touchdown receiving in the Longhorns’ win over Arkansas in Week 13. His versatility and quick judgment make him extremely difficult to stop at times, which will provide a challenge for Texas A&M’s defense, which has struggled to stop dual-threat quarterbacks. Preventing Manning from becoming mobile and keeping him swarmed in the pocket will be the winning recipe for the Aggies on Friday.
How will the Aggies’ offensive line match up against the Longhorns’ defensive front?
The Aggies’ offensive line allowed South Carolina to apply pressure and make Reed uncomfortable in the first half of the Week 12 contest, which can’t happen against this Texas defensive front. Texas A&M’s unit up front has only allowed 11.0 sacks in 2025, which ranks first in the SEC, however. Keeping everything tight in the trenches and providing Reed enough time to survey and go through his progressions to find guys like Mario Craver and KC Concepcion could spell trouble for the Texas defense.
Can Texas A&M handle what is sure to be a rowdy road environment in Austin?
This environment is going to be rowdy and loud, early and often. Elko and company must keep the team focused and composed on the task at hand, while not letting the heated rivalry put the Aggies in a bad position. Texas A&M has done well on the road this season, but the Texas fans will be raring to go and ready for an upset at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
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