TURKEY DAY DESSERT
The Austin American-Statesman thinks the rivalry with the Aggies has slipped over the years - and is now firmly behind OU and Texas Tech.
That's no doubt true from Colt McCoy and crew's perspective, but that's not the one that counts this week. It' the frame of mind of the farmers ... and brother, let me tell you - they'll never give up their belief that this game is the most heated rivalry in the history of college football.
However, you put that wild-eyed belief up against UT's desire to play in the National Championship game and I'm afraid Aggieland's motivation is trumped ... even at Kyle Field. Not to mention that Texas is a much better team.
Don't worry Marooners ... you're already bowl-eligible.
TEXAS vs. TEXAS A&M, 7 p.m. Thursday, ESPN
Line: Texas by 22½.
Series Record: Texas leads 74-36-5.
Last meeting: 2008, Texas 49-9.
What's at Stake
Texas has already clinched a berth in the Big 12 title game and Thursday is all about staying on course for a national championship. It's also the stretch run for postseason awards. Another big game on national TV could be a big boost for quarterback Colt McCoy's renewed Heisman campaign. For the Aggies, it's all about getting the win to spoil any chance of Texas playing for the BCS title.
Key Matchup
Texas QB McCoy vs. A&M pass rusher Von Miller. McCoy is on a torrid pace over the last five games with 1,487 yards and 12 touchdowns. He'll need to be able to spot Miller before the snap because Miller leads the nation with 15½ sacks.
Players to Watch
Texas: TB Tre' Newton. The Longhorns' leading rusher is back in the starting lineup ahead of Cody Johnson. Texas has been able to throw deep the last few weeks because the running game has kept defenses honest. If Newton gets off to a good start, it opens up the field for McCoy.
A&M: QB Jerrod Johnson. The most athletic quarterback Texas has faced all season has more touchdowns (24) than McCoy, but also has been under fierce pressure behind a struggling offensive line that has allowed 24 sacks
Facts & Figures
McCoy has 43 career victories but is 1-2 against A&M. The Aggies and Kansas State are the only teams with winning records against McCoy ... The Aggies' six wins were by an average of 27 points. Their five losses were by an average of 25.4 ... McCoy has more than 3,000 yards passing in three of his four seasons.