Texas vs. Texas A&M predictions: What to expect as Longhorns, Aggies meet in biggest game in rivalry history

Both teams need to win for different reasons for the College Football Playoff.

The third-ranked Longhorns (10-1, 6-1 SEC) are likely going to make the CFP regardless. Texas has set the pace all season long in the SEC, and it’s unlikely that even this two-loss team could fall all the way out of the 12-team bracket at this point.

No. 20 A&M (8-3, 5-2) is in a different situation all together. The Aggies don’t have the same luxury as the Horns and must win to stay in CFP consideration.

A&M still controls its own destiny with two more wins — one against Texas and then Georgia. But coach Mike Elko’s club will be out of the CFP mix entirely with a loss Saturday.

Time for predictions.

Texas 31, Texas A&M 28

I subscribed to the theory this game would happen again eventually, but nobody knew exactly when. Some key decision makers probably had to die first. Fortunately, it didn’t go that far as everyone is still here. But it took Texas making the similar “100-year decision” A&M did and joined the SEC. As for this game, Texas has a few more playmakers, but A&M’s Marcel Reed will have some electric plays. Give me Bert Auburn hitting a field goal at the buzzer to break the Aggies’ hearts just like Justin Tucker.

— Brian Davis

Texas A&M 27, Texas 23

This has been the Year of Chaos in college football. Texas A&M is a program that seems to be trending downward as the season goes on, but they might have one more big performance in them. Expect them to run the football and shorten this football game. The SEC craziness continues.

— Ryan Roberts