Friday, November 26
Texas vs Texas A&M Preview
It's been a while since this game had a storyline worth following, but this year is different for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that Texas A&M is actually fielding a competitive team.
This game will certainly affect each team's postseason plans, as well. Texas is currently ranked 5th in the BCS standings but, should the standings not change from the way they stand today, would not participate in a BCS bowl. (The final at-large BCS berth would go to Utah who, though ranked behind the Horns at #6, are guaranteed a BCS spot for being a non-BCS conference team in the top six of the standings.) That means that the Horns would need to leapfrog Cal to the #4 spot if they are to get a BCS berth.
Meanwhile, the Horns only hold a one-game lead over the Aggies in the Big 12 standings. A Texas A&M victory would make them the #2 team from the Big 12 (because of the head-to-head tiebreaker) and send them to the Cotton Bowl to play a top SEC team. The loser likely goes to the Alamo or Holiday Bowl. I think I speak for all Horns fans when I say that a Holiday Bowl appearance is not anywhere near the top of my Christmas wish list.
So what should Horns fans expect from this game? Lots and lots of running. Both teams will work hard to establish the run and control the game. Texas has the superior running game, but the inconsistent play from quarterback Vince Young means Cedric Benson will face seven and eight men in the box all day long. Texas is used to that, though. Teams have known all year that the Horns planned to run all over them, they have put all the defenders up front to stop it, and have failed. The Horns offensive line has become one of the better lines in the nation, and Cedric Benson (while lacking breakaway speed) hits holes extremely well and is very difficult to bring down.
I've given up trying to predict what the Horns can expect to get out of their passing game. Some games Young makes a few great throws and there's some semblance of a passing game, and some games he's just awful. If Young plays reasonably well today, the Horns should score 30+ points and win the game. If Young turns the ball over and can't make any throws downfield, this game has all the makings of a tight game and an upset.
In the end, this is still a home game for Texas, they are the better team, and all three of the Aggies' losses have come on the road. I wouldn't bet on Texas and give the 11 points they're favored by, but I expect Texas to win, 31-24.
--PB--
This game will certainly affect each team's postseason plans, as well. Texas is currently ranked 5th in the BCS standings but, should the standings not change from the way they stand today, would not participate in a BCS bowl. (The final at-large BCS berth would go to Utah who, though ranked behind the Horns at #6, are guaranteed a BCS spot for being a non-BCS conference team in the top six of the standings.) That means that the Horns would need to leapfrog Cal to the #4 spot if they are to get a BCS berth.
Meanwhile, the Horns only hold a one-game lead over the Aggies in the Big 12 standings. A Texas A&M victory would make them the #2 team from the Big 12 (because of the head-to-head tiebreaker) and send them to the Cotton Bowl to play a top SEC team. The loser likely goes to the Alamo or Holiday Bowl. I think I speak for all Horns fans when I say that a Holiday Bowl appearance is not anywhere near the top of my Christmas wish list.
So what should Horns fans expect from this game? Lots and lots of running. Both teams will work hard to establish the run and control the game. Texas has the superior running game, but the inconsistent play from quarterback Vince Young means Cedric Benson will face seven and eight men in the box all day long. Texas is used to that, though. Teams have known all year that the Horns planned to run all over them, they have put all the defenders up front to stop it, and have failed. The Horns offensive line has become one of the better lines in the nation, and Cedric Benson (while lacking breakaway speed) hits holes extremely well and is very difficult to bring down.
I've given up trying to predict what the Horns can expect to get out of their passing game. Some games Young makes a few great throws and there's some semblance of a passing game, and some games he's just awful. If Young plays reasonably well today, the Horns should score 30+ points and win the game. If Young turns the ball over and can't make any throws downfield, this game has all the makings of a tight game and an upset.
In the end, this is still a home game for Texas, they are the better team, and all three of the Aggies' losses have come on the road. I wouldn't bet on Texas and give the 11 points they're favored by, but I expect Texas to win, 31-24.
--PB--
