It’s probably the most anticipated College Football game of the 2024 season: the restoration of the rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas A&M Aggies. What was your favorite moment from the Lone Star Showdown?

Daniel Zeehoorn (@DanielSeahorn) – Run Ricky Run and Justin Tucker running away with it are the two moments that immediately stand out to me. Ricky Williams’ beast mode in Austin is one of my earliest memories of this childhood rivalry, while Tucker’s kick has been seared into my memory since it happened over a decade ago.

Gerald Goodridge (@ghgoodridge) – It’s very easy to say Justin Tucker’s field goal to win the last time they played, and I’ll never fault anyone for saying that, but I think the drive that created this – and in particular the Case McCoy makes an effort to get them into field goal range. The feeling of the air slowly coming out as people realized that once Case had put them within Tucker’s reach, it was all academic at that point.

Cameron Parker (@camerondparker) – The Case McCoy battle that set up Justin Tucker’s game-winning field goal. By the end of the night you could barely recognize the name and number on the back of his jersey because of the beating he took. But Texas doesn’t win that game without its heart.

Jacob Neidig (@jneidig_2) – 2009 was probably one of my favorite games. It felt like an all-time classic at the time. Undefeated Texas against a mediocre Aggie team, but the magic of this game kept it close. Colt McCoy went crazy. I will never forget the 65 meter romp. Not to mention that Marquise Goodwin, one of my favorite Longhorns of all time, delivered the knockout blow.

Is Texas a lock for the College Football Playoff despite what happens Saturday?

Daniel – I don’t want to call them locks, but I think the chaos that ensued last weekend certainly increased their chances of getting in there regardless of what happens on Saturday. I find it hard to see the committee leaving out a 10-2 Texans team if things aren’t going well in College Station.

Gerald – I don’t think so, especially since an unlikely blowout means Texas has been soundly beaten by the two teams with the same talent they played. I think it would be hard to keep a 10-2 Texas team out in any other context, but that particular outcome would be a big argument for keeping the Horns on the outside.

Cameron I think they would be in a pretty good spot to make the playoffs, but they would lose home field advantage.

Jacob – No. Too much can still happen. In many scenarios, Texas is in, but another embarrassing loss combined with the right dominoes elsewhere, and the committee can keep the Longhorns out.

What worries you most on the way to College Station: Quinn Ewers’ ankle or the fumbling issues?

Daniel – Especially Ewers’ ankle injury, because he plays in the most important position on the field and the last thing you want is for him to be there against a formidable back four.

Gerald – I think it has to be the ankle because it determines so much of what the offense can do. If Ewers can’t relax the defense and get the elite linemen A&M has on their heels, things will become significantly more difficult for the Texas offense.

Cameron – Quinn’s ankle. The fumbling issues will likely crop up later this season at a critical time, but Texas needs Ewers to win this game. I believe a key part of Sark A&M’s game plan will be attacking with short and intermediate throws, which Quinn could complete after the injury against Kentucky. What scares me is when the Aggies’ pass rush increases and Quinn keeps getting hit. Texas can’t afford to live in second-and-long situations in this game.

Jacob – I agree with Gerald. The offense plays like No. 3. As far as the ankle goes, I’m more concerned about what it does to Quinn mentally. He is at his best when he remains calm and mobile in the pocket. A bum ankle has the potential to make him, or any other QB, antsy in the pocket. He needs good footwork for all the throws on the field, which is difficult if you are restless or only rely on one good ankle.

Texas beats Texas A&M as…

Daniel – They remain calm and play a disciplined game in a hostile environment. Emotions will run very high in this game and staying true to yourself will be one of the biggest challenges. On paper I think Texas is the better team, but this game isn’t played on paper, it’s played on grass.

Gerald -The defense plays solid assignment football, limiting Marcel Reed’s ability to cut them in the zone-read game.

Cameron – Texas beats A&M as long as they don’t beat themselves. Texas sailed against Kentucky and what happened next? They started putting the ball on the ground and suddenly it was a game. The Aggies are a good football team, but with a lack of depth at running back and a freshman quarterback, Texas can play their game and win this.

Jacob – the violation limits sales. Giving A&M extra possessions with a short field will be one of the few ways they can score. Texas needs to keep the ball.

What is your score prediction for Texas (-6) vs. Texas A&M?

Daniel (10-1/5-6 ATS) – Texas 28, Texas A&M 24

Gerald (10-1/4-6 ATS) – Texas 35, Texas A&M 17

Cameron (10-1/5-6 ATS) – Texas 27, Texas A&M 24

Jacob (10-1/5-6) – Texas 31, Texas A&M 21