Texas Longhorns vs Texas A&M Aggies

The Texas Longhorns know their path is clear, beat Texas A&M on Thanksgiving and beat Nebraska in the Big 12 title game and their destination is clear: the BCS title game. The first half of this equation should be quite simple against a sagging Texas A&M team, yet they have had their share of difficulties with the Aggies over the years.

Nothing is on the line as far as the division is concerned for the Longhorns (11-0, 7-0) after they wrapped up the South with a throttling of Kansas, 51-20, last Saturday, yet if they stumble against their rivals on Thursday, their dreams of facing Florida or Alabama in the BCS title game could go up in smoke regardless of what happens in next week’s Big 12 title game.

After dropping two straight to the Aggies, the Longhorns responded with a 49-9 humiliation of them in Austin last year. Colt McCoy made his claim of the Heisman Trophy in last year’s game, going 23 of 28 for 311 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. McCoy was later passed up by conference mate Sam Bradforerd for the trophy, but improved his performance against Texas A&M, who he was 0-2 against and have one touchdown against four interceptions in 2006 and 2007.

McCoy will have a favorable matchup against Texas A&M’s defense which ranks 11th worst in the nation in pass coverage.

The Aggies (6-5, 3-4) have lost five of their last eight, but won last week, 38-3 over Baylor, to snap a two-game losing streak that featured an ugly loss at Oklahoma 65-10.

Still, Texas A&M should provide a test for Texas’ defense as the Aggies offense is seventh in the country with 459.3 yards per contest led by Jerrod Johnson, who is making his name in a quarterback rich conference.

Johnson has had a record breaking season at A&M, setting school records for completions with 241, passing yards with 2875, 24 touchdown passes and four 300 yard games.