Will Texas A&M's upset win over Texas in the final game of the regular season save the Longhorns' season? The debate rages on success, failure, and College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes. Here's a breakdown of the differing opinions:
The Case for Success:
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- Gerald Goodridge: A 9-3 season with wins over Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas A&M, despite losing NFL talent, is a success. The season hangs by a thread, but a win against a bad Florida team would change the narrative.
- Cameron Parker: Missing the CFP is disappointing, not a failure. The goal was to compete for the SEC Championship. A wake-up call for Sark in roster construction and coaching could be beneficial.
- Jacob Neidig: A 10-win season with two losses to playoff teams is far from a failure. Regression after talent loss is expected. A win against A&M and a bowl win would be a solid end.
- Quentin Bell: A 9-3 season with hope is better than 8-4. Losing to rivals in the final game is a bitter pill. The season's outcome will affect next year's hype.
- Wescott Eberts: Finishing 9-3 and outside the playoffs while spoiling a rival's perfect season is a success. The odds of making the playoffs are slim, but the season is a disappointment given Sark's standards.
The Case for Failure:
- Wescott Eberts: The secondary's struggles with 300+ yards passing in recent games are alarming. Poor communication, scheme breakdowns, and lack of discipline are issues.
Key to Texas' Win:
- Daniel: Keep Arch Manning clean from A&M's pass rush and limit explosive plays. Early-season defensive mojo and offensive manufacturing are crucial.
- Gerald: Keep the pocket clean and exploit passing game matchups. A&M's defense is susceptible to big plays.
- Cameron: Let Arch Manning shine. Texas is 4-0 when he passes for 300 yards.
- Jacob: Limit A&M's pass rush and ensure consecutive drives don't derail. Stuff the run game and keep Reed in the pocket.
- Quentin: Execution on both sides. Protect the pass, solidify the run, force turnovers, and disrupt the pocket. Front-line dominance is key.
- Wescott: Stay on schedule and give Manning time. Avoid self-inflicted wounds, allowing him to go through progressions without stress.
The Final Game:
- Daniel: A close game, but not optimistic enough to pick Texas outright. Predicted score: Texas A&M 31, Texas 27.
- Gerald: Texas will be locked in. Predicted score: Texas 27, Texas A&M 24.
- Cameron: Longhorns win. Predicted score: Texas 27, Texas A&M 23.
- Jacob: Emotional, gritty game. Predicted score: Texas 28, Texas A&M 27.
- Quentin: Close game. Predicted score: Texas 27, Texas A&M 24.
- Wescott: Aggies win and cover. Predicted score: Texas 25, Texas A&M 30.
