The Texas U. longhorns were ranked 10th in the USA Today Top 25 (coaches poll) and 11th in the Associated Press (media) poll. They sported a 4-0 record, two wins better than TAMU's ledger to date, but hadn't played a team close to the caliber of Arkansas or Oklahoma State. This morning they did: the annual Red River Shootout vs Oklahoma. The final score was 55-17, and the only reason it was that close was because Texas returned an OU kickoff for a touchdown and got another TD in garbage time after the Sooners were well ahead and running out the clock. If the horns remain in the Top 20 after this man-sized ass-whipping, we need to stop publishing polls.
I won't miss Aggie games against O.U. and Texas U, but I'll continue to enjoy watching those two play each other, especially when the Sooners have a substantial advantage in talent and experience, and can cut Mack a new hole like they did today.
Meanwhile, at 6:00 in Lubbock, the Aggies will brace themselves for what I hope will be their final attempt to subdue the Red Raiders. Considering recent history, it would be great to wrap up that series with a 3-0 winning streak.
Added 10:06 pm, same day: Aggies 45, Red Raiders 40, and all I can say is I'm glad that one's over. The Aggies may have stumbled onto a winning strategy. Instead of dominating the first half of the game on offense and defense and taking what looks like an insurmountable lead into the intermission, let the other team hang in there from start to finish. Get ahead, but not too comfortably ahead. Most importantly, diversify. Spice things up by blocking a field goal attempt and returning it for a touchdown. That's much less risky than trying to grind out yards rushing and passing the ball, then turning it over with a fumble, an interception, or a bad play on 4th down.
I won't miss Aggie games against O.U. and Texas U, but I'll continue to enjoy watching those two play each other, especially when the Sooners have a substantial advantage in talent and experience, and can cut Mack a new hole like they did today.
Meanwhile, at 6:00 in Lubbock, the Aggies will brace themselves for what I hope will be their final attempt to subdue the Red Raiders. Considering recent history, it would be great to wrap up that series with a 3-0 winning streak.
Added 10:06 pm, same day: Aggies 45, Red Raiders 40, and all I can say is I'm glad that one's over. The Aggies may have stumbled onto a winning strategy. Instead of dominating the first half of the game on offense and defense and taking what looks like an insurmountable lead into the intermission, let the other team hang in there from start to finish. Get ahead, but not too comfortably ahead. Most importantly, diversify. Spice things up by blocking a field goal attempt and returning it for a touchdown. That's much less risky than trying to grind out yards rushing and passing the ball, then turning it over with a fumble, an interception, or a bad play on 4th down.
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