Texas-Texas A&M: Longhorns take 17-0 lead into halftime of 'Lone Star Showdown'
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 30: The Texas A&M Aggies band marches to the stadium prior to a game against the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field on November 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Game updates:
First Quarter: Texas - 7 Texas A&M - 0
Texas wins the toss, defers to second half.
The Aggies took the opening possession 65 yards in nine plays but were turned back by the Longhorn defense at the Longhorn's 10-yard line.
Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns took over and went three and out, quickly giving the Aggies the ball back at midfield.
The Aggie possession was short-lived as Marcel Reed's throw on the third play of the drive was intercepted by Michael Taaffe.
The Longhorns would strike first when Arch Manning would run it in from the 15-yard-line on 4th and 2, giving Texas an early 7-0 lead with 3 minutes remaining in the first quarter.
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 30: Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns runs the ball and dives for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas. (Photo b
Second Quarter - Texas - 17, Texas A&M - 0
The Aggies were unable to respond to the Manning touchdown, taking their next possession just 26 yards before punting the ball back to the Longhorns.
Texas went right back to work, moving the ball quickly down the field when Ewers connected with Matthew Golden for 44 yards down to the Aggie 23.
A roughing the passer call on A&M put the Longhorns closer to scoring position and two plays later, the Longhorns would strike again.
This time, Ewers connected with Jaydon Blue for 7 yards in the back of the end zone.
The play was initially ruled an incompletion before it was overturned to put Texas up 14-0 with 8 minutes to play in the half.
The Aggies were again held to a 3-and-out and Texas went back to work from their own 20.
The Longhorns marched down the field, but the Aggie defense held strong in the red zone and forced the Longhorns to settle for a field goal.
After the Aggies were only allowed 33 yards on 10 plays on their next possession, the Longhorns took over on their own 42 with 29 seconds left in the half.
The Longhorns drove quickly to the A&M 30 and attempted a field goal.
Burt Auburn was unable to hit from 48 and extended the Longhorn lead.
At the half, Texas leads 17-0.
A rivalry renewed
When Texas and Texas A&M meet at Kyle Field on Saturday night, it will be the first time the two teams have played since 2011.
That's the year Texas A&M announced it was leaving the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference and now the No. 20 Aggies have a chance to earn their first shot at an SEC championship with a win over their rival.
The stakes are high for Texas as well. The No. 3 Longhorns will also play in the SEC championship game with a win. They're in their first season in the conference.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the eyes of America will be on Texas tonight.
"In no state is football more legendary," Abbott said on X. "The reunification of this rivalry is great for college football in America."
READ MORE: Texas vs Texas A&M: Fans gearing up for renewal of big game
The winner of Saturday's game will go on to play the Georgia Bulldogs on Dec. 7.