They’re in, then. Steve Sarkisian and Co. have just one final game against the A&M before they square up against Georgia. However, it can get chaotic for the Longhorns if they loss their rivalry game. While the defense has been elite this whole season, except one game against the Bulldogs, the Longhorns offense hasn’t had its moments. The Arch Manning promise delivered, but he was replaced by Quinn Ewers after the latter returned from the injury. Now, after multiple weeks of iffy offensive display, Ewers is injured again. Does that change anything for the Longhorns? What are the implications?

Jesse Simonton discussed Texas’ chances of making the playoffs on That SEC Football Podcast on November 28. He said, “My prediction for Texas is if it’s either gonna be this week, or it’s going to be in the SEC Championship game, I think Steve Sarkisian’s gonna light up. What it’s like, you know, the folks that are calling on Batman, he’s gonna light up the McDonald’s arches, and you’re going to see Manning come in and play quarterback and maybe take over the reign there from Quinn. Quinn is underwhelmed. Quinn is banged up. Now he’s got this ankle deal. He’s been battling stuff all year.“

Additionally, he stated that Sarkisian’s squad “has to bust it out against A&M on Saturday. We’ll see again; Winter takes all in that one.” According to Simonton, the head coach is doing some eye-candy things that won’t help him in the playoffs or against Georgia. As a result, the team is giving it their all to defeat Texas A&M. Despite Quinn’s ankle injury, Sarkisian believes he can play well against A&M this weekend.

It might be excessive trust or illusory thoughts. Whatever happens, we’ll hope the QB1 recovers quickly. But don’t worry! Texas may substitute Arch Manning, a freshman sensation, if he is unable to play. Manning’s participation in such a crucial rivalry game would surely garner media attention and heighten the intensity of the Texas’ season.

The strength of the rivalry Texas will face this weekend is still up in the air, though. Let’s examine it in more detail.

Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns resume their rivalry

The battle between the 8-3 and the 10-1. It’s no surprise that Sark and his team are the fan favorites based just on their performance history. Don’t let that deceive you, though, because the Aggies are still capable of surprising the Longhorns.

Steve and his team will probably rely more heavily on their running game than the passing game as a result of the setback. The A&M has the opportunity to deliver a lethal blow here. Safe to say, Mike Elko has absorbed what he learned and will concentrate more on running back defense after that error against Auburn.

Sark will want to deploy the Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue combination against the Longhorns, so he will need it. The last time these two teams faced one another was in 2011, and A&M is still troubled by the narrow loss of 27–25. With the Longhorns finally facing a strong team, it remains to be seen if Steve Sarkisian will salvage his reputation or if this will be a similar Georgia matchup.