Can Texas beat Texas A&M? Predicting the best possible result for Steve Sarkisian against Mike Elko

The Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies are set to square off on Saturday night at Kyle Field after 13 years. Both teams are preparing for their 119th all-time clash in one of college football's most high-powered games.

The contest is scheduled for primetime on ABC, with ESPN’s "College GameDay" amplifying the excitement. The winner of this matchup will secure a spot in the SEC championship game against Georgia.

For Mike Elko's Texas A&M, this is a must-win game to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Aggies, ranked No. 15 in the latest AP poll after an overtime loss to Auburn, still have a path to the SEC championship despite their three losses. The Aggies’ two conference losses don’t disqualify them from taking on Georgia if they defeat the Longhorns.

Meanwhile, Steve Sarkisian's Texas, currently ranked No. 3, needs to win this game to strengthen its College Football Playoff chances.

Can Texas beat Texas A&M?

Yes, looking at their head-to-head, one could reasonably say that the Longhorns have dominated the Aggies with a 76-37-5 all-time series record. Even their impressive debut in the SEC, holding a 9-1 record and ranking third in the College Football Playoff standings for consecutive weeks, highlights their potential.

However, critics have pointed out their lack of wins against current top 25 teams, which casts a shadow on their otherwise dominant season. Texas’ only defeat came against the Georgia Bulldogs, dropping it from the No. 1 spot in the AP poll to No. 3.

On the other hand, the No. 15 Aggies enter with a strong conference performance, with victories over top 10 teams like Missouri and LSU. There’s a slim chance these two teams could face each other again in the SEC championship.

A loss for either school on Saturday could well ruin their postseason ambitions. For Texas, a loss might push it out of the 12-team playoff field, while Texas A&M’s chances could hinge on upsetting Georgia if it makes it to Atlanta.

Who is favored to win the Texas vs. Texas A&M?

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Texas enters the game as a 6-point favorite over Texas A&M. The total points line is set at 48.5, indicating a close and competitive contest. The moneyline odds favor Texas at -230, while Texas A&M stands at +195 to win outright.

The BetMGM Sportsbook has Texas as a 4.5-point favorite, reflecting the unpredictability of this rivalry and the excitement for this upcoming encounter.

How many National Championships does Texas have?

The Texas Longhorns have won four national championships in their storied history: 1963, 1969, 1970 and 2005. Their most recent title came in the thrilling 2005 Rose Bowl victory over USC, led by legendary quarterback Vince Young.

The Longhorns’ earlier championships were awarded through national polls, with their first College Football Playoff appearance occurring in 2024.

How many National Championships does Texas A&M have?

The Texas A&M Aggies have claimed three national championships, achieved in 1919, 1927 and 1939. Their last title came in 1939 when they defeated Tulane in the Sugar Bowl under coach Homer Norton.

With postseason hopes and pride on the line, the Longhorns and Aggies prepare to write the next chapter of their rivalry in Saturday’s showdown.