Longhorns Favored By 21 Over Texas A&M Aggies On Thanksgiving

Sports News - November 25th, 2009 - Written by Scott

The Texas Longhorns have accomplished what they needed to in the 2009 NCAA Football Season. They are undefeated and are still in control of their own destiny as they look to ink themselves into the national title game. However, they must get past their in-state rival Texas A&M on Thanksgiving Day to keep their dreams alive. The Longhorns are coming off a 51-20 victory over Kansas and will face Nebraska, the winner in the Big 12 North division on December 5 for the conference title and a berth in the coveted national title game. The Aggies (6-5, 3-4) became bowl eligible with their win over Baylor last week and now not only have an opportunity to defeat their conference rival, but end all hopes of a national title for Texas.

Texas is led by Heisman hopeful Colt McCoy who got his first win over Texas A&M a year ago after losing two straight to the Aggies in 2006 and 2007. McCoy has passed for 3,024 yards and 23 touchdowns this season and broke the record for wins by a starting quarterback in major football history with his 43rd victory last week against Kansas. He is the nation leader in completion percentage and has a playmaker in wide receiver Jordan Shipley as his main target. Shipley has 1,204 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns on the year. Keeping the team focused has been a priority not only to Shipley, but the entire senior class as well. Playing on Thanksgiving Day, opposite a noted professional football line-up of games, is another motivating factor.

"The seniors have done a great job of keeping everybody focused and coach (Mack) Brown is doing a great job of keeping everybody focused," Shipley said. "It's a fun deal. We enjoy getting to play on Thanksgiving. I think we'll be fine."

The Aggies will have their work cut out for them heading into Thursday's matchup with the No. 3 team in the nation. They will provide a test for the Longhorn defense though, as they rank 7th nationally with 459 yards per game. Their offense is led by quarterback Jerrod Johnson who has passed for 2,875 yards and 24 touchdowns. He will need assistance against Texas form running back Cyrus Gray who leads the team with 741 yards rushing to take the pressure off the junior quarterback who his making his first start against the Longhorns.

Texas will enter the game as huge 21 point favorites over Texas A&M according to Betus sportsbook. The Longhorns will look to keep their record unblemished as they continue their run for the national title.

To discuss this and other Sports related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums