It's hard to imagine Texas A&M fans asking for more from their season through the first 11 games. An undefeated record that has gifted them pole position for the SEC championship game and a first College Football Playoff appearance, in addition to a No. 3 national ranking. Thrilling victories, from a last-second win on the road against Notre Dame to a dramatic second-half comeback against South Carolina. But there's one missing piece that matters more than just about any other element of a truly perfect season in College Station: beating Texas.
The Texas A&M Aggies played the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, in what only a very few, who may not have witnessed it, are calling a "football game." It was more accurate to describe it as an assault on the senses, an exercise in how not to conduct yourself on a football field from both teams in each half. Let's start with A&M, who looked absolutely sapped of any ability to play the sport for the entire first half.
NEW YORK -- Texas A&M made a big jump into the top 10 of The Associated Press college football poll Sunday after its dramatic win at Notre Dame, and the Irish became the first team since 1988 to stay in the Top 25 with an 0-2 record. Ohio State, Penn State and LSU remained the top three teams, with Miami moving up to No. 4 and Georgia to No. 5 even after a close call at No. 15 Tennessee. Oregon slipped two spots to No. 6 despite a 20-point road win against Northwestern and was followed by Florida State, Texas, Illinois and the Aggies.