Leading Into The 2005 Game
Like the Longhorns' contest against Missouri earlier in the season, the Texas A&M game was touted as showcasing two–of the best dual-threat quarterbacks playing in college football. However, Texas A&M's dual-threat quarterback Reggie McNeal missed the game due to an ankle injury; instead, freshman quarterback Stephen McGee made his first start.
It was the eleventh game of the 2005 season and the final regular-season game for both teams. Texas came into the game with a 10–win, 0–loss record and Texas A&M was 5 and 5. For Texas, a win would make them sole winner of the Big 12 South division and they would go on to play in the Big 12 Conference Championship. With a loss, they still would play for the conference championship but their goal of them playing in the BCS National Championship Game would be jeopardized. The Aggies needed a win to have a winning record on the season and to be bowl eligible. The game was played at the Texas A&M campus in College Station. The apparent mismatch in abilities between the two teams, coupled with the injury to McNeal, led to a sober pre-game mood for the Aggies.
Further information: 2005 NCAA Division I-A football rankings and 2005 Texas Longhorn football team#RankingsRead more about this topic: 2005 Texas Vs. Texas A&M Football Game
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