The Texas Football League (CF25)

[RayLenearl]

The first-place Texas A&M Aggies (8-1) hit the road to play its third straight game against a ranked opponent. Can the Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-2) take over the top spot or will it be another dominate victory for the Aggies?

[RayLenearl]

Bowanko's Big Day Powers No. 7 Texas A&M Past No. 11 Texas Tech, 28-14; Aggies on Cusp of State Title Berth

By Betty Jane, Senior Sports Correspondent

LUBBOCK - The No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies took a major step towards clinching a spot in the State Championship Game with an impressive 28-14 victory over the No. 11 Texas Tech Red Raiders at Kyle Field on Saturday.

Texas A&M (9-1) controlled the game from the start, jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and never looking back.

Quarterback Ronnie Lafferty got the Aggies on the board with a 12-yard touchdown run, followed by a Jimmie Snelly kick to make it 7-0. Lafferty found the end zone again later in the period, this time from 1 yard out, to extend the lead to 14-0.

The Aggies continued to dominate in the second quarter. Junior running back Carl Bowanko, the player of the game, scored on runs of 2 and 48 yards, with Snelly adding the extra points to give Texas A&M a commanding 28-7 advantage at halftime.

Texas Tech (7-4) managed to get on the scoreboard late in the second quarter when quarterback Brody Snyder connected with Tim Stai on a 17-yard touchdown pass to make it 28-7 at the break. The Red Raiders added another score in the fourth quarter on a three-yard run by Joshua Nunez, but it wasn't nearly enough as the Aggies cruised to the 28-14 victory.

Bowanko finished with 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 21 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per rush. As a team, the Aggies racked up 357 total yards of offense, including 232 on the ground, while holding Texas Tech to just 312 total yards.

The Aggies dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for 24:57 compared to just 15:03 for TTU. The Raiders got a standout defensive performance from safety Greg Shorter, who recorded 15 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.

With the win, Texas A&M moves one step closer to securing a spot in the State Championship Game. A victory over No. 5 North Texas in their final regular season game next week would clinch the berth for the Aggies.

"This was a big win, but we know there's still work to be done," said Texas A&M head coach Keith Burgess. "We've got a huge game next week against a great North Texas team. If we can get that win, we'll have a chance to play for a state title, and that's been our goal all along."

First Quarter:
(TAMU) Ronnie Lafferty, 12 Yd run (Jimmie Snelly kick), 5:31
(TAMU) Ronnie Lafferty, 1 Yd run (Jimmie Snelly kick), 0:04

Second Quarter:
(TAMU) Carl Bowanko, 2 Yd run (Jimmie Snelly kick), 3:48
(TAMU) Carl Bowanko, 48 Yd run (Jimmie Snelly kick), 2:33
(TTU) Tim Stai 17 Yd pass from Brody Snyder (Juan Quintero kick), 0:49

Fourth Quarter:
(TTU) Joshua Nunez, 3 Yd run (Juan Quintero kick), 3:56

Scores Around Texas

#7 Texas A&M 28, #11 Texas Tech 14
Texas State 21, #24 Baylor 20
UTSA 45, Rice 17
Texas 38, Sam Houston 14
UTEP 34, Houston 20
#10 North Texas 31, SMU 13

Standings



Players of the Week




CFP Rankings



Texas in the Rankings: #2 Texas A&M, #5 North Texas, #20 Texas Tech

CFP Projections



Playoff Implications



Looking Ahead

[RayLenearl]

For the third consecutive week, the Texas A&M Aggies (9-1) will put their first-place position on the line against a ranked opponent. This week, the North Texas Mean Green (7-2) will take on the challenge after ascending into the Top 5. A victory for the Aggies would clinch their place in the State Championship Game.

[RayLenearl]

No. 1 Texas A&M Leads State as National Picture Takes Shape

By Betty Jane, Senior Sports Correspondent
November 27, 2030

DENTON, TX - The No. 1 Texas A&M Aggies (10-1) have secured their place in the first-ever Texas Big 12 Championship Game, following their commanding 35-20 victory over the No. 14 North Texas Mean Green last Saturday. The win, their tenth straight, ensures the Aggies will finish atop the regular season standings.

"This is a special moment for our program," said Texas A&M head coach Keith Burgess, whose team has dominated conference play with a perfect 10-1 record in Texas Big 12 action. "But we understand our work isn't finished. We've earned the opportunity to compete for a championship, and now we need to capitalize on it."

The Aggies' path to the championship game has been marked by excellence on both sides of the ball. Their offense has scored 356 points while the defense has allowed just 207, both tops in the conference. Their balanced approach is evidenced by a 5-1 home record and an unblemished 5-0 mark on the road.

Defensive end Josh Mond, who earned Texas Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors after the North Texas victory with four tackles, a sack, and a forced recovery, exemplifies the team's dominant defensive unit. "We've approached every game with the same mindset - establish our physicality early and make teams earn every yard," Mond said.

The Aggies' championship game berth is particularly meaningful as it comes in the inaugural season of the Texas Big 12, a conference born from Texas A&M's decision to join other in-state programs in forming a Texas-centric league. Their success has validated that decision, as they currently sit at No. 1 in the national rankings.

The race for the second championship game spot remains contested, with North Texas (7-3) and SMU (8-4) as the primary contenders. The Mean Green, despite the loss to A&M, maintain inside position for the berth thanks to their strong conference record.

The championship game will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on December 7, representing a significant milestone in Texas football history. The venue, which has hosted numerous notable football events, will serve as the stage for determining the first champion of this groundbreaking in-state conference. For Texas A&M, it represents an opportunity to add another chapter to their storied football history.

"When we joined this conference, our goal was to set the standard," Burgess added. "Reaching the championship game is just one step. We want to be remembered as the first Texas Big 12 champions."

The Aggies will close out their regular season schedule looking to maintain their momentum heading into the championship game. Their remaining contest will serve as preparation for what promises to be a historic day in Arlington.

Burgess's team will host Rice (2-8) in what appears to be a tune-up before the postseason begins.

"We're focused on Rice right now," Burgess stated. "The rankings and playoff scenarios will take care of themselves if we handle our business."

Conference Race Remains Tight

While A&M has secured the top spot, the battle for second place continues.



North Texas (7-3) currently holds the inside track, but SMU (8-4) remains in contention. The Mean Green face a crucial test at Houston this weekend, while several other meaningful matchups dot the schedule:

• Texas (3-8) at Baylor (6-5)
• Sam Houston (4-7) at UTSA (3-7)
• UTEP (6-5) at Texas State (4-6)
• TCU (5-6) at Texas Tech (7-4)
• North Texas at Houston (5-6)
• Rice at Texas A&M (10-1)

Heisman Race Heats Up



Ole Miss wide receiver Kadeem Clements has emerged as the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. The senior from Millbrook, AL, showcased his versatility in last week's win over Kentucky, accumulating 27 receiving yards, 86 rushing yards, and two touchdowns.

Other contenders include:

• Isaac Easley (California, QB)
• Leo Ankrah (Ohio State, QB)
• George Mevis (Syracuse, QB)
• Greg Church (Tulane, WR)

College Football Playoff Picture

The playoff bracket features several intriguing first-round matchups:

• 1. Texas A&M (10-1) - Texas Big 12 Leader
• 2. Syracuse (10-1) - ACC Leader
• 3. Oregon (11-0) - MWC Leader
• 4. LSU (9-2) - SEC Leader
• 5. Ole Miss (9-2) vs. #12 East Carolina (AAC Leader)
• 6. Miami (9-2) vs. #11 North Carolina
• 7. Ohio State (9-2) vs. #10 Missouri
• 8. Penn State (9-2) vs. #9 NC State

National Players of the Week

• Defensive: Juan Branham (USF) - 8 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries
• Offensive: Rudy Hart (Ohio State) - 3 receptions, 152 yards, 3 TDs; 52 rushing yards, 1 TD

Texas Big 12 Players of the Week

• Defensive: Josh Mond (Texas A&M) - 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery
• Offensive: Danny Van Demark (UTEP) - 9 receptions, 168 yards, 3 TDs

National Games to Watch

Week 14 features several pivotal matchups that could impact the playoff picture:

• #5 Miami at #2 Syracuse
• #3 Oregon at Boise State
• Michigan at #6 Ohio State
• #9 NC State at #11 North Carolina

The combination of conference championships and playoff implications ensures an exciting conclusion to the regular season, both within the Texas Big 12 and across the national landscape.

[RayLenearl]

[RayLenearl]

Texas Tech Rolls Past TCU 52-28 Behind Snyder's Seven-Touchdown Performance

By Betty Jane, Senior Sports Correspondent
November 30, 2030

LUBBOCK, TX - The Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-4) solidified their position as one of the Texas Big 12's top teams Saturday, overwhelming the TCU Horned Frogs (5-7) in a 52-28 victory behind quarterback Brody Snyder's career day of 469 passing yards and six touchdowns, plus a score on the ground.

"Our guys came ready to play today," said Texas Tech head coach Roger Jolly. "Brody was exceptional, and the entire team executed at a high level. This is exactly how we wanted to finish our regular season."

Snyder, named Player of the Game, put together one of the most impressive performances of the season, completing 38 of 51 passes while throwing just one interception. The Red Raiders' passing attack averaged 9.2 yards per attempt and helped the team convert 8 of 15 third-down attempts.

The game started with Texas Tech taking a 10-7 first-quarter lead, but it was the second quarter that proved decisive as the Red Raiders exploded for 28 points. That offensive surge, which included three touchdown passes from Snyder, gave Tech a commanding 38-14 halftime advantage.

J.P. Cleveland, the sophomore receiver from Manvel, TX, led all receivers with 126 yards and three touchdowns on seven catches, including a momentum-shifting 79-yard touchdown reception. Jeff Gasperson added 96 yards and a score on eight receptions.

Despite the lopsided score, TCU actually outgained Texas Tech in total yards (603-588) and held a significant advantage in time of possession (23:04 to 16:56). However, the Horned Frogs were hampered by three turnovers and struggled in the red zone, converting just three of four opportunities into touchdowns.

The victory moves Texas Tech into fourth place in the final Texas Big 12 standings, trailing only Texas A&M (10-1), North Texas (7-3), and SMU (8-4). The Red Raiders' strong finish to the season, winning eight conference games, positions them well for an attractive bowl bid.

"This team has shown tremendous growth throughout the season," Coach Jolly added. "To finish 8-4 in our first year in this new conference speaks volumes about our players' resilience and determination."

For the Horned Frogs, the loss drops them to seventh place in the final standings and ends their hopes of bowl eligibility. The Horned Frogs showed flashes of offensive potential, accumulating 388 passing yards, but penalties (9 for 55 yards) and turnover issues proved too much to overcome.

The Red Raiders now await their bowl destination, while their performance against TCU serves as a statement about their potential heading into 2031.

Statistical Leaders:

Passing: Brody Snyder (TTU) - 469 yards, 6 TDs (Rush TD), 1 INT
Receiving: J.P. Cleveland (TTU) - 7 rec, 126 yards, 3 TDs
Rushing: TCU - 47 yards, Texas Tech - 30 yards

Other Results from Week 14

North Texas 44, Houston 25: The #11 Mean Green (8-3) continued their impressive season with a convincing road victory over the Cougars (5-6), solidifying their position in next week's conference championship game.

Texas A&M 52, Rice 14: The #2 Aggies (11-1) dominated the Owls (2-8) in their regular season finale, maintaining their position for both the conference championship and College Football Playoff.

Texas 28, Baylor 20: The Longhorns (3-8) ended their difficult season on a positive note, holding off the Bears (6-5) in Waco.

UTSA 27, Sam Houston 9: The Roadrunners (3-7) got the better of Sam Houston (4-7) in a battle between teams looking to end their seasons strong.

UTEP 24, Texas State 19: The Miners (6-5) secured bowl eligibility with a close victory over the Bobcats (4-6) in San Marcos.

Players of the Week




National:

Defensive Player of the Week: Andre Wonnum - Georgia
Offensive Player of the Week: Brody Snyder - Texas Tech

Texas Big 12:

Defensive Player of the Week: Shakir Dragos - TCU
Offensive Player of the Week: Brody Snyder - Texas Tech



1st-Ever State Championship Game Set

Texas State Championship: #11 North Texas (8-3) vs #2 Texas A&M (11-1) (1:00 PM)

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
First-ever Big 12 Championship Game under new Texas name
Texas A&M seeking to strengthen their playoff position
North Texas looking to guarantee a spot

2030 Conference Championships

Friday, December 13

Conference USA Championship: Liberty vs Middle Tennessee State (7:30 PM)
California PAC-12 Championship: San Diego State vs #21 UCLA (8:00 PM)

Saturday, December 14

MAC Championship: Bowling Green vs #24 Ball State (1:00 PM)
Sun Belt Championship: Troy vs Marshall (3:30 PM)
AAC Championship: #25 Tulsa vs #10 East Carolina (4:00 PM)
Mountain West Championship: Wyoming vs #3 Oregon (4:00 PM)
SEC Championship: #16 Tennessee vs #6 LSU (4:00 PM)
ACC Championship: #13 Miami vs #1 Syracuse (8:00 PM)
Big Ten Championship: #5 Ohio State vs #19 Nebraska (8:00 PM)

College Football Playoff Top 25



Texas teams ranked: #2 Texas A&M (11-1), #11 North Texas (8-3), #23 SMU (8-4)



First Round Matchups:

#12 Alabama (9-3) vs #5 Ole Miss (10-2)
#9 Missouri (9-3) vs #8 North Carolina (10-2)
#11 North Texas (8-3) vs #6 Ohio State (10-2)
#10 East Carolina (10-2) vs #7 Penn State (10-2)

Highest Ranked Conference Leaders (Prior to championship week):

#1 Syracuse (11-1)
#2 Texas A&M (11-1)
#3 Oregon (12-0)
#4 LSU (10-2)

National Championship game will be played in Tampa, FL at Raymond James Stadium.

Heisman Race Tightens



Kadeem Clements (Ole Miss, WR) - The frontrunner remains steady
Leo Ankrah (Ohio State, QB) - Making a late push
Isaac Easley (California, QB) - Slight decline but still in contention
Mike Hill (Ole Miss, QB) - Rising candidate
Tyrell Browning (Texas A&M, ROLB) - Dark horse defensive candidate

[RayLenearl]

#11 North Texas Aims to Upset #2 Texas A&M in Historic Texas Big 12 Championship

By Betty Jane, Senior Sports Correspondent
December 13, 2030

AT&T Stadium in Arlington will host a historic moment in Texas football this Saturday as #2 Texas A&M (11-1) faces #11 North Texas (8-3) in the inaugural Texas Big 12 Championship Game, also known as the State Championship.

Contrasting Styles

Under Coach Kacen, North Texas has developed one of the state's most dynamic passing attacks, averaging 293.0 yards through the air. Their aerial assault has helped them average 30.0 points per game, making them a dangerous opponent for any defense.

Meanwhile, Coach Burgess's Aggies bring a more balanced approach, though they lean heavily on their ground game. Led by star running back Carl Bowanko, A&M averages 155.3 rushing yards per game while putting up 34.0 points per contest. Their defense, ranked among the nation's best with a 90 rating, has been equally impressive.

Team Comparisons

Overall Rating: Texas A&M 89, North Texas 85
Offensive Rating: Texas A&M 89, North Texas 84
Defensive Rating: Texas A&M 90, North Texas 87

Impact Players

Texas A&M's Bowanko has been nothing short of phenomenal, accumulating 1,131 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 201 carries. His consistent performance has been crucial to the Aggies' success, helping them control time of possession and wear down opposing defenses. Speaking of defense, linebacker Tyrell Browning is a Heisman trophy candidate and sophomore cornerback Jesus Valles leads the nation with 11 interceptions.

North Texas feature redshirt senior quarterback Caesar Cavka who put up 347 yards and six touchdowns in a 44-25 rout over Houston. His main target was fellow senior Cortez Melton, who caught five passes for 170 yards and three scores. Defensive linemen Sam McCaskill, Trent Corbin, and Sean Thomas each recorded a sack.

Playoff Stakes

When asked about potentially resting starters given A&M's secured playoff position, Coach Burgess was emphatic: "We don't care about having multiple teams in the playoff or none of that other nonsense the media is talking about, our goal right now is to win the state championship, and be the first team to do it. If we take care of business, our starters will get plenty of rest during the first-round bye."

For Coach Kacen and North Texas, currently holding the #11 seed, a victory would not only secure their playoff spot but could dramatically improve their seeding. The Mean Green's rise from relative obscurity to championship contender has been one of college football's best stories this season.

Making History

The significance of this game extends beyond the playoff implications. The winner will forever be remembered as the first to be crown the state champion of Texas college football, adding another layer of pressure to an already intense matchup. Both Coach Kacen and Coach Burgess have emphasized to their teams the rare opportunity to make history.

The game kicks off on Saturday at 1:00 PM at AT&T Stadium. For Texas A&M, it's a chance to validate their decision to help form this conference. For North Texas, it's an opportunity to prove they belong among the state's elite programs.

[RayLenearl]

Hagg's two touchdowns power No. 2 Texas A&M to state title

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — In a game befitting the historic nature of the first-ever Texas Big 12 Championship, No. 2 Texas A&M outlasted No. 11 North Texas 28-24 Saturday night at AT&T Stadium, likely securing their position in the College Football Playoff.

Sophomore sensation George Hagg delivered a breakthrough performance with eight catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 23-yard reception from quarterback Ronnie Lafferty with 8:20 remaining in the fourth quarter.

"When Ronnie put that ball up, I knew I had to come down with it," said Hagg, who was named Player of the Game. "This is what we've worked for all season – to be champions of Texas."



The Aggies (12-1, 11-1) faced stiff resistance from a Mean Green squad (9-4, 9-3) that refused to back down. North Texas matched A&M blow-for-blow through three quarters, with senior receiver Cortez Melton's 16-yard touchdown catch from Caesar Cavka keeping the game tied at 21 heading into the final frame.

"That's a championship-caliber team over there," said Texas A&M head coach Keith Burgess, who improved to 68-24 in his career with the Aggies. "This is exactly what we envisioned when we formed this conference – the best of Texas football battling it out at the highest level. These kids showed tremendous heart tonight."

The Aggies' ground game and defensive prowess ultimately proved decisive. Behind junior running back Carl Bowanko, Texas A&M churned out 170 rushing yards while holding North Texas to just 90. Senior linebacker Tyrell Browning led a defensive effort that tightened when it mattered most, with defensive end Josh Mond's crucial fourth-quarter sack helping preserve the lead.

"We knew we had to make a stop," said Browning, a potential All-American from El Paso. "That's what championship defenses do."

North Texas added a late Paul Robbins 31-yard field goal but couldn't complete the comeback. Despite the loss, Mean Green head coach Don Kacen remained optimistic about his team's postseason chances.

"We proved we can play with anybody in the country," Kacen said. "Now we wait to see where the committee puts us, but I know this team isn't done fighting."

For Texas A&M, the victory likely cements their No. 2 ranking heading into the playoff rankings reveal. The win caps a remarkable first season for the Texas-only conference, which came to fruition after the state of Texas purchased the Big 12 rights and reorganized it with all FBS programs from the Lone Star State.

"This is just the beginning," Burgess said, clutching the championship trophy. "Texas football is back where it belongs – in the national spotlight."

The College Football Playoff committee will announce the final rankings and matchups on Sunday.

Conference Championship Results:

Texas Big 12 Championship: #2 Texas A&M (12-1) 28, #11 North Texas (9-4) 24
ACC Championship: #1 Syracuse (12-1) 35, #13 Miami (9-4) 33
Mountain West Championship: #4 Oregon (13-0) 34, Wyoming (9-4) 24
SEC Championship: #6 LSU (11-2) 23, #16 Tennessee (9-4) 17
Big Ten Championship: #19 Nebraska (10-3) 42, #5 Ohio State (10-3) 14
AAC Championship: #10 East Carolina (11-2) 31, #25 Tulsa (8-5) 13
MAC Championship: #24 Ball State (11-2) 24, Bowling Green (9-4) 21
Sun Belt Championship: Marshall (11-2) 31, Troy (9-4) 13
Conference USA Championship: Middle Tennessee State (8-5) 21, Liberty (9-4) 14
California Pac-12 Championship: San Diego State (10-3) 22, #21 UCLA (9-4) 18