Texas A&M at Texas

Sporting News, The, Nov 27, 2000 by Matt Hayes

Why to watch: It's one of the nation's best rivalries, and both teams have had two weeks to prepare for it. The game has no impact on the Big 12 race, but it still will help shape the conference bowl picture. A combined six points have decided the last two games between the teams, and there are major recruiting implications within the state.

Game keys: Texas must open the offense for QB Chris Simms, who has played well in place of injured starter Major Applewhite. More times than not, Simms has had trouble when the Longhorns are conservative. If Simms is successful in spread formations, the defense is forced to cover more space, and dangerous TB Hodges Mitchell becomes more effective. The Aggies must pressure. Simms into mistakes. A&M's defense has improved dramatically in the second half of the season, and DEs Ty Warren and Ronald Flemons are quick and physical off the edge.

Matchup to watch: Mitchell vs. Texas A&M LB Jarrod Penright. Penright is replacing injured star Jason Glenn, and he must be strong against the run. He is the future at the position and one of the best pass rushers on the team. But run support will be a major factor against Mitchell, a shifty and deceptively strong runner who has led UT's second-half resurgence. In the first five games of the season, Texas had 394 yards rushing. In the last five games, it has 1,097.

The bottom line: The Longhorns have won five consecutive games since an embarrassing loss to rival Oklahoma. They've quietly crept back into the top 15 and can get back into the top 10 with a victory here and another in a bowl. The Longhorns had the better team last year, but the emotion of a tragic week fueled the Aggies to a win. Texas, which lost its last three games in 1999, will win its last seven in 2000-beginning with a close victory over its rival.

The pick: Texas 22, Texas A&M 20.

SIXPICKS

Mississippi State 27, Mississippi 17: RB Miller runs wild; Bulldogs defense damps down on RB McAllister and the Rebels.

Nebraska 40, Colorado 21: Huskers focus on running again; IB Alexander helps steamroll the Buffs.

LSU 23, Arkansas 20: Tigers, QB Booty complete improbable turnaround; LSU sets up big expectations for 2001.

Notre Dame 19, Southern California 16: The Irish officially become BCS eligible when RB Jones leads late comeback.

Georgia Toch 38, Georgia 31: QB Godsey, Tech cap big season with third consecutive victory over archrival.

Adzena Slate 37, Arizona 34: Sun Devils suck it up for Snyder; QB Krohn torches suspect Wildcats secondary.