Texas Bowl 2.0: Texas A&M Aggies vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Present Similarities Of 2019 Matchup
Back in August, former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said he wanted the season to end in Houston.
It will, but just in a different game than the national championship.
The Aggies will travel the 100-plus miles southeast to NRG Stadium to take on No. 20 Oklahoma State in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Dec. 27. The Aggies could secure their fifth eight-win season in six years should the Pokes show up slow.
A&M (7-5, 4-4) knows Mike Gundy and the Cowboys (9-4, 5-3 Big 12) well. Several players, including senior receiver Ainias Smith and tight end Max Wright, faced the Pokes in 2019 via the Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl.
The Aggies won 24-21 behind a two-touchdown performance from Texas Bowl MVP Kellen Mond.
The teams boast similar backgrounds heading into the final game of the regular season. The Cowboys dominated opponents with a potent ground game, headlined by All-American and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year Chubba Hubbard. Hubbard made headlines after becoming the 29th player to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season.
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Ainias Smith (0) makes a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter at Kyle Field.
Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports
Gordon, who leads the FBS with 1,850 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, needs 150 yards to become the 30th player with 2,000 yards in a single season. A&M entered the contest at 7-5 after suffering three losses to the No. 1 team during the regular season.
Fisher won't be on the sidelines this time around following his firing last month. Interim coach Elijah Robinson will serve as the acting coach again after helping A&M finish the year with a 1-1 record.
The status of countless players remains a mystery as the transfer portal window opens on Monday. Quarterback Max Johnson (North Carolina), offensive lineman Remington Strickland, and receiver Raymond Cottrell already announced their intent to transfer since Fisher's firing.
Other players like offensive lineman Layden Robinson, defensive back Demani Richardson, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, and defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson could elect to declare for the NFL draft. In 2019, defensive lineman and leading sack man Justin Madubuike elected to opt out of the bowl game.
Kickoff from the Texas Bowl has not been announced as of this time.
