Texas A&M’s football team fell from No. 3 to No. 7 in the College Football Playoff Rankings after a disappointing defeat to rival Texas on November 24, 2023. The Aggies, now standing at 11-1 overall and 7-1 in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), struggled in both offense and defense, failing to contain Texas quarterback Arch Manning. The loss raised questions about the steep drop in rankings, especially given that it was a narrow defeat against a ranked opponent on the road.
During the game, Texas A&M’s star quarterback Marcel Reed experienced one of his least productive outings of the season, throwing for just 180 yards with two interceptions. Despite this setback, Reed’s overall performance throughout the season has been noteworthy. The redshirt sophomore has showcased significant growth, amassing a career-high 2,932 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 12 games. Additionally, he contributed over 400 yards on the ground, including six rushing touchdowns.
Reed’s development is attributed in part to the offseason acquisition of wide receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver, as well as a revitalized running game. Head coach Mike Elko, who recently signed a six-year extension, remains optimistic about Reed’s potential as the team heads into the postseason.
Looking Ahead to the College Football Playoff
With the season winding down, Texas A&M will take time to rest and recover before the College Football Playoff begins. The Aggies are poised to either host a first-round game at Kyle Field or potentially find themselves on the road if they fall below the eighth seed. This season marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time since 1992 that Texas A&M started with an 11-0 record.
On November 27, 2023, PFSN analyst Cam Mellor released his final SEC quarterback grades, positioning Reed at No. 7 among 16 conference quarterbacks with an overall mark of 85.0. This score places him slightly ahead of Manning, who received a grade of 84.3.
As the Aggies prepare for their upcoming playoff matchup, the focus remains on building from their successes this season. The team will continue to train and strategize, looking to capitalize on Reed’s proven abilities while addressing the shortcomings displayed in the recent rivalry clash.
