Why UT and A&M are not playing in Texas Bowl at NRG

HOUSTON – It’s been six years now since the Texas Longhorns and Aggies met on the gridiron. The Lone Star showdown was the third longest series in college football.  

This year fans hoped that rivalry would be renewed in the Texas Bowl which features a big 12 and SEC matchup. 

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Executive director of the Texas Bowl, David Fletcher knows firsthand how the process works. 

“I would love to see it as well, I mean who wouldn't want to see a great rivalry renewed and an opportunity for those fan bases to be engaged here in Houston,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher said he and his committee do have the Big 12 pick -- in this case the longhorns, but the SEC selection is out of their hands. 

“We do not have a selection on the SEC side that is controlled by the conference, we had Texas chosen, we awaited the word on who would play on the SEC side,” he said.

So, in that case, why did the SEC select Missouri and not Texas A&M?

“They’ve outlined a criteria for how they put into consideration they’re selections. And they also look at teams that have been to bowls previously and Texas A&M was here in Houston last year so I think that was certainly something that was part of the consideration.”

Instead, Texas A&M will head to the Belk Bowl in Charlotte to face Wake Forest. And Texas will meet an exciting university of Missouri football team that finished the season with a bang. 

“Six wins in a row to finish their season. Drew Lock, their star quarterback, is one of the best in the country, leading the nation in TD passes should be a high flying offense. We’re looking forward to a great one here on Dec. 27,” Fletcher said.


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