Arch Manning, Texas Upset No. 3 Texas A&M as Fans Make Case for CFB Playoff Bid

Arch Manning and the No. 16 Texas Longhorns upset No. 3 Texas A&M in an SEC battle on Friday, handing the Aggies their first loss of the season in a 27-17 win and making a late bid for the College Football Playoff.

Texas improved to 9-3, raising the question of whether a three-loss team can squeeze into the 12-team field in a crowded top 25.

Manning threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns — one rushing and one passing — while completing 14-of-29 attempts.

With three top-10 wins over Oklahoma, Vanderbilt and now Texas A&M, the Longhorns look stronger than most bubble teams. 

True, they have dropped some bad games, including a loss to Florida and a 35-10 rout by Georgia, but beating the No. 3 team may be the most impressive win of any contender on the playoff brink.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed struggled, finishing with 180 yards and two interceptions in the fourth quarter while completing 20-of-32 passes. 

The Aggies fell to 11-1 with the road loss and will not make the SEC Championship Game. Their playoff chances should remain secure, but they will see a significant drop in the CFB rankings.

CFB Playoff Selection Day is set for Sunday, Dec. 7, from 12-3 p.m. ET.