Two storied college football teams will face off in the Texas Bowl on Wednesday when No. 20 Oklahoma State and Texas A&M meet at NRG Stadium in Houston. The Cowboys are looking to reach 10 wins for the eighth time under 19th-year coach Mike Gundy, while the Aggies are trying to pick up a win while navigating a coaching change.
Texas A&M fired coach Jimbo Fisher on Nov. 12 after a 6-4 start in his sixth season. Although former Duke coach and former A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko was introduced as Fisher's successor, interim coach Elijah Robinson will lead the Aggies in the bowl game.
In contrast, Oklahoma State is a model of stability, as Gundy is the second-longest-tenured FBS coach behind Iowa's Kirk Ferentz. The Cowboys have won 11 of 17 bowl appearances under Gundy's leadership and have qualified for a bowl every year during his tenure except during a 4-7 debut campaign in 2005.
The Big 12 has dominated the game in recent years, winning five of the last six Texas Bowls against SEC opponents. However, the only exception came in 2019 when Texas A&M defeated Oklahoma State. Four years later the rematch is coming up.
How to watch Texas Bowl live
Date: Wednesday December 27th | Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas
TV: ESPN | Live broadcast: Fubo (Try for free)
For a limited time, new subscribers can save $20 on Fubo's Pro, Elite, and Premier plans.
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State: What you need to know
Jaylen Henderson's show: Fresno State transfer Jaylen Henderson started the season ranked No. 3 on Texas A&M's quarterback depth chart, but will make his fourth straight start following injuries to Conner Weigman and Max Johnson. Henderson performed admirably, completing 52 of 77 passes for 704 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. He also quickly scored two touchdowns while proving to be a valuable addition after playing only as a reserve in two seasons at Fresno State.
Ollie Gordon's encore: Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II will look to cap off a historic season with another productive outing after entering the bowl season leading the nation in rushing yards (1,614). The sophomore star eclipsed 100 yards rushing in eight of the Cowboys' last 10 games and scored a total of 20 rushing touchdowns in the regular season. Gordon earned unanimous First Team All-America honors and joins Barry Sanders as the only players in program history to score five rushing touchdowns in a game.
2019 rematch: The meeting is a rematch of the 2019 Texas Bowl, which Texas A&M won 24-21. Oklahoma State took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter before the Aggies scored 24 unanswered points and took command. The Cowboys scored a late touchdown but were unable to recover the ensuing onside kick. It was the first meeting between the schools since 2011, Texas A&M's final season in the Big 12.
Texas Bowl Prediction, Tips
Texas A&M is a program in transition as the Aggies move from Fisher to Elko. Meanwhile, interim coach Elijah Robinson is responsible for leading an A&M team that may be struggling to find motivation after a 7-5 regular season. Oklahoma State will reach 10 wins with a win and star running back Ollie Gordon on its side. The Aggies have been solid against the run this season, but with defensive players like Fadil Diggs and Walter Nolen in transfers, Gordon should be able to find some running lanes. Pick: Oklahoma State +2
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