Final
McGee, Texas A&M stun Texas
Nov 24, 2006 - 8:32 PM AUSTIN, Texas (Ticker) -- Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee did Oklahoma a big favor.McGee ended a time-consuming drive with an eight-yard touchdown run with 2:32 remaining, lifting the Aggies to a 12-7 victory over 11th-ranked Texas, greatly damaging the Longhorns' Big 12 Conference title hopes.
Texas A&M (9-3, 5-3 Big 12 South) had lost the previous six meetings with its bitter rival.
Texas (9-3, 6-2 South) was coming off a stunning loss at Kansas State two weeks ago but still would have clinched the division title and a berth against Nebraska in next week's Big 12 championship game with a win.
Now Oklahoma can win the division with a victory at Oklahoma State on Saturday thanks to the Longhorns' first consecutive defeats since 1999 - the last time they lost to the Aggies.
"We will meet (as a team) Sunday at 5:00 either way," Texas coach Mack Brown said. "If Oklahoma gets beat, you better take care of yourself tonight and (Saturday) and prepare to play Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game. If Oklahoma wins, then you have to figure out which bowl you are going to."
Trailing, 7-6, the Aggies started at their 12-yard line with 11:38 to play and put together a drive lasting nearly nine minutes. McGee methodically marched the team downfield, converting five third downs, the final one on an option keeper to his left that gave his team the lead.
"He's the heart and soul of our team," said Aggies coach Dennis Franchione, who beat the Longhorns for the first time.
Running back Mike Goodson was stopped well short of the goal line on the ensuing two-point conversion, but linebacker Mark Dodge recorded the Aggies' third interception of Colt McCoy on the Longhorns' ensuing drive.
Texas A&M was able to burn just 48 seconds as Texas used its timeouts. With 20 seconds left, McCoy - who had suffered a right shoulder stinger early in the first quarter against the Wildcats and did not return - had to be taken off the field on a cart after getting hit hard by defensive lineman Michael Bennett.
Jevan Snead replaced him but was immediately intercepted by defensive back Japhus Brown.
McGee completed just 7-of-13 passes for 58 yards but gained 95 on 18 carries for the Aggies, who outgained the Longhorns on the ground, 244-70. McCoy was 17-of-28 for 160 yards.
Texas trailed, 6-0, when defensive tackle Frank Okam fell on a fumbled reverse by Aggies wide receiver Kerry Franks at the A&M 37 with 5:55 remaining in the third quarter.
Three plays and an interference penalty later, Jamaal Charles scored on a six-yard run and Ryan Bailey's extra point gave the Longhorns a 7-6 edge.
The Longhorns had a pair of excellent opportunities to score in the first half but could not take advantage of either.
On thei first drive, running back Henry Melton was stuffed for no gain on 4th-and-1 at the A&M 8. Aggies freshman Goodson scored on a 41-yard option run minutes later, although Layne Neumann pushed the ensuing extra point wide right.
"Anytime you don't make a 4th-and-1 when you're at the 10 on the first drive of the game and you are moving the ball well, as close as that game was, you score and you win the game," Brown said.
With just over four minutes to play in the half, Longhorns receiver Limas Sweed was whistled for offensive interference, negating an apparent five-yard touchdown. McCoy was intercepted by Melvin Bullitt at the 1 on the next play.
"This is going to change a lot of things for Texas A&M football," Bullitt said. "Defeating the defending Big 12 and national champions is a huge game for us. We made a statement earlier in the week that we were going to be more physical than Texas and beat them off of the line, and that's what we did."
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