A Faint Hope: Superstar Doubtful Status Provides Slim Rivalry Boost for Texas A&M

🏈 Despite earlier pessimism from Coach Mike Elko, star running back Le’Veon Moss’s inclusion on the availability report as “doubtful” offers a minor but crucial psychological boost to Texas A&M fans ahead of the pivotal Lone Star Showdown against the Texas Longhorns.

COLLEGE STATION, TX – The Texas A&M Aggies are marching into the most critical game of their season—the revived Lone Star Showdown rivalry against the Texas Longhorns—with their SEC Championship and College Football Playoff hopes hanging in the balance. While the team has forged ahead impressively, the absence of veteran running back Le’Veon Moss has been a significant hurdle since he suffered an ankle injury against the Florida Gators back on October 11.

Head Coach Mike Elko initially delivered a “gut punch” to the Texas A&M fanbase during his Monday press conference, stating that Moss would “probably not” be available. This was interpreted by many as a definitive ruling-out of the star running back.

📈 Doubtful is Not Out: A Shift in Status

However, the official initial SEC availability report released this week provided a minor, yet potentially important, update. Le’Veon Moss was officially listed as “doubtful” for the rivalry clash.

This designation, which generally signifies a roughly 25% chance of playing, is a marked improvement from being definitively ruled out. While it remains highly unlikely that Moss will suit up, the psychological lift—knowing there’s a possibility, however slim, that the star Aggie could provide a spark—is being closely watched by the Aggie fanbase.

In Moss’s absence, the Texas A&M offense has relied heavily on the production of Rueben Owens and Jamarion Morrow, with supplementary carries from EJ Smith. The group has performed admirably, but Moss’s veteran presence and ability to break tackles is highly coveted against the Texas rush defense.

🤕 Injury Report Details: Defensive Backfield Hit

Moss is listed alongside linebacker Scooby Williams as doubtful. Williams’ potential absence would further thin the defensive rotation.

The Texas A&M defense is confirmed to be without safeties Bryce Anderson and Rashad Johnson—a significant blow to the secondary as they face Arch Manning and the explosive Texas passing game.

Conversely, the Texas Longhorns will be without linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith for the first half due to a targeting penalty. Star linebacker Anthony Hill is listed as questionable, which could provide a sliver of relief for the Aggies’ rushing attack if he is limited or unable to play.

Despite the persistent injury issues, this highly motivated Texas A&M football team has found ways to win. Moss’s return is not imperative for victory, but his status progression will undoubtedly be monitored closely by the 12th Man as they look for any edge in the biggest regular-season college football game of the year.