The anticipation for the Lone Star Showdown—the high-stakes rivalry game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Texas Longhorns—is reaching a fever pitch. As the Texas A&M football team chases a perfect regular season, the status of star running back Le’Veon Moss has been the biggest question mark for the Aggies’ offense.
Moss, who suffered an ankle injury against the Florida Gators on October 11, has been sidelined for the better part of the year. Head coach Mike Elko initially delivered a sobering injury update in his Monday press conference, stating that Moss would “probably not” be available, which most fans took as an effective ruling-out of the top running back.
Doubted, But Not Denied: Moss is “Doubtful”
However, the official SEC availability report offered a faint, yet tangible, glimmer of hope. Instead of being definitively ruled OUT, Le’Veon Moss was listed as DOUBTFUL for the Black Friday clash.
The “doubtful” designation signifies a low but non-zero possibility—a rough 25% chance—that the player could be available. While this is certainly not the “PROBABLE” status that Aggie fans desired, it is a significant improvement from the de facto denial issued earlier in the week. The team is clearly leaving the door slightly ajar for a miraculous return in the emotional rivalry game.
Moss is a crucial component of the team’s efficiency, having accounted for significant production on the ground before his injury. His ability to hit the hole and gain extra yardage would be a massive boost against a tough Texas Longhorns run defense.
Aggies and Longhorns Injury Notes
Moss is listed alongside linebacker Scooby Williams, who is also DOUBTFUL. Both have been key senior starters out of commission since the mid-season point. Safeties Bryce Anderson and Rashad Johnson were officially listed as OUT, with Anderson reportedly aiming for a redshirt season.
On the Longhorns’ side, they will be without linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith for the first half due to a targeting penalty from their previous game. Crucially for Texas football, linebacker Anthony Hill is listed as QUESTIONABLE, meaning both sides are dealing with significant linebacker concerns entering the Lone Star Showdown.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Moss, the Aggies have found success with the committee of Rueben Owens and Jamarion Morrow handling the bulk of the carries. While having Moss would maximize the Texas A&M attack, the team’s postseason goals—including potential College Football Playoff contention—may prioritize having a fully healed Moss for the games that follow the SEC rivalry finale.