Losing a key playmaker right before a rivalry game is every fan’s nightmare—and that’s exactly the cloud hanging over Texas A&M heading into Black Friday. The Aggies are chasing a perfect regular season against Texas, but the latest availability report suggests they may have to do it without some major contributors, including a big-name running back.
Texas A&M and Texas are set to renew the Lone Star Showdown on Black Friday, with the Aggies trying to lock in an undefeated regular season against their in-state rival. The stakes are massive: bragging rights, playoff implications, and the emotional weight of a rivalry that divides households and friend groups. But here’s where it gets controversial: the injury and availability report might play just as big a role as any play call or coaching decision.
Texas availability overview
On the Texas side, things look relatively clean compared to Texas A&M, at least on paper. Only two Longhorns appear on the initial Tuesday availability report, which is a big deal this late in the season when most rosters are banged up. That alone might make some Aggie fans feel like the football gods are being a bit unfair.
Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is officially listed as questionable for the matchup. He is not just another name on the depth chart—he’s a central piece of the Texas defense, especially in a high-intensity game where stops on third down and containing the run are critical. If he can’t go or is limited, Texas may have to lean harder on younger or less-tested defenders.
Meanwhile, linebacker Ty-Anthony Smith will be out for the first half due to a targeting penalty from the previous game. That means Texas will start this rivalry showdown with one of its defenders forced to watch from the sidelines, which could subtly change how the Longhorns approach their defensive game plan early on. And this is the part most people miss: those first-half drives can shape momentum for the entire game.
Texas A&M key absences
Texas A&M, by contrast, is dealing with a more complicated situation, especially on defense and in the backfield. Two safeties—Bryce Anderson and Rashad Johnson—are listed as out for the game. That immediately thins out the Aggies’ secondary, particularly since Anderson brings veteran experience and leadership on the back end.
Losing a seasoned safety like Anderson is more than just a depth issue; it can affect communication, coverage adjustments, and how comfortable the defense feels against explosive plays. With Johnson also out, the Aggies may need younger defensive backs or backups to step into pressure-filled roles in one of the biggest games of the year. That’s the kind of scenario that can either create surprise heroes—or painful coverage busts.
Le’Veon Moss doubtful status
The headline that will grab most fans, though, is this: running back Le’Veon Moss is listed as doubtful. For a player expected to be a key factor in Texas A&M’s offense, that label does not bode well for his chances of seeing meaningful snaps on Friday. Realistically, “doubtful” often translates to “don’t count on it,” even if there’s always a small chance he dresses and gets a few touches.
Moss has been a serious weapon when healthy, racking up 389 rushing yards and six touchdowns this season. Those are not just empty stats—they represent drives extended, red-zone conversions, and the kind of physical runs that wear down a defense over four quarters. If he can’t go, it removes a proven finisher from the Aggies’ offensive toolbox at the worst possible time.
Impact of Texas A&M’s depth
Here’s where things get interesting: Texas A&M does have real depth in the backfield, which could soften the blow of Moss’s potential absence. The Aggies have multiple backs capable of carrying the load, rotating in fresh legs, and keeping the run game alive even without their doubtful star. In theory, that depth can help them maintain their identity on offense.
Still, there’s a difference between “having bodies” and having a runner like Moss who can change a game with a single drive or break tackle after tackle in crunch time. His combination of production and physicality makes him a headache for defenses when he’s in rhythm. The controversial question is whether Aggie fans should feel confident in the committee approach, or worried that they’re missing their best closer at running back.
Scooby Williams and the linebacker situation
Moss isn’t the only Texas A&M player listed as doubtful. Linebacker Scooby Williams also carries that designation heading into the game. His season has been a bit of a roller coaster because of injuries, with stretches where he was in and out of the lineup. However, when he is available, he has shown he can be a highly productive defender.
If Williams manages to contribute at all, it will feel like a bonus for the Aggies rather than something they can fully plan around. His presence would help with tackling in space, run fits, and overall defensive energy, especially against a rival that will test every level of the defense. But banking on a doubtful player in a game of this magnitude is a risky emotional investment for fans.
Secondary concerns for the Aggies
The confirmed absences of safeties Bryce Anderson and Rashad Johnson add another layer of concern for Texas A&M’s defense. Anderson, in particular, brings experience that is hard to replace in the secondary, especially in high-pressure situations like third-and-long or late-game drives. Without him, the Aggies may have to simplify certain looks or lean on players who have less in-game experience.
With both safeties out, depth and communication become major storylines. One misstep in coverage or a missed assignment on the back end can lead to explosive plays that swing momentum in seconds. That raises a controversial question: will Texas try to aggressively attack downfield to exploit this weakened Aggie secondary, or will they stick to a more balanced approach and trust their usual game plan?
Big-picture stakes and fan debate
With Texas relatively healthy and Texas A&M missing or potentially missing multiple key contributors, the availability report feels like a hidden factor that could shape the outcome of the Lone Star Showdown. Some will argue that injuries are just part of football and that depth is exactly what separates great teams from good ones. Others might say that it’s hard to truly judge a rivalry game when one side is clearly more banged up than the other.
So here’s the question to you: Do you think Texas A&M’s depth is enough to overcome the likely absence of Le’Veon Moss and the confirmed losses in the secondary, or do these injuries tilt the edge toward Texas before the ball is even kicked? And more provocatively—should fans ever consider a rivalry win “less impressive” if it comes against a shorthanded opponent, or is a win simply a win? Share your take: agree, disagree, or see it completely differently?
