The Texas A&M Aggies were the SEC representatives with the potential No. 1 pick anchoring their defense, but the Big 12's Kansas State Wildcats were the better team during Wednesday's Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Quarterback Jesse Ertz spearheaded the 33-28 victory with his arm and legs. He threw for 195 yards and a score and added 67 yards and two touchdowns on the ground as the difference in the game. Kansas State took control in the second quarter and used a crucial fourth-down stop on Texas A&M's final drive to earn the win.
The Wildcats moved to 9-4 on the season thanks to six wins in their last seven games, while Texas A&M dropped to 8-5 after a 6-0 start.