Alabama shuts down A&M, 45-23

This game should have been a full blown defensive battle for both teams, with a low score of 17-10.

Instead, the Alabama Crimson Tide took advantage of every opportunity, just as the No. 1 team should. Playing a talented Texas A&M Aggies team at home, the Tide rocked the Aggies from the first drive on. The defense stopped Trayveon Williams on his first carry and picked off Kellen Mond on the next play. This play led to a 30-yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa to Devonta Smith.

Texas A&M matched the score with a Jace Sternberger touchdown with about 4:15 left on the clock. The 8 play, 99-yard drive was highlighted with a 54-yard run by Kellen Mond. Alabama continued to march on, piling up multiple quick drives in order to go up 31-13 at the end of the first half. Every touchdown in the first half came from a Tua pass.

The second half opened up with a pair of punts and then a 7-play, 80-yard drive by the Crimson Tide. After a 42-yard reception by Irv Smith Jr., Josh Jacobs ran it in for 3-yard score to put the Tide up 38-13. A&M was able to put up another field goal and Mond ran the ball for a 9-yard touchdown. The final score of the game was 45-23.

Tua torched the A&M secondary, throwing for 387 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another. Jacobs had the other rushing touchdown for the Crimson Tide, while Damien Harris and Najee Harris led the way in rushing yards. Henry Ruggs III, Jerry Jeudy, Irv Smith Jr. and Devonta Smith were the major factors when catching passes. Isaiah Buggs terrorized the Aggie offense with three sacks, three tackles for loss and seven total tackles. Dylan Moses chipped in nine tackles, five of them solo. Christian Miller and Anfernee Jennings all had a sack. Patrick Surtain II and Mack Wilson each had an interception.

Texas A&M’s offense did not have a good day. Mond went 16-for-33 for 198 yards and had a touchdown and two picks. Mond ran for 98 yards and scored a rushing touchdown as well. Nick Starkel saw some action too, going 6-for-11 for 67 yards. Trayveon Williams had only eight carries for 31 yards. Jace Sternberger and Quartney Davis were the factors in catching passes. While Sternberger caught the only touchdown, he and Davis notched 59 yards receiving. Deshawn Capers-Smith and Landis Durham led the way defensively for the Aggies. No sacks or interceptions were recorded for the Aggies.

Alabama will take a week off next week against ULL. Texas A&M, meanwhile, will continue their SEC campaign against Arkansas.