Coming off a bye week, the University of Alabama hoped to avenge last year’s upset to Texas A&M University in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Head coach Nick Saban was determined not to let Johnny Manziel run all over the Alabama defense this time around, but the Crimson Tide would have to prepare for a more versatile offense this time, in part to Manziel’s improved passing ability.
Texas A&M got off to a quick start in the first quarter, driving down the field with Manziel throwing for a quick red zone touchdown to sophomore receiver Mike Evans. Senior running back Ben Malena added another quick score with a short touchdown run from the goal line. The Aggies took a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter, almost mirroring their performance from last year. Alabama rebounded on the next drive when senior quarterback AJ McCarron connected with senior receiver Kevin Norwood for a 22-yard touchdown reception.
In the second quarter, Alabama’s offense started to return back to it’s dominating style of play. Junior receiver DeAndrew White caught a 44-yard touchdown pass on a flea-flicker from McCarron to even the score 14-14. A&M’s offense was poised to turn things around and “Johnny Football” had yet another ridiculous scramble play in which he somehow escaped the grasp of an Alabama defensive linemen, heaving the ball up for grabs. Freshman receiver Edward Pope came down with the reception surrounded by Alabama’s secondary. The pass went for 45 yards, even though it was only a 12-yard completion. With the A&M offense looking unstoppable, Manziel threw a fade route to the back of the end zone and was picked off. Alabama took advantage of the turnover, with senior receiver Kenny Bell scoring on a 51-yard touchdown pass from McCarron. The Tide had now scored 21 unanswered points.
On the ensuing drive, Texas A&M went three-and-out, quickly giving the ball back to Alabama. Sophomore running back T.J. Yeldon established a strong running game with a moderate dose of play-action from McCarron as well. Saban demonstrated his clock management ability, and Yeldon scored on a 4-yard touchdown run with 0:45 remaining in the half. Alabama had now scored 28 unanswered points to end the half, leading 28-14.
With Saban as the head coach, Alabama had a 63-3 record when leading at the half. It was apparent A&M could not stop the Tide’s offense, especially in the running game.
Early in the third quarter things only got worse for A&M. Manziel threw an interception to junior defensive back Vinnie Sunseri, who ran 73 yards for a touchdown. The game was starting to get out of hand, as Alabama had now scored 35 unanswered points and looked like defending national champions at its best. Manziel and his offense would not give up, though.
Manziel led a strong drive, capped off by a 14-yard touchdown pass to junior receiver Malcome Kennedy cutting the lead to 35-21. Alabama quickly responded, driving down the field scoring on Kenyan Drake’s 3-yard touchdown run. The score was now 42-21. Any chance of a comeback was starting to seem bleak.
To start the fourth quarter, Manziel led a good drive and completed a 12-yard pass in the end zone to Kennedy again, the score now 42-28. The next defensive series would be huge for the Aggies.
Alabama once again drove down the field with an unstoppable running game. A touchdown would put the game out of reach. McCarron handed the ball off to Yeldon at the goal line and he was stuffed by the Aggies’ defense, fumbling after being hit. Texas A&M recovered the ball and there was a spark of hope for the crowd in College Station, Texas.
On the next drive, Manziel dropped back in A&M’s own end zone and launched a pass to Mike Evans, who eluded a defender en route to a 95-yard touchdown pass. The score was now 42-35. Kyle Field was ecstatic, it seemed as if Johnny Manziel was going to beat Alabama yet again. Meanwhile, Nick Saban was pulling his hair out on the sideline.
Alabama would get the ball back and continue to manage the clock with a bruising run game. The Crimson Tide took six minutes off the clock with their drive. McCarron threw a 5-yard play-action touchdown pass to junior fullback Jalston Fowler with 2:28 remaining. The score was now 49-35. The Aggies would need perfect play on both sides of the ball to have any chance of a comeback.
Texas A&M had another successful offensive drive, and Manziel threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Kennedy, his third touchdown reception of the day. With the score being 49-42 with 0:15 left to play, an onside kick was Texas A&M’s last hope. Alabama sophomore receiver Amari Cooper recovered the onside kick to put the nail in the coffin. Final score: 49-42.
Despite the loss, Manziel still had an amazing game. He went 28-of-39 for 464 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. Evans set a school record with 279 receiving yards. Meanwhile, McCarron threw for 334 yards (a career-high), going 20-of-29 with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Fourty-two points was the most points Alabama had allowed in more than a decade. Although Saban was not too pleased with A&M nearly coming back, he was happy just to get the win.
Alabama proved they are still the best team in the country while Texas A&M showed some weakness with its defense, particularly with the running game.
It will be interesting to see how Manziel and the Aggies rebound from the tough loss. Whether you love him or hate him, “Johnny Football” proved he is a solid quarterback in all aspects. As the most polarizing player in college football, all eyes will still be on him, win or lose.
As for Alabama, the win might not have been typical for them, but the Tide continues to roll.