Crimson Tide roll over Texas A&M's defense, win big in College Station
COLLEGE STATION - Kellen Mond knew this was his moment. A chance to shine in the national spotlight with over 106,000 supporters sitting behind him. Lining up under center, the junior started the game strong with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Mond played excellent against the top-ranked Crimson Tide at Kyle Field. The defense, however, was far from ready for Tua Tagovailoa and the star-studded arsenal. Alabama started slow, then found their rhythm on the way to a 47-28 victory Saturday afternoon.
The Aggies excelled on offense to open the game. Mond looked the part of a starting quarterback, an answer that had come into question over the past several weeks. Shining both through the air and on the ground, the San Antonio product finished with 264 yards and three total touchdowns.
The problem was no matter what Mond did, Tagovailoa matched. The junior Heisman finalist shined through the air, connecting with his targets and ending drives with scores. Although it wasn't perfect, Tagovailoa finished with 293 yards and four touchdowns.
The one promising moment for Texas A&M's defense came in the second quarter from freshman Demani Richardson. In the red zone, Tagovailoa would try to connect with Jerry Jeudy. Instead, Richardson would jump the route to intercept him the first time all season.
Another first occurred for award-winning punter Braden Mann. Early in the fourth quarter, Alabama would block a punt, leading to a special teams' touchdown. It would be the first time the Ray Guy award winner would be blocked in his career.
Penalties derailed the Aggies throughout the game. Kendrick Rogers was caught with a block in the back on the opening drive following a Quartney Davis touchdown. Later on, he'd receive an unsportsmanlike call, negating 15 yards and leading to an eventual Aggie punt.
All eyes were on Alabama's receiving corps, and the quartet did not disappoint. Despite not passing 100 receiving yards, three scored while one finished with 50 yards. First, Jaylen Waddle would connect on a 31-yard touchdown for the first time this season. DeVonta Smith would follow with a 47-yard score. Henry Ruggs made one catch, but it would come in the form of a 33-yard touchdown pass.
Najee Harris would also find himself in the mix with a 16-yard touchdown in the second quarter. The former top recruit finished with 133 total yards, averaging 5.7 yards per run.
Texas A&M matched Alabama early. Following the touchdown run from Mond, Seth Small would nail a 31-yard field. He'd make a 32-yard kick just before the end of the half.
But it was the late push from Mond and the Aggies aerial attack that kept the team in contention. With just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter, Mond would hit freshman Jalen Wydermyer for a 25-yard touchdown.
In the fourth, the two would connect again for a 15-yard score. Mond would then keep the ball for a two-point conversion to put the Aggies down by 19. For Alabama, it was time to get serious.
The Aggies couldn't extend drives for some late-game magic, finishing their final moments with punts. Excellent coverage from the Crimson Tide secondary made Mond's fabulous throws obsolete.
The lack of a run game was once again evident. Freshman Isaiah Spiller started strong with 25 yards on the opening drive. He'd finish with four more yards on the afternoon. Mond led the way with 99 rushing yards while the team finished with a total of 125. Alabama struggled as well, rushing for 155.
The Aggies season is far from over, but their SEC Championships hopes might be. With two losses to the Crimson Tide and Auburn, multiple patterns would have to play out for A&M to represent the SEC West in Atlanta. Although not impossible, it's highly unlikely for all the dominos to fall in the Aggies' favor.
Alabama will head back to Bryant-Denny Stadium to take on rival Tennessee. The Aggies will travel to Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium to face Ole Miss for their first SEC road game of the season.
