Texas A&M Aggies Coach Jimbo Fisher Provides Update On RB Le'Veon Moss
Texas A&M dropped its ninth consecutive road game Saturday in a 38-35 loss to No. 10 Ole Miss, but more losses could trouble the program for the remainder of the season.
A&M coach Jimbo Fisher confirmed that running back Le'Veon Moss suffered a lower-body injury in the fourth quarter at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Moss was limited this week in practice after suffering a similar injury in a 20-13 loss against Tennessee prior to the bye week.
"They don't think it's anything surgical, but it could be something to [keep him out] a week or two," said Fisher. "It could be a couple days, a week; we'll have to wait and see.
"He was running really well."
Moss returned after missing Week 9's 30-17 win over South Carolina and began to bully the Rebels' defensive front. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry and scored with 1:44 remaining in the first half on a 13-yard scamper.
A&M's offensive balance came to life following a red-zone interception by Max Johnson to kick off the second half. The Aggies (5-4, 3-3 SEC) totaled 330 yards of offense in the final 30 minutes and scored on three consecutive drives.
Johnson, who finished with a season-high 305 yards and a touchdown, piled forward for a 1-yard touchdown with 4:34 remaining to give A&M a 35-31 lead. The Aggies only allowed one sack in the second half and opened up consistent running lanes for Amari Daniels and Rueben Owens.
"They got confident and we ran the football, we protected and gave Max clean pockets and good things happened," said Fisher of the offensive line.
Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for over 200 yards last season in a 31-28 victory at Kyle Field, once again was the difference-maker in space. He only rushed for 101 yards, but his three touchdowns came at opportune moments.
Judkins scored the game-winner on a 1-yard scamper on a direct snap with just over two minutes remaining. The Rebels (8-1, 5-1) outgained the Aggies, 518-457.
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Turner
USAToday-Sports
The Aggies marched downfield to get in field goal range, but Randy Bond's 47-yard game-tying kick was partially blocked by Deantre Price as time expired.
Fisher won't settle for moral victories but commended the effort after nearly being down 17-0 in the second quarter.
"You want them to be rewarded for how hard they're playing," Fisher said. "I mean, it's a one-play, one-situation game. There's a really good football team in there with a lot of character and a lot of heart. We have to find a way to get them one more."
The Aggies entered Saturday missing one of their key offensive weapons. Sophomore receiver Evan Stewart was ruled out with a lower-body injury after pregame warmups. In his place, Jahdae Walker finished with a team-high 100 receiving yards on eight catches.
A&M also played nearly the entirety of the second half without its top defender, Shemar Turner, who was ejected in the third quarter for a flagrant personal foul after punching a Rebels' offensive lineman in the groin.
Turner, who finished with three tackles, also blocked a field goal attempt by former A&M kicker Caden Davis. Defensive back Jacoby Mathews caught the spinning ball in the air and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown return to bring the Aggies within a touchdown.
"We can't lose our cool," said Fisher of Turner's ejection. "He's a great player and a great young man. He'll learn from that and we'll make sure we get him right because he has a great future in the game. It was a shame."
The Aggies return to Kyle Field to take on Mississippi State on Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
