Blocked Blow: Texas A&M Aggies Fall To Ole Miss Rebels Behind Quinshon Judkins 3 Touchdown Day
Max Johnson went over the top, but Quinshon Judkins went across the middle.
Judkins, who terrorized Texas A&M last season with a 200-yard performance at Kyle Field, gave the crowd at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium a curtain call with a three-touchdown day, including the game-winning 1-yard run in a 38-35 victory for the Rebels.
A&M had one final chance to score, but Randy Bond's 47-yard game-tying field goal attempt as time expired was blocked by Deantre Prince.
"Credit to Texas A&M for playing a good game," Rebels coach Lane Kiffin said on ESPN postgame. "They took us down to the wire."
The Aggies now extend their true road game losing streak to nine games under Jimbo Fisher. A&M will have three more opportunities to secure a bowl bid after finishing 5-7 a season ago.
Johnson, who finished 31-of-42 with 305 passing yards and a touchdown, bulldozed his way over A&M's offensive line for the 1-yard touchdown and lead. A pair of pass interference calls tacked on 30 yards to help the Aggies reach the red zone.
But the No. 10 Rebels (8-1, 5-1 SEC) weren't ready to give up their hopes of making the SEC Championship and perhaps even the College Football Playoff. Judkins pulverized his way ahead for 36 yards before taking the direct snap for an easy six.
Johnson, who once again faced pressure against a potent front seven, pushed the Aggies into field goal range, but could only watch Bond's kick fall short from the sidelines.
The Rebels jumped out to an early 14-0 lead thanks to the up-tempo offense keeping the Aggies on their toes. Jaxson Dart connected with Tre Harris for a gain of 39 to set up a 9-yard touchdown from Judkins. Harris would find the end zone two drives later with an 11-yard reception.
Penalties hindered the Rebels from extending their lead with eight minutes in the second quarter. Caden Davis' field goal attempt was blocked by Shemar Turner and returned 75 yards for a touchdown by Jacoby Mathews.
The Aggies relied on Ainais Smith and Jahdae Walker as their top two weapons with Evan Stewart out with a lower-body injury. Johnson connected with Smith for a gain of 24 to set up a 1-yard touchdown run from Amari Daniels.
Walker finished with a team-high eight catches for 100 yards, including two catches of over 20 yards downfield.
Ole Miss pounced on a red-zone interception from Johnson and marched 80 yards, culminating in Judkins' second touchdown. Dart finished 24-of-33 for 387 yards and two touchdowns.
Texas A&M Aggies Max Johnson warms up at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium prior to taking on the Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford, Miss.
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Harris, a transfer from Louisiana Tech, led the Rebels in receptions (11) and receiving yards (213), along with his score in the second quarter.
The Aggies' offense found juice in the second half, totaling a season-high 333 yards and in the final 30 minutes. Ole Miss finished with a 518-457 edge in total yards.
"This is one of the best defenses in the country," said Kiffin. "To be able to come away with 38 points today, even when we screwed up in the red zone, it was awesome." All the credit goes to our players."
Penalties hindered both offenses from finishing drives. Texas A&M was flagged nine times, four of which on offense, for 72 yards. The Rebels were flagged eight times, six offensively, for 61 yards.
Le'Veon Moss, LD Overton and Sam McCall all left Saturday's game with injuries. Daniels and Rueben Owens combined for 85 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
The Aggies recorded three sacks and five tackles for loss. They finished 5-for-11 on third-down conversions.
Stewart, the hero of the first half, was ejected with seven minutes remaining in the third quarter and punching an Ole Miss offensive lineman following a pass attempt. The 15 yard penalty would lead to Judkins' second touchdown.
A&M returns to Kyle Field to take on Mississippi State next Saturday, Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
