Big Second Quarter Helps Texas A&M Aggies End Losing Streak vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
The Texas A&M Aggies were in desperate need of a win coming out of their bye week, following back-to-back frustrating losses at the hands of Alabama and Tennessee.
And against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday at Kyle Field, the Aggies got just what the doctor ordered, holding off Shane Beamer's team for a 30-17 win.
However, it wasn't as easy as many expected.
From the opening kick, the Gamecocks came out and controlled the action, forcing two consecutive Aggie three-and-outs on the first two drives, and taking an early 7-0 lead.
After that, however, the Aggies woke up, rattling off 21 unanswered points in the second quarter, and taking firm control of the game heading into the locker room at halftime.
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Ainias Smith (0) makes a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter at Kyle Field.
Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports
The Gamecocks attempted to make a push with a late third-quarter touchdown that cut the Aggies lead to 24-17. However, Texas A&M was able to hold them off from there, hitting a pair of field goals to ice the game.
Offensively, the Aggies were led by a dominant performance from senior wide receiver Ainias Smith, who finished the game with six receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown.
Evan Stewart also had six catches for the Aggies for 55 yards, while quarterback Max Johnson ended the afternoon completing 20 of his 30 passes for 249 yards and the one score to Smith.
Following the win, the Aggies will now turn their attention to a difficult road test against the No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford.
The Aggies are 9-3 all-time vs. the Rebels. However, Ole Miss has won the last two straight games, including a 31-28 decision in College Station last season.
