Watch: Texas A&M Aggies Block Field Goal For TD Against Ole Miss
Texas A&M's offense might be stuck in neutral. Its defense has been hit-or-miss depending on the drive.
At least special teams are alive and well.
The Aggies trail Ole Miss 14-7 following a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown by Jacoby Mathews. A&M will receive the ball to begin the second half.
The drive that ended with joy was nearly met with criticism. The Rebels were marching, picking up back-to-back first-down receptions over 20-plus yards downfield from Jaxson Dart.
Ole Miss even found the end zone on an 11-yard run from Ulysses Bentley to make it 21-0. However, penalties became a focal point for keeping the Aggies breathing.
Back-to-back holding calls placed the No. 10 Rebels (7-1, 4-1 SEC) from the Aggies' 11 to the 31. An illegal use of hands negated another 10 yards and forced a second-and-28. Ole Miss gained a few more yards, but Kiffin settled for a field goal attempt.
Shemar Turner broke up the middle for the block. Mathews stood outside and waited for the ball to drop in his arms. A foot race later, Mathews was in the end zone with a 68-yard score and a seven-point differential.
Ole Miss would capitalize on the ensuing drive as Dart found Jordan Watkins for 29-yard score. The Rebels would fail to convert on the two-point attempt.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart throws a pass against Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas
USA Today-Sports
Texas A&M's offense continues to struggle with keeping Max Johnson upright. Through four drives, the Aggies (5-3, 3-2 SEC) have totaled three first downs and are 1-of-5 on third-down attempts.
Dart, who continues to have a breakout second year under Lane Kiffin, has thrown for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Quinshon Judkins leads the Rebels with 41 yards and a touchdown.
A&M will receive the ball at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to begin the second half.
