Remember when Texas A&M was making a big mistake by leaving the Big 12 for the SEC? Well, maybe that was right. I’m just saying -- the Aggies needed a few breaks to beat Alabama, but blasted Oklahoma (previously 5-0 on the year against Texas teams) out of the Cotton Bowl, 41-13. If they’d only stuck around, they could’ve saved themselves a whole lot of stress.
2013 Cotton Bowl results: Texas A&M, unofficial state champions
Yes, there were, “SEC!” chants in Dallas as Texas A&M pounded the Big 12 co-champs, 41-13.
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Along the way Friday night, Johnny Manziel set the new FBS bowl game record for rushing yardage by a quarterback, with 229. He also threw for 287, with four total scores. Heisman slumps only count for seniors and redshirt juniors, you see.
A&M posted 633 total yards worth of offense, the second-worst wounding of the year for OU's defense, while holding the Sooners to 401*. The Aggies averaged 10.5 yards per rush -- TEN POINT FIVE -- with Ben Malena and Trey Williams also leaving trails. Ryan Swope, A&M's all-time leading receiver, leaves with a 104-yard evening.
* Well, 401 is still kind of a lot. But not Aggie-esque. Landry Jones, in his final college game, put up 297, a touchdown and a pick.
Rankings ramifications: How high will Texas A&M be ranked next year? We’re of the opinion that one of our favorite teams will find itself overrated to start the year, with a whole lot of talent likely draining from the offensive line and elsewhere. But do not count out Kevin Sumlin’s Aggies -- a top-five ranking to start the season might just be earned by the end. Oklahoma will rank near the top-10, as their helmets will still have Oklahoma logos on them.
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