The game featured more twists, turns and points than Nick Saban would prefer. But despite giving up 628 yards, the most in school history, the Alabama Crimson Tide came through when it mattered to hang on to beat Texas A&M 49-42 in College Station.
Alabama vs. Texas A&M 2013 final score: Tide outlast Aggies 49-42
It got tight toward the end, but Alabama did what it does best and came away with the win.
Texas A&M jumped out to a 14-0 lead in less than eight minutes on a one-yard touchdown pass from Manziel to Cameron Clear, then a one-yard touchdown run from Ben Malena. However, the Tide didn't take long to respond, reeling off 28 straight points to end the first half with a 28-14 lead. A.J. McCarron threw for 251 yards and three scores in the first half alone, and Alabama finally got the running game going on a long, grinding drive to end the first half, which culminated in a T.J. Yeldon touchdown run.
The point streak would run to 35 straight for Alabama a few minutes into the third quarter when Vinnie Sunseri took a Johnny Manziel pass back 73 yards for a touchdown. This requires a gif:
GIF credit: CBS
The game seemed like it was over, but Manziel connected with Malcome Kennedy for a touchdown to keep the game within reach. Alabama scored again on a Kenyan Drake touchdown run to make it a 42-21 game, but A&M again answered with another touchdown pass to Kennedy. The story looked to be repeating once again on the next drive, but T.J. Yeldon fumbled on the goal line and the Aggies recovered to save the game for the moment. Three plays later, Manziel hit Mike Evans for a 95-yard touchdown to make it 42-35 with eight minutes remaining.
GIF credit: CBS
At that point, though, Alabama did what it does best: Calmly marched down the field, ate clock and picked up seven points to put the game out of reach, even after another touchdown pass from Manziel to Kennedy. It was a valiant comeback effort from the Aggies, but in the end, the Tide’s run in the second and third quarters was just too much to overcome.
Box Score Hero:
A.J. McCarron (20-29 for 334 yards and four touchdowns) and Johnny Manziel (28-39 for 464 yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions, and 98 rushing yards) but Mike Evans was absolutely absurd for Texas A&M. Evans had seven receptions for 279 yards and a touchdown, which averages out to just under 40 yards per catch. Malcome Kennedy also had three touchdown receptions for A&M.
Rankings Ramifications:
The Tide will remain at No. 1 in both polls, but Texas A&M will take a tumble. The Aggies are ranked sixth in both polls, and will probably wind up somewhere around 10-15.
But Did They Cover?
Alabama was an eight-point favorite entering the game, so they did not cover the spread.
For More On This Game:
For more on Texas A&M, head over to Good Bull Hunting.
For more on Alabama, check out Roll Bama Roll.
Next Week’s Schedule:
Texas A&M: Sept. 21 vs. SMU
Alabama: Sept. 21 vs. Colorado State
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