Quarterback Johnny Manziel broke his own school record with 464 passing yards and five touchdowns and added 98 rushing yards, but it wasn’t enough to lead A&M to the victory.
The loss didn’t afford him a Heisman moment, but he had the play of game.
Early in the second quarter, Manziel showed his escapability as he danced away from a certain sack. Alabama defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan nearly trapped him and linebacker C.J. Mosley pressured him before Manziel flung a wild heave into triple coverage.
Edward Pope made a leaping catch, providing a 12-yard gain on a play where Manziel scrambled about 60 yards.
Why Alabama won: The Tide wore down A&M’s defense with a withering ground attack and strong leadership from quarterback AJ McCarron, who never seemed to get flustered in leading his team back from an early 14-0 deficit to the victory.
Why A&M lost: The Aggies defense didn’t make enough big plays to halt Alabama’s brutal offensive attack. They were bullied at the point of attack throughout the game, showing the same struggles as in victories over Rice and Sam Houston State.
Game-changing play: Vinnie Sunseri’s 73-yard interception return for a touchdown, punctuated by a juke past Manziel, gave the Tide a pivotal three-touchdown lead, turning away the Aggies’ chances to score on their opening possession of the second half. A&M had to play on its heels the rest of the game.
Quote of the day
“He made some great reads and he does do some goofy stuff. But that’s what makes him who he is,” Alabama safety Vinnie Sunseri about Manziel.
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