The Texas A&M Aggies scored 20 points in the first quarter, and never trailed, in beating top-ranked Alabama 29-24 at Tuscaloosa, AL. Texs A&M redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel threw for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns, as well as rushing for 92 yards.
After the initial punch in the face that provided the Aggies with a 20-0 early lead, Alabama scored the next 17 points, to close to 20-17 in the third quarter. Shortly after an early fourth quarter field goal by Texas A&M, Manziel hit Malcome Kennedy for a 24 yard touchdown. The two-point conversion failed, but the Aggies were in front 29-17, with 8:37 remaining. Alabama scored quickly, A.J. McCarron tossed a 54 yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper, to close the deficit to 29-24. The Crimson Tide had one last chance, but McCarron was intercepted at the goal line on 4th and goal. This was McCarron’s second interception thrown in the game. He didn’t have any interceptions this season, coming into this game.
Johnny Manziel has now thrust himself into the discussion for the Heisman Trophy, even as a freshman. No freshman has ever won the Heisman, but no freshman quarterback ever beat the #1 team on the road before either. I still think Collin Klein, the Kansas State quarterback is in the driver’s seat, with 2 more touchdown runs today, but there is still a few weeks of football left to change minds. A.J. McCarron’s chances definitely took a hit in this game.
Now, with Louisville losing to Syracuse 45-26, there are only 3 remaining undefeated teams, that are eligible to play for the National Championship. Oregon whipped California (Berkeley) 59-17. Kansas State beat TCU 23-10, and Notre Dame dominated Boston College 21-6. Oregon still has to play Stanford, and at Oregon State, plus the Pac 12 Championship game, if they keep winning. Kansas State plays at Baylor, then home against Texas. Notre Dame just has a home game with Wake Forest, and USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum to end their season. Alabama looked like the best bet to make it to the BCS Championship Game, but it wasn’t in the cards. We have 3 weeks left to see who will make it to Miami on January 7, to play for the championship.
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