Texas A&M Downs Mississippi State, 38-13
STARKVILLE,
Miss. - Texas A&M came in known for their high-powered offensive
attack and showed it Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium, as the Aggies
defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 38-13.
The Aggies jumped out to a quick lead, scoring touchdowns on their
first three drives of the contest, two in the first quarter off of runs
by Ben Malena and Christine Michael.
A&M freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel added a 37-yard touchdown
run in the second to add to the Aggie lead and, by the end, of the
first half, A&M held a surprising 24-0 lead against the Bulldogs.
Michael punched in another score, with a 1-yard TD run to start off the third quarter.
The Bulldogs then answered back on an impressive drive that was capped
off by a 14-yard touchdown strike from junior quarterback Tyler Russell
to senior receiver Chad Bumphis. With that touchdown reception, Bumphis
extended his school record of career TD receptions to 18. Russell's
16th touchdown pass also tied the single-season school record, set by
Derrick Taite in 1995.
State's defense, known for forcing turnovers throughout the 2012 season
came up big by forcing a Manziel fumble at the goal line on A&M's
next drive. The Maroon and White then marched down the field
impressively, but were unsuccessful in capping the drive as a Russell
pass sailed into the hands of an Aggie defender.
The Bulldogs added another score in the fourth quarter when Russell
punched one in from four yards out, but were unable to convert the
two-point conversion.
A&M answered back with an impressive drive of their own, scoring on
a 7-yard run from Manziel for a the final tally of 38-13.
State gained 310 total yards on the day, with 212 through the air and
98 on the ground. The seemingly unstoppable Aggies, however, gained a
total of 693 yards, with 361 coming on the ground and 332 passing.
Leading the Bulldogs in passing was Russell, who threw 30 passes,
completing 19 for 212 yards, a touchdown and an interception. On the
rushing attack, LaDarius Perkins gained 42 yards on 13 carries. Bumphis
caught four passes for 60 yards and a score, while senior Arceto Clark
led the Bulldogs with five catches for 64 yards.
Manziel led the way for the Aggies, throwing 30-for-36 for 311 yards.
On the ground, the freshman amassed 129 yards on the ground and two
scores.
Three Bulldogs were double digits in tackles, led by Bernardrick
McKinney's 14. Cameron Lawrence had 13, a sack, and a forced fumble.
The Bulldogs travel to Baton Rouge next Saturday, Nov. 10, to face the
top 10-ranked LSU Tigers. Official game time will be announced on
Sunday, Nov. 4.
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