The Texas Bowl was a thriller with Texas A&M narrowly beating Oklahoma State, 24-21. Many people believed that Oklahoma State was the better tea going in to the game. They were expected to win this bowl, however, Texas A&M produced just enough to win the game.
Texas Bowl Thriller
Oklahoma State was winning for the majority of the game. And even when the game was tied, the Cowboys seemed to always have the momentum. Oklahoma State was winning by seven going to halftime and appeared to still have the upper hand. However, the Aggies quickly turned it around in the third quarter. They took the lead after a massive 67-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kellen Mond which completely turned the tides. The Aggies increased their lead by three following a clutch field goal by Seth Small with 2:55 remaining in the game. The Cowboys answered with their third touchdown with just over a minute remaining. However, they were unable to recover an onside kick to extend the game and the Aggies would end it on a series of knees.
Player Of The Game
The player of the game was unquestionably Aggies quarterback Kellen Mond. Although he had a poor performance passing the ball; completing 13 of his 19 passes for only 95 yards, he more than made up for it in the rushing game. He led the team in rushing yards with 117 on only 12 carries as well as the one score. Seeing his ability to bring his team back into the game after being down by 14 showed a lot of poise for a young quarterback. There were multiple times the Cowboys could have put the Aggies away, but A&M’s resiliency on the offensive side of the ball ultimately won them the game.
Texas A&M Defensive Play
The Aggies had no answer for the Cowboy offense in the first quarter, however, they seemed to settle in during the second. While the Aggies were unable to create any turnovers, their defensive pressure was more than enough to rattle Oklahoma State. The Aggies would not allow another score for almost three whole quarters. While quarterback play won them the game, the Aggies defense’s ability to bounce back from a rocky start was huge.
Oklahoma State’s Star Shines
Oklahoma State’s offense did everything it was supposed to in the first quarter. They seemed unstoppable and were en route to crush Texas A&M. The whole stadium knew that Chuba Hubbard would be getting the ball and holding him under 100 rushing yards would be nearly impossible. Hubbard did what he needed to do, having rushed 19 times for 158 yards. However, he was unable to create the points his team so desperately needed. Although, Hubbard did become the second 2,000-yard rusher in a season in Oklahoma State history. The only other back to do the same was Barry Sanders back in 1988. Sander rushed for nearly 3,000 rushing yards in this season, finishing with a total of 2,850 yards.
Dru Brown was also as efficient as you would like out of a backup. After it was determined that starting quarterback Spencer Sanders was a scratch from the game with a thumb injury, Brown stepped in as a promising replacement. Brown completed 15 of his 28 for 184 yards and two touchdown passes. This is more than a coach could want out of his backup. Also, Brown’s ability to stay calm in the pocket and avoid turnovers is what kept the Cowboys in the game, as well as wide receiver Braydon Johnson. Johnson caught the ball five times, two of which were touchdowns, for a total of 124 yards. He was Dru Brown’s favorite target this game and helped give the second-stringer a reliable option.
Recap
This game could be a momentum changer for the Aggies next year. This win may very well help them get recognition or even a nod for a top 25 ranking next year. Texas A&M had a rocky path to get to this Texas Bowl and their comeback win can do a lot for Jimbo Fisher and his team in the future.
