CFB: Tigers Take Down Texas A&M

No. 2 Clemson slipped by Texas A&M, 28-26, after initially taking a 28-13 lead heading into the fourth quarter. QB Kelly Bryant was really impressive in the second game of his senior year as he recorded 205 passing yards, 54 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and 70.6 percent passing. Although, his back-up was pretty solid too in the victory. QB Trevor Lawrence stepped in and on his first throw connected with WR Tee Higgins for a 64-yard TD. Lawrence finished the game with 93 yards and 10.3 yards per attempt. Texas A&M came to play early as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead due to a field goal from K Daniel LaCamera. The Tigers would answer back late in the first quarter, though, as Bryant would give them a 7-3 advantage.

The only score of the second quarter was the previously mentioned touchdown pass from Lawrence to Higgins which made it look like Clemson might run away with this one. The momentum continued into the third period as well. RB Travis Etienne found the corner of the end zone, which was part of his 67 total yards. But then the fourth quarter arrived and the Aggies started to mount a comeback. QB Kellen Mond was unstoppable late in the game. Mond did all he could to keep his team in the game, tossing for 430 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a 83.6 QBR. It was a magnificent outing for the second-year starter. He and WR Kendrick Rogers have a ton of chemistry and it showed. Rogers totaled 120 yards on seven catches and two scores.

The second touchdown by Rogers was in the final minute as the Aggies scored to make it a 28-26 game. Texas A&M went for two to tie the game, but the Tigers were able to intercept Mond's pass and seal the victory. Dabo Swinney has now defeated Jimbo Fisher in four straight years and has a 5-4 all-time record against the former Florida State head coach. However, it seems Fisher has brought a change of attitude to College Station and it wouldn't surprise anyone if the Aggies continued to contend with some of the top teams. Clemson is 2-0 and should coast in their next few games as they take on Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, and Syracuse. Texas A&M faces Louisiana Monroe, No. 1 Alabama, and Arkansas.

Photo Credit: 12 Up.