Mississippi State vs. Texas A&M 2013 results: Aggies handle business in 51-41 victory

The Texas A&M Aggies had some tense moments early against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, but comfortably opened things up in the second half en route to a 51-41 victory in College Station.

The Aggies opened up the scoring in the first quarter by virtue of a 12-yard touchdown pass from Johnny Manziel to Malcome Kennedy, but the Bulldogs would strike back less than 20 seconds later on a 51-yard touchdown run by Josh Robinson. There were more fireworks in the first quarter, too, with A&M picking up nine points in the final 90 seconds. The Aggies blocked a punt in the end zone for a safety, and scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive on a 33-yard pass from Manziel to Travis Labhart.

The second quarter was mostly quiet until the last minute, when Dak Prescott threw a touchdown pass to De'Runnya Wilson to make it a 16-14 game with less than 60 seconds left in the first half. That lead wouldn't last, though, and Manziel's second touchdown pass to Labhart was a microcosm of the whole game: Every time Mississippi State did something good, Texas A&M answered immediately.

The Aggies established a comfortable cushion in the second half. Manziel threw another two touchdown passes, and Trey Williams and Ben Malena each rushed for a touchdown to get A&M over the 50-point mark yet again. Mississippi State kept it within a respectable margin, but at no point did it feel like it was really going to get back in the game.

Box Score Hero:

Manziel nearly amassed 500 yards of offense by himself. He went 30-39 for 446 yards and five touchdowns in the air, and rushed for another 47 yards on the ground. He did throw three picks, but that wasn't enough to really damage A&M's chances.

Honorable mention has to go to Dak Prescott, who did it all for Mississippi State in a losing effort. He threw for 149 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, and rushed for 154 yards to boot.

Rankings Ramifications:

The Aggies were ranked 15th in the latest BCS standings, and should get a modest bump as a result of the win.

But Did They Cover?

Texas A&M was favored by 19.5 points at kickoff, so it covered the spread.

For More On This Game:

For more on the Aggies, check out Good Bull Hunting. For more on the Bulldogs, head over to For Whom The Cowbell Tolls.

Next Week's Schedule:

Texas A&M gets a week off before traveling to LSU on Nov. 23. Mississippi State hosts Alabama next Saturday.

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