The Texas A&M Aggies survived a late comeback attempt by the No. 19 Tennessee Volunteers and secured a 27-24 victory on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. The Aggies led by 10 points with less than four minutes left in the game, but the Vols scored a touchdown and recovered an onside kick to keep their hopes alive. However, the Aggies defense came up with a crucial stop on fourth down and ran out the clock to seal the win.
The Aggies improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the SEC, while the Vols dropped to 4-3 and 2-2. Texas A&M quarterback Zach Calzada threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Isaiah Spiller rushed for 117 yards and a score. Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton passed for 212 yards and a touchdown, but also threw two interceptions. Running back Tyon Evans ran for 92 yards and a touchdown.
Aggies dominate the first half
Texas A&M started the game strong, scoring on its first three possessions and taking a 17-0 lead in the first quarter. Calzada connected with tight end Jalen Wydermyer for a 14-yard touchdown on the opening drive, then found wide receiver Ainias Smith for a 28-yard score on the next series. Kicker Seth Small added a 37-yard field goal to cap off the Aggies’ dominant start.
Tennessee struggled to get anything going on offense in the first half, as Milton was sacked four times and picked off twice. The Vols finally got on the board with a 42-yard field goal by Chase McGrath as time expired in the second quarter, making it 17-3 at halftime.
Vols rally in the second half
Tennessee came out of the locker room with more energy and urgency, scoring on its first two drives of the third quarter. Evans broke free for a 36-yard touchdown run, then Milton hit wide receiver Jalin Hyatt for a 75-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 17-17. The Aggies responded with a 75-yard drive of their own, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by Spiller, to regain the lead at 24-17.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, as both teams traded field goals and turnovers. Small made a 41-yard field goal to extend the Aggies’ lead to 27-17 with 7:12 left in the game, but Milton answered with a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Warren with 3:41 remaining, making it 27-24. The Vols then recovered an onside kick and drove to the Aggies’ 35-yard line, but Milton’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete with 1:18 left on the clock.
What’s next for both teams
Texas A&M will host No. 1 Alabama next week in a marquee matchup of SEC West rivals. The Aggies will try to snap a nine-game losing streak against the Crimson Tide, who are coming off a bye week. Tennessee will travel to No. 15 Ole Miss next week in an intriguing matchup of former SEC East foes. The Vols will face their former coach Lane Kiffin, who is now leading the high-powered Rebels offense.
