Alabama vs. Texas A&M: Live Game Grades and Analysis for the Aggies

Final: Alabama 49, Texas A&M 42

Alabama and Texas A&M played a classic in both teams' SEC opener, with the Crimson Tide coming out on top to avenge last year's loss.

For the full box score, check out NCAA.com.

Full-Game Analysis

Pass Offense

Johnny Manziel finished the game with school-record 464 yards passing, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

However, an interception in the end zone in the first half gave the momentum to Alabama. 

Rush Offense

Manziel had 98 yards on the ground, but the rest of the running game was largely ineffective, as Ben Malena only had 42 yards. It was that lack of balance that hurt the Aggies in the second and third quarters.

Pass Defense

Two mistakes in pass coverage in the first half resulted in two long touchdown passes. The secondary finally was tested, and it failed, giving up 334 yards passing.

It wasn't as bad as Alabama's pass defense, but it still wasn't great.

Rush Defense

Considering that Alabama is known to be a strong running team, holding the Tide to 234 yards on the ground is not a bad effort. A forced fumble in the red zone in the fourth gave the Aggies a chance.

Special Teams

The Aggies converted all extra points and weren’t able to recover an onside kick. Drew Kaser averaged 54 yards per punt.

Coaching

Texas A&M made adjustments at halftime and made a game out of it, despite being down by 21 points twice.

1st-Half Analysis

Pass Offense

It all started so well for the Aggies, but Johnny Manziel threw an interception in the end zone that hurt. Mike Evans had 153 yards receiving, and Manziel had a Heisman-type highlight to escape defenders.

Rush Offense

Manziel rushed for 61 yards, but Ben Malena was held to 10 yards on the ground.

Texas A&M is looking one dimensional, with the only successful running plays being when Manziel gets out of the pocket.

Pass Defense

Horrible first-half pass defense on the part of the Aggies. A.J. McCarron threw for 250 yards and three touchdowns, including a 51-yard strike to Kenny Bell.

Rush Defense

Pretty good effort by the Aggies in allowing 88 yards on the ground, but Alabama's comeback in the first half came through the air with a few runs sprinkled in. 

Special Teams

The Aggies set themselves up in horrible field position on special teams, averaging 12 yards per kick return.

Coaching

Texas A&M came out and held to the plan, scoring 14 points to open the game. Then Alabama made adjustments...and the Aggies didn't.