Texas A&M quarterback Kyle Allen has thrown for three touchdowns and rushed for one more to help the Aggies hold a 28-27 lead on West Virginia at halftime of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee. The two teams have already combined for over 500 yards of offense and things should not be expected to slow down in the second half.
Texas A&M struck first with a 44-yard touchdown pass from Allen to Josh Reynolds on the second possession of the game for the Aggies. West Virginia seemed to take firm control of the game in the span of about three minutes with a 17-point flurry that included a field goal, a Mario Alford touchdown catch from Skyler Howard and a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown by KJ Dillon in the middle of the first quarter. But this game is not one where a team can let up on the gas pedal. West Virginia saw the 17-7 lead last for only a few minutes before A&M answered with a long touchdown pass from Allen to Trey Williams, a 40-yard strike.
Texas A&M regained the lead early in the second quarter with Allen’s third touchdown pass of the half, this time a much more pedestrian 11-yard hook-up with Malcome Kennedy for a 21-20 lead. Unfortunately for the Aggies, the defense gave it right back when West Virginia needed just two plays to jump back in front. Howard completed a 49-yard touchdown pass to Kevin White for a 27-21 lead.
The game has been chippy at times, with Texas A&M players getting their licks on West Virginia’s quarterback. The Aggies have also been penalized six times for 82 yards. There have also been some cheap shots, like this one...This is ridiculous. RT @CMAnderson247: Texas A&M coach punches #WVU player in back of head. https://t.co/yqgAyFdAlD
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) December 29, 2014
It turns out the same coach did this earlier as well...
Should be fired today. RT @afitz66: @KevinOnCFB @slmandel @CMAnderson247 same coach: https://t.co/fSp30fJpah
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) December 29, 2014
Texas A&M Howard Matthews was ejected from the game midway through the first quarter of the game after being called for targeting on West Virginia receiver. Matthews was Texas A&M’s leading tackler this season with 82 tackles, so the ejection is without a doubt a significant blow to the Aggies on defense.