Oct 18, 2014
Focused No. 7 Alabama obliterates No. 21 Texas A&M
There were no narrow victories or complaining fans for Nick Saban and his football team on this day. Blake Sims threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as seventh-ranked Alabama restored its recently questioned reputation with an authoritative 59-0 win over No. 21 Texas A&M at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The Sports Network
Tuscaloosa, AL - There were no narrow victories or complaining fans for Nick Saban and his football team on this day.
Blake Sims threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as seventh-ranked Alabama restored its recently questioned reputation with an authoritative 59-0 win over No. 21 Texas A&M at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
One week after mustering a pedestrian 227 total yards in a 14-13 squeaker over Arkansas that triggered heavy criticism towards Saban and his program, the Crimson Tide amassed 602 and scored on every first-half possession in building a 45-0 lead at the break.
The defense was just as overwhelming, limiting the Aggies to 172 total yards -- a far cry from the 628 Texas A&M generated in a 49-42 loss to the Tide last season -- and recording six sacks of quarterbacks Kenny Hill and Kyle Allen.
Amari Cooper was on the other end of two of Sims' scoring strikes and totaled 140 yards on eight receptions, while T.J. Yeldon ran for two touchdowns on 13 carries that produced 114 yards.
Sims finished with 268 yards on 16-of-27 passing for Alabama (6-1, 3-1 SEC) before being pulled along with most of the Crimson Tide starters in the third quarter. Derrick Henry had both a rushing and receiving touchdown and ran for 70 yards on 10 attempts.
The lopsided defeat was the third straight to a West Division opponent for reeling Texas A&M (5-3, 2-3), following double-digit setbacks to current No. 1 Mississippi State and Ole Miss. It also was the Aggies' first shutout loss since a 77-0 shellacking at the hands of Oklahoma in 2003.
Hill completed 17-of-26 passes for 138 yards with an interception.