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By: Scott Crumbly
Twitter: @ScottCrumbly
SEC Digital Network
DALLAS, Tex. – Although Texas A&M hit the road Saturday to face SMU, the Aggies still felt right at home playing in Dallas, just over 170 miles away from College Station. Quarterback Johnny Manziel led the charge for A&M with 305 yards through the air and 124 more yards on the ground and the Aggies notched their first win of the 2012 campaign by a score of 48-3.
Manziel, a freshman playing in the second game of his young career, was responsible for 418 yards of total offense and six total touchdowns for A&M. Four of his touchdowns came on passes and the other two were a result of his swift legs. It was the second time in as many games this year that Manziel led the Aggies in passing and rushing.
The Aggies separated themselves from the Mustangs early on in this one, and Manziel was a big reason. In the opening half alone, the freshman signal-caller racked up 294 total yards and accounted for three touchdowns in the first two quarters– two through the air and another on a 48-yard dash. By the time the dust had settled at halftime, the Aggies held a 20-point advantage.
Uzoma Nwachukwu caught two touchdowns for Texas A&M, and Ryan Swope and Kenric McNeal hauled in one score apiece.
Former Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert was held in check by the Aggies’ defense, only managing 4.1 yards per attempt while completing just 46 percent of his passes.
Statistical Leaders
Texas A&M
Passing – Johnny Manziel, 20-for-36, 294 yards, 4 TD
Rushing – Johnny Manziel, 13 car, 124 yards, 2 TD
Receiving – Mike Evans, 6 rec, 123 yards
SMU
Passing – Garrett Gilbert, 23-for-49, 203 yards, INT
Rushing – Zach Line, 16 car, 104 yards
Receiving – Keenan Holman, 5 rec, 52 yards