Transfer quarterback Jaylen Henderson rushed for two scores and fired two more in his first start as Texas A&M rolled to a 51-10 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday night in College Station, Texas.
Down three key offensive starters including quarterback Max Johnson, the Aggies (6-4, 4-3 Southeastern Conference) managed 20 unanswered points following a game-opening kickoff return for a score by Mississippi State (4-6, 1-6).
A Fresno State transfer, Henderson went 11-for-19 for 150 yards. The sophomore rushed for 60 yards on 12 carries.
The Aggies’ Amari Daniels rushed for a TD, and teammates Ainias Smith and Jahdae Walker had scoring receptions. Randy Bond kicked three field goals.
On defense, Shemar Stewart returned a fumble for a TD, while Deuce Harmon, Jacoby Mathews and Tyreek Chappell recorded interceptions as the Aggies became bowl eligible and improved to 5-1 at home.
Mississippi State freshman Chris Parson made his first career start and was 5-for-12 for 36 yards and three interceptions.
Mike Wright relieved and was 5-for-9 for 68 yards.
The Aggies topped Mississippi State 396-237 in total yardage.
The Bulldogs’ Zavion Thomas stunned the huge home crowd by taking the opening kickoff and sprinting 94 yards for the first points.
However, Henderson guided his first series with the Aggies 80 yards to paydirt. The southpaw finished it with a draw for 22 yards at 11:47.
With leading rusher Le’Veon Moss out, Daniels got more reps and took advantage on a short scoring plunge at 2:32 for the Aggies’ first lead.
Following Mathews’ interception on a deflection, Bond’s 33-yard field goal pushed the advantage to 17-7 on the first quarter’s final play.
After Wright replaced Parson, Texas A&M’s defense forced a turnover on downs. Bond then tied his season-high by hammering a kick from 52 yards.
The Bulldogs’ Kyle Ferrie continued the stretch of field goals and ended the Aggies’ 20-point run by drilling a 35-yarder with 6:55 left in the half.
Smith later pulled in a 19-yard TD catch, and Henderson later took it himself on an 11-yard run to end the half’s scoring.
During Jarred Kerr’s sack and forced fumble, defensive lineman Stewart went on a 43-yard scoop-and-score at 11:10 for a 41-10 edge.
With two minutes left in the third, the Aggies went up 48-10 on Henderson’s second TD throw, an 11-yarder to Walker.
Bond’s 45-yarder in the fourth quarter completed the scoring.
–Field Level Media