A&M faces tricky nonconference matchup
The stench of a two-game losing streak was washed away last week as Texas A&M (6-4, 4-3 SEC) defeated Ole Miss 38-24, earning bowl eligibility in the process.
The Aggies step away from conference play this week, but it won’t necessarily be easy. Texas A&M is set for a potential trap game as the UAB Blazers (9-1), which has earned a spot in the Conference USA title game. UAB will receive a $1.6 million payment for making the appearance at Kyle Field, according to the Dallas Morning News.
In last week’s victory over Ole Miss, Texas A&M outscored the Rebels 17-3 in the fourth quarter to blow open a 21-21 game with 15 minutes remaining. Trayveon Williams rushed for 228 yards on 31 carries. Williams also had three catches for 15 yards.
Williams has rushed for 1,159 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season and leads the SEC in all-purpose yards.
Williams has four career 200-yard rushing games, including two this season.
Williams talked to the SEC Network this week about the impact of first-year coach Jimbo Fisher.
“It’s just a mindset. Coming in, coach Fisher, he’s big on mental toughness,” Williams said.
“And mentally, he came in and he really tested us, mentally and physically. … He wants our practice to be as hard as possible so, on Saturdays, you know we can just go out there and relax and just play together as brothers and just have fun.
“It’s just mental toughness, just building us not just on the field but off the field. Turning us into great men.”
UAB is coming off a 26-23 overtime win over Southern Miss to secure the West Division of C-USA. The Blazers have won eight games in a row after a 47-24 loss to Coastal Carolina on Sept. 8.
Texas A&M, looking to capitalize on a rare opportunity for a marquee nonconference win in November, kicks off against UAB on Saturday at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN2.
