Tennessee beats Texas A&M 22-7 on late field goals
Cooper Ranvier kicked five field goals as the Volunteers overcame a halftime deficit to improve their record to 8-2.
By Lucia Herrera ·
No. 9 Tennessee defeated Texas A&M 22-7 on Saturday in College Station, Texas, to secure its fifth win in six games. The Volunteers, who ranked eighth in the College Football Playoff, relied heavily on their kicking game to overcome a halftime deficit. Cooper Ranvier made a career-high five field goals to account for 15 of the team's 22 points.
Texas A&M (4-6) took a 7-6 lead into the break. K.J. Edwards ran 25 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter to give the Aggies a 7-3 advantage. Ranvier kicked a 30-yard field goal with about six minutes left in the first half to close the gap. David Olano missed a 50-yard attempt wide right just before halftime, keeping the score tight.
The third quarter saw no scoring. Both teams punted five times in the period. Tennessee finally broke through late in the third quarter when Ranvier connected on a 32-yard field goal to take a 9-7 lead.
The Volunteers extended their lead in the fourth quarter after a defensive penalty. A roughing the passer call on Marco Jones gave Tennessee a first down. Quarterback Faizon Brandon threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to DaSaahn Brame with less than 10 minutes remaining. The score became 16-7 after the extra point.
Texas A&M (1-6 in the SEC) struggled to sustain drives in the second half. The Aggies punted on their first four possessions and turned it over on downs on the next play. Marcel Reed was intercepted on the following drive, and backup quarterback Brady Hart was picked off after that. Reed finished 9 of 22 for 71 yards, a season low. The Aggies managed only 179 total yards, a season worst.
Tennessee added insurance points in the final minutes. Ranvier kicked a 44-yard field goal to make it 19-7 with about six minutes left. He followed with a 27-yard kick with less than three minutes to play to seal the 22-7 victory. DeSean Bishop rushed for 97 yards for the Volunteers.
Texas A&M must win its final two games against Oklahoma and No. 6 Texas to become bowl eligible. Tennessee hosts No. 21 LSU next Saturday.
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