COLLEGE STATION — In what many people thought could be a potential upset game, Texas A&M put forward a great performance, downing UAB 41-20 on senior night. 

Texas A&M running back Trayveon Williams led the way for the Aggies, amassing 167 yards and two touchdowns.

Here are three major takeaways from the Aggies matched last season’s win total.

Aggies put together a complete performance

There was a lot of outside noise surrounding the game specifically about it being a potential upset game as the Blazers came into the game ranked No. 25 in the Coaches’ Poll and holding a 9-1 record. The Aggies came out strong and recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff and returned it for a touchdown. 

Texas A&M put together a complete, four-quarter performance against the Blazers and clinched their second win in November. The two wins in November with a chance for a third against LSU next week a huge step in avenging the late-season collapse stigma that surrounds the program. The Aggies went a combined 4-7 against FBS opponents in the 2015-17 seasons.

Aggies Force Blazers Into Making Mistakes

After forcing just five turnovers in their first 10 games, the Aggie forced two against the Blazers. Seniors Donovan Wilson and DeShawn Capers-Smith both caught interceptions in the game. Wilson’s interception came with 14:19 remaining on the UAB 19-yard line. The drive resulted in a field goal. Entering the game, the Aggies ranked No. 124 in the nation in forced interceptions

Perhaps the most costly mistake that the Blazers made was on the opening kickoff when the Aggies got pressure on the UAB kick returner and he muffed the kick. Defensive back Larry Pryor Jr. recovered the fumble and returned it for a touchdown.

Tyler Johnston gashes A&M secondary in the first half

In just his third collegiate game, UAB quarterback Tyler Johnston III had his way against the ailing A&M secondary, accumulating 193 passing yards and a touchdown. The majority of his connections with his receivers were to wide open receivers as the Aggies had miscoverages. Big-bodied receiver Xavier Ubosi was Johnston’s favorite target — amassing 73 yards on four receptions.

The Aggies played the first half without cornerback Myles Jones who was suspended for the half for targeting in last week’s game against Ole Miss. A&M mostly played in nickel without Jones, but still struggled to keep track of UAB’s receivers.

Looking Ahead

The Aggies will now host LSU in their final regular game of the season in what Jimbo Fisher dubbed a “huge rivalry game.” The Aggies have lost their last seven games with the Tigers. That game will kickoff at 6:30 p.m. and will be televised on SEC Network.