COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher worked all week to make sure his team didn’t take Prairie View A&M lightly, especially with its regular-season finale against LSU coming up.
The 16th-ranked Aggies quickly showed their coach that they heard his message loud and clear.
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Devon Achane and Isaiah Spiller combined for three touchdowns before halftime, and Texas A&M cruised to a 52-3 win over the Panthers on Saturday.
“We didn’t look ahead like LSU, LSU and just overlook PV," safety Leon O'Neal Jr. said. “That’s not how we do things around here. We focused on Prairie View."
Texas A&M easily bounced back from last week’s loss at Ole Miss. Prairie View (7-3), an FCS school that plays in the SWAC, just couldn't keep up with the Aggies (8-3).
“Our guys went out and played well and did what we were supposed to do," Fisher said.
Texas A&M led 38-0 after a dominant first half by Achane and Spiller. It also limited Prairie View to 2 yards passing before the break.
Moose Muhammad grabbed a 30-yard TD pass from Zach Calzada on Texas A&M’s first possession of the third quarter, making it 45-0. The Panthers got on the board on a 25-yard field goal by Luis Reyes on the next drive.
Backup quarterback Blake Bost then took over for A&M with about 5½ minutes left in the third quarter. Achane and Spiller combined for 115 yards rushing in the first two quarters and didn’t run the ball after halftime.
“They’re great players and had very efficient days," Fisher said. “They started everything off for us perfectly."
Prairie View graduate transfer Jawon Pass had just one completion and lost a fumble that the Aggies returned for a touchdown before being benched for Trazon Connley. He didn’t fare much better, completing just one pass for 7 yards and rushing for 41 yards.
Jaden Stewart had 24 carries for 100 yards for Prairie View.
Spiller and Achane each had a rushing touchdown in the first quarter before the Aggies added a score on defense. Antonio Johnson was unblocked on a sack of Pass that caused him to fumble.
“That was picture perfect," Fisher said. “Created that turnover and made the play."
Aaron Hansford scooped up the ball and ran 17 yards for a touchdown.
A 33-yard touchdown reception by Muhammad extended the lead to 31-0 with about 5½ minutes left in the second quarter. Muhammad led the team with five receptions for 77 yards.
“He went out in that environment and played tremendously," Fisher said. “He did a great job."
The Aggies took a 38-0 lead into halftime after Achane scored on a 1-yard run on fourth down with six seconds left in the second.
Amari Daniels scored on an 8-yard run early in the fourth quarter that made it 52-3.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Texas A&M should retain its spot in the poll.
THE TAKEAWAY
The Aggies took care of business against a lesser opponent and will look to finish the regular season strong next week when they return to SEC play at LSU.
INJURED
WR Demond Demas did not dress for Saturday's win, and Fisher said he had a season-ending leg injury.
ON TOP
Seth Small kicked six extra points and a field goal to become Texas A&M's leading scorer with 371 career points. He passed kicker Randy Bullock, who had 365 points from 2008-11.
UP NEXT
Prairie View: Hosts Mississippi Valley State next Saturday, needing a win to reach the SWAC title game.
Texas A&M: Visits the Tigers next Saturday night.
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