Tennessee closes out game to beat Texas A&M 22-7

No. 9 Tennessee defeated Texas A&M 22-7 on Saturday at Kyle Field in College Station. The Volunteers (8-2) secured their fifth win in six games. Cooper Ranvier made five field goals, a career high for him, to lead the scoring.

The game was tight through the first two quarters. K.J. Edwards ran 25 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter. That play gave Texas A&M a 7-3 lead. Tennessee cut the deficit to 7-6 before halftime. Ranvier kicked a 30-yard field goal with about six minutes left in the second half. David Olano missed a 50-yard attempt for the Aggies just before the break.

The third quarter stalled for both teams. The teams combined for five punts during the period. Tennessee took a 9-7 lead late in the third quarter. Ranvier kicked a 32-yard field goal to give the Volunteers the edge.

Tennessee capitalized on a defensive stop in the fourth quarter. Texas A&M appeared to force a punt on the next Tennessee drive. However, Marco Jones was called for roughing the passer. The penalty gave the Volunteers a first down. Faizon Brandon threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to DaSaahn Brame. The score became 16-7 with less than 10 minutes remaining.

Texas A&M went for a first down on fourth-and-1 from their own 34-yard line. Marcel Reed’s pass was incomplete. Tennessee used that possession to extend their lead. Ranvier kicked a 44-yard field goal with about six minutes left. The score stood at 19-7.

Ranvier added a 27-yard field goal with less than three minutes to play. The final score was 22-7. DeSean Bishop rushed for 97 yards for Tennessee.

Texas A&M (4-6) struggled offensively in the second half. The Aggies punted on their first four possessions after intermission. They turned it over on downs on the fifth play. Reed was intercepted on the next drive. Backup quarterback Brady Hart was also picked off. Reed finished 9 of 22 for 71 yards. The Aggies were held to a season-low 179 total yards.