SEC Power Rankings: Alabama in class by themselves, LSU sliding fast

Nov 14, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Christian Kirk (3) carries the ball against the Western Carolina Catamounts during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M needed a big win following a tough stretch of three losses in four games. As luck would have it, the Aggies hosted FCS opponent Western Carolina Saturday and closed out the home schedule with a 41-17 victory

Quarterback Kyler Murray led the Aggies offense with three touchdown passes (but was intercepted twice) on 22-for-39 passing. Murray, who made his third straight start behind center, also ran for 50 yards on seven carries. Kyle Allen, who hadn’t played since losing the starting job against Ole Miss Oct. 24, completed all six of his passes for 88 yards and a TD.

Christian Kirk led the receiving corps with 122 receiving yards and two touchdowns on nine catches. Texas A&M also ran the football very effectively, and six ball carriers combined for 304 rushing yards on 52 carries (5.8 yards per attempt). Tra Carson led the team with 109 yards and a touchdown.

The Aggies gained 583 total yards and had 36 first downs, while the defense limited Western Carolina to 302 total yards of offense and 13 first downs, forced an interception and recorded two sacks.

A&M has already secured bowl eligibility, but the Aggies are in danger of continuing a troubling trend of second half collapses under head coach Kevin Sumlin. Texas A&M lost the final two games of the regular season in both 2013 and 2014. The Aggies must travel to Nashville next week to take on an improved Vanderbilt squad and its stingy defense.

Next Game: Saturday November 21 at Vanderbilt

Next: Tennessee