Texas A&M Football: Every Johnny Manziel game, ranked

26. No. 7 Texas A&M defeats Rice, 52-31

Aug. 31, 2013

Even the lowest moment in the Manziel era came in victory. Texas A&M entered the 2013 season riding high off a top-5 finish, but they had to start the year with a new quarterback at the helm – at least for two quarters. Matt Joeckel started the season opener in lieu of Manziel, who was serving a brief suspension.

Manziel received his slap on the risk following an NCAA investigation during the offseason. Although there was admittedly no evidence that Manziel received any payments, they handed down the two quarter punishment because Manziel violated the ruling that states:

"Student-athletes cannot permit their names or likenesses to be used for commercial purposes, including to advertise, recommend or promote sales of commercial products, or accept payment for the use of their names or likenesses."

Texas A&M had a 28-21 lead when Manziel was permitted to return to the field. He attempted only eight passes for 94 yards but found the endzone three times as the Aggies ran away with a predictable and comfortable victory. The game was a blip on the radar, but neither Manziel or Aggies have forgotten Manziel’s unwanted absence from the field that afternoon.