COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M made just enough plays down the stretch to beat Ole Miss 38-24 at Kyle Field. The Aggies outscored the Rebels 17-3 in the fourth quarter to pull away. 

With the win, the Aggies moved to 6-4 on the season and earned a bowl trip for the 10th consecutive season. Here are three takeaways from the win. 

Dominant in fourth quarter

After they were outscored a combined 28-0 in the fourth quarter of their last two games (both losses), the Aggies increased their level of play in the fourth against Ole Miss. The Aggies outscored the Rebels 17-3 in the period. Kellen Mond had a fumble and interception on back-to-back possessions in the third quarter, but cleaned things up in the fourth. 

Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said after the game that he considered making a quarterback change. However, he gave Mond one more shot. Mond returned to form and capped an 80-yard drive with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Quartney Davis. Trayveon Williams also had a strong fourth quarter; he posted 104 yards and a touchdown in the period alone. 

Secondary plagued by big plays

Entering the game, the most glaring matchup appeared to be the A&M secondary against the potent Ole Miss passing game. That matchup was won by the Rebels, as Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta’amu threw for 373 yards.

The Aggies had trouble locking down Ole Miss receivers A.J. Brown and Damarkus Lodge, who combined for 249 receiving yards in the game. Both receivers consistently won their one-on-one matchups on the outside. The Rebels had six passing plays of over 15 yards. It was evident that the Rebels’ game plan was to beat the Aggies via their aerial attack and they were able to do that throughout the game.

Another huge game for Trayveon Williams

Running back Trayveon Williams has established himself as an elite SEC back. Williams had another big day against the Rebels, accounting for 228 rushing yards on a career-high 31 carries. He added a game-sealing 46-yard touchdown run with 1:39 remaining to ice the game.

The Rebel defense had no answer for the Aggies’ best player. Again, Fisher gave Williams a multitude of different looks, including some screen passes to get the ball in his hands. Williams’ sixth 100-yard+ performance pushes him to eighth in A&M single-season rushing yards with two games remaining.

Looking Ahead

The Aggies will now look to prep for a sneaky good opponent in UAB (8-1). The Aggies will likely get offensive lineman Jared Hocker back for that one. It's worth noting that linebackers Tyrel Dodson and Otaro Alaka both suffered minor injuries in the game. That will be something to keep an eye on throughout the week.