Turnovers dismantle Texas A&M in loss to Nebraska

On a day when Jammal Lord ran for two touchdowns and carried 15 times for 109 yards, the No. 18 Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-1, 2-1) equaled a school record Saturday by forcing eight turnovers in a 48-12 slaughter of Texas A&M (3-4, 1-2). A&M was held to a season-low 243 yards as Aggie starting quarterback Reggie McNeal was 7 of 19 for 77 yards and ran for 69 yards on 13 carries.

McNeal had arguably his worst game at quarterback for the Aggies. Nothing went right for the sophomore, as he had three passes intercepted and two lost fumbles. Three of McNeal’s turnovers resulted in Nebraska scores.

The game never turned around for A&M, even after first-year Aggie coach Dennis Franchione pulled McNeal in favor of Dustin Long late in the first half. Lornell McPherson immediately picked off a tipped Dustin Long pass.

A&M’s only score of the first half was a 35-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Todd Pegram. The Aggies managed to hold the Huskers to a scoreless second quarter and still had hopes for a comeback as they entered into halftime trailing the Huskers by a viable margin of 20-3. McNeal, however, returned to the game in the third quarter and promptly fumbled on A&M's second play from scrimmage.

Midway through the third, the Huskers extended their lead to 34-3 after Lord broke free for a 31-yard run, his second rushing touchdown of the day. Defensive end Titus Adams snagged a Long pass from the end zone at the A&M 3 and ran it in for a touchdown for Nebraska's final points in the fourth quarter. A&M's Jason Carter then returned the following kickoff for an 89 yards touchdown. But in a fitting end to a brutal day, Aggie kicker Todd Pegram failed to convert the point after the touchdown.