While many people assumed that the matchup between Northwestern and Texas A&M in the Meineke Car Care Bowl would be a high-scoring affair, the story of the first half was the play of the A&M defense, as the Aggies lead 20-7 heading into the half.
The Northwestern offense struggled to find much of a rhythm in the opening half. QB Dan Persa completed 11/18 for 93 yards and threw completions to six different receivers. Demetrius Fields was the main target in the opening half, as he led the Wildcats with three receptions for 41 yards. The lone score for Northwestern came on a 2-yard TD run by Venric Mark early in the second quarter.
After struggling in the opening quarter, the Texas A&M offense started to click in the second quarter. QB Ryan Tannehill led the Aggies to 17 points in the final eight minutes of the quarter. Tannehill completed 17/24 for 195 yards and a TD. Ryan Swope made a significant impact in the opening 30 minutes, making seven catches for 98 yards.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, visit Northwestern blog Sippin' On Purple and Texas A&M blog I Am The 12th Man. For news and notes from around college football, visit SB Nation's NCAA football news hub.