Johnny Manziel has been criticized for his actions off the field since winning the Heisman Trophy as a freshman quarterback for Texas A&M a year ago. On Saturday, he proved he has what it takes to repeat as the best player in all of college football on the gridiron.
Playing against lowly Sam Houston, Manziel led his Aggies to a convincing 65-28 victory. Manziel has his team ranked number 7 in the land and proved to the world that he can be as dominant starting a game as a sophomore as he was in week one after he played just the second half after serving a first half suspension.
The Heisman hopeful did throw an interception, however it was not a mistake that mattered in the blowout win. The positives he was able to generate in his performance far outweighed any mistakes he may have made.
Throwing for 403 yards and three touchdowns while completing 28 of 41 passes, Manziel also kept the defense honest throughout the game with his legs. He ran for 36 yards and a touchdown on seven attempts, making the defense wary of his ability to scramble as well as pass the football down the field.
The blowout was so convincing that Manziel was eventually able to allow Texas A&M to pull him from the game and play its freshman quarterback Kenny Hill. The true freshman went 3 for 5 passing for 68 yards and a touchdown in the first game time action of his career with the game well in hand.
Offensive efficiency defined the game, with Manziel and Co. setting an all-time record for passing yards (500) and tying the team record for first downs (38) en route to victory.
Love or hate his actions off the field, the sophomore Manziel certainly knows how to succeed on it, and looks ready to contend for his second consecutive Heisman Trophy. Perhaps a BCS National Championship is not out of the picture either. His team has looked impressive in its two wins thus far.
Charlie Gille
Senior Sports Editor
The Guardian Express
