Post-Game Review: #20 Texas A&M 63, Auburn 21

AUBURN, Ala. — Texas A&M put on a near-flawless performance Saturday night as the Aggies scored touchdowns on seven of their first eight series en route to a 63-21 victory in their first trip to Auburn.

Here are some highlights from the victory that raised the Aggies’ record to 6-2 on the season and 3-2 in the Southeastern Conference.

Rising: Texas A&M’s ranking. The Aggies entered the game ranked 20th in the BCS standings and 22nd in the AP Poll. The lopsided victory combined with losses by several teams ranked ahead of them should boost the Aggies up three or four rungs in both.

Falling: Gene Chizik’s job security. Even though Chizik coached Auburn to the national championship just two seasons ago, there are rumblings in Auburn that a coaching change is in order. The blowout loss to A&M won’t help matters. The loss dropped Auburn to 1-7 and officially eliminated the Tigers from bowl consideration. The last time Auburn failed to qualify for a bowl game was in 2008 and Tommy Tuberville  — Chizik’s predecessor — was promptly fired.

Best hit: With Auburn facing third-and-nine early in the game, linebacker Sean Porter beat tackle Patrick Miller on a blitz and sacked quarterback Clint Moseley for an eight-yard loss. That not only forced a punt, but set the tone for the game as the Aggies posted several sacks.

Best hands: Ryan Swope. The Aggies were facing second-and-four on their 45 midway through the second quarter when the ball went to Swope on a deep out. Though blanketed by Auburn safety Jermaine Whitehead, Swope reached up high to make the catch for a on the sideline for a 21-yard gain.

Turning point: It took three plays for momentum to swing completely in Texas A&M’s favor, and it wasn’t even on a play by the Aggies.

A&M faced third-and-five on the third play of the game. Johnny Manziel’s pass to Mike Evans netted only four yards, but an offsides penalty against Auburn gave A&M a first down. The Aggies then surged downfield 65 yards in seven plays for Manziel’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Swope. That was the first of six consecutive A&M touchdown drives. And it was extended by Auburn’s off-sides penalty.

Standing 'O’: The Jordan-Hare Stadium crowd — or what was left of it — gave the Auburn defense a standing ovation when it forced A&M an A&M punt with 38 seconds left in the third quarter. Of course, it was the first time the Aggies punted and third-string quarterback Matt Joeckel was in the game. But the frustrated Auburn fans couldn’t be picky with their celebrations.