DENVER — Whether in Big 12 games or non-conference meetings, whether in Boulder or Denver, Texas A&M’s visits to the Centennial State have seldom been enjoyable.
The trend continued Saturday at Empower Field at Mile High, even though A&M rallied for a 10-7 win over Colorado. The No. 5 Aggies still lost starting quarterback Haynes King early to a right leg injury and struggled on offense for much of the game.
In some ways — but not the result, not this time — the game was reminiscent of the 1995 non-conference game when No. 3 A&M fell to No. 7 Colorado. Star running back Leeland McElroy was injured in the game but still rushed for 1,122 yards that season.
A&M improved to 2-4 against Colorado on the road, with the only other victory a 16-10 win in 1997.
Texas A&M wasn’t able to convert after forcing a turnover early in the first quarter. Under heavy pressure from linebacker Aaron Hansford, quarterback Brandon Lewis was intercepted by defensive tackle Jayden Peevy. But Seth Small was wide left on a 53-yard field goal try.
A&M got a significant lift from Australian punter Nik Constantinou. He punted nine times for a 49-yard average. Among the efforts was a career-long 65 yarder and three inside the Colorado 20.
Jalen Wydermyer became the fourth A&M tight end to go over 1,000 yards receiving for his career. Wydermyer reached the milestone on 16-yard reception in the second quarter that helped set up a 41-yard Small field goal. He finished with four catches for 66 yards.
As expected, A&M senior defensive end Micheal Clemons returned from a one-game university suspension following an offseason arrest on four charges. He was credited with four tackles and two quarterback hurries.
A&M was minus defensive back Myles Jones and center Jake Matthews. Jones had practiced this past week, according to coach Jimbo Fisher. Matthews was in street clothes with his right arm in a sling.
