Johnson to Johnson: How Two Plays Helped Texas A&M Aggies Gain Halftime Lead Over Alabama Crimson Tide

COLLEGE STATION -- Must-see matchups with high-stakes situations usually come down to a play or two swinging in favor of one side. 

Pot, meet kettle — or Johnson, meet Johnson. 

Texas A&M's Max Johnson found tight end and brother Jake Johnson for a 22-yard touchdown in the second quarter to tie No. 11 Alabama at 10 apiece. The Aggies lead 17-10 at the half thanks to several critical defensive stops against Jalen Milroe. 

The Johnsons have continued to build on their success since the redshirt sophomore replaced the injured Conner Weigman at quarterback. In Week 4's 27-10 win over Auburn, the duo connected for another 22-yard score, this one to extend A&M's lead by 10. 

But again, it's a handful of plays that can change the course of the afternoon in college football. The touchdown only occurred thanks to exceptional field on a punt return from Ainias Smith. 

Smith, perhaps A&M's heart and soul, muffed the initial punt after the Aggies (4-1, 2-0 SEC) forced a three-and-out for the Crimson Tides (4-1, 2-0 SEC). A quick cut later, Smith crossed deep into Alabama territory with a 42-yard return. 

Johnson connected with his brother to secure the six points. Kicker Randy Bond tied with the PAT. 

Smith's special teams heroics have been on display the previous two weeks. In last week's 34-22 win over Arkansas, he muffed a punt before breaking free for an 82-yard touchdown. He also netted a 43-yard return that placed A&M at the Arkansas 46. 

Matchups between the Crimson Tide and Aggies have come down to the wire over the past two seasons. In 2021, A&M pulled off the 41-38 upset thanks to a game-tying touchdown from Smith and an eventual 34-yard field goal from Seth Small. 

Last season at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama secured the 24-20 win, but the Aggies put fans on upset alert during the final drive. Haynes King drove 75 yards to set up a first-and-goal from the 2-yard-line with two seconds remaining. King couldn't connect with Evan Stewart as time expired, saving Alabama from its first home loss since 2019. 

Johnson, who finished the first half 8-of-14 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown, also led an 11-play, 53-yard drive capped off with a 1-yard touchdown run by Le'Veon Moss. 

The Crimson Tide, who won the toss but elected to defer, will receive to begin the third quarter.