Texas A&M QB Jaylen Henderson Scores Three Touchdowns, Aggies Lead Mississippi State Bulldogs 34-10 at Half

The Aggies lead 34-10 over Mississippi State at halftime.

COLLEGE STATION -- In the battle of the "backup bowl," Texas A&M seems to have the right options. 

The Aggies lead 34-10 over Mississippi State heading into halftime. Jaylen Henderson and Amari Daniels each scored a touchdown on the ground to make it 14-7 in the first quarter. 

Henderson, a Fresno State transfer, was named the starting quarterback in place of Max Johnson before kickoff. Johnson was ruled out due to a rib injury suffered in last week's 38-35 loss to No. 9 Ole Miss in Oxford. 

Henderson built a rapport with the offense after allowing Bulldogs receiver Zavion Thomas to return the opening kickoff for a 94-yard touchdown. He connected twice with Noah Thomas for gains of 31 and 13 before keeping it himself for a 22-yard scamper. 

Henderson found senior receiver Ainais Smith for a 19-yard touchdown with 4:58 remaining in the half, marking the career passing touchdown of his career. He also scored on an 11-yard run with 1:20 remaining in the half. 

The redshirt sophomore finished the first half 7 of 13 passing for 104 yards. He also rushed for 56 yards on 11 carries. 

Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Jaylen Henderson (16) hands off the ball to running back Amari Daniels (4) during the first quarter at Kyle Field / Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Daniels, who often serves as the No. 2 runner behind sophomore Le'Veon Moss, punched in a 1-yard score to break the 7-7 tie with 2:32 remaining in the first quarter. The Aggies (5-4, 3-3 SEC) have relied heavily on their run game, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. 

Mississippi State (4-5, 1-5) has rotated former Vanderbilt starter Mike Wright and freshman Chris Parson at quarterback in place of the injured Will Rogers. Rogers, who led the SEC in passing touchdowns (35) and was second in passing yards (3,974), hasn't played since suffering a shoulder injury in a win over Western Michigan back in early October. 

Neither quarterback found a rhythm thanks to a potent A&M front seven. Parson, who started the game, completed 1 of 4 pass attempts for 2 yards. He was intercepted on the opening drive by Deuce Harmon. 

Two drives later, Parson was picked off again, this time by Jacoby Matthews off a deflection by Tyreek Chappell. Wright, who started the previous three games, completed 3 of 4 pass attempts for 34 yards. 

The Bulldogs were also without their star running back Jo'Quavious Marks, who has not played since their Week 8 win over Arkansas. The Bulldogs finished the first half with 107 total yards. 

Johnson and Moss are just two of five starters out due to injury. Receiver Evan Stewart and defensive backs Bryce Anderson and Josh DeBerry were all seen in street clothes prior to kickoff. 

The Aggies will receive the ball to begin the third quarter. With a win Saturday, A&M will secure bowl eligibility for the first time since 2021.