Bussey Breaks Out, Aggie Defense Dominates — A&M Rolls 56-7
- Jeremiah Fentress
- Jan 26
- 2 min read
COLLEGE STATION — If Friday’s scoreboard didn’t make it official, Terry Bussey’s legs did.
The sophomore sparkplug turned the special teams and ground game into show-and-tell, finishing as Texas A&M’s clear Player of the Game in a 56-7 rout of No. 14 Notre Dame. Bussey ripped off a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown and a 72-yard punt-return score, piling up 235 return yards total, and added a 48-yard rushing touchdown to his stat line as the Aggies amassed 607 yards of offense.
“He changes field position in a heartbeat,” Aggies beat writers heard all game long as Bussey repeatedly flipped momentum with a single touch. His speed and vision forced Notre Dame to play defense with one eye on him for the entire second half.
But Bussey’s fireworks were only part of the story. The A&M defense — led on the field by junior Will linebacker Taurean York — throttled the Irish, allowing just 129 total yards and holding Notre Dame to a single touchdown.
York’s stat line (eight tackles, 3 tackles for loss, a half-sack and an interception) was emblematic of the unit’s physical, assignment-sure night.
“Nights like tonight are what you build a program on,” said former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman and Texas A&M alum Myles Garrett, now in the Aggies’ coaching fold. “Our guys were fast to the ball, on the same page, and Taurean York set the tone. He’s a leader — vocal in the huddle and never afraid to do the dirty work. That kind of play elevates everybody.”
The Aggies finished with balance and blowout efficiency: 372 rushing and 163 passing yards, pressure and turnovers tilted the game early, and special teams flips put A&M in the driver’s seat. For a program that’s been searching for consistent playmakers, Bussey’s multi-phase explosion and York’s steadying presence on defense provided an encouraging blueprint.
If Friday proved anything, it’s that this Aggies team can win in all three phases — and when Bussey gets to the open field, opposing coordinators better have a plan B.
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