What began with a flurry of offense turned into a defensive struggle by the second half.

Texas A&M and Ole Miss began the game combining for 28 points in less than 11 minutes. By halftime, they were up to 45 together as they each averaged more than seven yards per play. Scoring slowed in the second half, thanks mainly to Texas A&M bringing more pressure against Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta’amu.

This game continued a trend of close games in the series as three of the previous five had been decided by a field goal or less. This one also came down to the wire as a fourth and two play for Ole Miss ended with an incomplete pass with 1:14 remaining as Texas A&M held on for a 31-24 victory.

Ole Miss is now 5-6, while Texas A&M is 7-4.

The Aggies took their first lead of the game with 8:04 left in the third quarter when Derrick Turner recorded his first career interception, which he returned for a touchdown for a 28-24 lead. They tacked on a field goal with 1:59 remaining to build a seven-point lead after Ole Miss made a goal-line stand to halt a 10-play drive.

In the third quarter, the Aggies lost their second player of the game to a targeting call when Travon Fuller was ejected for targeting on a return play. Fuller was also called for targeting against Arkansas.

Defensive lineman Zaycoven Henderson was ejected in the first half for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Ta’amu during a pass play. The Rebels took advantage of the mistake and took a 24-21 lead on a 28-yard field goal by Gary Wunderlich.

It was quite a shakeup for a defense that entered Saturday leading the SEC with 33 sacks. But Ta’amu didn’t have much trouble with it, at least early on, as he continued the solid play he’s displayed since taking over for the injured Shea Patterson. Ta’amu was just the second Ole Miss quarterback to throw for at least 350 yards in three straight games.

The Aggies, meanwhile, also got continued solid play from quarterback Nick Starkel, who made his first start last season since an ankle injury in the season opener. He kept pace with Ta’amu as they exchanged blows in the first half.

The Aggies entered Saturday trying to avoid the risk of a 6-6 season, which hasn’t happened since Mike Sherman’s final year in 2011.