OFFENSE: B+
What went right: Texas A&M freshman running back Devon Achane came through with 140 yards rushing on 12 carries. He didn’t have his first carry until midway through the third quarter, but put a charge into the offense. Ainias Smith had six catches for 125 yards and it seemed all of them were huge. Â
What went wrong: A&M allowed three sacks after giving up only three in the regular season. The Aggies had five three-and-outs, two of them to start the second half.
Bottom line: A&M didn’t have a turnover and with the game on the line it scored on four of five possessions.
DEFENSE: B
What went right: The fourth-and-1 stop by Jayden Peevy after Achane’s go-ahead touchdown put a knife in North Carolina’s back. It was a double-edged sword since A&M also had stopped the Tar Heels on third-and-1 with DeMarvin Leal and Peevy plugging the hole.
What went wrong: North Carolina got behind the secondary for a 75-yard touchdown pass play and A&M also got beat on a wheel route by a running back on a third-down pass play that went for a touchdown. Â Â Â
Bottom line: A&M came up with the game’s lone turnover, converting it into a touchdown.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C
What went right: Seth Small hit a pair of short field goals and Smith did a good job catching punts, saving yards.
What went wrong: A 21-yard punt by Nik Constantinou to the North Carolina 40 with the game on the line could have proved costly. North Carolina’s Dazz Newsome had a 23-yard punt return, the longest allowed by A&M this season.
Bottom line: A&M didn’t allow a kickoff return, leaving the Tar Heels facing 75 yards every time.
COACHING: B
What went right: A&M senior quarterback Kellen Mond showed why he’s like another coach on the field. He had a solid game with 232 yards passing with 36 more yards rushing, including a touchdown run.
What went wrong: A&M had nine penalties. The offense had two holding calls and a costly motion penalty inside the North Carolina 10. The defense had a trio of 15-yarders and also had 12 men on the field to wipe out an interception. The Aggies’ sideline even got a penalty for interference.
Bottom line: A&M was at its best in the fourth quarter, rolling up 204 yards.
OVERALL: B
What went right: A&M kept its poise after North Carolina’s 75-yard touchdown pass gave it a 27-20 lead early in the fourth quarter.
What went wrong: The Aggies seemed to playing down to North Carolina for much of the game. The Tar Heels, missing four key starters, took the fight to the Aggies, coming back to take a seven-point lead after spotting the Aggies a 7-0 lead.
Bottom line: A&M was disappointed at not making the College Football Playoff, but it didn’t let that lead to more disappointment. The Aggies were their best with the game on the line.
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M players celebrate after winning the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jumbo Fisher raises his hands during the trophy presentation at the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M players pose for photos at the end of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond, right, congratulates running back Devon Achane, after Achane was chosen as the MVP of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M offensive lineman Kenyon Green (55) douses head coach Jimbo Fisher at the end of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M running back Devon Achane (6) runs for a touchdown during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
APTOPIX Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M running back Devon Achane (6) runs for a touchdown during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
APTOPIX Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M offensive lineman Kenyon Green (55) douses head coach Jimbo Fisher at the end of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
APTOPIX Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina linebacker Eugene Asante (7) attempts to stop Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) as he runs for a touchdown during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina defensive back Trey Morrison (4) sacks Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher watches his team during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M place kicker Seth Small (47) kicks a field goal as punter Nik Constantinou (95) holds, during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown watches his team during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs (11) grabs a pass for a touchdown during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher speaks with quarterback Kellen Mond during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina wide receivers Dazz Newsome (5) and Khafre Brown (1) congratulate wide receiver Josh Downs (11) after Downs scored a touchdown during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) grabs the face mask of Texas A&M linebacker Buddy Johnson (1) during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina linebacker Eugene Asante (7) attempts to stop Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) as he runs for a touchdown during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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Texas A&M running back Devon Achane (6) runs for a touchdown during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jumbo Fisher raises his hands during the trophy presentation at the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher applauds as running back Devon Achane (6) is announced as the game MVP at the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher applauds as running back Devon Achane (6) is announced as the game MVP at the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher watches players warm up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher watches players warm up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher watches players warm up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher greets running back Isaiah Spiller (28) before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) warms up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) warms up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher watches players warm up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller (28) runs to score a touchdown during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller (28) takes a bow after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) stands back to pass during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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Texas A&M linebacker Andre White Jr. (32) intercepts a pass thrown by North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) hands the football to running back Isaiah Spiller (28), during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) runs the football during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs (11) falls on his head after he was tripped by Texas A&M defensive back Antonio Johnson (27), during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M fans cheer during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) avoids a tackle by Texas A&M defensive back Brian George (16) during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina fans cheer during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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North Carolina wide receiver Dazz Newsome (5) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown, during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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Texas A&M linebacker Buddy Johnson, left, chases down North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell during the second half of the Orange Bowl on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Fla.
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Texas A&M running back Devon Achane (6) runs for a touchdown during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) warms up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina quarterbacks Jace Ruder (10) and Sam Howell (7) warms up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) warms up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) warms up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) warms up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) warms up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) warms up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) warms up before the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller (28) scores a touchdown during the first half of the Orange Bowl against North Carolina on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Orange Bowl Football

North Carolina linebacker Eugene Asante (7) attempts to stop Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) as he runs for a touchdown during the second half of the Orange Bowl on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Fla.Â
Orange Bowl Football

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher applauds as running back Devon Achane (6) is announced as the game MVP at the Orange Bowl on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Fla. A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27.