
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)
Texas A&M finished a historic season with a 9-1 record and an Orange Bowl title by beating 13th-ranked North Carolina 41-27 on Saturday. Here are three quick takes from the game:
1. Speedy back: A&M freshman running back Devon Achane showcased his speed in the second half Saturday, especially on his 76-yard touchdown run. “He’s running track here for a reason,” A&M quarterback Kellen Mond said. Achane has continually proven himself a fully capable Southeastern Conference feature back, yet he is third in line behind 1,000-yard rusher Isaiah Spiller and playmaker Ainias Smith. A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher will have a fun time handing carries around to those three backs next season. Also, when is the last time a third-string running back won an MVP award?
2. Simply one of the best: Mond likely played his final game for A&M on Saturday, and his legacy is an interesting subject. Fisher succinctly called him “one of the great quarterbacks in A&M history.” He wasn’t flashy or even consistent at times, but he was pragmatic and ultimately won games. His name is atop almost every school passing record and should garner applause at Kyle Field for years to come.
3. Proving their worth: A&M again held a masterclass in how it wins football games. It’s not always pretty, but it gets the job done. The Aggies even struggled in areas they’ve excelled in this season with poor offensive line play at times and an average night on third down (5 of 13). Still, they found a way to win. It’s the kind of football that didn’t win A&M enough votes in the College Football Playoff committee room, but it won a lot of games this season.
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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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 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)
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 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)
Orange Bowl Football

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)
Orange Bowl Football

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)
Orange Bowl Football

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)
Orange Bowl Football

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)
Orange Bowl Football

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.
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)
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.
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.