COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- SMU's first-half spurt after benching Kyle Padron was cause for concern early, but it's been all Texas A&M since then.

Ten points on its first two drives of the second half have added up to 23 unanswered points for the Aggies, who lead 43-14 entering the fourth quarter. The Mustangs trimmed the lead to 20-14, but haven't scored since.

For a team that would have plenty of excuses for the amount of distractions surrounding the program, Texas A&M hasn't needed them. Texas A&M said all offseason that the SEC talk wouldn't be a distraction. For now, it seems they were correct.

It's been a solid performance from everyone, other than a few miscommunications in the secondary and some trouble stopping the run.

Offensively, the Aggies have been immaculate. Ryan Tannehill is 19-of-23 for 235 yards and two touchdowns.

Cyrus Gray has stretched his streak of 100-yard games to eight, and he's combined with Christine Michael to rush for 175 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries.

The Aggies couldn't ask for a much better performance in the opener. SMU is a bowl team and one capable of winning 10 games.

If it does, it's clear A&M won't come close to being one of those 10.