Jerrod Johnson had a big game and Texas A&M's newly revamped defense got off to a strong start in a 48-7 victory over Stephen F. Austin on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Johnson completed 23 of 35 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns. He added a rushing touchdown and led an Aggies attack that rolled up 536 yards and 36 first downs.

But Texas A&M did not enter this season with questions regarding Johnson or the offense; it was the defense that was a concern after ranking 105th in total defense a year ago. Saturday, the Aggies allowed only 13 first downs and 265 yards while forcing a pair of turnovers.

Texas A&M led 20-7 at the half and pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Stephen F. Austin 21-0. Johnson rushed for a one-yard score four minutes into the third and threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Fuller less than four minutes later. Christine Michael ran for a four-yard touchdown with 4:30 left in the third to make it 41-7.

Johnson and Fuller connected again in the fourth quarter, for a six-yard TD, to cap the scoring.

Michael finished with 101 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries for the Aggies, who improved to 3-0 all time against the Lumberjacks.

Cordell Roberson had two receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown for the Lumberjacks.