OFFENSE: B+

The Aggies punted four times and threw an interception, a far cry from the previous three games with offensive coordinator Jake Spavital calling the plays. But Kenny Hill managed to guide Texas A&M to the end zone four times through the air.

Malcome Kennedy, Speedy Noil, Josh Reynolds and Ricky Seals-Jones proved formidable even without Cameron Clear (Noil also went down in the second half). Starting running back Tra Carson returned from an injury and looked good.

The team should’ve sustained more drives, but 38 points on a so-so day with limited possession is good enough to win in most cases.

DEFENSE: D+

A weakened Rice team, which lost its two offensive stars from 2013 and played without standout receiver Jordan Taylor, outgained America’s most electric offense.

The Owls ran for 240 yards, but perhaps more egregious was allowing Driphus Jackson to throw for 212 yards. That’s a modest total, but just the third time Jackson has thrown for more than 200 yards in his career. (Jackson also rushed for 84 yards.)

The read-option, with an option to throw, still looks like a major Achilles heel for this defense. Three of the defensive linemen left the game with injuries, and the unit didn’t force a turnover. But Rice did score just 10 points and Myles Garrett added to his SEC-leading sack total.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B+

Texas A&M blocked a 48-yard field goal at the end of the first half and then ran it back for a touchdown, but a personal foul penalty wiped it off the board. Incidentally, Rice made a 53-yard try the play before, but A&M had 12 men on the field, an automatic dead ball.

The Aggies also gave Rice a short field on a first-quarter punt. Overall, though, Texas A&M and Rice played fairly even with the kicking teams on the field.

COACHING: B-

Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder doesn’t have much good clay from which to form nice pottery. Last season’s personnel didn’t take care of business, but had an excuse: youth. This summer, the team lost three defensive starters for the season due to suspensions or injuries.

But after a promising start, the game against Rice represents a significant step back.

The offense continues to outperform expectations, though, and the coaching staff had to adapt to several injuries.

OVERALL: B-

This team is in a great spot at 3-0, having scored 163 points in three games, winning by 24, 70 and 28 points. Due to the final score, the Aggies should retain their Top 10 status.

But it’s a long season, and the first week’s result can become minimized quickly, as South Carolina proved the last two weeks. A&M clearly has work to do the next two weeks before beginning SEC play.