Texas A&M rolled in the final tuneup before its SEC opener on Saturday. The Aggies had little problem in disposing of their SWAC opponent at Kyle Field. The Aggies improved to 2-0 for the fourth consecutive season under head coach Kevin Sumlin.
Here is an analysis of Texas A&M’s 67-0 victory:
5 TAKEAWAYS
- Offense continues to improve in new system: While QB Trevor Knight has some improvement to make on the accuracy of his passes, he continues to settle into his leadership position in OC Noel Mazzone’s scheme. Knight ran for 78 yards (one shy of the team lead) and a touchdown on 7 carries, and threw for another 344 yards and 3 touchdowns, completing 21-of-37 pass attempts (one interception).
- Running game taking shape: In Mazzone’s up-tempo offense, the running game is a critical part of that scheme. The running game was very effective on Saturday, totaling 277 rushing yards.
- Linebacker play improving : This is a position that needed the most improvement, and Shaan Washington is taking it upon himself to lead the charge in making that happen. Washington and the linebacking corps helped stymie the Panthers’ offense throughout.
- No letdown: Many times when a team upsets a ranked team as Texas A&M pulled off against UCLA last week, a letdown can happen. But the Aggies did not fall victims to that, instead rolling past Prairie View in a shutout.
- Stopping the run: Another aspect of the Texas A&M defense that must be cleaned up is its rush defense. Granted Prairie View did not provide the greatest test, still the Aggies held the Panthers to just 32 total yards rushing.
REPORT CARD
Offense: A – In a 67-point performance, what other grade could be given? The Aggies rolled up 672 yards of offense, including 395 through the air. The Aggies moved the ball at will.
Defense: A – When you hold the opponent off the scoreboard, regardless of that opponent, it’s a successful outing. While limiting Prairie View to 32 yards rushing, the Aggies held the Panthers to just 205 total yards.
Special teams: A – Special teams had plenty of opportunities in this game. Braden Mann had six touchbacks in eight kickoffs. Daniel LaCamera was successful on all three field goal attempts, and Nick Harvey returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown.
Coaching: A – Normally against an inferior opponent, coaches will play it close to the vest. But that wasn’t the case on Saturday. The Aggies, still learning a new system, threw the ball 49 times while running it 38 times.
Overall: A – Not much negative could be said after a 67-point victory in which the opponent was shut out. The Aggies were clicking on all cylinders.
GAME PLAN
There was no holding back against Prairie View. The Aggies needed to throw the ball as much or more than running it as they continue to become comfortable with Mazzone’s new offensive scheme. The defense was equally aggressive, still learning and executing DC John Chavis’ scheme in his second season at Texas A&M.
GAME BALLS
- QB Trevor Knight: He continues to look like the leader in the new offense that is so critical to its success. Knight was the team’s rushing and passing leader. He accounted for four touchdowns, including three passing scores.
- RB Keith Ford: Looking like the leader in the running game, Ford ran with confidence on Saturday. He scored two touchdowns and averaged 7.8 yards per carry.
- LB Shaan Washington: Leading the charges against both the run and the pass, Washington recorded 5 tackles in addition to knocking down 5 passes. Both were team-highs.
Glenn Sattell is an award-winning freelance writer for Saturday Down South.
