Texas A&M pushed through the 5-0 barrier that plagued the team the last couple of years. With the Aggies’ 45-38 double-OT victory over Tennessee at Kyle Field on Saturday, they improved to 6-0 for the first time since the 1994 season when that team went on to post a 10-0-1 record.

The Aggies have also started conference play 4-0 for the first time since 2004.

Here’s an analysis of Texas A&M’s big win over Tennessee:

5 TAKEAWAYS

  • Neither Texas A&M nor Tennessee are ready for Alabama: For one half of football, it appeared as though Texas A&M was ready to meet any challenge. But games are played in 60 minutes (minimum), and the Aggies have some issues that need to be addressed before taking on America’s top-ranked team in two weeks. Tennessee exposed some bad habits that Aggies QB Trevor Knight had seemingly overcome. And the Aggies must be more physical on offense at the line of scrimmage for the entire game, not just one half. As far as the Vols are concerned, they aren’t going to beat Bama on Saturday turning the ball over seven times. On the other hand, an error-free game will see Tennessee play with anyone.
  • What happened to the defense: John Chavis’ crew got shredded. Tennessee racked up 684 yards of total offense, including 402 through the air. The Aggies’ defense yielded 21 fourth-quarter points, allowing the Vols back in a game that should have been put away long before that. Granted, Tennessee turned the ball over seven times, but several of those were self-inflicted. A win is a win as the old saying goes, but in a season where defense has improved immensly, this was a step backward.
  • If nothing else, the Aggies proved resilient: What can you say that’s positive about blowing a three-touchdown lead in the second half? If you’re looking for positives, note the ability to persevere. Amid the Vols’ now-patented late onslought, Texas A&M was able to regain its poise, at least enough to muster up one final game-winning drive in the second overtime. That’s more than you can say for the Vols’ earlier victims Appalachian State, Florida and Georgia.
  • Why can’t players cross the goal line before letting up: We’ve seen it all across the country, this season especially, players making great plays only to lose their head just before reaching the end zone. It’s even happened in the NFL. Whether it’s dropping the ball on the 1-yard line or shutting off the jets on the approach and allowing defenders to strip the ball away, it’s become an epidemic. Tennessee’s Jalen Hurd was a victim of it last week. On Saturday, Texas A&M RB Trayveon Williams broke off a 71-yard run that should have salted away the victory in the waning moments of regulation. But it was that last yard where Williams shut down and failed to gain. Instead he had the ball punched through the end zone for a touchback that gave Tennessee the ball and the start of its game-tying touchdown drive.
  • We have a new challenger to the throne: While Alabama continues to proudly wear the crown, the SEC scrambles to come up with a challenger. This year, that appears to be Texas A&M. In what was seemingly an elimination game, the Aggies outlasted the Vols to earn that label. Luckily, we’ll get to see it all play out on the field. Alabama plays Tennessee and Texas A&M in consecutive weeks, beginning with a visit to Knoxville on Saturday.

REPORT CARD

Offense: A- – While the Aggies did pile up almost 600 yards of total offense, it did sputter mightily in the second half, opening the door for Tennessee’s comeback.

Defense: C- – As good as the Aggies’ defense was in the first half, it was equally bad in the second half. You can’t give up 684 yards and call it a good day.

Special teams: C – The Aggies had no return yardage either on punts or kickoffs, and K Daniel LaCamera missed a potential game-winning field goal from 38 yards out. Punter Shane Tripucka had a workout, punting 10 times for a 41.9-yard average. The Aggies limited Tennessee to a 4-yard average on four punt returns and a 20.3-yard average on four kickoff returns.

Coaching: B – Overall, the coaching was good both offensively and defensively. However, the execution wasn’t always the best.

Overall: B- – It was a win, and that’s the bottom line. There were some very good things that happened, especially in the first half, and also in the second overtime period. In between that, there wasn’t much for the Aggies to hang their hats on.

GAME PLAN

The Aggies weren’t quite as balanced as they’ve been in the past, running 50 times while throwing 34 times. But for the most part, they remained effective. Defensively, the bend-but-don’t-break philosophy worked insofar as they posted the W and were able to come up with seven turnovers.

GAME BALLS

  • QB Trevor Knight: Despite struggling in the second half, Knight regained his composure in overtime and scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown. He threw for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns and added 110 rushing yards and 3 more TDs.
  • RB Trayveon Williams: Even though his late, fourth-quarter blunder nearly cost the Aggies the game, he was a workhorse throughout, rushing for 217 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries.
  • S Armani Watts : He sealed the deal with his interception in the second overtime period. In addition, Watts recorded 9 tackles, including 6 solo. He also forced and recovered a fumble.