Rapid Reaction: Texas A&M's regular season ends in collapse
Here are some quick thoughts on Texas A&M’s 23-17 loss vs. LSU.
What it means: Kevin Sumlin’s offensive system isn’t as magical as some thought early in the year. Kyle Allen was one of the most touted high school quarterbacks last season, but he’s not ready to pull a Johnny Manziel and singlehandedly lift a team with a wretched defense to elite SEC status. The Aggies are more flash than substance at this particular moment in time, finishing 1-5 in conference play with a fortunate win against Auburn. Good vibes still surround this program, but a trajectory that once seemed clear now is muddled. Which direction is Texas A&M football headed?
What I liked: The team managed a sustained effort in a game that seemed out of reach when it could’ve sulked. LSU scored 20 consecutive points (despite two short missed field goals by the Tigers). Then the Aggies made an improbable rally to gain possession down 23-17 late in the fourth quarter. Trey Williams burst for a 41-yard first-quarter touchdown and finished with four carries for 62 yards.
What I didn’t like: This game was predictable and tiring for A&M fans. LSU bullied the Aggies, just as they did in 2012 and just as they did in 2013. The defense got bulldozed (384 rushing yards) and the Tigers jammed the receivers at the line of scrimmage. Allen completed a high percentage of his passes, but threw for next-to-nothing until pretty deep in the second half. Speedy Noil gave up a costly fumble on a return late in the first half that gave LSU excellent field position.
Who’s the man: Noil. Despite the fumble, he caught four passes for 46 yards, including a 27-yard score in the fourth quarter to set up an exciting ending.
Key play: Leonard Fournette turned Texas A&M safety Howard Matthews into a human accordion on a 22-yard touchdown run that keyed a 17-point run in the final 4:33 of the first half and encapsulated the way LSU physically overpowered the Aggies. Matthews looked to make a solid fundamental play, getting a good shot at Fournette’s upper thigh rather than trying to arm-tackle the powerful true freshman. But Matthews still bounced off the running back’s quad.
What’s next: Texas A&M needs to find a defensive coordinator, as LSU clearly shredded the Aggies with some looks specifically designed to attack A&M weaknesses. It’s time for a change, and it seems like even Mark Snyder knows it. The Aggies finish the regular season 7-5, losing five of their last seven games. As much money as coach Kevin Sumlin makes, and as strong as recruiting has been, that’s not acceptable in College Station. Can you believe this team ranked No. 6 in the country entering October?