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Texas A&M searching for an identity, consistency at quarterback
By Sean Labar
Published:
Heading into week 9 of the college football season, we should have a pretty good grasp on the current SEC landscape.
But Texas A&M presents a challenge.
At times, the Aggies have played like SEC contenders. In Week 1, Kevin Sumlin’s squad manhandled Arizona State. In Week 5, Texas A&M beat No. 25 Mississippi State, leaving its fan base with a sense of optimism.
But over the last two weeks, things have gone south for the Aggies, who may have to deal with a quarterback controversy down the stretch.
According to one report, players are split with some supporting starter Kyle Allen and others supporting heralded freshman Kyler Murray.
Heading into the Alabama game two weeks ago, many people thought Sumlin had his team ready to compete with the Crimson Tide. Instead, Alabama crushed the Aggies, 41-23.
On Saturday, Texas A&M had another chance against a ranked opponent. But the Aggies were shut down in a 23-3 loss at No.19 Ole Miss.
So why do the Aggies crumble in big games? It boils down to a lack of experience and inconsistency from the offense.
Against Alabama, Allen threw three interceptions that were returned for touchdowns.
At Ole Miss, Allen finished 12 of 34 with just 88 yards through the air, an interception and no touchdowns.
The past two weeks have been a jolt. Allen threw 13 TD passes and just two picks in the Aggies’ first five games.
But Allen can’t be held accountable for all of the team’s offensive woes.
The Texas A&M offense ranks last in the SEC in rushing yards per game (87.2). Against Ole Miss, the Aggies gained just 58 yards on the ground.
There may not be any major shakeups in the backfield soon, so all eyes will inevitably be on the quarterback. Allen may need a strong performance Saturday against South Carolina to hold onto the starting role.
Murray, a 5-star recruit, shows promise, but has slipped into Sumlin’s doghouse. Murray was passed over in favor of junior-college transfer Jake Hubenak when Allen was benched against Ole Miss.
The Aggies are at a crossroads. Texas A&M (5-2, 2-2 SEC) will be favored in its next four games before finishing the season against LSU. A major bowl game is within reach.
The next few weeks should be interesting.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
