What started out impressively ended in a resounding 47-28 defeat to Alabama on Saturday at Kyle Field. At the midway point in the season, Texas A&M finds itself 3-3.

The good news is that the Aggies don’t figure to play a third No. 1-ranked team in the second half of the season, although if LSU keeps winning, it could very well earn that spot come late November.

This team is talented enough to still finish with a winning season and earn bowl eligibility, building on the things it did well on Saturday. And there were some. Here are three things I liked about the game, and five more things that I didn’t like.

What I liked

1. Physicality on offense

The Aggies’ offense punched Alabama’s defense in the mouth and was able to move the ball consistently, at least early, with a sound rushing attack behind an offensive line that held its own against a young Tide defensive front seven.

2. Isaiah Spiller, at least early

The freshman ran tough when given the opportunity. He wasn’t going to be allowed to run free against the Alabama defense, and he earned every yard he gained. Very impressive on the Aggies’ opening drive, Spiller rushed seven times for 24 yards and made the plays necessary for that march to the end zone.

Aggies running back Isaiah Spiller fights for yards during the first quarter. Photo by: John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports

However, the Aggies, for the most part, abandoned the run after falling behin. Spiller added to the misery by fumbling late in the second quarter, giving the Tide an opportunity to put the game away before halftime.

3. Opening drive

The Aggies moved methodically down the field against a yielding Alabama defense, both through the air and on the ground, to take a 7-0 lead. It was the first touchdown allowed by the Alabama defense on an opening drive in nearly two seasons. The 15-play, 75-yard march was the best one of the game, and one of the most impressive of the season. Unfortunately, the offense could not maintain that momentum.

What I didn’t like

1. Missed tackles in the open field

One of the major concerns coming into the game was open-field tackling against an Alabama team that likes to get the ball out quickly to its playmakers and allow them to make plays. Texas A&M’s inability to stop those standouts on first contact contributed greatly to the Tide’s ability to move the ball.

2. Mond inaccuracy

On more than one occasion, Kellen Mond missed wide-open receivers on pass plays that probably would have resulted in touchdowns had the passes been on target. Against better teams, these plays can be the difference between wins and losses. It may not have been the sole reason, or even the biggest factor, in Saturday’s loss, but it certainly played more than a minimal role.

3. Secondary coverage

Yes, it’s a big ask for any secondary to stay with arguably the best receiving group in college football. And as a unit, the Texas A&M secondary had its moments, such as intercepting a pass at the end of the first half. But too often, Alabama receivers ran free and upon catching a pass were not corralled, resulting in big plays for the Tide.

4. Special teams

Special teams were especially bad. From poor kickoff coverage and giving up long punt returns that set up Alabama for easy scores, to a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown, special teams put the Aggies in a big hole.

5. Pass protection

Granted, the Aggies were behind for most of the game and were forced into more obvious passing situations than they would have liked. But Mond was harassed and flushed out of the pocket numerous times and was generally rendered uncomfortable in the pocket, watching the finish of several plays on his back.