Texas A&M bounced back from last week’s loss to Alabama with a convincing victory on Saturday at Kyle Field.

Here is an analysis of Texas A&M’s 52-10 victory over Sun Belt Conference opponent New Mexico State:

5 TAKEAWAYS

  • Christian Kirk still has it: As a freshman, Kirk returned two punts for touchdowns in 2015. He hadn’t returned another one through seven games this season … until Saturday. Kirk recorded punt returns for touchdowns covering 70 and 73 yards. It’s the first time in school history that a player has returned two punts for touchdowns in the same game.
  • No hangovers: The Aggies were able to put last week’s tough loss behind them and come out on Saturday to play a solid game. They scored on their first offensive possession, and then Kirk followed with his first of two punt returns for scores and the Aggies were off and running.
  • Defense shines without starters: The Aggies played solid defense despite not having three key starters in the lineup. Among those sitting out Saturday’s game with injuries were DE Myles Garrett, S Armani Watts and CB Priest Willis. Texas A&M was still able to keep New Mexico State out of the end zone until the fourth quarter.
  • The Aggies have a pretty good backup QB: Jake Hubenak was afforded playing time for just the second game this season. He made the most of his opportunity on Saturday, completing 7-of-10 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Hubenak threw a 17-yard scoring strike to Kalvin Cline early in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.
  • The Aggies possess a third threat in the backfield: Both Trayveon Williams and Keith Ford have had their share of highlights at running back this season. On Saturday, it was Kendall Bussey who shined. On just 10 carries, Bussey churned out 87 yards, including a 29-yard run from scrimmage. Williams and Ford combined for another 97 yards rushing.

REPORT CARD

Offense: A – The Aggies rolled up 515 total yards of offense and 28 first downs. They found the end zone five times. The only blemish was one turnover. Other than that, it was a fairly dominating performance.

Defense: A – It wasn’t a shutout, but Texas A&M held its visitors to just a field goal in the first half and a fourth-quarter touchdown. Yes, it gave up yardage. DC John Chavis doesn’t mind that as long as points aren’t yielded.

Special teams: A – As already mentioned, Kirk returned two punts for touchdowns, and Justin Evans returned a kickoff 47 yards. On the flip side, Texas A&M allowed just 19 return yards total for the game, and Braden Mann averaged 47 yards on two punts. About the only negative was a missed field goal attempt from Daniel LaCamera, who was 1-for-2, connecting on a 36-yarder, and also good on all seven PAT kick attempts.

Coaching: A – The coaching staff used this game to get playing time for a whole host of Aggies, and that’s always good for team moral.

Overall: A – It was a solid win, as it should have been. But that doesn’t always happen after a tough loss. So the fact that Texas A&M was able to rally and rebound speaks well of the final stretch of the season.

GAME PLAN

It would have been easy to stay vanilla and not do too much against an inferior opponent, but Texas A&M did not take its foot off the gas pedal either on offense or defense.

GAME BALLS

  • WR Christian Kirk: A school-record two punt returns for touchdowns, Kirk also caught a touchdown pass and helped Texas A&M establish its dominance early.
  • RB Kendall Bussey: The Aggies’ reserve running back finished with team-highs in both carries (10) and rushing yards (87).
  • QB Trevor Knight: In throwing for 204 yards and 2 touchdowns, Knight completed 15-of-24 passes and no interceptions.