This was fine
Texas A&M was dominant in the first quarter of this game. The Aggies rolled up 273 yards of offense, Marcel Reed was 8/11 for 148 yards, and A&M held New Mexico State to just 50 yards of offense. Everything looked crisp and vibes were high.
The second quarter was a sloppy effort that was frustrating to watch. In the second half, Reed was in for just one drive (which ended in a touchdown run) before being relieved by Conner Weigman. Let’s break things down real quick.
Starting QB is settled
If you watched this game, you came to the realization that Marcel Reed is the no-doubt starter for the rest of this season. Reed still had a couple of misses, but plenty of really nice throws that should inspire confidence. It also appeared like he was instructed not to run much in this game in order to keep himself healthy.
When Weigman entered the game in the third quarter, it was unfortunately more of the LSU version than Mizzou. Weigman’s first three plays went PBU, sack, sack. He finished 2/5 with 37 yards and an interception.
Wherever this team goes the rest of the way, it will be with Marcel Reed at the helm.
We miss you, Le’veon
Amari Daniels looked better than ever as he produced 84 yards on just 5 carries, including a 71-yard touchdown run. The coaches wisely allowed him to rest for the last three quarters of this game and not risk injury.
There is still a question mark after Amari though. EJ Smith was OK but not spectacular, registering 15 carries for 60 yards with a long of 9. AJ DiNota ran hard, but amassed just 21 yards on 7 carries.
There was some talk of maybe true freshman WR Terry Bussey getting a look at RB, but if that is in the plan for this season, it wasn’t on display tonight. I’m afraid that the Aggie offense will need to lean heavily on the legs of Amari and Reed these next two games.
The defense was just kind of there, but it didn’t matter
The A&M defense played this game like a scrimmage and wasn’t exactly full of energy, but luckily New Mexico State was completely incapable of completing a pass. Most of the starters were out of the game by midway through the third quarter, allowing some younger players to get playing time.
Malick Sylla was the story of the night, recording two sacks and three TFLs.
Looking ahead
The performance was fine for playing an opponent of this caliber. There was some really good mixed in with some mediocre. With a trip to Atlanta and potential playoff berth on the line, A&M is going to have to give it’s very best effort the next two weeks to get where it wants to go.