The numbers that tell the tale of the Ags’ win over the Falcons
Well I’m not going to tell you to be excited after A&M seemed to sleepwalk through a 26-20 win over a G5 opponent at Kyle Field, but any win is better than a loss, and you have to hope the team can return to form as they resume SEC play next Saturday.
Let’s take a look at some telling stats from last night’s game.
Salient Stats
#0: Harold Fannin. He made Penn State defenders look silly two weeks ago, and did the same thing to A&M to the tune of eight receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown. The only solace is there is a good chance that guy is playing on Sundays next season.
2: Chunk plays/blown coverages for Bowling Green that resulted in their only touchdowns. The long pass to Fannin and the reverse run for the Falcons marred what otherwise was a pretty darn good outing for the Aggie defense. Outside of those two plays, the only points they allowed were set up by a questionable pass interference call and a blocked punt.
3: Games in a row with an interception by Marcus Ratcliffe (and this one should have sealed the game). Let’s make it four next week!
5.6: yards per carry for the Ags. Bowling Green loaded the box and stifled the A&M run game for most of the first half. But Marcel Reed’s mobility helped open up holes for the running backs as well in the second half, and the run game is a big part of what salvaged a victory on a night when the Aggie passing game seemed to misfire often.
6: penalties. While A&M cleaned up a bit from the Florida game, they still had twice as many penalties called on them as their opponent. That’s not a recipe for winning games as the competition level increases in the coming weeks.
55.2%: Marcel Reed’s completion percentage. Reed’s accuracy left a lot to be desired on Saturday, seeming to cost the Aggies several potential big plays throughout the night that could have kept what proved to be a close game much more out of reach. If the Florida performance propelled him into the conversation for the starting job, his play against Bowling Green may have poured water on that idea for the moment.
89: Rushing yards for Bowling Green. This is especially encouraging when you consider that 40 of those yards came on that one reverse run for a TD. Outside of that one play, A&M held the Falcons to a measly 2.2 yards per carry.
100%: Field goal percentage from Randy Bond. Yes I know one of them seemed VERY close to being a miss, but in a game where we needed every one of those makes, it was good to see him return to form after missing two kicks late in the Florida win.
Time to turn the page and #BTHOarkansas