POST-GAME THOUGHTS: A&M gets back on track with 38-3 win over NMSU

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 the mood was high.

The second quarter was a sloppy effort that was frustrating to watch. In the second half, Reed was only involved in a single 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 undisputed starter for the rest of this season. Reed still had a few misses, but plenty of really nice throws that should give confidence. It also appeared that he was instructed not to run much in this game to stay healthy.

Unfortunately, when Weigman entered the game in the third quarter, it was more of the LSU version than Mizzou. Weigman’s first three games 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, Leveon

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.

However, there is still a question mark after Amari. EJ Smith was OK but not spectacular, recording 15 carries for 60 yards with a long of 9. AJ DiNota ran hard but only collected 21 yards on 7 carries.

There was some talk of maybe true freshman WR Terry Bussey getting a look at RB, but if that’s in the plan for this season, it wasn’t on display tonight. I’m afraid the Aggie offense will have to lean heavily on the legs of Amari and Reed the next two games.

The defense was just sort of there, but it didn’t matter

The A&M defense played this game like a game and wasn’t exactly full of energy, but thankfully New Mexico State was completely unable to complete a pass. Most of the starters were out 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 playing an opponent of this caliber. There was some really good mixed with some mediocre. With a trip to Atlanta and a potential playoff berth on the line, A&M will need to be at its best the next two weeks to get where they want to go.