For Texas A&M the first two games have been near perfect, a neutral site victory over a ranked Arizona State 38-17 and a comfortable victory over Ball State from the MAC. After the Aggies’ home game on Saturday against Nevada they will start their SEC campaign against powerhouse programs like Arkansas, Mississippi State and Alabama. So what have we learned analyzing Texas A&M after two games in 2015?
The main point is that the defense is definitely better this year under new defensive co-ordinator John Chavis. My article last week broke down some of those improvements; but even after a big win to open the season, the Aggies’ defense came back against Ball State. The Aggies held the Cardinals to just three points in the first half before the starters were slowly pulled in the second half. Despite this performance the defense is still a work in progress as linebacker Otaro Alaka was inserted into the lineup during the first quarter to stop the run. The starting crop of linebackers was caught too far downfield on two long runs on Ball State’s opening drive; and the change seemed to work. It will be interesting to see how the run defense holds up against Arkansas on September 26th.
Analyzing Texas A&M: The First Two Games
We got to see all three Aggies quarterbacks on Saturday as Kyle Allen was pulled from the game with two minutes remaining in the first half for Kyler Murray. We then saw third stringer Jake Hubenak finish the game in the fourth quarter. Both Allen and Murray were efficient with their passing as Allen threw for three scores and Murray just one. The only concern would be the offensive line as they gave up four sacks against a poor Ball State defense after giving up three against Arizona State. The pass protection is going to have to improve if the Aggies are to succeed in the SEC.
Depth could still be an issue. A lot of freshman played last year which means this year there are experienced sophomores playing key roles. The downside is that it leaves unproven freshman playing critical roles and backing up the starters. When injuries inevitably hit the starters we may see the Aggies struggle compared to teams like Alabama that are two deep at so many positions.
This week Brian Polian returns to College Station as the under-fire head coach of the Nevada Wolf Pack. Polian served as special teams and tight ends coach at Texas A&M in 2012 before getting his current job. He was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct against Arizona, and his team was unimpressive in an opening day win over FCS opponent UC Davis. The Aggies may have one eye on the game against Arkansas in Arlington, but the Razorbacks’ loss to Toledo this week should serve as a warning to any team that takes a win for granted.
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