No. 3 Texas A&M’s (8-0, 5-0 SEC) 49-25 blowout win over LSU in Baton Rouge didn’t just result in the firing of Tigers head coach Brian Kelly, but vaulted the Aggies to the National Championship conversation, which hasn’t been the case since former Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel’s Heisman-winning season.
Led by starting quarterback Marcel Reed’s elite play despite two first-half interceptions, the redshirt sophomore threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns, paired with 180 rushing touchdowns and two scores, leading the Aggie offense to its best offensive showing since defeating Notre Dame in South Bend in Week 3.
While the offense has been stellar all season, Texas A&M’s defense, specifically the defensive line, has stepped up in SEC play, and currently leads the country in sacks (32), led by senior edge Cashius Howell’s ten sacks and 30-plus pressures. This elite play has allowed the linebackers to stay clean and stop the run, sniff out screens, and cover the middle of the field, while the secondary has also thrived due to the consistent pressure up front.
Heading into the bye week, which will be utilized to rest and refuel before taking on the Missouri Tigers on the road in Week 11, head coach Mike Elko has continued to knock down barriers that have kept the Aggies from reaching their postseason goals, and thanks to Texas A&M Athletics’s “The Pulse,” the latest episode of the Emmy-winning series included Elko’s halftime and postgame speech.
Evoking consistent passion, while reminding his team just how dominant they can be, which resulted in the second-half blowout, Elko, amid the celebration, reminded the roster that despite the 8-0 start, everything is still in front of them, beginning with the Missouri Tigers.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.