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Here is everything we learned from Texas A&M's 50-0 win over MO State
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- Here is everything we learned from Texas A&M's 50-0 win over MO State
No. 8 Texas A&M didn't look like the 8th-ranked team early in the first half of Saturday's season opener vs. Missouri State, as the revamped offensive line looked borderline horrific, allowing a handful of pressures and two sacks on starting quarterback Marcel Reed.
Third-year coach Mike Elko made the necessary changes that were noticeable as soon as halftime ended, while OL coach Adam Cushing also made adjustments to his rotation that produced a much better second-half performance, especially in the run game. Marcel Reed was nearly flawless, completing 21/30 for 233 yards and two touchdowns, deserving his spot on the bench late in the second half.
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On the ground, WR Terry Bussey, sophomore running back Jamarion Morrow, and freshman RB Carsyn Baker scored touchdowns, led by Rueben Owens' 77 yards on 17 carries. Transfer wide receiver Isaiah Horton made his presence felt, recording a game-high 77 yards and a touchdown, continuing where he left off during the preseason.
Texas A&M's defense was elite, allowing 30 passing yards and 37 rushing yards for 67 total yards on the night, which is even more impressive after recording just one sack, while sophomore linebacker Noah Mikhail led the team with seven tackles. Right now, I fully expect the Aggie D to get even better as the season rolls on.
Earning its first shutout win since 1993, the Aggies left Kyle Field with a 50-0 victory, spurring plenty of takeaways before hosting Arizona State on Saturday. Here is everything we learned from Saturday's blowout win.
Transfer WR Isaiah Horton was the missing piece to Texas A&M's WR corps
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At 6'4" and 215 pounds, former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton truly was the missing link to last season's productive receiver corps, but this season, Saturday's win proved that Horton was the cherry on top of what should be considered one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the country.
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Leading the game with 76 yards and his first touchdown of the season, Horton is just getting started, already becoming a favorite target for Marcel Reed on deep balls and red zone looks, while pairing well with Mario Craver, Ashton Bethel-Roman, and Terry Bussey. Expect Reed to heavily target Horton against Arizona's State on Saturday.
Texas A&M's defense was elite on Saturday, especially at linebacker
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Texas A&M junior LB Daymion Sanford warmed up but did not play on Saturday, and based on how his fellow linebackers performed, it was a good move from Mike Elko to save his star defender for the rest of the season. Leading the game with seven tackles, sophomore LB Noah Mikhail was highly impressive, while transfer backer Ray Coney was second on the team with six tackles and half a TFL.
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The combination of speed, size, and physicality, especially in the run game, helped limit Missouri State to 67 total yards, which is the lowest total allowed from an A&M defense in 30 years. Adding Sanford back into the lineup will make this unit one of the best in the SEC, especially if freshman Tamarion Watkins, who recorded two tackles and a TFL, continues to receive more playing time.
Texas A&M's offensive line was a first-half problem, but progress was made
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Texas A&M's offensive line was a disaster in the first half, allowing several early pressures and forcing Marcel Reed to use his legs, which was successful on nearly every attempt, but also resulted in two sacks. Junior Blake Ivy struggled during his first start at left guard, while senior center Mark Nabou committed multiple penalties.
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Whatever adjustments Mike Elko and OL coach Adam Cushing made resulted in the Aggie O-line allowing zero sacks and giving Marcel Reed plenty of time to make his reads and deliver accurate throws, while opening up the running game, which produced 236 yards and three touchdowns.
The OL struggling this early is good timing for Elko and Cushing to make lineup changes, or simply fix the communication issues before hosting Arizona State, and especially before SEC play begins.
Texas A&M's young running back duo have earned more playing time
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Texas A&M's run game exploded in the second half, as wide receiver Terry Bussey, sophomore running back Jamarion Morrow, and freshman back Carsyn Baker all scored touchdowns, paired with freshman KJ Edwards producing 44 yards on five carries for 8.8 yards per carry.
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Rueben Owens led the room with 77 yards, but it's clear that Baker and Edwards are the most explosive options outside of Jamarion Morrow, and after the win, Mike Elko stated that both youngsters are "going to play a lot" moving forward.
With the new 5-for-5 rule taking effect this season, Mike Elko isn't just forced to play most of his freshmen, but will gladly do so if this level of play continues. Owens and Morrow will continue to lead the room, while Baker and Edwards provide elite depth.
Marcel Reed has lived up to the preseason hype so far
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After his best preseason performance yet, redshirt junior Marcel Reed made impressive throw after impressive throw on Saturday, showcasing his improved accuracy and touch, while layering several passes that proved his offseason was built around correcting his remaining mechanical issues.
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Despite the poor O-line play in the first half, first-year OC Holmon Wiggins allowed Reed to use his legs, opening up the passing game, which led to Reed delivering red-zone strikes to Isaiah Horton and Mario Craver for his two touchdown throws before hitting the bench late in the second half, completing an efficient 21/30 for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
For the Aggies to have any legitimate shot at making it back to the College Football Playoff, Marcel Reed will need to continue elevating his game and playing with confidence in the pocket.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Here is everything we learned from Texas A&M's 50-0 win over MO State
