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Notable Pro Football Focus grades after Texas A&M's 38-17 win over Missouri
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- Notable Pro Football Focus grades after Texas A&M's 38-17 win over Missouri
No. 3 Texas A&M (9-0, 6-0 SEC) blew out Missouri (6-3, 2-3 SEC) 38-17 on Saturday afternoon, as the Aggies continue to look like one of the most complete teams in the country, but did not move up in the US LBM Coaches Poll or the AP Top 25 Poll, staying at No. 3 entering Week 12.
Still, the general takeaway is that the Aggies aren't just contenders to make the CFP for the first time in program history , but should be considered one of the favorites to win their first National Championship since 1939, as crazy as that sounds to most of the Aggie fan base. Yes, this team has played well enough to garner this type of hype, but the job is far from finished with three games left in the regular season.
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On Saturday, starting quarterback Marcel Reed finished an efficient 20/29 for 221 yards and two touchdowns, while contributing a 28-yard rush that ultimately sealed the victory. Thanks to another big day from transfer wide receiver KC Concepcion , who hauled in four receptions for 84 yards and a 48-yard touchdown on a well-timed screen, Texas A&M 's run game found life in the second half, led by sophomore RB Rueben Owens' 102 yards and a season-long 57-yard touchdown run.
Defensively, the Aggies did give up over 200 yards rushing, but held freshman quarterback Matt Zollers to a dismal 77 yards passing, and completely dismantled Missouri's game plan throughout the night.
After the game, Pro Football Focus released its team grades for both teams, and while few players stood out, this was a team effort that was reflected in the grades on both sides of the ball. Here are the updated PFF grades ahead of Week 12.
Offense
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S Dalton Brooks — 72.2
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RB EJ Smith — 68.8
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WR KC Concepcion — 67.3
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OL Ar'maj Reed-Adams — 67.0
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QB Marcel Reed — 65.8
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OL Chase Bisontis — 65.7
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RB Rueben Owens II — 65.5
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WR Mario Craver — 65.4
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Starting safety Dalton Brooks' 48-yard run after head coach Mike Elko opted for a fake punt on 4th & 3 gave way to the junior topping the offensive grades after his career day. Running back EJ Smith, who ran for 24 yards and a touchdown, earned a prolific 74.6 passing grade and was excellent on third down.
KC Concepcion and Mario Craver both led the day through the air, and continue to make Marcel Reed's job easier, as their starting signal caller earned the fifth-best offensive grade after his impressive day in the pocket.
However, much of the credit should go to the Aggies' veteran O-line, which allowed just 2 pressures against the Tigers' front, while 3 offensive linemen earned pass-blocking grades of 80 or better.
Defense
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CB Will Lee III — 75.5
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LB Noah Mikhail — 72.6
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CB Jordan Shaw — 71.6
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S Marcus Ratcliffe — 69.7
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LB Daymion Sanford — 69.4
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Edge Cashius Howell — 69.4
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DL Tyler Onyedim — 66.1
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DE Dayon Hayes — 64.4
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What a day for senior cornerback Will Lee III, who finished with the highest defensive grade while allowing just one reception for 28 yards on five targets. Linebacker Daymion Sanford, who has continued to thrive in place of Scooby Williams this season, tied Cashius Howell with two pressures and his sack fumble. The Aggie pass rusher finished with seven pressures and two sacks, which isn't a bad day against a solid O-line.
Even more impressive, Cashius Howell's day against Missouri star left tackle Cayden Green led to the senior's two pressures and his lone sack, while Green earned a season-low 78.1 pass protection grade. While not a bad grade, Howell has continued to win against some of the best tackles the SEC has to offer.
After allowing over 207 yards rushing, PFF revealed that the Aggies missed 12 tackles, including two from star linebacker Taurean York , who finished with a poor 27.8 tackling grade. This issue was reflected in the grades: three defenders earned 27 or worse tackling grades, while five earned 40-55.
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 .
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Notable PFF grades after Texas A&M's 38-17 win over Missouri
