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Texas A&M's Jamarion Morrow Calls Out Aggies' Rushing Game Problems
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- Texas A&M's Jamarion Morrow Calls Out Aggies' Rushing Game Problems
(Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)
Texas A&M football has plenty of problems to solve after another embarrassing SEC loss, and sophomore running back Jamarion Morrow isn't pretending the Aggies' struggling ground game has a simple solution.
With Texas A&M averaging just 144 rushing yards per game, ranking 11th in the Southeastern Conference, Morrow believes the entire offense needs to accept responsibility.
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And following Saturday's miserable performance against Missouri, it's difficult to argue with him.
The Aggies managed only 27 rushing yards on 23 attempts in their 27-6 loss to the Tigers. That's an astonishing 1.2 yards per carry for a program that should have enough talent to compete physically in the SEC.
Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Morrow emphasized that solving the problem requires more than better blocking from the offensive line.
"It's a team thing when it comes to the run game," Morrow said.
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He specifically mentioned receivers improving their blocking, running backs doing a better job pressing running lanes and offensive linemen creating more movement up front.
It's a straightforward assessment of an offense that hasn't consistently established its identity.
Texas A&M entered the season with considerable optimism surrounding its rushing attack. Rueben Owens II, KJ Edwards and Morrow appeared capable of giving the Aggies a productive backfield rotation.
Instead, injuries, inconsistent blocking and questionable execution have contributed to disappointing results.
Morrow has been limited to three appearances after missing the Kentucky, LSU and Arkansas games. He's recorded 68 rushing yards and a touchdown, but his return gives head coach Mike Elko another explosive option.
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Elko expressed confidence in the sophomore during his Monday press conference, praising Morrow's ability to create momentum.
"Jamarion is a kid who we have a lot of confidence in," Elko said.
But the concerns extend well beyond one running back.
With four new starters along the offensive line, Texas A&M has struggled to consistently win battles at the line of scrimmage.
And when an offense can't establish the run, everything becomes more difficult for quarterback Marcel Reed.
Defenses can pressure the quarterback more aggressively, passing situations become predictable, and sustaining drives becomes an uphill battle.
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The Aggies, now 3-3 overall, have an opportunity to address those issues Saturday when The Citadel visits Kyle Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon Central on SEC Network+.
But simply beating an FCS opponent won't prove Texas A&M has solved its offensive problems.
The Aggies need to demonstrate improved blocking, better execution and a commitment to physical football before returning to SEC competition.
Morrow understands that.
MORE: 3 Citadel Offensive Threats Texas A&M Must Stop Saturday
Now the question is whether his teammates can deliver.
Because another performance like Missouri could make an already disappointing season considerably worse.
