Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Texas A&M Aggies (3-1, 0-1) defense can keep the opposing team out of the end zone. One week after turning an otherwise ineffective Alabama offense into a chain-moving, touchdown-scoring machine, A&M held SMU to just 13 points. The Aggies defense, which struggled as it dealt with suspensions early this season, had given up an average of 36 points through the first three games. Coordinator Mark Snyder made some personnel changes last week that apparently helped A&M improve defensively.
It was a nice bounce back win after losing 49-42 to the Crimson Tide, but there is still plenty of room for this team to improve. The Aggies missed three-straight PATs in the second quarter and were penalized 13 times for 114 yards. Despite keeping the scoring down, the defense did surrender 25 first downs to the Mustangs.
There were, not surprisingly, no issues at quarterback. Johnny Manziel accounted for 346 yards with three touchdowns in just more than a half. And WR Malcolm Kennedy continues to prove himself a legitimate threat opposite 6-foot-5 beast Mike Evans. Kennedy led the team with six receptions for 83 yards and a TD against SMU.
Overall, the Aggies racked up 581 yards and 27 first downs in the 42-13 win.
What to look for in Week 5: Texas A&M’s defensive numbers should continue to improve. If the Aggies can slow down Arkansas’ star freshman running back Alex Collins, the Razorbacks probably won’t be able to rely on the passing game to move the ball and put points on the board.
Scott Page is a college football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, Like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
