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Texas A&M Football: Week 1 Aggie quarterback grades

By Cahil Murchison

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by Jaleel Wadood #4 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by Jaleel Wadood #4 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Texas A&M football tried out two new quarterbacks Sunday against UCLA. How did they do and how does their performance affect Kevin Sumlin’s job security?

Sunday night was the night that Aggies fans across the world had all been waiting for. It was the start of the 2017-2018 Fightin’ Texas Aggie football season. However, it was also made out to be the make-or-break day for Kevin Sumlin and his future with Texas A&M. A win would restore some of the confidence the 12th Man has lost. A loss would practically secure his departure at the end of the year. if not sooner. Yes, Sunday, September 3, was a big day for Texas A&M. Te stakes were unusually high for a season opener and the pressure was felt by everyone.

However, save Sumlin, there may have been one position group who may have felt the pressure more than anyone. Redshirt freshman, Nick Starkel and true freshman Kellen Mond, made their collegiate debut Sunday night. If that isn’t stressful enough, let’s add the factor of his debut being put on a stage that was about as big as it gets: The Rose Bowl, playing against arguably the best quarterback in the country, Josh Rosen. A Heisman hopeful, Rosen is a projected top three overall draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He wasn’t just trying to up prove himself as a Heisman candidate and draft prospect, he was playing for revenge.

Last season, Rosen was picked off by the Aggies three times in their overtime loss in College Station. He was also humiliated by the 12th Man who reacted to a comment he put out days before the game. (Don’t mess with Texas). The crowd taunted him the whole game and definitely gave him a hard time on social media. To Rosen, this rematch was for something more than just to settle the score. It was for blood.

Game Time

With the stage set in one of the most prestigious and legendary venues in the country, it was time for the two young quarterbacks to duel it out. To Rosen, this was the most important game of his career. This game would set the tone for NFL career and college football legacy. For the two young Ags, it was jumping off into the deep end, head first without the floaties. Sink or swim.