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Texas A&M Football: Kevin Sumlin has a quarterback problem

By Robert Ford

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates after throwing a first quarter touchdown during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kyle Field on September 14, 2013 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates after throwing a first quarter touchdown during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kyle Field on September 14, 2013 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Eric Christian Smith/Getty Images)
(Photo by Eric Christian Smith/Getty Images) /

Given the level of uncertainty at the quarterback position, Kevin Sumlin was forced to take two quarterbacks in the 2015 class. Kyle Allen came to Aggieland in 2014 as the most highly touted quarterback in school history. Being recruited by everyone, the Aggies believed they had their quarterback for at least three more years. That would ultimately be tested very early on with the arrival of Kyle Murray in 2015. The other quarterback in the 2015 class was Jake Hubenak.  All three would battle for the job, but Allen would eventually win the job late in fall camp.

I’ve had numerous conversations with people about what I think happened during the eight months leading up to the 2015 season. What was said? Was something promised? What did Allen know? Was he prepared for what was about to happen?

Entering the Alabama week, the Aggies were 5-0 and Allen was leading the conference in passer efficiency.  He had thrown 13 touchdowns against two interceptions. Aggieland thought the quarterback situation was stable for the moment, but after the Alabama game all of that perceived stability was gone. Allen threw three interceptions that were all returned for touchdowns, Murray also threw an interception and the Aggies lost 41-23.

Was the same thing happening a year later? In 2014, it was the Alabama game that threw the quarterback situation up in the air. Over the next 8 weeks, Allen, Murray and Hubenak would all play. If you’re Allen, what are you thinking at this point? Through five games everything is going well, Alabama happens in Week 6 and then you go 0 of 13 passing on third down against Ole Miss.

Allen decides to transfer in December right before the bowl game. Did he leave over playing time? Did he leave because of the Murray situation? Or did he lose trust in the coaching staff? All great questions and maybe after he’s done at the University of Houston we will find out what really caused him to leave.

A week later, Kyler Murray gave the school the wrong type of press clippings.