Texas A&M Football: 3 Takeaways from Aggies’ loss to Mississippi State

2. Special teams continues to be an underrated asset

There have been moments this year when it looked like the Texas A&M offense was going to run circles around their opponents. Against UCLA the rushing attack was incredible, at least for the first half. Against Louisiana-Lafayette it was the passing game that rallied the team from a halftime deficit. The defense stood strong and almost single-handily was responsible for shutting down Florida.

Yet, it’s been the specialists who have been a positive factor in every game the Aggies have played this season. Daniel LaCamera has been incredible, especially from long range. Christian Kirk has a kickoff return touchdown to his name. It was his punt return that set up the go-ahead score against the Gators.

The star against Mississippi State was punter Shane Tripuka. Entering the game the Aggies ranked seventh in the nation in punting average. Tripuka as gotten better as the season has progressed. His average jumped from 45.2 yards per punt in August and September to 48.2 yards per punt in October.

Tripuka blasted eight punts against the Bulldogs with a long of 52. He landed three inside the 20 and was instrumental in flipping the field and doing what he could to set the Aggie offense up for success. The punt unit also picked up a block in the first quarter.