Texas A&M Football: Aggies shutout SHSU Bearkats in season opener

Texas A&M football is officially 1-0 to start the 2022 college football season, after a game that lasted over six hours. This was not due to a close matchup that experienced multiple overtimes or anything interesting like that. A nearly three hour weather delay held up the Aggies’ first win, but now it is official.

Texas A&M vs. Sam Houston State game recap

Texas A&M football dominates the first half

The Texas A&M offense started out very slow against the Bearkats’ defense. On the Aggies’ second drive, Haynes King connected on two-straight first-down throws, one to Evan Stewart, and the next to Ainias Smith, however, Aggie kicker Caden Davis ended up missing a 52-yard field goal later on in the drive.

It wasn’t until the third drive that the offense clicked. King let go a deep pass to Yulkeith Brown which ended in a 66-yard touchdown to finally get someone on the board with just under four minutes left in the first quarter.

The defense held the Bearkat offense scoreless throughout the first quarter, and they looked very impressive. Through the first quarter, the Aggie defense held SHSU to 60 total yards of offense and just two first downs.

The second quarter started with a band due to a redzone interception by Jardin Gilbert. The Aggies were unable to capitalize on the turnover, and were forced to punt. After forcing another three-and-out, they started another offensive drive with a 21-yard pass to Smith to get into enemy territory.

This led to nowhere after King lofted a deep pass to the endzone in double coverage that got picked off by the Bearkats. Not much happened after that, until Davis connected on a 40-yard field goal with five minutes left in the first half.

With about one minute left in the half, King dropped in a dime over the middle of the field to Smith that ended in a 63-yard touchdown. The teams ended up going into halftime with the Aggies leading 17-0.

Texas A&M football storms out of a weather delay

The start of the third quarter fell victim to a lengthy three hour delay due to thunderstorms in the area. However, once play resumed, the Aggies received the kickoff and stormed down the field, where Devon Achane punched it in for his first score of the game.

With about three minutes left in the third, King was picked off in SHSU territory, which was brought back to the A&M 35. The Aggies somehow managed to hold the Bearkats to no points on the drive and got the ball back at their 11.

After a nine play drive, King connected with Smith again for 43 yards and Smith’s second touchdown of the game. The next drive, Jacoby Matthews recovered a fumble, giving the Aggies possession.

At this point with about 7:30 left in the game, and the Aggies up 31-0, Max Johnson checked in the game for King. Johnson completed three of four passes for 23 yards and rushed for 11 more before punting. After another failed Bearkat drive, the Aggies took over one last time and ran out the clock.

Quick reaction to the Aggies’ win over SHSU

Offense

Overall, the Aggies played a great game. It was up-and-down, but this team showed some great things. They have been stressing throwing the ball more, hoping for more big plays, and that happened. It led to some mistakes, but it also led to some long touchdowns, something this team hasn’t been used to in the recent past.

King finished with over 360 passing yards and three touchdowns to go along with two interceptions. He also showed off his running ability with 35 yards on the ground. The running game looked decent at best, but the SHSU defense held the Aggies really well, so props to them on that.

Ainias Smith looked elite today, serving up six catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 11 yards in the run game. Yulkeith Brown surprised with 68 yards, granted, 66 of those were on the same play, regardless, it was great to see the sophomore enjoy a good game. The freshmen receivers looked fantastic as well with Stewart, and Marshall both contributing at least four catches and 40 yards a piece.

Defense

The defense was outstanding from top-to-bottom. They held the Bearkats to just 10 first downs and less than 200 yards of total offense. Their best play came on third downs, allowing just one third down conversion in 12 attempts.

For the big plays, Gilbert came up with an interception in the first half, while Antonio Johnson and true freshman Lebbeus Overton both recorded sacks. Lastly, Jacoby Matthews, another true freshman, recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter also.

They forced SHSU to punt a total of 10 times as well. This is way better than anyone expected the Aggies to do. Yes, I know, it was against an FCS school, but they are headed to the FBS for a reason. They are still a solid team, and the fact that they shut them out is impressive.

Player of the game: WR Ainias Smith – 6 catches, 164 receiving yards, two TDs, 3 carries, 11 rushing yards

What’s next for Texas A&M football?

Next game: #6 Texas A&M (1-0) vs. Appalachian State (0-1)

Week 3 vs. #16 Miami (1-0)

Week 4 vs. #19 Arkansas at AT&T Stadium

Week 5 at Mississippi State

Texas A&M Football: Game-by-game predictions for the 2022 season

The 2022 season is close, and we can have expectations on how good Texas A&M football will be this season. Everyone is hoping for a double-digit win season.