Gig Em Gazette
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Texas A&M Football: Studs and duds from Week 1 vs. Sam Houston State

By Kyle Lovinggood

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 03: Jackson Sherrard #37 of the Sam Houston State Bearkats makes a reception ahead of Chris Russell Jr. #24 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Kyle Field on September 03, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 03: Jackson Sherrard #37 of the Sam Houston State Bearkats makes a reception ahead of Chris Russell Jr. #24 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Kyle Field on September 03, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 03: Devon Achane #6 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores a rushing touchdown during the third quarter against the Sam Houston State Bearkats during the second half at Kyle Field on September 03, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 03: Devon Achane #6 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores a rushing touchdown during the third quarter against the Sam Houston State Bearkats during the second half at Kyle Field on September 03, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Duds

Devon Achane

Most Aggie fans were expecting Devon Achane to come out and gash the Bearkats on Saturday. That simply did not happen. Achane seemed to have no room to work and was constantly met with defenders in the backfield. Achane only had eight rushes for 13 yards in the first half as the Aggies struggled to establish a run game. RB1 finished the game with 18 carries for 48 yards.

Offensive Line

The main reason the running game never got going during the game was the struggles on the offensive line to open running lanes. Head coach Jimbo Fisher addressed this after the game, saying the Bearkats were stunting and twisting, giving the offensive line a fit.

It will be important that the Aggies get this shored up quickly as Appalachian State almost knocked off North Carolina on Saturday. I believe as the season goes along, the OL will find its rhythm. This will be an area I’ll be looking for the most improvement on. Hopefully Bryce Foster is healthy and ready step in soon, as he missed the first game of the season.

Tight Ends

We did not see much from the tight ends this game. Freshman Jake Johnson had one catch for 2 yards. Max Wright was out injured and did not play against SHSU. This might be a product of Fisher not wanting to show too much the first game, or his TE’s were just not getting open. Either way it was really underwhelming and A&M needs the TE involved to make a well-rounded offensive attack this season.

Weather Delay

With the second half about to get underway there was a lighting strike that would start about a 2 hour and 45 minute weather delay. The stands cleared out and most of the crowd went home and never returned to their seats. It rained pretty hard and there were several more lighting strikes causing the delay to lengthen.

It was the first weather delay since 2014 and it sure put a dreary feeling on the game. The players returned to the field a little after 3:30pm and the second half of the game was underway a little before 4:00pm. I hope A&M got their rainy weather game out of the way for the season, as it was a long wait inside Kyle Field. Kyle Field should be ready to rock next Saturday as the Aggies take on Appalachian State at 2:30pm.