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Texas A&M Football: 3 takeaways from the ugly loss to Appalachian State

By Graham Harmon

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 10: Camerun Peoples #6 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers rushes for a touchdown ahead of defender Edgerrin Cooper #45 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Kyle Field on September 10, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 10: Camerun Peoples #6 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers rushes for a touchdown ahead of defender Edgerrin Cooper #45 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Kyle Field on September 10, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 10: Devon Achane #6 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores a touchdown during the first half at against the Appalachian State Mountaineers Kyle Field on September 10, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 10: Devon Achane #6 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores a touchdown during the first half at against the Appalachian State Mountaineers Kyle Field on September 10, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Special Teams giveth and taketh away

One of the few bright spots in the game was the performance of Devon Achane. He looked much more like himself in the still-too-few opportunities he was given against App as compared to Sam Houston. After the Mountaineers scored to go up 14-7, he showcased his ability in a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown that jazzed up the whole stadium and sideline.

However, this also put an already-tired Aggie defense that had just given up a long TD drive right back on the field, further contributing to the TOP and play number disparity. App took full advantage of this, driving 63 yards in 18 plays to kick what proved to be the game-winning field goal. This drive not only spanned from 2:08 in the 3Q to 8:05 in the 4Q (9:15 of game time), but it included 4 3rd-down conversions — just a complete gut-kick when it felt like the momentum could’ve swung right back in A&M’s favor.

And then there’s Caden Davis’s FG attempt. We’ve been hearing all offseason and camp about the young man’s ability and accuracy. I don’t doubt that he possesses both, but, whether due to nerves or whatever else, the kick fell far short in a fitting metaphor for the entire team’s performance on the day. The miss ended up dooming the team, as the Mountaineers would run out the clock on their next drive.

The upshot of all this is what you’ve heard me say several times already – App came in with the perfect gameplan for an upset, and they were aided not only by their execution but by the Aggies’ lack of execution. They played perfect complementary football on a day where A&M played right into their hands.