Texas A&M Football: Studs and duds from Week 3 victory over the Miami Hurricanes

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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 17: Devon Achane #6 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs with the ball against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of the game at Kyle Field on September 17, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images) /

Duds

Party animals breaking curfew

After a disappointing loss against Appalachian State last week, it seemed like the football team was playing hard at practice and focus on the goal of defeating Miami. At least, that is what we heard all week leading up to the game.

A few defensive backs, Denver Harris and Smoke Bouie, and wide receivers Chris Marshall and Evan Stewart, were not as focused as they should have been. It seems that they made a freshman mistake and snuck out for a party on Friday night, missing curfew. This was a bad look for the team, as well as A&M, missing some key players against Miami as they were suspended for the game.

Oct 30, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; ACC referee Jeff Heaser looks at a replay during the fourth quarter of the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

ACC officials

The referees seemed to know who pays their salary in the ACC because they were quick to call down from the booth with two questionable targeting ejections. Brian George and Demani Richardson were both ejected from the game in the first half.

On top of that, A&M got a very questionable pass interference call that allowed Miami to get a first down when A&M would have been able to get off the field. The A&M wide receivers were being held all night long by the Miami defensive backs and it seemed the officials were simply ignoring it.

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Jimbo Fisher of the Texas A&M Aggies walks off the field during the second half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Kyle Field on September 17, 2022 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images) /

Jimbo’s offense

The Aggies were only able to put up 17 points on Saturday night. A lot of this falls on Jimbo Fisher’s shoulders. Jimbo needs to figure out how to get the offense going as SEC play is here and Arkansas will not be so forgiving. They know how to score points and know how to score them fast. If Texas A&M defense is not able to hold Arkansas to only a couple touchdowns, A&M could be in a real dog fight to win the game.

I’m going to give Jimbo a dud each week until he gets this offense humming. The offensive line looked improved, but it needs to get much better. Quarterback play was better, but it needs to improve a lot for SEC play. Wide receivers need to be able to get open and be in rhythm. Tight ends, they simply have vanished from the field, and the running backs need room to operate.

I’m looking forward to seeing what Texas A&M can do to pull out the win against Arkansas on Saturday in Arlington.

Next. Aggies' report card after Week 3 win. dark