Texas A&M Football: 3 Takeaways from a Setback Loss to Miami
![Sep 9, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Rueben Owens (2) catches the football but cannot keep control of it as Miami Hurricanes linebacker K.J. Cloyd (23) defends during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Sep 9, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Rueben Owens (2) catches the football but cannot keep control of it as Miami Hurricanes linebacker K.J. Cloyd (23) defends during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e7fe6f261d2dcec58b2074cd28e46fbb535c443df1c82a9a22316ab6238b65f6.jpg)
Offensive Line for Texas A&M Football Disappoints
We knew coming into this game that the most talented part of the Hurricane defense was their defensive front; yet I again had confidence in the Aggies due to the one-on-one play of their offensive line against a constantly blitzing and stunting New Mexico defense the week prior.
That offensive line had a very up-and-down game on Saturday. It was less getting beat man-to-man and more not knowing who to block, as defensive back blitzes were generating pressure almost every time that DC Lance Guidry called them. In the second half, this got shored up somewhat—I recall seeing Zuhn in particular identify and pick up one of these blitzes on the touchdown drive in the third quarter—but it’s still concerning.
Part of this could certainly be on the quarterback. If Weigman isn’t seeing the pressures the way he should be and calling out the right protections, then the linemen won’t have their eyes in the right spots. Whatever the case, this is clearly a whole unit that needs to gel better, which is disappointing given the perceived progress they had made.