Report Card from Texas A&M Football vs. Arkansas: Defense Aces Test
Position Grades from Texas A&M Football vs. Arkansas
As I mentioned in a previous column, though this was doubtless a dominating win, there are definitely parts that can be improved—and parts that need to be improved if Texas A&M football wants to beat Alabama this week. Let’s check in on each position and see how they did.
Texas A&M football offensive grades
Quarterback: C+
Johnson looked impressive early, completing his first eight attempts for over 100 yards, but began to struggle as the game went on. Part of that had to do with uncalled PI on the defense at several different points, but Max also turned the ball over three times. Though he took responsibility for the pick-six, it’s hard to really tell if it was his fault or had to do more so with a missed block. In any case, though, there are things that need to be cleaned up in the pass game. When Johnson was on, however, he really impressed with some great throws.
Running backs: B+
The rushing game overall had its best day of the season for the Aggies, gaining 204 yards on 39 carries. The reason the backs are only getting a B+, though, is that it was only Le’Veon Moss out of that group that really excelled for Texas A&M football. Johnson picked up 57 yards in the QB run game, but Amari Daniels and Rueben Owens both averaged under 4 yards per carry. Moss is emerging in a big way, though, and that’s a great sign for this Texas A&M football squad.
Wide receivers: B
I absolutely loved what I saw out of the Aggie pass-catchers for the most part. Evan Stewart ran a beautiful route on his first touchdown and had that impeccable catch where the Arkansas defender hit him with an uncalled targeting. Ainias Smith had a great day both on offense and on special teams. Max Wright and Jake Johnson each had a pair of big catches that were key in their respective situations. It was a quiet day from Noah Thomas, however, and a downright bad one from Jahdae Walker, who was interfered with several times but also dealt with some drops.
Offensive Line: A
This isn’t a terrible defensive front for Arkansas, but the offensive line for this Texas A&M football squad shut them out in the sack department. The Aggies hardly gave up any TFLs until late, either. The group up front also got good push in the run game and wore down the Hogs as the game moved on.