There's no doubt second half adjustments needed to be made in Texas A&M's win against Mississippi State. The defense was on point the whole game, including a new face that Mike Elko highlighted in the postgame presser.
Cashius Howell was actually one of the highest rated edge rushers of the week, and he's proving time and time again that his NFL Draft stock is rising with speed.
Here are three risers and one interesting faller.
Riser: Cashius Howell
We can't talk enough about him. There are a lot of guys to highlight on the defense, but Howell might actually be the best on the Aggies' defense.
Cashius Howell was Texas A&M's highest graded player overall against Mississippi State, per PFF (85.1 defensive grade) 😈
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) October 5, 2025
Howell's 86.2 pressure grade was the 8th highest in Week 6 among FBS edge rushers who played at least 30 snaps 👀
6 pressures, 3 sacks, 2 hurries, BEAST. pic.twitter.com/5bh8GJkwmb
If you get three sacks, you are more than a riser, and Howell is proving to be the anchor of this pass rushing group. This clearly isn't the same defense we've seen in years past, and Howell is a huge reason of that.
Riser: Daymion Sanford
This is another obvious one that no one saw coming.
Texas A&M LB Daymion Sanford stepped up in a big way vs. Miss St., ranking second on the team with nine tackles while adding two TFLs, one sack, one INT. Among A&M players, he ranked first in run defense grade (81.9), second in defensive grade (82.9) and tackling grade (82.3),…
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) October 5, 2025
Sanford was everywhere on the field, adding a sack and an interception to his resume. This was an all-around wonderful defensive performance, and Sanford took charge.
Sanford talked about A&M being his dream school at a really young age, and this is a wonderful story about how the process and the work has paid off.
Faller: A&M offense from penalties
It didn't take long at all to add some cash in the jar to the 'Coaches Cabo Fund.' Elko joked, but not really, about his team getting too many self-inflicted penalties. This was a good call for Elko to make it public, but what wasn't good was the first drive that just seemed to be nonstop flags.
This is one weakness from the Aggies. A very talented team but one of the most penalized teams in the nation. It's frustrating to say the least, but it's better to get it out of the way now than later.
Riser: KC Concepcion
Do we still have to explain at this point? KC Concepcion was hustling on the ground and through the air, with a total of 83 all-purpose yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Concepcion caught a long ball from Marcel Reed on the near side inside the five, and got some help from Nate Boerkircher as he was pushed in for the touchdown. His second came in the second half, beating his defender over the top to catch the ball.
Concepcion has been insane. Him and Mario Craver may just be the best WR duo in America right now.