Texas A&M can’t capitalize on its chance with the loss to UT

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M fans have waited 13 years to get a chance at arch-rival Texas on the football field. After that wait, the 20th-ranked Aggies were unable to capitalize on several mistakes made by No. 3 Texas in a 17-7 loss at Kyle Field.

Here is the game overview:

Why did A&M lose?

Although Texas has been far from perfect this year, the Longhorns were the more consistent team in this game. Their defense was very solid against both explosive passes and rushing plays.

The Aggies would face an uphill battle on offense as the game progressed and would need help. Texas was happy to oblige, but the Aggies were only able to score points on a Texas turnover.

A&M’s first two drives ended in turnovers, with the Aggies unable to convert on a fourth-and-1 call because the ball was at the Texas 10. The Aggies were given a spot on the 50 for their next drive, but quarterback Marcel Reed threw into double coverage after a bootleg and Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe was able to intercept the pass.

Meanwhile, the Longhorns built a 17-0 lead thanks to two touchdowns and a field goal on three consecutive drives.

Through that spell, defensive back Will Lee III dropped what looked like a simple red-zone interception, and Bryce Anderson watched a pass sail through his hands and into the stomach of Texas tight end Gunnar Helm.

The Aggie defense kept A&M in the game in the second half thanks to a pick-six by Lee, a fumble recovery after a run by Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and a blocked punt, but was only able to score one touchdown out of the three stops. Aggie defender Dalton Brooks had room to pick up the ball and score after the blocked punt, but fell on the loose ball. A&M turned the ball over on downs after the turnover.

With just over a minute to play, Texas forced a Reed fumble that ended the game.

Who stood out?

Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner racked up 186 yards on 33 carries in the game, often finding passes in the middle of the field.

While the Aggies mostly managed to keep the Longhorns’ deep passing game in check, Ewers completed 17 of 28 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown.

A&M linebacker Taurean York provided pressure throughout the game, making 3 1/2 tackles for a loss while making 10 total tackles.

The Aggies couldn’t do much on offense as Reed led the Aggies with 56 yards on 14 carries and threw for 146 yards.

What was a key statistic?

Despite scoring the game’s only touchdown with a pick-six in the third quarter, A&M managed just 30 yards of offense on six plays in the frame.

What was a key piece?

A&M head coach Mike Elko rolled the dice and chose fourth-and-goal at the Texas 1-yard line, leaving a two-point deficit with four minutes to play. Daniels took the handoff and was pushed into the backfield by Longhorns edge Ethan Burke, ultimately ending the Aggies’ comeback chances.

What does this mean for the future?

The Aggies lose their bid to reach the SEC Championship and thus the College Football Playoff. In a game where both teams were all-in, the Aggies came away empty-handed.

Breakdown of positions:

Attack:

Offensive Line: D-

• The Aggies averaged 2.9 yards per rush and often needed Reed to try to make an impact on longer plays.

Quarterback: C

• Reed’s rushing ability was the Aggies’ only offense at times, but he was not sharp in his decision-making, particularly on interceptions in the first quarter.

Recipient: F

• The receiver’s ability to provide A&M’s quarterback with consistent options has been an issue all season. It was simply a hindrance to this team’s success.

Running Backs: F

• There were few holes to run through, but as Elko preached, a team that wins games has to be able to get a yard when it needs it.

Defense:

Defensive line: C

• For the most part, Ewers had plenty of time to pick his targets and contributed to Texas’ running success.

Linebacker: D

• Another play where the Aggies were hit through the middle in the running game.

Defensive secondary: C

• Too many missed opportunities in the first half that could have turned the game around. However, Lee’s pick-six was the only spark the Aggies could muster.

Special teams: B-

• Uncharacteristic play from Tyler White, who sent three punts into the end zone for touchbacks. You should have been caught on one. However, the punt block could have turned the tide for A&M.

Coaching: D

• The idea that a team should be able to gain a yard is important, but the coaching staff also should have known they didn’t have this guy in the backfield after Le’Veon Moss’ injury.

What’s next?

The Aggies are waiting to announce which bowl they will be selected for on December 8th.

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