Texas A&M Football: 5 Lessons Learned from Victory over SMU

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If last week’s Florida game was the introduction of Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel to the country, then Saturday was his coming-out party.

After a slow first-quarter start, the Aggies finally shook off their offensive funk, kept SMU out of the end zone and steamrolled their way to a 48-3 blowout.  

Here are five key things learned from Saturday's rout.

1. Johnny Manziel Is No Fluke

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Get ready for Manziel-mania to begin in College Station. After a scoreless first quarter, freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel simply dazzled Saturday.

In a stark contrast to last week's conservative approach, A&M successfully opened up their passing attack. Manziel threw for a Texas A&M single-game freshman record 294 yards and four touchdowns.

When SMU tried to slow the pass, Manziel responded by making them pay with his feet, rushing for two touchdowns and a team-high 124 yards.

He was thrilling to watch and showed an impressive ability to improvise, highlighted by an off-balance, on-the-run pass to Kenric McNeal that resulted in a 42-yard third-quarter touchdown.  

2. Mike Evans Might Be Special

Mike Evans, a 6'5" receiver in just his third year of playing organized football, has been a breakout star for Texas A&M this year.

After leading the Aggies in receptions against Florida, he came up big again with six catches for 123 yards.

Evans has also brought a toughness to the position that the A&M has been missing recently, blocking well and fighting hard for yards after the catch. 

3. The Running Game Still Needs to Improve

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Aside from Manziel, the rest of the A&M rushing attack managed 101 yards with only 3.5 yards an attempt. They were without starter Christine Michael, who was suspended (via Sam Khan Jr. of ESPN) along with safety Steven Campbell for a violation of team rules.  

As the Aggies face bigger and faster defenses in the SEC, establishing a consistent running game will be critical to their success.

4. Damontre Moore Is a Beast

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After finishing with three sacks against Florida, Damontre Moore collected two more on Saturday.  

He was a relentless nuisance to SMU quarterback Garrett Gilbert, and his constant pressure energized the A&M defense in a way that hasn't been seen since the departure of current Denver Bronco Von Miller.

5. A&M Defense Is Improved from 2011

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In another scrappy effort by the Texas A&M defense this week, they prevented SMU from converting on 15 of their 18 third-down attempts. Coverage was outstanding, and the Aggies pass rush kept quarterback Garrett Gilbert from getting into any sort of rhythm.

Mustangs running back Zach Line was able to rush for a tough 104 yards, but much of that was collected after the game's outcome was clear.

Overall, Johnny Manziel has gotten most of the early attention, but the A&M defense has also come up big over the first two games of the season. For the Aggies to continue winning, that will need to continue against the stiff opponents that lie ahead.

 

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