SMU vs. Texas A&M: Game Grades, Analysis for the Aggies

On a steamy afternoon in Dallas, Texas A&M had little trouble with in-state foe SMU. The Aggies were able to upend the Mustangs by a score of 58-6.

From the opening snap, the Aggies' speed overwhelmed the opposition. Wide receivers were picking up yards after the catch in big chunks. The run game was spurred on by domination up front by the offensive line. 

The defensive line was also able to bring pressure early and often to SMU's signal-callers Garrett Krstich and Kolney Cassel. The unit had eight sacks on the afternoon. 

Final stats from the game can be found here at NCAA.com.

Check out the first-half grades and final grades for the Aggies. Additional analysis for different position units will also be addressed. 

Position Unit	First-Half Grade	Final Grade
Pass Offense	A-	A-
Pass Defense	A	A-
Run Offense	A	A
Run Defense	A	A-
Special Teams	B	A-
Coaching	A	A

Texas A&M Aggies Game Grades

Passing Offense

The slight blemish on the afternoon came on Kenny Hill's first career interception (which was the result of a misunderstanding between him and a receiver). However, the passing game was clicking throughout the day. 

Jeremy Tabuyo was absolutely electric with his ability to run after the catch. On the day, Hill and Kyle Allen combined to go 24-of-37 for 395 yards and three touchdowns. 

Pass Defense

Outside of a 53-yard reception by SMU receiver Der'rikk Thompson, the secondary did a great job of shutting down the SMU passing game. Mustang receivers weren't able to get any sort of separation. The unit was disciplined and had no noticeable breakdowns in coverage.

Again, Armani Watts played exceptionally well. SMU signal-callers only threw for 137 yards on the day. 

Rushing Offense

The Aggies' dominance up front on both sides of the ball started with their offensive line. The unit was opening up gaping holes all afternoon. A&M running backs were able to use their speed in order to bounce outside and gash the SMU defense. 

Seven rushers combined for 268 rushing yards on 31 carries. This equates to an impressive 8.6 yards-per-carry average. 

Run Defense

SMU came into today's game averaging negative seven rushing yards per game through the first two contests. As the game became more out of reach, the A&M defense naturally schemed to protect against the pass. Due to this, Krstich and Kevin Pope were able to pick up yardage with their legs. 

However, the defensive line was dominant. The unit was able to notch eight sacks against a severely undermanned SMU offensive line. SMU rushed for a paltry 103 yards on 42 carries. The "A-" grade strictly correlates with SMU's immense struggles rushing the football heading into today. Against virtually any other opponent, the Aggies would've received an "A" grade. 

Special Teams

Kicker Josh Lambo was perfect on the afternoon, connecting on all three of his field-goal attempts. The one flub came towards the end of the first half. After an SMU field goal, the Mustangs executed a pooch kick to perfection. 

The Aggies' coverage team wasn't able to come up with the ball. Although no points came of the unconventional onside kick, it's a play which prevented an "A" grade for the unit. 

Coaching

Sumlin simply let his athletes take over in space. It truly was a simple and somewhat vanilla game plan. With the advantage from a talent and athleticism standpoint, Sumlin didn't need to reinvent the proverbial wheel.