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

There was nothing perfect about it, but the Texas A&M Aggies improved to 3-0 and overcame what could have been a much tougher test from the Nevada Wolf Pack, winning 44-27 Saturday at Kyle Field.

The Aggies racked up more than 500 yards of total offense and lit up the air with Kyle Allen's passing attack, but plenty of areas are worth being concerned about for A&M fans as the SEC slate is about to begin.

Here's a look at how they graded out in every major category.

Texas A&M Game Grades vs. Nevada

Unit	First-Half Grade	Final Grade
Pass Offense	B+	B+
Run Offense	B-	B
Pass Defense	C+	B-
Run Defense	C-	C
Special Teams	B	C+
Coaching	B-	B-

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Pass Offense: There wasn’t really any doubt before, but Kyle Allen further proved his status as an upper-echelon SEC quarterback Saturday. He went 18-of-31 passing with 270 yards and five total touchdowns (four passing), constantly evading pressure and hitting Christian Kirk and Josh Reynolds for pretty scores in tight coverage.

Run Offense: It’s still a work in progress, but the Aggies flexed some of their newfound rushing muscle Saturday. A total of 233 yards on 40 team carries is strong, and Tra Carson’s 23 total touches for 154 yards gave A&M a constant source of yardage. But consistency must be found entering SEC play. 

Pass Defense: There were enough lapses in the secondary to allow Nevada’s Tyler Stewart to toss for more than 200 yards and two scores, but it took some rather spectacular plays for the Wolf Pack to get things going through the air. This unit has to make some strides but looks improved from 2014.

Run Defense: This is the area that will cause defensive coordinator John Chavis to have fits during the week. His Aggies defense allowed nearly 60 yards rushing in the first quarter alone and gave up some chunk-yardage carries from James Butler and Don Jackson even after the game was out of reach. Butler finished above the century mark on the day.

Special Teams: Drew Kaser’s leg alone makes A&M a formidable special teams unit, and his 68-yard punt was a highlight. Christian Kirk and Speedy Noil didn’t break free for any big plays but look dangerous as ever. A fourth-quarter fumble of a kickoff was a lone dark spot for the Aggies’ third side of the ball.

Coaching: It was far from a perfect game called by A&M’s coaches as told by the scoreline, but they did well to stifle what could have been a much more serious test. Offensive adjustments helped Allen to get clicking deep down the field, and stacking the interior on defense allowed the Aggies to stifle a once-dangerous Nevada run game.

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