Turmoil has set in after Texas A&M’s (5-4, 3-3 SEC) ninth straight SEC road loss after falling to Ole Miss 38-35 on Saturday afternoon, as the term “Aggie Battered Syndrome” has reared its ugly head, while sixth-year head coach Jimbo Fisher is feeling the brunt of fan frustration in what seems to be a weekly occurrence.
Entering one of the more intimidating venues the conference offers, the Aggies dealt with adversity early in the form of several critical injuries to the secondary, including starting cornerbacks Tyreek Chappell and Deuce Harmon. Two plays into the game, star wide receiver Evan Stewart reportedly sustained a now-confirmed thigh bruise before the game, keeping him out of the matchup.
Down 14-0 in the first half, a blocked field goal attempt returned by Aggie safety Jacoby Mathews cut into the lead, later leading to Le’Veon Moss’s 13-yard score to keep things within distance at 20-14. Quarterback Max Johnson played his heart out in the second half paired with an efficient running game, leading the offense to three touchdowns while throwing for 305 yards. Still, his valiant effort wasn’t enough.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart (24/33, 387 yards, 2 TD) continuously exposed the Aggie secondary while connecting with wide receiver Tre Harris (11 rec, 213 yards, 1 TD) but missed opportunities, including a critical endzone interception from Johnson in the first drive after the half likely cost the Aggies their first road victory in over two years.
So, what next for the Maroon and White as they enter another frustrating impasse? Here are five takeaways from Texas A&M’s Week 10 road loss to Ole Miss. But hey, they finally got over the hump after not scoring a second-half touchdown in five games. Well done!