Texas A&M (8-2, 5-1 SEC) did what they had to do against a lesser opponent on Saturday night, defeating New Mexico State 38-3 in front of over 105,000 Aggies inside Kyle Field.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Marcel Reed started his second consecutive game, as Conner Weigman’s future with the program is now in flux heading into the offseason. Needing to show improvement as a passer, Reed competed 20/31 for 286 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another score before hitting the bench.
However, A&M’s running game now lacks substantial depth, with Amari Daniels and EJ Smith as the only scholarship backs left on the active roster after Le’Veon Moss’s season-ending injury. Daniels, who left the game after his 71-yard touchdown run, will be the lead back against Auburn and Texas, While Smith finished the game with 60 rushing yards.
Defensively, A&M’s run defense allowed 122 yards on the ground but tackled much better than the unit’s performance against South Carolina. Overall, head coach Mike Elko was satisfied with his team’s business handling.
Around the rest of the college football landscape, top-ranked Oregon escaped Wisconsin with a 16-13 win. In contrast, Georgia’s win over Tennessee has pushed the Volunteers down the SEC standings, as Texas A&M and the Texas Longhorns are now tied for first in the conference.
After moving up one spot in the US LBM Coaches Poll, Texas A&M remained at No. 15 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll.
Within the newest AP Top 25 poll, here are the changes ahead of Week 13:
- Oregon (11-0)
- Ohio State (9-1)
- Texas (9-1)
- Penn State (9-1)
- Indiana (10-0)
- Notre Dame (9-1)
- Alabama (8-2)
- Notre Dame (8-1)
- Ole Miss (8-2)
- Tennessee (8-2)
- Miami (FL) (9-1)
- Boise State (9-1)
- SMU (9-1)
- BYU (9-1)
- Texas A&M (8-2)
- Colorado (8-2)
- Clemson (8-2)
- Army (9-0)
- South Carolina (7-3)
- Tulane (9-2)
- Arizona State (8-2)
- Iowa State (8-2)
- UNLV (8-2)
- Illinois (7-3)
- Washington State (8-2)
Texas A&M will face Auburn on the road on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 pm. CT. The game will air on ESPN.
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