Texas A&M (8-4, 5-3 SEC) finished out the 2024 regular like many of us predicted the year would end back in early August, losing to the Texas Longhorns (11-1, 7-1 SEC) 17-7 in one of the worst offensive showings on the year.
On paper, this is a better finish than we’ve seen in the last three seasons, including a 5-7 finish in 2022. However, after finishing 0-3 in SEC play, including road losses to South Carolina and Auburn, the Aggies had their chances but continued to come up short in key moments.
Head coach Mike Elko’s decision-making against the Longhorns included two failed fourth-down attempts instead of a field goal. Elko deserves much credit for changing the culture while the recruiting success has not dropped off.
After the game, Pro Football Focus released its grades. Here is how the Aggies graded out on offense and defense in the loss to Texas.
Offense:
Texas A&M looked completely anemic on offense, led by starting quarterback Marcel Reed’s worst performance of the year. Reed threw for just 143 yards and one interception while running for 60 yards and fumbling on the Aggies’ final possession. This is reflected in his grade, which was 58.6 offensive and 56.5 passing.
However, the Aggies’ offensive line graded out very well, as four out of five starters earned a pass protection grade of 70 or above, including starting right guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams’ 81.5 grade.
Defense:
Defensively, the Aggies graded out much better. Sophomore defensive end Rylan Kennedy earned an 80.9 overall grade and a prolific 90.1 pass rush grade, while defensive lineman Cashius Howell (88.6) and linebacker Taurean York (81.8) also earned highly impressive pass rush grades.
Something of note: Junior defensive end Nic Scourton (54.1) and junior defensive tackle Shemar Turner (48.6) graded out as the 15th and 20th lowest-rated defenders on Saturday, as the two are likely headed to the NFL Draft next spring.
According to PFF, Texas A&M defenders missed 14 tackles against Texas.
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