Texas A&M (8-4, 5-3 SEC) didn’t live up to the billing against rival Texas (11-1, 7-1 SEC), losing 17-7 behind one of the worst offensive showings on the year, including starting quarterback Marcel Reed’s indecisive passing performance that ultimately doomed the offense from the start.
However, head coach Mike Elko’s decision to go for two key fourth-down attempts instead of taking the easy points (field goals), combined with OC Collin Klein’s confusing play calls, directly led to the loss.
The Aggies were given multiple chances to keep things in striking distance after forcing two late turnovers, including cornerback Will Lee’s pick-six, but even that couldn’t get the offense going. After the game, head coach Mike Elko provided a realistic take on how frustrating Texas made things throughout the game.
“South Carolina was an edge and tackling issue. Auburn was we got worn down… Tonight, we had way too many misfits. Simple execution errors.”
“Hat off to (Texas) because they physically annihilated us.”
On both sides of the ball, the Aggies didn’t deliver, outside of the turnovers forced by Lee and linebacker Taurean York, while the offensive line did hold up in pass protection for most of the night.
Marcel Reed has enough time to pass for a majority of his shotgun snaps but missed on several open receivers on 2nd and 3rd down. At 8-4, Texas A&M will head to a bowl game while Elko and his staff are focused on signing as many talented prospects as possible during Wednesday’s Early Signing Day.
The future is bright under Elko’s guidance, but questions regarding Collin Klein and even defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s handle on the offense and defense are up for debate.
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