Photo by Matt Sachs, TexAgs
Texas A&M Football
From The Stands: The 12th Man reacts to Saturday's win over MSU
For the Texas A&M football team and its fans, Saturday’s win over Mississippi State was an important one. Not only did it move the Aggies into the national top ten, but it reassured supporters that this squad is of a different caliber.
With a big home win under A&M's belt and a 5-0 record heading into the bye week, I talked with some fans that were in attendance to get their opinions on all things A&M football.
“After the first quarter, I never really felt like the game was in doubt," third-generation Aggie Adam Kolinek said. "It is pretty wild to see the confidence that these guys play with in every phase of the game.”
Scoring two touchdowns, while limiting the Bulldogs to a lone field goal in the first frame, was exactly what Kolinek wanted to see. The production wasn't the only part of the offense he was pleased with. The components were just as impressive, especially No. 11.
While the offense did its job, especially early on, other factors caught fans' attention. The revamped A&M defense and Kyle Field being two of the most glaring examples.
“That was the loudest I've game I think I've ever been to,” said Greg Yates, a former Aggie athlete himself.
While he was floored with the 12th Man’s intensity, it wasn't his first rodeo.
“When we beat Nebraska 9-6 was probably the closest I’ve seen (to Saturday)," Yates said. "The funny thing about that game was how bad I wanted to beat Nebraska, because they were bailing on the Big 12. Kind of funny how times have changed.”
While A&M’s change of conferences has obviously been well received, the recent shift in defense might be just as popular.
“Myles Garrett continues to look like the best defensive player in the country," Kolinek said. “I always thought it would be an incredibly long time until we saw somebody do 'Von things' again, but all Myles needs now is his 2010 OU/Nebraska stretch. Pretty fitting that Alabama and Ole Miss are right around the corner.”
That level of optimism was common among many of the Aggie faithful I spoke with.
Considering the way A&M’s players reacted to adversity and performed when it mattered most, can you blame them?
As the team moves forward, people are excited about what lies ahead. That goes for the opponents coming up and the Aggies themselves.
“I was not very happy with (RSJ’s ejection) and I'm pretty sure everybody sitting in my section knew my feelings on the call," Yates said. "That said, I’m looking forward to having him come out with something to prove in two weeks against Alabama.”
All in all, fans could not be more pleased with the way the Aggies performed. Across the board, they look like one of the best teams in the country.
That's only fitting, considering the place they call home.
“I don't know how anyone could possibly come to College Station for a game and not have the time of their life," said Kolinek. “A 500-million dollar stadium be damned, there is not a better place in the world to spend a fall Saturday than at Texas A&M. Period.”
With a big home win under A&M's belt and a 5-0 record heading into the bye week, I talked with some fans that were in attendance to get their opinions on all things A&M football.
“After the first quarter, I never really felt like the game was in doubt," third-generation Aggie Adam Kolinek said. "It is pretty wild to see the confidence that these guys play with in every phase of the game.”
Scoring two touchdowns, while limiting the Bulldogs to a lone field goal in the first frame, was exactly what Kolinek wanted to see. The production wasn't the only part of the offense he was pleased with. The components were just as impressive, especially No. 11.
Matt Sachs, TexAgs
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“I think Josh Reynolds is one of, if not the most, under-appreciated player on the team,” Kolinek said. “He's clearly our outlet when things get tight and has a knack for the difficult catch. Don't be surprised when we look up next spring and he is preparing for the combine.”While the offense did its job, especially early on, other factors caught fans' attention. The revamped A&M defense and Kyle Field being two of the most glaring examples.
“That was the loudest I've game I think I've ever been to,” said Greg Yates, a former Aggie athlete himself.
While he was floored with the 12th Man’s intensity, it wasn't his first rodeo.
“When we beat Nebraska 9-6 was probably the closest I’ve seen (to Saturday)," Yates said. "The funny thing about that game was how bad I wanted to beat Nebraska, because they were bailing on the Big 12. Kind of funny how times have changed.”
While A&M’s change of conferences has obviously been well received, the recent shift in defense might be just as popular.
“Myles Garrett continues to look like the best defensive player in the country," Kolinek said. “I always thought it would be an incredibly long time until we saw somebody do 'Von things' again, but all Myles needs now is his 2010 OU/Nebraska stretch. Pretty fitting that Alabama and Ole Miss are right around the corner.”
That level of optimism was common among many of the Aggie faithful I spoke with.
Considering the way A&M’s players reacted to adversity and performed when it mattered most, can you blame them?
As the team moves forward, people are excited about what lies ahead. That goes for the opponents coming up and the Aggies themselves.
I always thought it would be an
incredibly long time until we saw somebody do "Von things" again, but
all Myles needs now is his 2010 OU/Nebraska stretch. Pretty fitting that
Alabama and Ole Miss are right around the corner.
“It was great to see Spav get RSJ more involved," Kolinek said. "He's way more physical than he gets credit for and it's evident in his blocking this year. Can't wait to see him against Alabama.” “I was not very happy with (RSJ’s ejection) and I'm pretty sure everybody sitting in my section knew my feelings on the call," Yates said. "That said, I’m looking forward to having him come out with something to prove in two weeks against Alabama.”
All in all, fans could not be more pleased with the way the Aggies performed. Across the board, they look like one of the best teams in the country.
That's only fitting, considering the place they call home.
“I don't know how anyone could possibly come to College Station for a game and not have the time of their life," said Kolinek. “A 500-million dollar stadium be damned, there is not a better place in the world to spend a fall Saturday than at Texas A&M. Period.”
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