Dropped passes send Aggies out of Starkville empty handed

Even with their worst showing of the football season, victory just barely eluded Texas A&M’s grasp.

That’s largely because eight passes slipped through the Aggies grasp. Indeed, A&M’s first three drives ended with dropped passes. That caused several other series to short circuit, too.

Therefore, the goal after a disappointing 28-13 loss to Mississippi State is clear: Make sure that plague of drops doesn’t spread into this Saturday’s game against Auburn.

“It got contagious,” A&M coach Jimbo Fisher said on Monday. “Through the receivers you had five or six (drops) and through the tight ends you had three. It was just different situations. Guys that don’t normally make those mistakes. It got contagious back and forth. Maybe they got to pressing.

"I always say put your nose on the ball. If you put your nose on, the eyes will follow. You’re looking things in, make sure you’re very detailed and make sure we’re getting it.”

The drops were surprising because, overall, A&M’s receivers have been reliable this season. Tight end Jace Sternberger was spectacular in the first half of the season, but had three drops on plays with the potential for big gains.

The drops were also surprising because A&M goes to great lengths in practice to develop reliable receivers.

“We do all the individual drills. We count drops every day of every drill … what our completion percentages are for every drill, for every practice, for every quarterback throwing to each receiver,” Fisher said. 

“We have a detailed report of who has dropped balls. We haven’t had a day of over three (in practice) since I can’t remember. That’s throwing 110-15 ball a day.”

Sure-handed receivers are needed to make sure the Aggies can avoid the November fade that has tarnished so many recent seasons.

Additionally, A&M’s running production has waned against strong Southeastern Conference run defenses. Running back Trayveon Williams has rushed for just 111 yards in the last two games combined.

Running may get even tougher because sophomore guard Jerod Hocker will miss at least the Auburn game with an unspecified injury. Sophomore Ryan McCollum likely will fill in for Hocker.

Meanwhile, Auburn is 27th in the nation against the run. Only Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald — who A&M knows too well — has reached 100 rushing yards against Auburn. Fitzgerald rushed for 195 yards in Mississippi State’s 23-9 win over Auburn on Oct. 6.

But while Auburn has typically been strong against the run, the Tigers have been vulnerable in pass defense. Their last two opponents — Tennessee and Ole Miss — both threw for more than 300 yards.

Clay Taylor, TexAgs

Trayveon Williams will be tested once again this week against Auburn, who boast the 27th best rush defense in the nation.

Opportunities for big pass plays may be up for grabs. As long as the receivers and tight ends can grab them.

“We didn’t take hold of the opportunity we had in the (Mississippi State) game,” sophomore receiver Kendrick Rogers said.

“I’ve watched the film several times correcting the things I did wrong. Hopefully, I can improve this week.”

Quarterback Kellen Mond said he’s confident his receivers will redeem themselves against Auburn.

“I look for them to have a big week,” Mond said. “Also, Jace Sternberger had a couple of drops. That’s not really usual for him. (I) tell everybody each and every time to be ready to bounce back. You can’t dwell on the past game. We’re really looking forward to this week. “