How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
There might have been too many things to count about Texas A&M’s 44-14 victory over South Carolina on Saturday night.
You had to love the Aggies rushing attack. You had to love the defensive effort. You had to love special teams. You had to love Jalen Wydermyer scoring two touchdowns. You had to love forcing three turnovers. You even had to love some things you loathed.
It was that kind of night at Kyle Field.
What I learned
The offensive line did not allow a sack. The Aggies have now allowed just one sack in their last three games. They’ve also rushed for 573 in the previous two games.
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The offensive line is legit: Jahmir Johnson, Kenyon Green, Bryce Foster, Layden Robinson and Reuben Fatheree paved the way for 290 rushing yards. They also did not allow a sack. The Aggies have now allowed just one sack in their last three games. They’ve also rushed for 573 in the previous two games.
Caden Davis can tackle: South Carolina’s Juju McDowell found a crease in A&M’s coverage on the opening kickoff and angled to the right sideline. He had a chance to a huge return until kicker Caden Davis released his inner Braden Mann and upended McDowell at the 36-yard line.
Leon O’Neal can punt: Should Nik Constantinou have to sit out, O’Neal can handle punting duties. He showed that by protesting a penalty. He launched a decent punt after Shemar Turner was flagged for a roughing-the-passer penalty early in the fourth quarter. Seriously though, it was an ill-advised stunt that resulted in a second penalty. O’Neal is having an All-SEC type year, and the Aggies were leading 44-0 at the time, so he can be forgiven.
What I loved
The running game: Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane each reached the 100-yard mark. That’s the second straight game and third time this year they both produced triple digits. Spiller rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown. Achane had a career-high 154 yards and a touchdown. They’re the SEC’s most productive running back tandem with 1,368 rushing yards combined.
The pass rush: South Carolina quarterback Zeb Noland was under constant pressure. He was sacked twice by Tyree Johnson and once by McKinnley Jackson. He was knocked down on numerous other plays. That pressure was a major reason he completed just seven passes for 30 yards. It was also a big factor in South Carolina’s third-down futility. The Gamecocks failed to convert on their first ten third downs. They finished 3-of-13 on third-down conversions.
Jamie Maury, TexAgs
Calzada finished 12-of-24 for 187 yards and two touchdowns.
Zach Calzada hit swings and screens: A week ago against Missouri, Calzada had difficulty completing short passes in the flat. Though he still missed a couple, Calzada was much better against South Carolina. Early in the second quarter, he threw a tight end screen to Jalen Wydermyer, who rambled down the right sideline for a 28-yard touchdown.
What I loathed
Fielding punts inside the 10-yard line: Repeat after me: Never field a punt inside the 10. Ainias Smith just won’t listen. He caught the first of South Carolina’s Kai Kroeger’s seven punts at the 5-yard line. Then, he proceeded to return it for a 95-yard touchdown. Still, NEVER field a punt inside the 10-yard line. Unless you’re Ainias Smith.
Injuries: Tyree Johnson, who has five sacks in the last three games, was helped from the field with what appeared to be a right ankle injury. He was later wearing a walking boot. Fortunately, sources said the boot was precautionary. Also, the Aggies are open next week, so he’ll have extra time to recover.
Penalties: A&M was flagged eight times for 90 yards. The Aggies had two holding penalties on one drive … and still scored. They had two penalties on one play that set up South Carolina’s first touchdown that cut A&M’s lead to just 44-7. Obviously, the penalties didn’t hurt, but the Aggies are still in the SEC West race, and more challenging opponents await. They’ll need to play cleaner.
