Swope eyes big performances from Ags in 'get-right' game vs. UMass

Former Texas A&M wide receiver Ryan Swope noticed a lack of execution from the Aggies in a road loss to Auburn last week, and ahead of a 'get-right' game vs. UMass, the legendary wideout joined TexAgs Radio to share why he expects some big performances on Saturday.

Key notes from Ryan Swope interview

• I think our standards have just dropped. I think there is a lack of focus. I'll be honest with you, it is demoralizing going through what they're going through right now. You get into performance slumps, lose focus, start underachieving, and then you can't get the monkey off your back. These players need to look in the mirror and have some self-reflection, as do the coaches. There has to be some accountability, and the culture and leadership of the team have to be managed. The interpersonal relationships coaches have with their players are always huge in moments like this.
   
• It's tough, but you still have to look at ways to improve, ways to be better and what we're doing wrong. Then you have to go fix it. I hope we can finish this season in the right manner, and winning these two ball games would be huge. That's all you can hope for at this point.
   
• There is a lack of execution. There is a disconnect in the scheme that we're running. I think it's a very complicated system, and you only get three years — four if you're lucky — with these kids. What I saw this weekend was a lack of execution, and I also saw a lack of talent on the football field.
   
• I question whether we're doing the right things off the field. We're not focused, and we're not living up to this team's identity. As players, coaches and leaders, you have to have some self-awareness as to why this is happening and what you can do to make it better. Do we need to work on our fundamentals more? Work differently in the weight room? You can be over-critical as a coach to where you start over-coaching, and that starts a domino effect that never ends well. Simplifying things would be a good start.
   
• There are a lot of talented kids on this team, and we've had quite a few injuries this year that we've been dealing with. The talent is there, but there is a disconnect somewhere in that locker room that makes you hope for a new light next year that allows them to get reconnected. We've heard Jimbo Fisher say it's a matter of executing it, but you can't force kids to execute. You have to look at what is working and find ways to expand on that.
   
• There also needs to be one-on-one conversations with players and position groups. You have to ask yourselves the tough questions. Those conversations have to happen, and right now is a great time for that because it will allow you to find out who your leaders are. Those interpersonal relationships are very important right now, and I hope coach Fisher is doing that right now. As a player, I always wanted to talk to my coach about what I was doing and what I needed to improve on.
   
• Losing seasons aren't fun, and you have to turn off the outside media. Nowadays, with social media, if you don't turn that stuff off, it can be demoralizing.
   
• I thought Antonio Johnson played great this week, and I know he has been battling injuries. Devon Achane has been our most consistent and reliable guy. I love watching him run the ball. I think he's going to have a long career in the NFL, and I hate that he's likely to go out in his final season at A&M with only three or four wins. He left it all on the field, and he's a leader on this team. He has been very fun to watch.
   
• I guess our punter did a pretty good job, but I'll say Antonio Johnson got it done at Auburn. He played great.
   
• Our offense did not get it done. I've never seen a stat where our offense got negative yards in a quarter. I'm a little disappointed in our offense right now.
   
• Conner Weigman should have a big game vs. UMass. It'll be fun for him to play another game at Kyle Field. I hope we win this game.
   
• These get-right games are very important, but at this point in the season, it is safe to say we have lost focus. This is a game we should win by 50 points. We're also at a point where there is a lot of negativity and guys not wanting to go to practice because they're ready for the season to be off. This game is a good test to see how much talent we really have. We should win this game by 50 points, but we're coming off a game where we didn't put points on the board for three-and-a-half quarters against a not-so-great Auburn team. We've seen this team compete with Alabama and Ole Miss, so if these guys are prepared, we shouldn't have a problem with UMass. It would be big for Weigman to get a big win and have a lot of receivers and running backs involved.
   
• This has been the most frustrating season of A&M football I have watched. I knew this was going to be a young team, but I was still around an 8-9 win expectation. To look up and see only three wins has been a tough one to swallow.