A&M's quest for team chemistry capable of producing positive results

Aside from a high school class in which I got a C, what is chemistry?

There are two basic definitions. One is tangible. One isn’t.

Tangible: The science that seeks to understand the interactions of molecules.

Intangible: Complex emotional or psychological interaction between people.

That intangible definition can be elusive. Sports teams relentlessly pursue the abstract quality said to be essential to achieving success.

Truth be told, all sports teams have chemistry. It’s just that sometimes the chemistry is bad.

Which brings us to Texas A&M in 2022.

Though an intangible quality, the Aggies’ team chemistry was like mixing vinegar and bleach. The result was toxic.

Players were routinely suspended for various offenses. A&M's hopes for a successful season floated away like vapor in a South Carolina locker room.

A&M had so many chemistry issues even Walter White would’ve been appalled.

But with a new season comes the opportunity for a new chemistry.

True team chemistry probably cannot be established until at least midseason.

However, coach Jimbo Fisher is optimistic about the early litmus tests he has seen in August camp.

“I like our dynamic as far as the energy we have at practice … coming with a purpose, meetings,” Fisher said earlier this week. “Guys seem to be very locked in, very driven, very motivated. You can sense an urgency to do things right. Just from the communications and questions to each other, to coaches. That dynamic in practice. (I) Feel very confident.”

That confidence may invoke hopeful sighs of relief from long-suffering A&M fans. They’ve seen what teams with good chemistry can achieve.

The 2012 season comes to mind.

Linebacker Sean Porter reportedly delivered a postgame tirade after an opening loss to Florida. His teammates responded positively. The Aggies finished 11-2 and ranked fifth in the nation.

Then there was 2020.

Remember how that team came together in a fourth-quarter rally to upset Florida? A&M went on to finish 9-1 and ranked fourth in the nation.

The hope is these Aggies truly are developing a similar chemistry.

“I think chemistry always evolves,” Fisher said. “I think situations develop chemistry. I think your chemistry grows as you gain confidence in what you’re doing and how you’re doing it. You get guys in situations that make plays in practice. Of course, you’ve got to take it to the practice field in a scrimmage, and you’ve got to take it to the game during the season.”

Chemistry builds with every completed pass to Moose Muhammad, Evan Stewart, Ainias Smith or Noah Thomas.

Chemistry builds with every sign of improvement in the offensive line.

Chemistry builds with every indication that all those young, talented defensive linemen have made significant progress.

But chemistry must be nurtured, lest it can change.

“That culture and chemistry always continue to grow, or deplete if it goes the other way,” Fisher said.

Alas, it’s true. Today’s vaccine can be tomorrow’s explosion.

Hopefully, A&M’s chemistry will continue to build. Too much blew up last year.