Those who watched the Aggie defense on Saturday were treated to a sight for sore eyes. Combining big plays and solid games from veteran leaders and talented freshmen, A&M took a significant step forward.

If Saturday's blowout looked familiar, perhaps it should. With Johnny Manziel's grit and talent topped only by a resurgent defensive showing, A&M regained last year's form and provided hope for the current one.

From all signs pointing down, to many pointing up. In a dominant victory against Vanderbilt at Kyle Field, A&M's star quarterback brushed off concerns about his health and the defense looked like a unit reborn.

An inability to get stops and helplessness against the run ultimately doomed Saturday's outcome. There is no sugarcoating what the Aggies put on the field against the Tigers; wholesale changes may be needed.

Better than against Rice? Undoubtedly. Good enough to go against 'Bama? That's the question for the A&M defense, which had its ups, downs, takeaways and breakdowns against SHSU but still remains a mystery.

Led by a strong-legged sophomore from Ohio and a mix of veterans and talented young players, Texas A&M's third phase will have a fresh look in Jeff Banks' first season — and should perform accordingly.

Into the books goes A&M's first week of Fall Camp, and with it several battles come into clearer focus. Yet, with several freshmen pushing early and No. 2 QB up for grabs, what did Saturday's scrimmage impart?

The early noise on the field has emanated from the Aggies' star-studded freshman class, which is already making an early push at several positions. Who is further ahead than expected before the pads go on?

While the Aggies are rock-solid at several positions, the depth chart is yet to be cemented at certain key ones. With August ahead to make a statement, which spots are up for grabs — and who will take them?

The influx of talent rushing into the Texas A&M program positions several first-timers for key roles in the Aggies' highly anticipated season. On the eve of camp, who is most likely to step in and make a difference?

The midsummer lull in Aggie football news will come to an abrupt end with a whirlwind of events kicking off the stretch run to Fall Camp. Liucci touches on new developments, incoming freshmen and much more.