Texas A&M kicked off the 2025 season with a 42-24 victory over UTSA to move to 1-0 on the year. Next up, the Aggies welcome the Utah State Aggies to Kyle Field. What needs to happen in the trenches for Texas A&M to be successful?
Let’s dive in.
Offensive Line
Some Texas A&M fans voiced concerns over the relative lack of rushing attack for the Aggies in Week One against UTSA. Texas A&M rushed for just 110 yards and one touchdown as a team. Ultimately, I feel that this came down to a few factors, none of which particularly
concern me regarding the offensive line.
First, UTSA stacked the box and played the rushing attack very aggressively with their secondary. Next, the UTSA secondary was highlighted as a weakness for this defense headed into the season. Finally, I believe Collin Klein hoped to use this game to help Marcel Reed gain confidence and build rapport with his new receivers. Given the performances turned in by Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, I consider last week a win across the board.
The new additions to the receiver room contributed 194 yards receiving as well as three touchdowns. The added success in the passing only serves to open up the running game and make the job easier for the offensive line. Additionally, this unit surrendered zero sacks against the Roadrunners.
In Utah State, Texas A&M faces an upperclassman defensive line with a wealth of experience. However, the Aggies of Logan ranked 129th in total defense last season. While the transfer portal and coaching change lead me to believe this unit will improve in 2025, I don’t think it will improve that much.
After the success of Texas A&M’s passing game last week, will Utah State focus its attention on the A&M pass catchers? Or will Bronco Mendenhall’s squad look to stack the box like UTSA did?
It feels like a pick-your-poison situation, and I think either way, Texas A&M’s offensive line will build off its performance from last week.
Defensive Line
On the defensive side of the ball, UTSA exposed some real concerns for the Texas A&M rushing defense. The Roadrunners were able to bounce the ball outside and rip off big gains at times. Additionally, UTSA had success on the interior at times. What does this mean for the Texas A&M defensive line?
I’m not pushing the panic button for this group yet. They weren’t getting blown off the ball, and it felt like the success UTSA found was more of a symptom of aggressive play from the backers and secondary than a problem with the defensive line. This unit really settled in for the second half after the big run by Robert Henry and stifled UTSA’s attempts to run the ball.
For this week, I’m looking for a more complete performance. Texas A&M will need to be disciplined in both the run game and the passing attack as Utah State QB Bryson Barnes is much more of a threat with his legs than Owen McCown was. Additionally, running back Miles Davis accounted for a good chunk of the Aggie offense against UTEP.
Utah State’s offensive approach is more of a West Coast Offense with Bronco Mendenhall at the helm, meaning Texas A&M will need to be physical at the point of attack. Ultimately, I think the defense will be able to apply pressure and contain Barnes after getting Utah State behind the chains on the early downs.
Look for another blowout win for Mike Elko’s squad.
