Texas A&M took care of business against The Citadel with a 34-0 victory at Kyle Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Aggies needed a response after losing three of their previous four games, including a 27-6 loss at Missouri. A&M was expected to dominate an overmatched FCS opponent, but that didn't make the performance any less meaningful.
The offense scored touchdowns on all four of its first-half possessions, while the defense recorded its second shutout of the season. Several younger players also received meaningful opportunities with Mario Craver, Daymion Sanford, DJ Hicks, Anto Saka and Trovon Baugh unavailable.
A&M still has things to clean up before returning to SEC play. However, the Aggies improved to 4-3 and gave themselves something positive
to build on heading into their open week.
Here is whose stock rose and fell against The Citadel.
Stock up: Running game
Texas A&M’s running backs combined for 234 yards as the Aggies finally found some balance on the ground. KJ Edwards led the group with 116 yards on 13 carries, while Jamarion Morrow rushed eight times for 54 yards and three touchdowns. Carsyn Baker added 54 yards on nine attempts, and Rueben Owens II gained 10 yards on two carries.
The competition matters, but A&M needed this kind of performance after rushing for only 47 yards against Missouri. Edwards supplied the explosive plays, Morrow finished drives and Baker took advantage of his second-half opportunities.
Stats: KJ Edwards: 13 carries, 116 yards / Jamarion Morrow: 8 carries, 54 yards, 3 touchdowns / Carsyn Baker: 9 carries, 54 yards / Rueben Owens II: 2 carries, 10 yards / Texas A&M: 37 carries, 261 yards.
Stock up: TK Norman
Norman followed his career-best performance against Missouri with another productive game. The freshman caught a 25-yard reception on A&M’s opening drive and later kept another scoring drive alive with a difficult sideline catch. He has become a bigger part of the offense as injuries continue to affect the receiving corps.
Norman still has room to grow, including cleaning up a drop that nearly became an interception. However, his last two games have shown why he deserves more opportunities.
Stats: Five receptions, 88 yards
Stock up: Aaron Gregory
Gregory delivered the best performance of his young career and gave both Texas A&M quarterbacks a target downfield. Marcel Reed found him for a 37-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and Brady Hart connected with him for another score during the fourth.
Gregory’s size and athleticism make him an intriguing option as A&M searches for more consistency in the passing game.
Stats: Six receptions, 94 yards, two touchdowns.
Stock up: Tawfiq Byard
Byard was active throughout the game and led Texas A&M with six tackles. He also recorded a tackle for loss, helping the Aggies stay disciplined against The Citadel’s option offense.
Defending that scheme requires safeties to read plays quickly, maintain their assignments and be willing to provide support near the line of scrimmage. Byard handled those responsibilities and helped A&M record its second shutout of the season.
The opponent has to be considered, but Byard gave the Aggies the type of steady performance they needed from the back end of the defense.
Stats: Six tackles, one tackle for loss
Stock down: Red-zone execution
A&M reached The Citadel’s 1-yard line twice during the third quarter and came away with two short field goals.
False-start penalties by Tyree Adams and Lamont Rogers kept the Aggies on the field on those possessions. Isaiah Horton also had a touchdown opportunity but could not secure Hart’s pass in the end zone.
Those mistakes did not affect the outcome Saturday, but they will matter when A&M returns to SEC competition.
Stats: Two third-quarter red-zone trips, two field goals, zero touchdowns
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M stock report, from Saturday’s game against The Citadel
