Texas A&M's 48-20 Week 2 blowout win over Arizona State came down to the Aggies making the necessary "winning plays" at crucial moments, led by two pick-six defensive touchdowns by sophomore Edge Marco Jones and senior cornerback Julio Humphrey. Starting quarterback Marcel Reed, despite passing for just 163 yards, threw for three touchdowns.
Texas A&M took care of business against a good Big 12 team that will likely have more success in conference play, but the real work begins on Saturday, with Kentucky coming to town and the new nine-game conference schedule taking shape. With Oregon and Oklahoma losing in Week 2, Texas A&M moved up to No. 8 in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll and six spots in ESPN's updated college football power rankings ahead
of Week 3.
For Aggie fans disappointed by A&M's offense producing just 255 yards, including a poor 92 rushing yards, coach Mike Elko and his staff will continue working with the offensive line and may shake up the running back room, which would mean playing freshmen KJ Edwards and Carsyn Baker more often.
Texas A&M has the opportunity to start 3-0 before facing LSU in a prime-time matchup in Baton Rouge, which will tell us just how good the Aggies are, or could be, for the remainder of the season. Here's what ESPN Texas A&M beat reporter Dave Wilson had to say after A&M's rise in the power rankings.
"Yes, the Aggies struggled on offense against Arizona State, with only 255 yards. But after producing only 10 turnovers all last season, A&M grabbed four Saturday, returning two of them for fourth-quarter touchdowns to pull away for a 48-20 win. Marcel Reed tossed three touchdowns to one interception, but the Sun Devils made the Aggies' offense work on the ground, with A&M's top three running backs -- Rueben Owens II, Jamarion Morrow and KJ Edwards -- combining for 21 carries and 84 yards. After ASU moved the ball well in the first half, A&M coach Mike Elko said his team adjusted to an almost completely different defense in the second half and dominated, shutting out the Sun Devils in the fourth quarter. Elko praised A&M's emphasis on "winning football," with the takeaways, lack of penalties and red zone defense, while also acknowledging there's still a lot of work to do."
This formula could keep working, but Marcel Reed needs the run game to create play-action opportunities, knowing defenses will load the box if the Aggie rushing attack becomes something to fear. The Aggies will face a Kentucky run defense ranked 108th heading into Saturday's game, presenting a great opportunity to rebound on the ground.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M rises six spots in ESPN's CFB Power Rankings after Week 2
