Texas A&M's season-opening 50-0 win over Missouri State was, as I've previously stated, a tale of two halves: the Aggies' revamped offensive line, featuring four new starters, struggled to start the game, allowing multiple sacks and pressures, but vastly improved in the second half, combined with Texas A&M's defense allowing just 67 total yards.
While A&M's defense deserves the bulk of the credit for keeping the Bears from doing anything through the air or on the ground, starting quarterback Marcel Reed was equally impressive to begin his second full starting season, completing 20/31 for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns, and utilized his athleticism, making plays outside the pocket where he has thrived since taking over as the starter halfway through the 2024
season.
Before hosting Arizona State for an early Saturday afternoon showdown in Kyle Field, Texas A&M dropped one spot to No. 9 in the US LBM Coaches Poll and No. 10 in the AP Top 25, mainly due to LSU and Ole Miss pulling off impressive wins over Clemson and a ranked Louisville squad during the holiday weekend.
Week 2 will be significant for several SEC programs, especially the Texas Longhorns, who host No. 1 Ohio State after falling to the Buckeyes during the 2025 season opener. For the Aggies, containing Arizona State QB Cutter Boley, who threw for nearly 300 yards and six touchdowns during the Sun Devils' 70-7 win over Morgan State, will be the key to avoiding the upset.
In weekly fashion, USA TODAY released its re-rank after Week 1, and while the Aggies dropped in both rankings, third-year coach Mike Elko's team stays put at No. 13 before Week 2. Texas A&M will host Arizona State on Saturday at 11 a.m., and ABC will air the game.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M stays put in latest USA TODAY Re-rank
