Key points from Texas A&M football’s 33-20 win over Florida

Outside of the 2020 season, Texas A&M’s offensive line never looked ready for the SEC, struggling in pass protection while failing to open holes in the running game. With Mike Elko and offensive line coach Adam Cushing taking over, a 360-degree turnaround took place.

Racking up 310 yards rushing just a week after rushing for 333 yards, Texas A&M’s stable of running backs found every opening the line provided Saturday, as quarterback Marcel Reed ran for 83 yards and a touchdown. Reed wasn’t sacked in pass protection, and outside of several pressures, they held up well.

Going forward, Texas A&M’s winning trajectory will only increase if this type of play in the trenches continues.

All week, the media has questioned Texas A&M’s defense because of the team’s recent performance, which ranked 109th in the country against the run heading into Saturday’s game. Knowing the coaching staff would challenge the defense to improve, safety Bryce Anderson said it best after the win.

“The coach challenged us. If we can stop the away game, we will win.”

Mike Elko was right, as the Aggies held the Gators to just 52 rushing yards and no big plays, plugging holes and locking down the edge for most of the afternoon. The formula is clear: Stopping the run usually leads to victory.

Texas A&M was on offense for a long time Saturday, as Marcel Reed and the running game recorded 27 first downs, converted 5 of 15 third-down attempts, while Reed had the longest pass play of the season after hitting receiver Cyrus Allen for a 73-yard touchdown early in the second half.

While the quarterback controversy is the common thread, running backs Le’Veon Moss and Amari Daniels have appeared to be a deadly duo in the backfield. At the same time, Allen, who now leads the team with 181 receiving yards through three games, could be the go-to option, especially on the field for whoever starts at quarterback next Saturday against Bowling Green.

All the offseason hype is starting to pay off, as junior defensive lineman Shemar Stewart returned home to Florida with a vengeance after losing to Miami last season. Playing with his hair on fire, Stewart racked up stops and was effective on run defense, tying for the team’s best tackle total (5) while recording half a sack and half a tackle for loss.

There’s still a lot to be desired in the pass rush, but credit must be given to former Bowling Green DL Cashius Howell, who recorded his first sack of the year and four tackles on the night. Another rising pass rusher the coaching staff is very supportive of made several plays, as did second-year defensive end Rylan Kennedy, who got to the backfield on multiple occasions.

I can’t believe I’m saying this after three weeks of play, but freshman quarterback Marcel Reed’s performance Saturday created a quarterback controversy before the week even began. From start to finish, Reed tore through Florida’s defense for 83 rushing yards and a touchdown, including an efficient 11-of-17 passing for 178 yards and two touchdowns from the pocket.

No, one performance doesn’t automatically put him as a starter going forward, but when we’re talking about offensive coordinator Collin Klein’s offense, which relies on designed runs and play action, Reed’s notable speed and wiry athleticism take the Aggie offense to the next level.

This week should answer any remaining questions, including Conner Weigman’s current health. Regardless, Marcel Reed seemed to embody both the present and the future.