Texas A&M’s latest jump in the USA TODAY RE-Rank came with some welcome numbers attached.
After blanking The Citadel 41-0 in Week 7, the Aggies climbed six spots to No. 49 in the update. The move followed a game in which Texas A&M delivered exactly what it was supposed to do against its final non-conference opponent, then turned around and saw the rankings shuffle hard in a wild SEC weekend.
That shutout carried added weight for the program. It was the first time since 1993 that Texas A&M has shut out two teams in the same season, with the Aggies also opening the year with a 50-0 win over Missouri State. Even so, the milestone is hard to celebrate too loudly with Texas A&M sitting at 4-3 overall and 1-3 in SEC play.
Still, third-year coach Mike Elko had reason to like what he saw from the offense. The Aggies piled up 264 rushing yards, with sophomore running back Jamarion Morrow scoring three touchdowns and freshman KJ Edwards posting a career-best 116 rushing yards.
At quarterback, redshirt junior Marcel Reed made his seventh start and went 8 of 13 for 130 yards and a touchdown. Backup Brady Hart also got involved, finishing 8 of 12 for 107 yards and a touchdown, and he posted a higher Pro Football Focus passing grade.
Reed is expected to start Saturday against Alabama, but Hart could be an option if the offense needs a spark early.
Texas A&M heads to Tuscaloosa to take on No. 13 Alabama, a team that has dropped its last two games since rolling past Mississippi State on the road. The Crimson Tide also slid ten spots in the RE-Rank, falling to No. 16, while Texas dropped ten places to No. 17 after the chaotic weekend that saw Texas, Georgia and Alabama all lose at home and on the road.
Kickoff is set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m., with ABC carrying the game.
In Other News...
Mike Elko Just Spotlighted An Aggie Who Could Matter Vs Alabama
After a 41-0 win over The Citadel, Texas A&M had plenty to like on the offensive side, from Marcel Reeds efficient afternoon to freshman Aaron Gregorys two touchdown catches. But one of the more noteworthy postgame notes came from Mike Elko, who singled out sophomore receiver TK Norman for his development and the kind of work hes been putting in behind the scenes.
Norman answered with a career-high five catches for 88 yards, giving the Aggies another useful option in a receiver room whose depth is still worth monitoring. The next step is availability, with Ashton Bethel-Roman and Mario Craver both set to get an update after the upcoming injury report, and that could shape how much Norman's role matters when Alabama arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Faces A Backfield Choice That Could Reshape The Offense
Texas A&Ms offense is spending part of camp sorting out one of the more useful problems a staff can have: too many running backs worth playing. Head coach Mike Elko and offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins are weighing how to split the workload among a group that includes Jamarion Morrow, KJ Edwards and others, with each back bringing a different trait to the table.
Edwards has been the most efficient runner so far and leads the group in rushing yards, while Owens has handled the most carries and Morrow is working back from injury with a reputation for short-yardage success. The coaches have made it clear they are keeping every option on the table, and the way they settle that rotation could shape not just the backfield, but the rhythm of the entire offense moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Defense Is About To Test Texas A&M's Biggest Weakness
Texas A&M heads into a far bigger measuring stick after cruising past The Citadel 41-0 and turning its attention to No. 13 Alabama. The Aggies have reason for confidence on the surface, but the spotlight quickly shifts to Marcel Reed, whose road performances have been a concern throughout the season. He has taken multiple sacks away from home and has struggled to generate consistent passing efficiency, leaving Texas A&M with a clear question as it steps into a much tougher atmosphere.
Mike Elko has already said Reed will keep the starting job, so the issue is less about a quarterback change than whether the Aggies can protect him and help him settle in against one of the better defenses on the schedule. Alabama is exactly the kind of opponent that can expose those flaws, and this game should show whether Texas A&M can hide its biggest weakness or if it will be forced to live with it for another week. [Read more 🡒]