Aggies find unwanted trouble in the secondary
Texas A&M lost 48-33 in its Week 2 matchup against Miami at Hard Rock Stadium.
Here are five takeaways from the loss:
The secondary scaries
Many expected the Aggies — if they were to lose — to be defeated by the run game. Instead, Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson attacked a weakness many in Aggieland didn’t know their team possessed.
The maroon and white secondary allowed 374 passing yards, 10 first downs through the air and five touchdowns from quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. The Hurricanes finished the game with 77 yards on the ground.
Questionable substitutions by A&M defensive coordinator DJ Durkin set up unfavorable matchups for the Aggies and potential scoring drives. One example took place in the second quarter when true freshman defensive back Jayvon Thomas was subbed in for graduate defensive back Josh DeBerry. Miami receiver Isaiah Horton made his first and only catch after the substitution, scoring a 52-yard touchdown.
Consistency at running back
Despite the loss, A&M offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino found a consistent third-down back in Amari Daniels. The Miami, Fla. native performed well in his hometown, as he ran for 62 yards on 18 carries and a rushing touchdown.
Petrino also utilized the running backs in the passing game. The group of running backs finished the game with eight receptions for 74 yards. Earnest Crownover also hauled in a 19-yard scoring reception.
DJ gets questioned
With A&M coach Jimbo Fisher supervising Petrino and his offense, who is there to supervise what Durkin is calling on the defensive end?
Commentators, fans, and even former players appeared to lose faith in the defensive coordinator Fisher hired at the beginning of the 2022 season.
The Miami offense was able to convert on 100% of its red zone attempts, complete 70% of its pass attempts and totaled 241 yards after the catch. That amount is two yards less than the total passing yards Miami accumulated in its Week 1 win against Miami-Ohio.
Durkin wasn’t able to find a solution to the problems Miami uncovered, which could make for a long and difficult SEC run against even more talented rosters.
Weigman has heart
Facing constant pressure on the edge and multiple double-digit deficits throughout the game, quarterback Conner Weigman did not stop fighting.
Despite throwing two interceptions, Weigman ended the night with 336 passing yards, two touchdowns and 29 rushing yards. His most impressive play came at the end of the game when he stood his ground in the pocket and cut the deficit down to one score, finding Noah Thomas for a 9-yard touchdown while enduring a roughing the passer penalty.
The Aggies couldn’t capitalize on the situation.
Season isn’t over
The loss to Miami doesn’t put the Aggies out of SEC contention, or even national championship contention. However, there are tons of kinks to straighten out before they host Louisiana-Monroe next week at Kyle Field.
A&M’s issues Saturday ranged from lack of push on the offensive line, to missed tackles in the secondary. Fisher has to start somewhere and fast.
The season isn’t over. It just started.
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