OFFENSE: B+
What went right: Texas A&M running backs Christine Michael (22 carries-105 yards) and Cyrus Gray (16-61) were impressive. Michael got the Aggies over early hiccups with five carries for 47 yards on the first touchdown drive. The offensive line, a preseason concern, allowed only one rush for negative yardage and two sacks, both very respectable.
What went wrong: A&M scored only 13 points on its first four trips into the red zone. The passing game didn't click early as the Aggies converted only two of their first eight third downs.
Bottom line: A&M had no turnovers and just one penalty in 99 snaps.
DEFENSE: A
What went right: A&M never allowed SFA's high-powered offense to get in rhythm with great preparation, even better pursuit and sure-handed tackling. The Lumberjacks had only four plays of 20 yards or more -- two of them on their last possession against third- and fourth-stringers.
What went wrong: SFA converted a fourth-and-8 on its touchdown drive.
Bottom line: The Aggie defense matched the Lumerbacks' on the scoreboard and was way ahead in style points.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C
What went right: A&M's kickoff coverage unit forced and recovered a fumble that led to a touchdown for a 34-7 lead. Junior college transfer Jared Jaroszewski averaged 37.3 yards on three punts and sophomore Kenric McNeal caught several punt returns on the run.
What went wrong: Randy Bullock's opening kickoff went out-of-bounds, then he missed a 24-yard field goal after a poor snap that seemed to have a hangover effect on the offense for two series.
Bottom line: The kicking game got better as the game progressed, and the Aggies appear much better in several areas. Still, missing a 24-yard field goal is inexcusable, whatever the reason.
COACHING: A-
What went right: A&M defenders just didn't fly to the football. The defense looked in complete control of its new 3-4 alignment, even though All-American Von Miller didn't play much because of a sprained ankle. Offensively, SFA never adjusted to the bubble screen, so the Aggies kept feeding Ryan Swope for 13 catches and 106 yards.
What went wrong: The lack of execution in the red zone kept SFA in the game through halftime.
Bottom line: Once A&M started featuring the running game, everything seemed to fall in place as the offense complemented the defense instead of having to carry it.
OVERALL: A-
What went right: Who would have thunk it? A&M's defense keeps SFA in check until the offense gets rolling? It happened that way with quarterback Jerrod Johnson having a so-so game despite going 28-of-40 passing for 322 yards and two TDs.
What went wrong: A lot of mistakes you'd expect in an opener. Heck, even the cannon was late on the first score.
Bottom line: A&M missed out on a lot of points and yards, yet won by 41 points and called off the dogs.
Editor's note: the original version had A&M's offense with three penalties, it had one and the defense had two
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