No. 3 Texas A&M (11-0, 7-0 SEC) looked dominant on both sides of the ball during Saturday’s 48-0 win over Samford (1-11). At the same time, head coach Mike Elko was able to pull his starters early, including star quarterback Marcel Reed, who threw for 120 yards and three touchdowns before making his way to the sideline.
This was a smart strategy, knowing that the Aggies will head to Austin (TX) on Thursday night to take on the Texas Longhorns on Black Friday, needing to be as healthy as possible to leave DKR with the program’s first 12-0 record, and a spot in the SEC Championship Game. However, this is a rivalry game, so expect the unexpected.
Texas A&M’s defense held the Bulldogs to a mere 77 yards, the lowest mark since 1996, while the offense racked up 472 yards, led by junior running back Amari Daniels’ 106 yards, paired with wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman’s two touchdowns and game-high 61 yards receiving.
However, Texas A&M’s kicking game, which has been a consistent disappointment, showed some promise behind Jared Zirkel’s makes from 25 and 39 yards. Randy Bond did not attempt a field goal, which is something to monitor heading into Friday night.
Week 13 was chalk for most of the top-ranked teams, while Pitt’s 42-28 road win over No. 16 Georgia Tech has ended the Yellow Jacket’s CFP dreams. The Longhorns defeated Arkansas 52-37, but allowed over 500 yards and will not only need to defeat A&M but also hope a host of other teams trip up next weekend to have a chance at the postseason.
After defeating Samford, Texas A&M did not move in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll.
US LBM Coaches Poll after Week 13
Schools Dropped Out
No. 21 Missouri; No. 24 Houston;
Others Receiving Votes
Arizona State 86; Navy 58; Washington 39; Missouri 32; Iowa 32; Arizona 30; San Diego State 29; Houston 22; Penn State 4; Illinois 4; Connecticut 4; UNLV 2; South Florida 1;
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M stays put in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll after Week 13
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
