No. 3 Texas A&M is doing what good teams do—winning games no matter how off a night they have. On Saturday afternoon, the Aggies dispatched the Missouri Tigers en route to a 9-0 record before heading back to Kyle Field for the first time in a month.
Both teams, coming off a bye week, looked a little flat offensively in the first half, with the only points coming from A&M. It was only 14-0, with one of the touchdowns coming very late in the second quarter after a fumble return to the 2-yard line by Dalton Brooks.
So, it wasn’t pretty, but one of the most impressive things about the coaching staff is their ability to make adjustments—and the players actually execute them. That’s been an issue in the past, and it’s what makes this team different. No matter what happens, it always feels like A&M is never out of a game.
The two most concerning aspects of this game for A&M were the penalties (8 for 65 yards) and rush defense. Too many times, the Aggies had the Tigers on their heels, only for a penalty to extend the drive. The rush defense is self-explanatory: Missouri had both running backs rush for over 100 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
On the flip side, they never allowed Missouri’s true freshman quarterback Matt Zollers to get comfortable. They recorded two sacks, one of which put A&M in position for an easy score. He also completed only seven passes for 77 yards, and that won’t win many games against top competition at any level. A&M is currently on a historic pace not seen since the 1990s, and the nation is finally starting to give them some respect.
Here are the individuals who stood out—and those who need to elevate their game after Week 11:
Stock Up: KC Concepcion
Concepcion has been really hitting his stride over the last few games, scoring a touchdown in each of his previous three outings. He led all receivers in yards and had a huge 48-yard touchdown to put the Aggies up 21-0, essentially putting the game out of reach. He is one of the best in the nation with the ball in his hands and will be extremely important to finishing the season strong.
Game Stats: 4 receptions, 84 yards, 1 touchdown / 2 carries, 8 yards
Stock Up: EJ Smith
With Le’Veon Moss sidelined for a few weeks, the Aggies were missing some power and size in the lineup. Just last week, EJ Smith filled the role of power back and picked up big first downs. Then he showed his tough running on the goal line, scoring right before the half.
Game Stats: 6 carries, 24 yards, 4.0 average, 1 touchdown
Stock Up: Daymion Sanford
Sanford seems to make a game-changing play every game. Late in the second quarter, he hit Zollers, causing a fumble that fell right into Dalton Brooks’ hands, who almost returned it for a touchdown. He continues to show up when needed and is a star in the making.
Game Stats: 5 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
Stock Up: Dalton Brooks
Brooks had one of his better games of the season and, hands down, his most impactful. His fumble return to the two-yard line in the second quarter set A&M up for a score. Then a 48-yard run on a fake punt led to a field goal, putting A&M up 24-7. He was tied for the lead in tackles for the game and was all over the field.
Game Stats: 6 tackles, 1 fumble return / 1 carry, 48 Yards
Stock Down: Dezz Ricks
This is the second game in a row that Dezz Ricks has had an up-and-down performance. While he did have a pass breakup and, as a unit, they only gave up 77 passing yards, he struggled in coverage when Zollers was actually able to get a pass off. He gave up a big 34-yard reception and later a 15-yard pass interference penalty. Overall, he is playing well and much better than last season.
Game Stats: 4 tackles, 1 pass breakup
Stock Down: Taurean York
York, known for his football IQ, didn’t have his best game, but he did show good play recognition. However, on a few of those big runs, York’s eyes got him in trouble, and he missed a few run fits. I wouldn’t call it a bad game, but in a matchup of this importance, you would think he could’ve made a few key stops. He is still the captain of the defense and will study the film to see where he can be better.
Game Stats: 2 tackles, 1 pass defense
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M stock report, who shined in Saturday’s game against Missouri
Reporting by Jarrett Johnson, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
