Texas A&M (7-0, 4-0 SEC) is the No. 3-ranked team in both the AP Top 25 and the US LBM Coaches Poll after defeating Arkansas 45-42 behind another elite performance from the Aggie offense. At the same time, A&M’s defense, which surrendered over 500 yards, needs to play much better down the stretch if the Aggies plan to stay undefeated.
Still, these are the type of games the former coaching regime, led by Jimbo Fisher, would have lost, as second-year head coach Mike Elko opted to go for it on fourth down three times, resulting in a perfect 3-3 showing, knowing that his defense couldn’t be trusted to get a stop, especially late in the second half. Elko’s late-game decision-making has now led to two close road wins, including the Aggies’ 41-40 victory over Notre Dame in Week 3.
Because of the high score, some will write off Texas A&M’s offensive performance due to the defense, but this is how good teams win in challenging road environments. After leading 21-20 going into halftime, while the Razorbacks had all the momentum after scoring a touchdown, Texas A&M starting quarterback Marcel Reed’s 46-yard run led to his 17-yard touchdown pass to transfer wide receiver KC Concepcion, which was an impressive response, as the Aggies would lead the rest of the game.
Throwing for 280 yards and three touchdowns, paired with 55 yards rushing and a score, Marcel Reed is playing elite football heading into next Saturday’s primetime showdown in Baton Rouge against LSU (5-2, 2-2 SEC). However, Texas A&M’s defense will be challenged against a desperate Tiger offense, and needs to pressure quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
The Week 8 SEC schedule was interesting, to say the least, and after Ole Miss lost to Georgia 43-35, Texas A&M is the only undefeated team left in the conference. Alabama’s 37-20 win over Tennessee was impressive, while LSU’s road loss to Vanderbilt places the Tigers in an interesting spot. After defeating Mississippi State, Florida head coach Billy Napier was fired on Sunday afternoon.
Ahead of Week 9, here are the updated SEC Standings.
SEC Standings after Week 8
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Updated SEC football standings after exciting Week 8 finish
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
