Tuesday Thoughts: Crucibles, competition, recruiting & more

While Kevin Sumlin is the first to admit that, in hindsight, he could have better handled this particular team and the hurdles it was asked to navigate — three straight top-six opponents and four top-six foes in five games, eight straight games to open the season, etc. — the Aggies’ head coach has taken plenty of steps to ensure that he and his staff correct whatever problems/issues led to the recent implosion and A&M’s steady regression since a rousing season-opening win at South Carolina.