Momentum Shifts: Texas A&M cruises back into win-column vs. NMSU
Coming off a bye week after a tough road loss to South Carolina, the Texas A&M Aggies returned to Kyle Field with renewed focus and determination.
The stakes were clear: With postseason aspirations still within reach, this matchup against New Mexico State offered the perfect opportunity for the team to rediscover its rhythm and build momentum heading into the season’s critical final stretch.
The Aggies seized the moment, dominating in all three phases en route to a commanding 38-3 victory.
This game was more than just a win — it showcased the team's ability to adapt, grow and overcome adversity, even as injuries continued to test its depth and resolve.
The Good
Marcel Reed’s breakout passing performance: Reed was the story of the night. Known primarily for his explosive rushing ability, he took significant strides as a passer, completing 21-of-30 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns. While his red-zone interception before halftime was a blemish, it served as a minor setback in an otherwise excellent performance. Reed demonstrated improved accuracy, poise under pressure and the ability to make decisive throws across all levels of the field.
What stood out most was his connection with the tight ends and his ability to exploit matchups in the secondary. Reed spread the ball effectively, keeping the defense on its heels and showing the composure of a more seasoned quarterback.
In addition to his passing success, Reed’s legs remained a critical part of the game plan. He added 41 rushing yards on just four carries, highlighted by a breathtaking touchdown run that displayed his elite athleticism and instincts. His dual-threat ability has become the cornerstone of the Aggies’ offense, and if he can sustain this balance, A&M will be a formidable challenge for any opponent.
However, to continue growing, Reed must refine his decision-making, especially in the red zone. The interception may have been costly against a tougher opponent, but games like this serve as a learning platform for young quarterbacks. Reed’s trajectory suggests he’s on the cusp of becoming one of the most dangerous players in the country.
Tight ends take center stage: In a season where injuries have impacted several key offensive positions, the Aggies’ tight ends stepped up in a major way, delivering their best collective performance of the season. Theo Melin Öhrström was a revelation, catching five passes for a career-high 111 yards. His size and athleticism created mismatches, and his ability to stretch the field provided a new dynamic to the offense. Whether it was finding soft spots in zone coverage or beating defenders downfield, Öhrström was unstoppable.
Tre Watson complimented him with four receptions for 67 yards, showcasing his knack for finding space in crucial moments. The tight ends’ ability to be reliable, versatile weapons eased the pressure on Reed and gave the offense a much-needed spark.
With injuries plaguing the wide receiver corps and limiting the options in the running game, the tight ends have become indispensable. Their performance in this game proved they can be the offense's backbone, especially in high-pressure moments. Moving forward, their consistency will be critical in maintaining balance and efficiency as the Aggies face tougher defenses.
Resilient rushing aids offensive success: The Aggie ground game remained potent despite missing star running back Le’Veon Moss. Amari Daniels made a statement early with a 71-yard touchdown run, showcasing his speed, vision and ability to break open a game. Daniels’ explosive play set the tone for the night and reminded everyone of the depth and talent in the A&M backfield.
EJ Smith played a crucial complementary role, delivering steady and efficient carries. His ability to grind out tough yards and keep the chains moving was instrumental in sustaining long drives and controlling the clock. The Aggies’ rushing attack finished with over 200 yards on the ground, a testament to their depth and adaptability.
The offensive line deserves credit for creating running lanes and protecting Reed, allowing the offense to eclipse 500 total yards. This balance between the run and pass will be pivotal as the team prepares for a challenging stretch of SEC play.
Defense Dominance: While the offense excelled, the Aggie defense delivered one of its most complete performances of the season. Holding New Mexico State to just 214 total yards and keeping them out of the end zone, the defense set the tone early and never relented.
The front seven was relentless, led by junior Malick Sylla, who recorded two sacks and consistently disrupted NMSU’s backfield. Sylla’s performance was a bright spot and highlighted the depth of the A&M defensive line. Albert Regis emphasized the team’s renewed focus during the bye week, and it was evident in the way they dominated the trenches and controlled the pace of the game.
The secondary played lights out, blanketing receivers and forcing NMSU’s quarterbacks into hurried throws and missed opportunities. A&M’s ability to excel in both pass coverage and run defense is a testament to their preparation and versatility. If they can sustain this level of play, the defense has the potential to be a game-changing unit as the season progresses.
Young talent gains valuable experience: One of the benefits of the lopsided scoreline was the opportunity to give younger players meaningful reps. Freshman quarterback Miles O’Neill made the most of his time on the field, throwing his first career touchdown pass to Ashton Bethel-Roman, another freshman who recorded his first career score. These moments, while occurring in a less-pressured environment, are critical for the development of future stars.
Sylla’s standout game was another example of the importance of depth. His two sacks were not just impactful in the moment but also a glimpse into what he can offer as a key rotational player in the coming games. The ability to rotate players and maintain a high level of performance is a significant advantage for A&M, especially in the grueling SEC.
The Bad
Cyrus Allen’s Injury: The most concerning moment of the game was the injury to wide receiver Cyrus Allen. With the Aggies already navigating a season riddled with injuries, Allen’s absence could have a significant impact on the offense’s ability to stretch the field and exploit defenses vertically.
Reed’s red-zone interception: This was a costly error that prevented A&M from extending its lead before halftime. While it didn’t affect the outcome of this game, mistakes like this could be critical against stronger opponents. The coaching staff will undoubtedly use this as a teaching moment to help Reed improve his decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Final Thoughts
This dominant victory was a much-needed confidence boost for A&M in preparation for a critical road matchup against Auburn. Playing in Jordan-Hare Stadium is one of the toughest challenges in the SEC, and the Aggies must execute at a high level to secure the win.
With the regular-season finale against Texas looming, every game from here on out carries postseason implications. The continued growth of Reed, the emergence of the tight ends and the dominance of the defense will be the keys to finishing the season on a high note.
This team has faced adversity all year, but their resilience and determination have kept them in contention. Now, with everything on the line, it’s time for the Aggies to rally together, embrace the challenge and finish what they’ve started.
Gig ’Em and BTHO Auburn!
