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THE JALAPEÑO KICK: RG JOSEPH CHEEK
C Mike Matthews (ankle) has been missing, but the touted NFL talent generally is left of RG Joseph Cheek. The devastating left side of Texas A&M’s offensive line includes LT Cedric Ogbuehi and LG Jarvis Harrison. But against Southern Methodist, Cheek acted as a human bulldozer in the run game, plowing giant holes for a plethora of Aggies running backs.
INSIDE AN IGLOO: DEPTH ON DEFENSE
When you think igloo, you think ice. Ice is cold. But igloos retain heat and act as great insulation. Sort of like the Texas A&M defense. The Aggies are loaded with developing players, especially up front, though the numbers still mask the team’s talent. But there are 18 different players with a tackle for loss through four games. Even if Texas A&M gives up a lot of yards — and even points — the rest of this season, the defense will only get better from here.
AN HOUR IN THE FREEZER: THE TEAM’S FIRST QUARTERS
Texas A&M looked lethargic against Lamar and Rice in the first quarter, then looked too amped against Southern Methodist. The penalty-riddled start Saturday also included miscommunications between Kenny Hill and the receivers, leading to the first interception of the quarterback’s career. It was a small blip on the radar against teams outside the SEC, but that won’t work in the SEC West.
POLAR PLUNGE: THE OPPOSITION
Speaking of the opposition, it has smelled worse than a paper mill. Steve Spurrier had a point this week, even though he conveniently forgot that the Aggies blasted his squad on the road. Texas A&M’s last two opponents are a combined 0-6, with Rice falling to new FBS team Old Dominion on Saturday. The Aggies played Lamar before Rice and SMU, and though the Cardinals are 3-1, they’re nowhere near the Top 25 in the FCS polls. That’s not exactly the best way to prepare for the rest of the conference schedule.
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
