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For the first time in three years, the Maroon and White Game was played in Kyle Field. Major renovations kept the Aggies from playing the game the last two seasons.
The Maroon team played offense for the entire game while the White team remained on defense and scored points by stopping the offense.
A&M defeats A&M 42-38. That was one terrible loss but awesome win for the Aggies.
— Battalion Sports (@battsports) April 10, 2016
Here are a few takeaways from the Aggies’ spring game, which included this highlight trick play from receiver Christian Kirk to receiver Speedy Noil:
WR ➡️ WR! Yup, You read that right.
Christian Kirk's 36-yd TD pass to Speedy Noil was WOW: https://t.co/FCPprAI2Jl pic.twitter.com/gzi4KAqW5K
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 9, 2016
Kirk: Mazzone texted me, "Get your arm ready. You're gonna be on ESPN." The pass was supposed to go to Josh. Saw Speedy and let it rip.
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) April 10, 2016
Quarterback competition continues
While Trevor Knight and Jake Hubenak continue to battle for the starting position, it was Knight who had the better of it Saturday.
Kevin Sumlin said he's not naming starting QB now. "I'll give it some thought. Got to watch some video. … We'll have our own timeline."
— Suzanne Halliburton (@suzhalliburton) April 10, 2016
Knight completed 20-of-27 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone.
He also added a touchdown run to lead the Aggies’ offense.
Sumlin: Saw Trevor operate from the pocket but also move around and extend plays. When he moved around, he was pretty accurate [on the run].
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) April 10, 2016
Hubenak was nowhere near as successful but was a little under the weather, according to new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone. Because of that, third-stringer Connor McQueen saw considerable playing time in the game.
Kevin Sumlin said Trevor Knight got more snaps today because Jake Hubenak had flu-like symptoms before scrimmage.
— Suzanne Halliburton (@suzhalliburton) April 10, 2016
A&M spring game final stats: Trevor Knight 25 of 36 for 282 yards, two passing TDs, one INT, 1 rush TD.
— Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) April 10, 2016
Seals-Jones: Both QBs are doing a great job and coming in and competing every day.
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) April 10, 2016
Establishing a running game
A big part of Mazzone’s up-tempo offense is establishing a running game. Losing senior Tra Carson, a 1,000-yard rusher in his final season, left a big hole in the backfield.
Four backs saw most of the action on Saturday and showed that any and all have the ability to carry the football.
James White, Kwami Etwi, Kendall Bussey and Trayveon Williams all had their moments. Another back who looks to make an impact as well in the Aggies’ backfield is Keith Ford, who was held out of the game with an ankle injury.
Trevor Knight leading passer today: 25-36, 282 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT. leading rusher Kwame Etwi 11-72, TD. leading receiver Speedy 3-60, TD.
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) April 10, 2016
Tempo not fast enough
One of the key aspects in Mazzone’s offense is its up-tempo style. He wasn’t completely pleased with the tempo Saturday, but he excused any hesitation in the offense because he did not call the offensive plays.
Instead Mazzone allowed his assistants to do the play-calling.
Kevin Sumlin said his entire offensive staff took turns calling plays during the scrimmage. So what you saw wasn't new coordinator Mazzone
— Suzanne Halliburton (@suzhalliburton) April 10, 2016
It caused plays to come in slightly slower than Mazzone would like.
Sumlin: The tempo wasn't at the point that we wanted to be, but we were able to change speeds at times today.
— Battalion Sports (@battsports) April 10, 2016
Seals-Jones: [Mazzone] is a great coach. It's all about speed, speed, speed and that [tempo] will help us to get defenses tired quickly.
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) April 10, 2016
Glenn Sattell is an award-winning freelance writer for Saturday Down South.
