It's pretty likely that this game is already over at 16-0, considering how bad Vandy's offensive problems are. But this game should be done for absolutely certain. A&M has some things to be pleased with and a few that should make them absolutely sick.
Talking positives first: Kyle Allen has not been perfect -- he's dodged a few bullets -- but he's played better than his 11-21 indicates. He's had four drops, including some that should have been really big plays. He hasn't lost his confidence and the 95-yard TD to Reynolds was absolute money. He's thrown a couple of really nice balls to Speedy Noil -- who, by the way, is a welcome addition to the offense after being silent for most of the year. He ran the two-minute drill to perfection, getting the Aggies back in field goal range with 40 seconds and 1 time out. He's only held on to the ball too long once (and he paid for it). It's the old Allen, and it's a welcome change.
After really getting gouged on the ground early on, the Aggie defense stepped up the last several possessions and stuffed the Vandy running game. Richard Moore has made a difference, getting in mix, shedding blockers and hitting the backs at the line of scrimmage. Armani Watts made a great play in the backfield to end one drive and Zaycoven Henderson and Daylon Mack have each had their moments. A&M should thank Vandy for some mind-boggling stupidity (false starts and not blocking Daeshon Hall on a rollout to his side), but they started to play better later. The secondary has done well, with Nick Harvey making a hit at the right time to finish off the 4th and 4 play and Devante Harris reading Shurmur's eyes for the pick. They still need more out of Myles Garrett and AJ Hilliard really needs to stop getting blown out of plays. It's getting embarrassing.
The offensive line has been awful in the running game again. A&M has 39 yards on 15 carries. They've had a couple good runs from Tra Carson and James White, but they have not made the blocks when it mattered -- like 3rd and goal. The bomb on 4th and 1 was just ridiculous. I don't know if Spavital made that call or Allen switched to it, but 1) Allen should not have had that option and 2) if that was Spav all the way, that's a surrender and an embarrassment. 0-3 in the red zone is atrocious. Instead of getting better, they're getting worse in that category.
The special teams have been strong. Sam Moeller blocked a punt against Vandy the last time they played and got one today. Taylor Bertolet is 3-4 and didn't let his miss shake him. Drew Kaser's Drew Kaser. Riley Garner is a tackling machine. A lot to be pleased with here.
Vandy is 2-8 on 3rd downs. Good. A&M is 2-8 on 3rd downs. Terrible. It's just that kind of night. For a good, there's a bad. But the goods have gotten them to 16 and that may be enough.
Talking positives first: Kyle Allen has not been perfect -- he's dodged a few bullets -- but he's played better than his 11-21 indicates. He's had four drops, including some that should have been really big plays. He hasn't lost his confidence and the 95-yard TD to Reynolds was absolute money. He's thrown a couple of really nice balls to Speedy Noil -- who, by the way, is a welcome addition to the offense after being silent for most of the year. He ran the two-minute drill to perfection, getting the Aggies back in field goal range with 40 seconds and 1 time out. He's only held on to the ball too long once (and he paid for it). It's the old Allen, and it's a welcome change.
After really getting gouged on the ground early on, the Aggie defense stepped up the last several possessions and stuffed the Vandy running game. Richard Moore has made a difference, getting in mix, shedding blockers and hitting the backs at the line of scrimmage. Armani Watts made a great play in the backfield to end one drive and Zaycoven Henderson and Daylon Mack have each had their moments. A&M should thank Vandy for some mind-boggling stupidity (false starts and not blocking Daeshon Hall on a rollout to his side), but they started to play better later. The secondary has done well, with Nick Harvey making a hit at the right time to finish off the 4th and 4 play and Devante Harris reading Shurmur's eyes for the pick. They still need more out of Myles Garrett and AJ Hilliard really needs to stop getting blown out of plays. It's getting embarrassing.
The offensive line has been awful in the running game again. A&M has 39 yards on 15 carries. They've had a couple good runs from Tra Carson and James White, but they have not made the blocks when it mattered -- like 3rd and goal. The bomb on 4th and 1 was just ridiculous. I don't know if Spavital made that call or Allen switched to it, but 1) Allen should not have had that option and 2) if that was Spav all the way, that's a surrender and an embarrassment. 0-3 in the red zone is atrocious. Instead of getting better, they're getting worse in that category.
The special teams have been strong. Sam Moeller blocked a punt against Vandy the last time they played and got one today. Taylor Bertolet is 3-4 and didn't let his miss shake him. Drew Kaser's Drew Kaser. Riley Garner is a tackling machine. A lot to be pleased with here.
Vandy is 2-8 on 3rd downs. Good. A&M is 2-8 on 3rd downs. Terrible. It's just that kind of night. For a good, there's a bad. But the goods have gotten them to 16 and that may be enough.
