Key Adjustments Were Difference in Auburn Loss

Texas A&M Head Coach Kevin Sumlin (Photo: Texas A&M Athletics)

Auburn scored first in the conference opening game against Texas A&M, when Kamryn Pettway rushed one yard to give Auburn a 7-0 lead.

After that, Texas A&M turned on the jets.

It was obvious, that Texas A&M made adjustments to stop Auburn on both sides of the ball, but what exactly did they do? It all starts with the running game.

“Trying to tell 11 guys ‘here’s what they’re doing, here’s how they’re blocking, here’s how we need to do it.’” Said Texas A&M Head Coach Texas A&M following the 29-16 road win over Auburn.

Once those adjustments were made, defensive end Myles Garrett says that the team began to gel. “We were just more solid all around. We started collapsing inside and shutting off the gaps. We stayed collected and played hard.”

Defensively, the Aggies held Auburn to 235 total yards. Texas A&M did provide the eye-popping numbers that they are known for, but special teams were key, and their solid receiving corp made the difference. Aggie quarterback Trevor Knight has faith in both kicker Daniel LaCamera, and his top target in receiver Josh Reynolds. “Our kicker, Daniel (LaCamera), has been spectacular also.” Said Knight, “We know if we get to inside that 30-yard-line that we are going to get at least three points on the board.” Knight appreciates Reynolds skillset, and is thankful that he has a guy that he can rely on. “Josh is a guy who is capable of making the big play and the right play every time. He is a guy we love having on the outside, because he is very fast and he is very sharp. He also can go up and catch the football.”

Daniel LaCamera is now tied for second on the Texas A&M list for most field goals in a game with five. His five field goals are the most ever by a freshman. For Reynolds, his second quarter touchdown reception has moved him into third place on the Aggie touchdown reception list with 20. Finally, for the Aggie defense sacked Auburn four times, and made 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.