Texas A&M took command in a one-sided contest, blanking UMass 23-0 with a dominant ground game and airtight defense. From the opening snap, the Aggies proved to be the stronger, faster, and more disciplined squad.
They consistently moved the chains with powerful runs, wearing down the Minutemen's defense and controlling the clock. Texas A&M’s defense was equally impressive, shutting down any spark UMass tried to ignite and keeping them scoreless. By halftime, it was clear the Aggies were in full control, ultimately cruising to a decisive win and showcasing their physicality in all phases of the game.
Great gameplay by Coach 6FT to use his monsters in class and just come out and stomp us from the beginning. There was no window to be seen and when it cracked open just a tad, it was a pick waiting.
Debbie Downer’s Deep Dive: A Win, But Is It Really?
Another week, another Aggies victory, but let’s not sugarcoat it—this wasn’t exactly a performance that will inspire confidence in the maroon masses. Texas A&M’s 23-0 shutout over a completely outmatched UMass team was less a battle and more a leisurely stroll through an abandoned park. Sure, a win is a win, but let’s not pretend this was anything more than checking a box on the schedule.
The Aggies ran the ball well—no surprise there, as Rueben Owens absolutely feasted, racking up 178 yards and two touchdowns. But does steamrolling a team like UMass prove anything? Owens could’ve run behind a junior varsity offensive line and still averaged six yards per carry. It’s nice that the Aggies finally leaned into their run game, especially with their new offensive coordinator at the helm, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that this was more of a glorified scrimmage than a true test.
“A Magnet for Mediocrity”
Defensively, the Aggies did their job, holding UMass to just 163 yards of total offense and picking off three passes—all courtesy of Tyreek Chappell. Let’s give credit where it’s due: the defense continues to carry this team week after week. But the Minutemen? This was a team so overmatched they might as well have been playing flag football. Chappell looked like he was fielding punts, not defending passes.
Nic Scourton had another solid performance with seven tackles, and the defensive line did enough to keep UMass uncomfortable. But here’s the problem: it’s easy to look good against a team with an offense that operates at a snail’s pace and struggles to get out of its own way.
A New Scheme or Same Old Problems?
After yet another shakeup, Coach Gonzales promoted the running backs coach to offensive coordinator, signaling a shift toward a run-first approach. And while the Aggies piled up 215 rushing yards, this game felt like a one-off rather than a turning point. Gonzales himself admitted as much:
“It’s good to see Coach Cnasty back on the sideline, but his team was just overmatched. We took advantage of that and used the opportunity to establish our new offensive scheme. I’m not sure what we really learned today, though.”
And there it is, folks: the unvarnished truth from the man himself. The Aggies didn’t learn anything from this game because there was nothing to learn. It’s easy to run the ball effectively when the opposing defense has fewer teeth than a jack-o’-lantern.
Looking Ahead: A Wake-Up Call Awaits
So, where does this leave Texas A&M? At 6-2 overall and 4-0 out of conference play, the Aggies look solid on paper. But let’s not forget the upcoming gauntlet of SEC heavyweights. Gonzales and company still have to face #10 LSU and #7 South Carolina, two teams that will gleefully expose the glaring holes in this offense.
And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: Gonzales’ history. We’ve seen this script before, haven’t we? A team that struggles to find consistency on offense, relying heavily on a stellar defense to bail them out. Sound familiar? It should—it’s vintage Gonzales from his days at Cal. The only difference is that the stakes are higher, and the SEC isn’t as forgiving.
Debbie’s Final Take:
This win was like putting a fresh coat of paint on a house with a crumbling foundation. Sure, it looks nice for now, but how long until the cracks start showing again? The Aggies can bask in the glow of their shutout win, but the hard truth is this: they’re running out of time to prove they belong in the conversation with the SEC’s elite. And if Gonzales doesn’t figure out his offensive woes soon, that 6-2 record could unravel faster than a poorly stitched jersey.
So, enjoy the win, Aggies fans. But don’t get too comfortable. The real tests are coming, and they won’t be against teams like UMass.
Debbie Downer, NDL Media and Associated Press Beat Writer
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