COLLEGE STATION, Texas – After a handful of lightning strikes and an hour-long delay, Texas A&M got back in the win column with a 47-3 beatdown against the ULM Warhawks to finish off non-conference play. The Aggies are now 2–1 after non-conference play, a stretch they've historically struggled in (see shocking loss to Appalachian State in 2022). 

Although the Maroon and White secured itself another victory, trouble looms in the forms of a War Eagle, Razorback and well…an elephant. The Aggies have made it through another puzzling non-conference slate, and their eyes now turn to the SEC. 

THREE THOUGHTS FROM THE WIN

Weigman and the offense keep on rolling: The Aggies had their best offensive day on the young season, even with leading wide receiver Evan Stewart sidelined in street clothes and 6-foot-6-inch Noah Thomas exiting in the first half with a lower body injury. Conner Weigman was surgical, completing 25-of-29 passes for 337 yards and a touchdown. Ainias Smith (7 receptions, 127 yards) and Jahdae Walker (5 receptions, 110 yards, 1 TD) filled in the gap efficiently, becoming the first Aggie duo to have 100+ receiving yards in the same game since 2018. Texas A&M has made noticeable improvements to the offense every week and are poised to have success moving into conference play next week. 

Defensive woes plateau: After an entire offseason stressing about the addition of offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to the coaching staff, the actual problem seemed to lie on the opposite side of the ball. The defense only allowed three points, but there are still areas to clean up. The secondary missed numerous tackles which led to large gains. In addition, there was little to no pass rush, which made the secondary’s job that much harder during the first half. 

These issues have been present for a few weeks now, but have been partially masked by an efficient offense. However, the defense has no other choice but to step up with SEC play right around the corner.

So long, non-conference play: The figuring-out-the-kinks part is over; no more cupcake games or teams getting paid to be blown out. But A&M still has a lot to improve on as conference play rapidly approaches. No one is expecting them to suddenly defeat every single SEC opponent and sit atop the West division, but there still *are* expectations. 

With the majority of the SEC undergoing some type of “Freaky Friday” situation, it opens up a path for almost anyone to lead the conference. If A&M can continue producing points on nearly every drive (seven in a row, today) while fixing its defensive issues, this could be the best season the team has had since 2020.