Trevor Knight continuing progression in Aggies’ win over Auburn
Three weeks into the season, Trevor Knight’s game is still a work in progress. However, he’s leading the Aggies in the right direction with another 3-0 start.
After the third consecutive 3-0 start for Kevin Sumlin and company, there’s cautious optimism around the Aggies’ 2016 season. However, one concern seems to be disappearing with every start, the quarterback position. Senior quarterback Trevor Knight has done everything the offensive staff at A&M could ask for.
His numbers will not put him in the Heisman race or raise eyebrows. He doesn’t have the flash or media following of Johnny Manziel, Kenny Hill or Kyler Murray. His bring-your-lunch-pale-to-work mentality is exactly what this program needed.
As I mentioned two weeks ago, Knight needed to play within the offense. He needed to improve his inconsistent completion and limit turnovers. He accomplished the most important aspect, ball security. After two weeks with an interception, he threw zero against a stout Auburn defense. His completion percentage continues to hover around 50 percent. The Aggies can live with it as long as its defense and run game aid his inconsistencies.
The Aggies asked Knight to get the balls to his playmakers. New offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone taught Knight to do just that. Knight’s positive plays certainly outweigh the negative. In three weeks, Knight’s averaging over 300 total yards. He’s recorded eight total touchdowns (five passing, three rushing) to just two interceptions. I’m not trying to say he’s a reborn player from his Oklahoma days, but he is a respectable starting quarterback.
A&M’s system requires a quarterback to sling the ball around at least 35 to 40 times a game. Knight looks comfortable in this system. Auburn was a perfect example of his control and grasp of the Aggies’ scheme. He went a meager 20-of-40 for 247 yards and one touchdown while adding 42 rushing yards. He was the point guard that facilitated and made plays when asked of him.
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The Aggies are on their third consecutive 3-0 start, and people don’t know if this a legit start. They’ve flopped in the previous two going 3-5 down the final eight games. A lot of that had to do with poor quarterback play. This season, they are getting solid veteran play at the position. I think he has the ability to get the Aggies out of this slump if he continues to manage and distribute.