Texas A&M Football: 3 takeaways from depressing loss to App State

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Sep 10, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers running back Ahmani Marshall (3) rushes for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The defense is not the problem here

Many will say that the defense didn’t do what they were supposed to do in this one. If they played like App State’s week 1 opponent and allowed 40 points in the fourth quarter, then I may agree. However, I am not blaming a unit that was on the field for more than 40 minutes of a 60-minute game and held the opposing offense to 17 points. That is not a defensive problem.

Would a turnover have been nice? Helpful even? Of course, but this is the bright spot of this loss. Look for this unit and the underclassmen on it to continue to get better as the season goes on. However, if the offense doesn’t figure it out, it won’t matter. The defense, I think, is mostly SEC-ready. It’s the offense that isn’t.

If you are waiting for the mass exodus of players to the transfer portal after this one, especially on the defensive side of the ball, it won’t be happening. This is a strong unit, they just need the support of an offense that can balance their intensity.

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