College Station, TX, September 3, 2025
News Summary
In their 2025 season opener, the Texas A&M Aggies secured a 42-24 victory against the UTSA Roadrunners. Despite the win, concerns arose due to the team’s struggling rushing attack, recording only 108 rushing yards. Quarterback Marcel Reed shined with 289 passing yards and four touchdowns, while the defense faced challenges, allowing significant rushing gains. As they look ahead to their next game against Utah State, the Aggies aim to bolster their ground game and maintain their aerial success.
College Station, Texas — Texas A&M Aggies Overcome UTSA in Season Opener Despite Rushing Woes
The Texas A&M Aggies commenced their 2025 football season with a 42-24 victory against the UTSA Roadrunners on Saturday, August 30. However, the team’s performance showcased significant challenges in their rushing attack, raising concerns for future games.
Against UTSA, the Aggies executed 22 rushing attempts for a total of 108 rushing yards, which positions them near the bottom of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for rushing offense. In stark contrast, the team had averaged 195.5 rushing yards per game in the previous season, ranking second in the SEC during 2024.
In their season opener, the Aggies also opted for a majority passing strategy, attempting 36 passes compared to their 22 rushing attempts. This decision reflects the team’s effort to bolster their offense through the air when the ground game struggled to gain traction.
Offensive Line Depth and Performance
Head coach Mike Elko emphasized the importance of having depth within the offensive line, as injuries are likely to arise throughout the season. The Aggies returned seven offensive linemen from last year, considered a strength of the team.
In the match against UTSA, ten different offensive linemen participated, contributing to the overall performance. The starting lineup consisted of Trey Zuhn III, Chase Bisontis, Mark Nabou Jr., Ar’maj Reed-Adams, and Dametrious Crownover, with reserve players including Robert Bourdon, Lamont Rogers, Tyler Thomas, Ashton Funk, Koli Faaiu, and Blake Ivey who collectively played 54 snaps.
Performance metrics from Pro Football Focus highlighted Robert Bourdon as the top-rated offensive lineman with a grade of 74.6. Trey Zuhn followed closely with a grade of 71.9. Notably, Ar’maj Reed-Adams excelled in run-blocking with a rating of 74.0, although his pass-blocking rating at 54.6 was concerning.
An injury update revealed that Reuben Fatheree II, a critical swing tackle for the squad, is expected to miss several weeks due to a knee injury.
Strong Passing Game and Defensive Challenges
Despite the rushing issues, the Aggies found success in their passing game; quarterback Marcel Reed threw for 289 yards and achieved a career-high of four touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion had a standout performance, scoring a touchdown reception and notably returning a punt for a touchdown. Mario Craver also shone bright with 122 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
On the defensive side, the Aggies faced difficulties as they allowed 177 rushing yards to UTSA’s running back Robert Henry Jr., who contributed two touchdowns for the Roadrunners. However, the Aggies’ defense managed to avoid allowing any sacks during the game.
Looking Ahead
As Texas A&M prepares to host Utah State in Week 2, the coaching staff is focused on utilizing their offensive line’s depth to address rushing challenges and enhance overall competitiveness. The Aggies aim to improve their rushing offensive stats while seeking to build on their successful air attack from their season opener.
Key Player Stats
| Player | Position | Passing/Yardage | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcel Reed | Quarterback | 289 yards | 4 |
| KC Concepcion | Wide Receiver | N/A | 1 (Receiving) + 1 (Punt Return) |
| Mario Craver | Wide Receiver | 122 yards | 2 |
FAQ
What was the final score of the game between Texas A&M and UTSA?
Texas A&M won the game with a score of 42-24.
How many rushing yards did Texas A&M gain in their season opener?
The Aggies gained 108 rushing yards against UTSA.
Who was the standout player for Texas A&M on offense?
Quarterback Marcel Reed stood out with 289 passing yards and four touchdowns.
What challenges did the Aggies face in their rushing game?
The Aggies struggled in their rushing attack, resulting in them ranking near the bottom of the SEC for rushing offense after the game.
When does Texas A&M play their next game?
The Aggies are set to host Utah State in Week 2 of the season.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M Aggies football
- GigEm Gazette
- Google Search: Texas A&M Aggies vs UTSA
- Scarlet and Game
- Google Scholar: Texas A&M Aggies football
- Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas A&M Aggies football
- Aggies Wire
- Google News: Texas A&M Aggies football
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