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Here is everything we learned from Texas A&M's 52-10 win over McNeese State

Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Le'Veon Moss (8) runs the ball during the first quarter against the McNeese State Cowboys at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Le'Veon Moss (8) runs the ball during the first quarter against the McNeese State Cowboys at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko should feel, well, okay about the Aggies' performance on Saturday afternoon after defeating McNeese State 52-10, earning his first victory with the program while making some progress on offense after scoring on eight consecutive drives for the first time since the 2011 season.

Taking center stage, starting quarterback Conner Weigman looked to improve from his career-low performance in A&M's week 1 loss to Notre Dame. The redshirt sophomore was pulled after two quarters due to the Aggie's comfortable lead, finishing the day with 125 yards, two touchdowns through the air, and 39 yards rushing.

Defensively, A&M's secondary continued to look the part, limiting McNeese State passers to 99 yards and only one touchdown while recording two interceptions and three pass deflections. Both interceptions were A&M's first turnovers of the season. Wanting to keep things vanilla on both sides of the ball, especially on offense, Texas A&M accomplished what they set out to do, as the focus now shifts to Florida.

Here are five takeaways from the game.

5. Texas A&M's offensive line continues to improve

Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive linemen start a play against the McNeese State Cowboys during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive linemen start a play against the McNeese State Cowboys during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

It took a couple of seasons and hiring new O-line coach Adam Cushing, but Texas A&M's offensive line has substantially improved compared to where they were last season.

In two games, any mistake Conner Weigman has made has been of his own doing, as the line has only given up one sack, while the run game has also benefited after rushing for 333 yards on Saturday, including five touchdowns.

After starting center Mark Nabou's season-ending injury was announced, backup Koli Faaiu has been more than serviceable thus far.

4. Texas A&M's secondary looks like a team strength

Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Jayvon Thomas (14) looks to tackle McNeese State Cowboys running back D'Angelo Durham (1) during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Jayvon Thomas (14) looks to tackle McNeese State Cowboys running back D'Angelo Durham (1) during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

For Aggie fans who wanted to find a silver lining in last weekend's loss to Notre Dame, Texas A&M's secondary, both cornerbacks and safeties, has become a notable strength for Mike Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, especially with senior CB Will Lee III now on the team.

Recording his first interception of the year, Lee has continued to look like a shutdown corner. In contrast, former San Diego State safety Marcus Ratcliffe continued to make plays, recording his first interception with the program. Elko's work in the transfer portal this offseason has paid off, as the increase in size and speed on the boundary should continue to benefit the Aggies in SEC play.

3. Texas A&M's running game starts, and ends with RB Le'Veon Moss

For Texas A&M to succeed consistently, having a balanced offensive tackle is the key to reeling off wins if the defense can continue doing its part. While Conner Weigman needs to continue improving, the Aggie run game showed just how good it can be on Saturday, led by junior back Le'Veon Moss.

Leading the group on Saturday, Moss ripped off huge gains throughout the first half, running for 84 yards and two touchdowns. He showed off his second-level agility and power after rushing for 70 tough yards and a touchdown against Notre Dame.

With EJ Smith out on Saturday, fellow junior back Amari Daniels was also impressive, running for 75 yards and two touchdowns on the night. So far, so good.

2. It might be time to reshuffle the wide receiver rotation

Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Le'Veon Moss (8) runs the ball while wide receiver Noah Thomas (3) blocks McNeese State Cowboys defensive back Levi Wyatt (2) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Le'Veon Moss (8) runs the ball while wide receiver Noah Thomas (3) blocks McNeese State Cowboys defensive back Levi Wyatt (2) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

Despite an efficient day through the air, Texas A&M's starting wide receivers failed to gain consistent separation in their route, as the lack of top-end speed and quickness could continue to be an issue against even tougher secondaries.

Yes, junior wide receiver Noah Thomas caused his first touchdown on the season, but it was on a fade route in the endzone to take advantage of his length and catch radius. Unsurprisingly, former La Tech WR Cyrus Allen, one of A&M's quicker receivers, led the game with 72 receiving yards.

However, the roster isn't depleted of other options, as the second unit saw freshmen wide receivers Izaiah Williams and Ashton Bethel-Roman pick up big games on just two catches while looking fluid in their routes. Still, the name to watch is senior WR Moose Muhammad, who caught his first touchdown of the season on Saturday. If Muhammad continues to practice well, he could easily become Weigman's go-to target.

Oh, and don't forget about freshman Terry Bussey, who scored his first Aggie touchdown on a 65-yards jet sweep. Get the ball in this young man's hands.

1. Texas A&M's pass rush has been quitely underwhelming

Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Josh Celiscar (94) makes a tackle during the fourth quarter against the McNeese State Cowboys at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Josh Celiscar (94) makes a tackle during the fourth quarter against the McNeese State Cowboys at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

It's early in the season, and I truly believe that this group will get better, but in two games, Texas A&M's pass rush has recorded just one sack and two tackles for loss, while seven came against Notre Dame.

With all the preseason hype, Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart combined for one tackle against McNeese State. The Aggie defensive ends failed to reach the quarterback, which was covered up by the blowout score.

Senior defensive tackle Shemar Stewart had a solid day with two tackles and a tackle for loss. Still, the player that needs to continue to see the field is sophomore DE Rylan Kennedy, who was tied on the defensive line with four tackles. More is needed from this group on the road against Florida next Saturday.

To be fair, McNeese State did only attempt 21 passes.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Here is everything we learned from Texas A&M's 52-10 win over McNeese State