Texas A&M Enters 'The Swamp,' Comes Out With Victory

© Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Texas A&M Aggies (2-1) defeated the Florida Gators (1-2) 33-20 on Sept. 14 in an enthralling matchup at "The Swamp" in Gainesville, Fla. Entering the game, both teams had question marks at quarterback. The Gators have not one but two decent quarterbacks in Graham Mertz and D.J. Lagway. The question was how much playing time each would get against the Aggies.

For the Aggies, starting QB Conner Weigman was a game-time decision. In the end, the Gators played both Mertz and Lagway and the Aggies started backup Marcel Reed. Reed immediately became the Gators' worst nightmare. His ability to run the football as well as to pass was a challenge for the Gators' defense.

The Aggies' top performers came from the offensive side of the ball. Reed and running back Le'Veon Moss had field days against the Gators' defense, who struggled against the Aggies' rushing attack, no matter who they faced. Reed finished with 178 passing yards and 83 yards rushing. Moss rushed for 110 yards. Aggies wide receiver Cyrus Allen finished with 3 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.

On the Gators' side, things were much bleaker. Mertz was 12-for-15 passing with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Lagway came back to Earth against Texas A&M, going 6-for-13 in the passing department. Lagway also had 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Elijhah Badger had 5 catches for 94 yards and 1 touchdown. Chimere Dike nearly matched that with 91 yards.

Turning Points for Texas A&M

The moment of the game comes from the game's very first drive. Reed and the Aggies originally were shut down for the first two plays of the drive. The Gators had Texas A&M 21 yards away from the first down. Naturally, the Aggies dialed up a pass play. However, Reed decided to scramble. He ran for 31 yards. The Aggies scored a field goal on the drive, but it gave Reed, a redshiert freshman, a significant amount of confidence. That series decided the game.

© Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The second moment of the game was a 47-minute lightning delay perfectly placed at the end of the first quarter. When the delay was over, Lagway wasn't able to make anything happen on the drive as he was pressured every time. This put Gators' fans hopes on ice.

Looking Ahead

For the Gators, a win here was crucial. With the loss, it seems that Florida is looking at another lost season already and we haven't hit November yet. Every game they play from here on out is against difficult opponents. Last week, they saw the raw, natural talent of Lagway on display against Samford. Now, they just have to take it one week at a time and put their best foot forward.

Next on their schedule is a tough Mississippi State team. After that, they return home to face Central Florida. Then, Floridas face off with the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, Tenn. Every game will be critical for Florida if they want to turn the season around.

For Texas A&M, the win was huge for the Aggies as it gets them back on schedule for the rest of their season. The Aggies' upcoming schedule includes Bowling Green, a team they should beat; Arkansas, another potential win; and No. 6 Missouri. The Missouri game will be a tough ask as they have been one of the most consistent teams in the country so far.