Frustrated Texas A&M Aggies Head Into Bye Week With Improvements to Make
Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Max Johnson is reportedly "good to go" after taking a couple of big hits during his team's road matchup against Tennessee, which is good news for coach Jimbo Fisher and company.
But the Aggies are now on a two-game losing streak against two opponents they had circled at the beginning of the season. Their season has turned on its head and suddenly, the conversation has turned from whether or not they'd compete in the SEC to whether or not they'd have a repeat of last year, which is anything but good news.
Entering their game against Tennessee, the Aggies had a goal in mind: winning. But while that's the same week-to-week, there was added pressure and motivation to bounce back from a devastating Alabama loss.
The Aggies had to win if they wanted to keep any of their hopes alive. But they didn't.
"It's frustrating going into the bye week like this," Johnsons said. "But I know our guys will never give up. We have to get back to work and fix the things we didn't do right."
Tennessee defensive lineman Roman Harrison (30) face masks Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson (14) during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, October 14, 2023 in Knoxville, Tenn.
© Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Johnson and the Aggies found early success on offense, turning their first offensive drive into a methodical touchdown drive that took nine plays and four minutes.
Little did they know, that would be their last touchdown of the day.
"We've just got to finish drives," Johnson said. "I thought we moved the ball pretty good. That's the honest truth. We weren't pressed until the very end when we had to throw the ball every down."
So, add finishing drives to Texas A&M's list of bye-week improvements to make. On their last three offensive drives, the Aggies missed a field goal and tallied two interceptions. They had ample opportunity to take a lead late in the game and come away with their first true road-game win in eight tries, but they didn't.
Johnson took credit for his team's play, however, as he's done in the past.
"They're in my face (defensive lineman)," the quarterback said. "But I've got to make the throws. Our offensive line did a good job. I just have to be better."
As much as the Aggies will be focusing on improving during their week "off," so will their starting quarterback. And not to mention their coach, who already said he'd be working on coaching better. So, it'll be an all-around effort for Texas A&M.
Yes, losing two straight stings for the Aggies, and yes, they can all but say goodbye to the SEC West and the College Football Playoff... based on history, at least.
But the season isn't over. If Texas A&M wants to build momentum for its young stars and finish strong, its bye week will be important. So will improving.
And according to Johnson, the Aggies are ready to do both of those things.
