Texas A&M 31, UCLA 24
Here are the biggest takeaways and highest-graded players from Texas A&M’s 31-24 overtime victory against UCLA.
Texas A&M Aggies
QB Trevor Knight does enough to earn Aggies the win
It wasn’t a top-notch performance from new transfer QB Trevor Knight, but it was enough to help the Aggies beat the ranked Bruins. Knight was 20 of 39 (51.3 percent) for 213 yards with one TD and one interception. The Aggies will need more from Knight as a passer to compete with the elite SEC teams going forward, but he made enough plays in this one and took advantage of the Aggies' skill-position players to earn the win.
Top offensive grades:
OG Connor Lanfear
C Erik McCoy
OT Jermaine Eluemunor
WR Josh Reynolds
WR Christian Kirk
Christian Kirk is still the Aggies' top playmaker
Christian Kirk caught eight of his 10 targets for 58 yards, and while it wasn't a huge performance, he continues to be the Aggies’ best playmaker on offense. 48 of those yards came after the catch, and he forced an impressive three missed tackles. (See his stat graphic below.) RB Trayveon Williams was able to provide the Aggies’ offense with some spark, as he averaged 6.3 yards per carry and forced three missed tackles on his 15 carries.
Top defensive grades:
ED Myles Garrett
DT Zaycoven Henderson
LB Otaro Alaka
DT Kingsley Keke
LB Richard Moore
Myles Garrett proves he's the nation’s top defender
Myles Garrett terrorized the Bruins’ offensive line all day to the tune of one sack, three hits and seven hurries. Garrett was consistently able to generate pressure early in plays and forced Rosen to make quick throws. He earned a higher grade versus the Bruins than he did in any single game last season. Fellow defensive ends Kingsley Keke and Daeshon Hall also were productive as pass-rushers, generating one sack, two hurries and two hits, two hurries respectively.
UCLA Bruins
Josh Rosen disappoints in first game of the year
Rosen struggled against Texas A&M with late throws and bad decisions, but he was also derailed by questionable pass protection and key drops. Rosen looked rusty and at times over-confident in his ability, but still made some “wow” throws. He finished the day 27 of 48 (56.3 percent) for 346 yards, one TD and two interceptions. We're expecting Rosen to take the next step in his development towards future NFL starter and not suffer a sophomore slump, so hopefully he has a rebound game in Week 2. Here's a deeper look at his passing numbers:
Top offensive grades:
RB Soso Jamabo
TE Austin Roberts
FB Ainuu Taua
RB Bolu Ulorunfunmi
WR Eldridge Massington
Offense fails to protect Josh Rosen
The Bruins' new offense showed their newfound commitment to the run game, but failed to give their quarterback time to operate most of the day. Running back Soso Jamabo looked strong running the ball (averaging four yards per carry and forcing three missed tackles) but allowed too much pressure in pass protection. The Bruins' offensive line also struggled to keep Aggies’ defenders off of Rosen.
Top defensive grades:
DT Eddie Vanderdoes
S Adarius Pickett
LB Kenny Young
ED Takkarist McKinley
S Jaleel Wadood
Eddie Vanderdoes is dominant in his return
Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes missed almost all of last season with a knee injury, and beat up the Aggies’ offensive line all day like a man who missed playing the game. Vanderdoes had five QB hurries and four defensive stops. DE Takkarist McKinley suffered a groin injury in the second quarter but was playing well up that point with one QB hit and two defensive stops.