By the Numbers: Texas A&M 24, Nicholls State 14

393. Total offense in this game. To only roll up a total like this against an FCS squad is beyond inadequate. To call this output sluggish is an insult to sloths who have just eaten multiple Thanksgiving meals and chased them with horse tranquilizers washed down with a gallon of chamomile tea while reclining in hammocks and listening to a slow cafe music playlist.

NOT DONE HERE. You have to go back to last November to find a lower offensive output against Nicholls State. That one was courtesy of The University of Central Arkansas. Their last two opponents, Southeastern Louisiana and McNeese State, both broke the 400 yard mark. This offense is in tatters at this point. Just in case you forgot.

119. Christian Kirk all-purpose. When the offense is struggling to even define the word “identity” in the dictionary, much less embrace one, it’s always a good idea to put the ball in the hands of one of college football’s most dynamic playmakers if you have one lying around. Kirk had 119 total AP yards on six catches, one carry, and a pair of kickoff returns. More touches, please?

97. How about the third-string RB leading the team in rushing? Kendall Bussey made the most of his opportunity Saturday. This position is now the clear bright spot on the offensive side of the ball.

48. Tripucka’s punting average on six kicks. He nailed three over 50 with a long of 61 and put a pair inside the 20. If ever there were a year we really needed a trademark Aggie Punting Weapon, this is it.

25%. The defense held Nicholls to 3/12 on third down efficiency. That’s good! All three conversions came on the same scoring drive at the end of the first half, including a third-and-nine and a third-and-fifteen. That’s bad!

#25. Dodson. Three tackles, a sack, an interception, and a QB hurry. Finally seeing some signs of life at the MLB position.

#23. Watts again. A half-dozen tackles, one behind the line, and a forced fumble. Watts has 2 forced fumbles on the season, marking the third straight season he’s forced multiple fumbles.

11. Number of Aggies with a reception. When compared to the total from the UCLA game (3) this number jumps out. But whether or not it’s by design or just a by-product of having a veteran passer like Hubenak back in the action remains to be seen.

2. Look who it is! Daylon Mack led the team with a pair of tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Unfortunately that was like half of the team’s total in that department.

0. The Aggies still have yet to turn the ball over this season. So, uh, gold star for us.

IN SUM: Offense still has a long way to go. Defense, it’s hard to tell, but there were bright and dull spots, as usual. Special teams missed a 52-yard FG, but otherwise seemed okay.

Expect much of the same next week against Louisiana-Lafayette. Eat at Arby’s.