Texas A&M drops 3 spots in ESPN's CFB Power Rankings before Week 2

Texas A&M's 50-0 shutout win over Missouri State was impressive, especially the Aggies' defense, which allowed just 67 yards, including 30 passing yards, while starting quarterback Marcel Reed completed 21/30 for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns, combined with 236 rushing yards and three scores. However, A&M's offensive line, featuring four new starters, struggled out of the gate.

Thanks to Mike Elko and OL coach Adam Cushing's second-half adjustments, the O-line looked much better after halftime, opening up holes in the running game while protecting Marcel Reed and backup QB Brady Hart for the rest of the game. This weekend, the Aggies will host Arizona State for the first time in 11 seasons, and, on paper, this is a tough matchup to predict, no matter how large a betting favorite A&M is.

Nationally, Texas A&M's early offensive line issues, paired with new OC Holmon Wiggins being a first-time play-caller, resulted in the Aggies dropping three spots in ESPN's College Football Power Rankings after Week 1, going from No. 11 to 14, as writer David Hale isn't completely sold on A&M's offensive line finding consistency before facing Arizona State, but after the second-half turnover vs. Missouri State, it's okay to feel hopeful.

"The O-line might be OK. There was a lot of turnover up front for the Aggies this offseason, and when Week 1 kicked off against Missouri State, it appeared early as if there'd be some serious growing pains. In the first quarter, Marcel Reed was sacked twice, forced to scramble amid pressure twice more, and the Aggies were flagged for a false start. But things clicked into place after that. A&M ran for 150 yards in the second half, and Missouri State's defense didn't sniff Reed in the backfield again, as the Aggies cruised to a 50-0 win."

Texas A&M's passing attack must produce more explosive plays, especially transfer WR Isaiah Horton, who led the Aggies in receiving, and will go against Arizona State's cornerback rotation without a player taller than 6'0". Combined with A&M's defense preventing explosive plays and tackling in space, I'm confident the Aggies will enter Sunday at 2-0.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M drops 3 spots in ESPN's CFB Power Rankings before Week 2