Author: Jennifer Fierro

It wasn’t even that close. A 29-16 win by the Texas A&M Aggies over Auburn Sept. 17 doesn’t accurately tell how dominating the team in maroon and white was. But forcing Auburn to change quarterbacks illustrates how punishing the Aggies were throughout the contest. The Tigers simply had no answer for Myles Garrett, Amari Watts and their cohorts as they spent the better part of the night on the Auburn’s side of the line of scrimmage. Texas A&M displayed speed, the willingness to swarm to the football, and the eagerness…

The Bearcats could feel the upset when Alex Thomas intercepted a pass thrown by Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. in the end zone that was turned into a touchdown and a 16-12 in the third quarter of the contest Sept. 15. That feeling lasted all of three minutes, the amount of time it took for Ward to lead the Cougars on a 71-yard drive that ended when he scored on a 12-yard scamper on third-and-11 and a 19-16 lead Houston, ranked No. 6, never relinquished. It was the first of…

While most of the state’s powerhouses are playing can’t-miss games, they aren’t the only ones competing. Here is a list of other Texas-based squads taking the gridiron. Arizona State (2-0) at UTSA (1-1)  — The Roadrunners are facing the Sun Devils’ high-octane offense, the same unit that scored often in ASU’s 68-55 win over Texas Tech last week. Running back Kalen Ballage scored eight touchdowns in the contest to tie an NCAA record. On the season, he has 23 rushes for 193 yards and eight touchdowns and four receptions for…

The Houston Cougars are bracing a much better challenge this week when they face Cincinnati at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 on ESPN. Both teams are entering the contest with 2-0 records. The Bearcats beat Tennessee-Martin 28-7 and Purdue 38-20. Cougars coach Tom Herman said he expects to face a much improved Cincinnati opponent with better defensive linemen and safeties. “They seem to be a little bit more sound in what they’re doing,” he said. “They’re in the right places at the right time on defense.” The Bearcats are led by…

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said playing a ranked opponent to begin the 2016 season got his team’s attention for weeks leading up to the win over UCLA. Now that the Aggies (2-0) are starting Southeastern Conference play, Sumlin said he is looking for the same sense of urgency as they travel to Auburn for a 6 p.m. kickoff Sept. 17 on ESPN. “Got to continue to play at level that gives us a chance to win,” Sumlin said. “Last two weeks liked how we approached the week and dealt…