GigEmNation writer Sam Khan Jr. chatted with readers on Friday about Texas A&M football and recruiting. Here's the full transcript of the chat. After their season-opening 20-17 loss to Florida last week, the Aggies travel to Dallas to take on SMU on Saturday.
Brandon (Austin): As a fan...how worried should I be about the same second-half problems from last year?
Sam Khan Jr.: Brandon, I wouldn't get concerned about it just yet. Last week's second half wasn't "a collapse" per se. It was a close game where the offense just couldn't get it going. The defense fared well, whereas last year I know the defense had its struggles in the second half. Unless you see something that looks like one of last year's games, I wouldn't get too concerned.
Tim (Harlingen): Which wide receiver do you predict will step up the most this week? They had trouble getting open in the second half last week, but we know Swope is a proven playmaker, and Mike Evans and Thomas Johnson showed flashes against Florida. This is a prime game for one of them to put up big stats.
Sam Khan Jr.: Tim, I really think you're going to see Ryan Swope have a big game this week. He had more than 100 receiving yards last year against SMU and they tried to get him the ball last week but Florida did a good job of limiting him (five catches, 16 yards). I'm sure he's anxious to get back on the field. I wouldn't be shocked to see Mike Evans put up big numbers, either; they clearly tried to get him the ball last week and he has a good mix of size and speed. Thomas Johnson, I think, is going to be a big-time player for the Aggies, but I don't know if he'll have a "breakout" game this week.
Clayton (Midland): Do you think we'll see a different look from the offense against SMU, such as fewer trick plays, more pounding the rock and downfield passing? Will it work?
Sam Khan Jr.: Clayton,I don't know that we'll see a "different" look per se, but I think you'll definitely see the Aggies attack more downfield. Much of that will come with experience for QB Johnny Manziel. As he gains more game experience, he'll get more comfortable progressing through reads and getting the ball downfield. And I definitely expect to see Texas A&M continue to run the ball. They did against Florida; it just got shut down in the second half.