clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Texas A&M Vs. SMU: Growing Pains For Johnny Manziel

Texas A&M's Freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel is learning the lessons that you would expect a freshman to learn after being handed the reins. He just got his first taste of those lessons at SEC speed during the team's 20-17 loss to Florida in its first game of the season.

Despite the fact that the Aggies lost that game, it was a very well played one overall for the Aggies and Manziel. He showed his duel-threat status by throwing solid balls and making plays with his speed, but was solved eventually by Florida and had a second half with a bit less luster.

It's the biggest growing pain he will likely face, the fact that he won't be the most dominant force on the field like he was in high school:

Manziel followed with a few mistakes. As much as Sumlin praised him, he also hinted at what Manziel couldn't do.

Among the things Manziel needs to learn, according to Sumlin: "You're not the fastest guy on the field anymore."

At Tivy, Manziel could escape the rush as long as he needed until he found a receiver. At times it was comical; he seemed to want the play to break down.

Manziel will get his second shot at a win in his young NCAA career when his Aggies face SMU on Saturday.

For more on Texas A&M, head over to Good Bull Hunting. More news and analysis about SMU can be found at SB Nation Dallas. Head over to SB Nation's NCAA Football hub for more on the world of college gridiron, and make sure to check out SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.