Texas A&M 31, UCLA 24

Here are the biggest takeaways and highest-graded players from Texas A&M’s 31-24 overtime victory against UCLA.

Texas A&M Aggies

QB Trevor Knight does enough to earn Aggies the win

It wasn’t a top-notch performance from new transfer QB Trevor Knight, but it was enough to help the Aggies beat the ranked Bruins. Knight was 20 of 39 (51.3 percent) for 213 yards with one TD and one interception. The Aggies will need more from Knight as a passer to compete with the elite SEC teams going forward, but he made enough plays in this one and took advantage of the Aggies' skill-position players to earn the win.

Top offensive grades:

OG Connor Lanfear

C Erik McCoy

OT Jermaine Eluemunor

WR Josh Reynolds

WR Christian Kirk

Christian Kirk is still the Aggies' top playmaker

Christian Kirk caught eight of his 10 targets for 58 yards, and while it wasn't a huge performance, he continues to be the Aggies’ best playmaker on offense. 48 of those yards came after the catch, and he forced an impressive three missed tackles. (See his stat graphic below.) RB Trayveon Williams was able to provide the Aggies’ offense with some spark, as he averaged 6.3 yards per carry and forced three missed tackles on his 15 carries.

Top defensive grades:

ED Myles Garrett

DT Zaycoven Henderson

LB Otaro Alaka

DT Kingsley Keke

LB Richard Moore

Myles Garrett proves he's the nation’s top defender

Myles Garrett terrorized the Bruins’ offensive line all day to the tune of one sack, three hits and seven hurries. Garrett was consistently able to generate pressure early in plays and forced Rosen to make quick throws. He earned a higher grade versus the Bruins than he did in any single game last season. Fellow defensive ends Kingsley Keke and Daeshon Hall also were productive as pass-rushers, generating one sack, two hurries and two hits, two hurries respectively.

UCLA Bruins

Josh Rosen disappoints in first game of the year

Rosen struggled against Texas A&M with late throws and bad decisions, but he was also derailed by questionable pass protection and key drops. Rosen looked rusty and at times over-confident in his ability, but still made some “wow” throws. He finished the day 27 of 48 (56.3 percent) for 346 yards, one TD and two interceptions. We're expecting Rosen to take the next step in his development towards future NFL starter and not suffer a sophomore slump, so hopefully he has a rebound game in Week 2. Here's a deeper look at his passing numbers:

Top offensive grades:

RB Soso Jamabo

TE Austin Roberts

FB Ainuu Taua

RB Bolu Ulorunfunmi

WR Eldridge Massington

Offense fails to protect Josh Rosen

The Bruins' new offense showed their newfound commitment to the run game, but failed to give their quarterback time to operate most of the day. Running back Soso Jamabo looked strong running the ball (averaging four yards per carry and forcing three missed tackles) but allowed too much pressure in pass protection. The Bruins' offensive line also struggled to keep Aggies’ defenders off of Rosen.

Top defensive grades:

DT Eddie Vanderdoes

S Adarius Pickett

LB Kenny Young

ED Takkarist McKinley

S Jaleel Wadood

Eddie Vanderdoes is dominant in his return

Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes missed almost all of last season with a knee injury, and beat up the Aggies’ offensive line all day like a man who missed playing the game. Vanderdoes had five QB hurries and four defensive stops. DE Takkarist McKinley suffered a groin injury in the second quarter but was playing well up that point with one QB hit and two defensive stops.