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COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) – In his first year at Texas A & M, one of the things coach Jimbo Fisher has benefited the most is quarterback Kellen Mond, who is growing and developing week week.
"It's just fun to watch," Fisher said. "The questions he asks, the thoughts he has and … he's really having fun right now and he's learning."
Mond played another important game on Saturday night, winning two touchdowns and winning a third game to give Texas A & M a 48-10 win over Louisiana-Monroe.
Fisher is thrilled with Mond's growth not only physically but also mentally.
"He understands the game," said Fisher. "He's learning about the game. He's doing a great job right now, playing some really good football. Playing smart football is what excites me.
Mond made a 7-yard run in the second quarter and the Aggies made a blocked touch attempt to establish a 24-10 lead at halftime.
Mond scrambled nine yards and jumped into the end zone for his second score in the third quarter to extend the lead to 21 points. He made a connection with Jace Sternberger on a 20-yard touchdown pass, which allowed him to reach the score of 41-10 with about eight minutes.
Trayveon Williams rushed for 128 yards and the Texas A & M (2-1) rebounded after losing to No. 2 Clemson 28-26 last week.
"We have taken a new step and we have improved in some areas," said Fisher. "But we must continue to grow."
Mond, who rushed for 430 yards on the ground last week, finished with 210 passing yards and 67 rushing yards.
Caleb Evans had 225 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception for Louisiana-Monroe (2-1).
"We have not really done enough offense," said Louisiana-Monroe coach Matt Viator. "Defensively, I thought we were staying there, but we continued to give them the ball quickly or later."
Although his team finished with just five penalties for 55 yards, Fisher was told that the Aggies needed to clean up.
"We can not have these penalties against the people we are ready to play," he said. "It was critical penalties. Any penalty is too important. We must fix it. "
The Aggies took a 7-0 lead over a 2-yard touchdown led by Williams on their first possession. He had five runs for 49 yards to propel the drive.
Louisiana-Monroe added a goal on the field before Mond's first touchdown, where he fired two defensemen with him in the end zone, pushed the lead to 14-3 early in the second quarter.
ULM used a 44-yard Marcus Green reception to penetrate deep into Texas A & M territory, but the Warhawks left empty-handed when Daylon Mack blocked a goal attempt and Tyrel Dodson returned 78 yards for a touch. -3. Mack's block sent him directly into Dodson's hands and he was able to hit the ground intact.
Evans then orchestrated another long drive to Louisiana-Monroe, with a 34-yard run. The Warhawks were 24-10 at half-time when they cleared the course with a 2-yard pass against the referee. Turner with four seconds remaining in the second quarter.
THE TAKEAWAY
Louisiana-Monroe: Evans made the ball move at times, but struggled to finish his training and the Warhawks will need him to be more consistent as the conference game starts next week.
Texas A & M: The Aggies performed well on Saturday night, but they will have to eliminate penalties and other mental errors if they hope to compete with Alabama number 1 next week.
DOING EVERYTHING
Mond's teammates were not only impressed by the way he ran and threw the ball Saturday night. They were impressed by the fact that the quarterback even had some blocks to help others get extra yards.
"It just shows what kind of confidence he has and what kind of heart he has," said receiver Jhamon Ausbon. "It's just an example of his confidence and strength."
Does the practice make perfect?
Dodson grinned when asked what he thought when the ball fell directly into his hands on the blocked goal attempt.
"We practice this every day in practice and it never comes to me like that in practice," he laughed.
ROOM OF TRAINERS
Daniel LaCamera, the Texas A & M kicker, missed Saturday's game and Fisher said after the game that he would be out because of a "puncture at his feet". hit the six extra point attempts.
FOLLOWING
Louisiana-Monroe: The Warhawks open Sun Belt next Saturday when they will welcome Troy.
Texas A & M: The Aggies will play the first match of the Southeastern Conference when they visit Crimson Tide next Saturday.
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