Texas A&M football vs. Bowling Green grades: 2 groups get a C, but who got an A?

The Texas A&M football team earned its third win on Saturday, defeating Bowling Green 26-20. And they did it again without their starting quarterback from Week 1.

Instead, Marcel Reed started his second game in as many weeks. Things may not have gone as smoothly for the Aggies as they did last week in the Swamp against the Florida Gators, but Reed and Co. found a way to get the job done and improve their record in Week 4.

3 RESULTS: Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed wants to keep QB1 job; defense does just enough

Next, Texas A&M (3-1, 1-0 SEC) heads to AT&T Stadium for a matchup against the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-1).

Here’s how the Aggies performed on Saturday:

Quarterbacks: B+

There was far less mystery surrounding the quarterback position this week, as coach Mike Elko alluded to Conner Weigman playing “week to week” in a call with reporters on Monday, setting the stage for Reed to once again be named at quarterback.

Reed wasn't as clean this time, completing 16 of 29 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns and managing 12 runs for 91 yards on the ground. Despite some mistakes and stalled drives, it's clear that Reed brings a unique element to this offense.

FULL SUMMARY: Texas A&M Aggies beat Falcons and improve to 3-1

Running backs: B

Led by Le'Veon Moss, this group was efficient but not particularly dynamic. The running game is bolstered by Reed's legs, but the running backs overall were more steady than flashy, and that's OK. Moss managed 90 yards on 16 carries, while the rest of the group combined for 56 yards. They fought hard and converted first downs, and that may be the most important thing to take away about them on Saturday night.

Recipient: C+

The grade for the wide receivers is a reflection of the passing game as a whole. At times it seemed to be in rhythm, at other times it stagnated and couldn't find consistency. Seven receivers caught passes, totaling 16 receptions and 173 yards.

Noah Thomas led the team with five catches (38 yards) and Jahdae Walker led the team with 45 yards (three catches). It seems like this group will continue to develop just as Reed has.

Attack line: B-

Bowling Green made it tough for the big guys at times. Concentrating on running despite BGSU's eight-man front line is difficult for any group. However, the O-line held Reed upright and Moss and Co. were able to be productive on the ground, gaining more than 5 yards per run. That feels like a win for a group plagued by injuries. A&M has already lost its starting center and two more linemen left the field on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Texas A&M OL TJ Shanahan leaves the game against Bowling Green

Defensive line: C+

Edge Nic Scourton summed it up best after the game in a conversation with reporters: The defensive line played too “loosely” at times and was unable to achieve its self-imposed goals. Shemar Turner and Shemar Stewart were the highlights of the group with one sack each.

Bowling Green managed to make running and passing plays that allowed them to stay in the game until the end. The Falcons scored 14 points in the third quarter thanks to some great plays. If A&M wants to take this season to a new level, Scourton knows he and his group mates will have to step up their game.

Linebackers: A

Taurean York and his teammates fly to the ball and make plays in open space, and that's what they did all night against Bowling Green. York and Scooby Williams combined for 13 tackles and set the tone all game, battling to make stops and keep the Falcons at bay. This is a young and exciting group, and that's exactly what they showed on Saturday night.

Defensive Back: B

The Aggie defensive backs had their hands full all game. Starting safety Bryce Anderson had a tough assignment against Harold Fannin Jr. early in the game. Fannin finished the game with eight receptions, 145 receiving yards, and a touchdown, continuing his trend of being Bowling Green's most trusted target.

The better news for the group is that Bowling Green's wideouts combined to catch only four balls, as running backs and tight ends were the most targeted.

Special Teams: A

Kicker Randy Bond and the Aggies' special teams unit performed outstandingly on Saturday. Bond finished the night with 4 of 4 field goals from 42, 34, 29 and 28 yards that were crucial to their win. Reliable special teams are paramount to a team's success and without that group tonight, the Aggies may not have accomplished their task.

Coach: B+

Week 4 was another excellent performance from Elko's team. Facing a fierce opponent with nothing to lose and overcoming them with an inexperienced backup quarterback is no easy task. The offense stayed on schedule for the most part and outside of the third quarter, the defense faltered at times but kept the Falcons out of the end zone.

Even though it didn't look like it the whole time (with five penalties in the first half and a lost fumble), A&M found a way to win.

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This article originally appeared in the Austin American-Statesman: Texas A&M vs. Bowling Green: Aggies grade for Week 4 win