Cashius Howell records three consecutive sacks as No. 19 Texas A&M beats Utah State

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M defensive lineman Cashius Howell recorded three consecutive quarterback sacks on three straight plays in the second quarter, a rare sequence that helped the No. 19 Aggies secure a 20-point victory over Utah State at Kyle Field.

The sequence began when Utah State had the ball at the Texas A&M 25-yard line. On the first play of the series, Howell powered past left tackle Jake Eichorn and brought down Utah State quarterback Bryson Barnes for a six-yard loss. On the very next snap, Howell again breached the line and sacked Barnes. On the third consecutive play, Howell beat Eichorn for a third time and dropped Barnes for an eight-yard loss, forcing a fourth down and producing a punt that ended the Aggies' promising drive.

Howell's surge was a defining moment for an Aggies defense that played a significant role in the team's second win of the young season. The play sequence not only stalled a Utah State drive deep in Aggies territory but also swung field position in Texas A&M's favor and helped preserve momentum that the home team carried throughout the contest.

The sacks were notable for their consistency — three straight successful pass rushes against the same blocker and quarterback — and drew attention for both Howell's technique and his persistence on the line. Utah State's offense, led by Barnes, was unable to convert on third downs during the series and ultimately had to punt, nullifying a potential scoring opportunity.

Texas A&M, ranked 19th in the nation, used a balanced offensive and defensive effort to build a multi-possession advantage en route to the 20-point margin. The Aggies' defensive front, with Howell at the forefront during that second-quarter sequence, repeatedly pressured Utah State and limited big plays that could have tightened the score.

Howell said afterward that he was surprised by the run of plays, describing the stretch as a moment that left him "a bit stunned." His performance drew praise from teammates and added to a growing narrative around Texas A&M's defensive depth early in the season.

Utah State was unable to respond consistently after that pivotal series, and the game slipped further away as the Aggies converted turnovers and sustained drives into points. The result provides Texas A&M a firmer footing in nonconference play and offers momentum to build on before the team begins its conference schedule.

Howell's three consecutive sacks stand out as an uncommon achievement in college football, where such immediate, repeated pressure on the quarterback across three plays is rare. The sequence will be a highlight as the Aggies prepare for upcoming opponents and seek to maintain their presence in national rankings.

The game took place at Kyle Field on Sept. 6, 2025, and featured several other notable defensive stops by Texas A&M; however, Howell's three-play run was the most decisive single stretch on the defensive side and a key turning point in the Aggies' 20-point win.