Here is everything we learned after Texas A&M's 34-17 win over Florida

No. 5 Texas A&M (6-0, 3-0 SEC) is now one of six undefeated teams in the SEC alongside Ohio State, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, BYU, and Indiana after defeating Florida (2-3, 1-2 SEC) 34-17 in what was another elite defensive performance, the Aggies' allowed just three points in the second half and 74 rushing yards on the game, while holding the Gators for just 1-10 on third down.

While the Aggie offense was lights out in the first half, starting quarterback Marcel Reed had his moments, including a perfectly placed 67-yard pass to transfer wide receiver Mario Craver, leading to the senior signal caller finding the endzone with his legs to tie the game at 7-7. After Florida tied the game at 14, senior running back Le'Veon Moss scored the final touchdown in the first half before exiting the game due to an ankle injury.

Texas A&M produced two field goals and a touchdown in the second half. At the same time, the defense continued to smother quarterback DJ Lagway, finishing with three sacks and six tackles for loss, while forcing two fumbles, including defensive end Dayon Hayes' game-sealing sack fumble late in the fourth quarter.

It's evident that the Aggies have flaws, like every team, but they continue to improve and dominate in the second half of every game. After committing 22 penalties over the last two games, Texas A&M finished with three flags on Saturday night.

Set to hit the road for three consecutive road games, here are five key takeaways from Texas A&M's 34-17 win over the Florida Gators.

Cashius Howell is playing like the most feared pass rusher in the country

Yes, we all know about Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr.. Still, Cashius Howell is looking like the best pass rusher in college football through six games, already producing eight sacks, including his one sack against Florida on Saturday night.

Not all sacks are created equal, and against the Gators, Howell was winning nearly every one-on-one matchup vs. Florida left tackle Austin Barber, chasing quarterback DJ Lagway throughout the night.

Howell's ability to bend and pursue has NFL scouts salivating over landing the former Bowling Green standout in the early rounds, as they now know he has the skillset to dominate against the best college football has to offer.

Texas A&M's third-down defense continues to frustrate opponents

Florida's offense drove the field in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead, and would later tie the game at 14. Outside of three points in the second half, that was the story of the Gators' offense. Why? Texas A&M's third-down defense allowed just one conversion on ten attempts.

Over the last three SEC games, Texas A&M's defense has allowed a combined 2-37 on third and fourth down, which, if you can do the mental math, comes out to five percent. Yes, that is considered elite by every definition.

This isn't surprising given the talent and experience at every level. Combined with what is now a violent and consistent pass rush, Mike Elko's play calling, and a secondary that understands leverage, opposing quarterbacks will continue to struggle on third and fourth down.

Next up is Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, who has given the Aggies headaches in the past.

QB Marcel Reed can continue to thank Texas A&M's offensive line

Marcel Reed finished 16/26 for 234 yards and two touchdowns, including a rushing touchdown that tied the game in the first quarter. All in all, Reed had a solid outing, as several of his incompletions were drops by his receivers, and after Florida's defensive line wreaked havoc on the Texas Longhorns' offensive line last weekend, Texas A&M's O-line did not allow a sack against the Gators' front.

Reed will (hopefully) continue to improve in the pocket. In contrast, A&M's offensive line has continued to dominate in the trenches, keeping the redshirt sophomore clean and opening enough holes on Saturday night for the rushing attack to produce 183 yards and three touchdowns.

For teams who believe they're good enough to compete for a National Championship, offensive line play, combined with a defense that produces consistent pressure and limits big plays, is the key to making a deep run. If Reed continues to get the blocking, his accuracy and confidence will continue to rise.

On the night, Texas A&M's offensive line did not allow a sack, hit, a negative play, and for the first time this season, zero penalties.

Texas A&M's linebacker room is as good as it gets

What a season it's been for junior linebacker Daymion Sanford, who, after replacing senior Scooby Williams during the first two SEC games, has been nothing short of spectacular, which continued on Saturday after recording eight tackles, while forcing the first of two fumbles, which was recovered by his LB counterpart, Taurean York.

While Williams eased his way back onto the field, playing just ten snaps, Sanford took the majority of the starting snaps and has yet to look like a player who shouldn't be on the field during key moments, especially on third down. York, whose elite instincts have kept the defense from giving up too many big plays, has sniffed out almost every running back or receiver screen drawn up.

York has the makings of becoming a future coach once his NFL career is over. With Sanford playing at such a high level, Mike Elko can trust his linebacker rotation to control the game in key situations. While the defensive line has kept this unit clean, the combined speed and athleticism will continue to cause headaches for opposing quarterbacks looking to make plays in the middle of the field.

Texas A&M's running back room is deep, and will need to be utilized moving forward

While we all await the news regarding senior running back Le'Veon Moss's injury status, Mike Elko and OC Collin Klein cannot repeat last season's 1-4 finish after Moss was lost for the year, knowing that the 2025 running back room is much deeper, which was seen during the second half against the Gators.

After rushing for 142 yards against Mississippi State, sophomore back Rueben Owens led the Aggies with 51 yards on the ground and a touchdown, but only averaged three yards per carry. Going against one of the better defensive lines in the SEC, this isn't surprising, but before Moss went out, he was averaging 9.2 yards per tote, including his 22-yard touchdown.

Moss is a difference maker, no doubt about it. However, if he misses time, Owens, Amari Daniels, EJ Smith, and, possibly, the running back to watch, freshman Jamarion Morrow, who reeled in his first career touchdown in the first half, are too electric and versatile to keep off the field. Elko and Klein have options.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M football's top takeaways from 34-17 win over Florida