Know the Foe: Texas A&M Aggies
Nothing.
That’s what Texas A&M has proved this year, at least to this blogger. That doesn’t mean they aren’t to be respected. They still boast an undefeated record, but the Aggies have been less than impressive this year. They drubbed Stephen F Austin and handled Louisiana Tech easily as expected. It was game three on their schedule that has Aggie faithful worried. A&M trailed Florida International, an FCS school 20-6 going into the final quarter of the game. It took three scores during that quarter to escape an upset that would have been embarrassing to such a proud program. But that brings us back to…
Nothing.
QB Jerrod Johnson will be looking to avenge last year's 36-31 loss.
That’s exactly what any of that has to do with the game in Stillwater this Thursday night, in front of the Sea of Orange and an even larger nation-wide audience tuning in to ESPN. The Aggies will be seeking revenge and they have quite an impressive offensive attack themselves. QB Jerrod Johnson, overrated by many of the national media, is a very athletic QB that can elude defenses and rack up the rushing yards too. A&M has two quality running backs in Christine Michael and Cyrus Gray. Johnson is not the best passer, but is dangerous out of the pocket looking to find favorite targets Ryan Swope and Jeff Fuller. While the Aggies prefer to grind it out on the ground, they’re not afraid to air it out against a defense that stacks the box. The Aggies’ young offensive line is suspect having given up an average of just over 3 sacks a game.
Miller is strong & quick off the corner.
Defensively, Texas A&M has always been tough. Future NFL’er Von Miller is hardly having the stellar season he had last year, but he is a speed-power combination player that will be tracking Kendall Hunter and hunting Brandon Weeden’s head. The Cowboys will have their hands full stopping him. A&M will have more athleticism than any defense the Pokes have played so far. A&M has recovered 10 fumbles in 3 games, picked off 4 passes, and notched 4 sacks (3 of those by Damontre Moore). The hawk the ball and, therefore, leave themselves open to giving up big plays. The Cowboys have to protect the ball and keep this edition of the Wrecking Crew defense on the field.
In the special teams, Dustin Harris is a dangerous punt returner for the Ags. A&M does not boast a great kicking game hitting only 75% of field goals including 2 misses within 40 yards, punting under 39 yards per boot, and never kicking off for a touchback. Cowboys returner Justin Gilbert may finally get his chance to take one to the house.
My prediction: OSU 41, Texas A&M 30. I predict that the Pokes passing game will generate a solid halftime lead similar to 28-10. However, Texas A&M is a strong second half team, so the Cowboys have to keep the pedal mashed down to the metal even if they jump out in front early. Gundy & Holgerson will wisely use their stable of tailbacks and the short passing game to manage the clock and stay in front of an Aggie squad that won’t quit.
