On Monday, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko spoke to the media two days after A&M’s 52-10 win over McNeese State. At the same time, the focus has completely shifted to the Florida Gators, as the Aggies will travel to Gainsville for a Saturday afternoon showdown.
Even after the big victory, question marks regarding Texas A&M’s weak run defense, currently ranked 109th in rushing yards allowed, haven’t just been media talking, as Elko was asked about the issues with SEC play on the horizon.
“It has been terrible, to be honest.”
“Giving up 185 yards per game on the ground is certainly not where we want to be.”
Chunk plays were an issue starting with the loss to Notre Dame, as the Irish netted 136 rushing yards on just six carries, including a 47-yard go-ahead touchdown in the second half. Against McNeese, 128 rushing yards in the second half against mostly reserve defensive linemen looks like a lesser red flag.
However, recent history suggests that Elko should clean up these issues during his three-year stint as A&M’s defensive coordinator and his time as Duke’s head coach, finishing as a top-30 ranked unit outside of one season.
Last season, Texas A&M finished 13th in run defense under former defensive coordinator DJ Durkin. However, losing defensive starters like LB Edgerrin Cooper and McKinnley Jackson to the NFL has likely contributed to the drop-off.
For starting defensive end Shemar Stewart, physicality is the key to improving against the run, starting with setting the edge and playing with a high motor no matter the situation.
“It all begins up front. We try to pride ourselves on not having the ball being run on us. We don’t want the ball to get to the second level.”
“We will try to emphasize being more physical against the run.”
Defensive end Nic Scourton, who finished with 50 tackles during his final season with Purdue, possesses the size, strength, and position versatility to plug the gaps, force teams to pass, and help the pass rush finally make an impact this season.
Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.
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