Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1 SEC) managed just 20 points in their Week 6 loss to a tough, No. 11 Alabama defense. The Aggies’ scoring output was far from their season average, but that’s not to say they didn’t have scoring opportunities.
As the Maroon and White look ahead to their Week 7 matchup with Tennessee, better efficiency when in the red zone will be among their top priorities. It’s an unfortunate truth that has reared its head over the last few weeks, and it’s not just the fanbase that has taken notice.
Head coach Jimbo Fisher advocated the need for more potent scoring drives during his weekly press conference on Monday. On the topic of settling for field goals, Fisher didn’t hold back when assessing their red zone efficiency:
“You want 75… We’ve neglected a couple of times, and it’s runs and throws. We have to do a better job. We have to score more points and get touchdowns when we get into the red zone.”
That truth was exacerbated last weekend against the Crimson Tide. As Good Bull Hunting Managing Editor Robert Behrens vehemently pointed out, the Aggies managed just 13 total points on five red zone opportunities:
Just realized that Texas A&M scored 13 points on FIVE RED ZONE OPPORTUNITIES and now I'm angry again.
— Robert Behrens (@rcb05) October 8, 2023
Aggies Wire would like to send our sympathies to Behrens, who aptly noted he was furious in that social posting. We will take a more constructive approach on the matter because when looking at the tape, this weakness can surely be addressed immediately.
Part of the remedy lies in the juxtaposition of play-calling and game management. That means both Fisher and Bobby Petrino have work to do leading up to Saturday’s matchup at Rocky Top. For Fisher, it may be as simple as being aggressive and playing to win, as opposed to playing not to lose.
In short-yardage situations, even on fourth down, Fisher must have faith in his team to win the battle in the trenches. That means not shying away from fighting for six points and easily settling for three points. Randy Bond has converted 72.2 percent of his field goals this season, which is a few points shy of his 76.5 percent average a year ago. By no means is three points a lock on any given Saturday.
As for Petrino, it falls on him to “feed the studs” when it matters most. The Aggies offensive coordinator must shoulder some responsibility for constantly running inside zone on third and short when the ground game wasn’t working.
Leverage some motion or try to get the likes of Evan Stewart one-on-one to allow your best playmakers to make a play.
It’s a joint responsibility for Fisher, Petrino, and even Max Johnson, who can get the ball out quicker and make more precise reads. The season is not lost, and being more potent in the red zone is a straightforward fix.
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