Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0 SEC) heads back to Kyle Field for a Week 9 primetime showdown against 8th-ranked LSU after defeating Mississippi State 34-24 on Saturday night.
Behind an improved second-half defense, the Aggies held off the Bulldog’s passing attack and improved to 4-0 in SEC play and 2-0 on the road in the conference.
This week, Texas A&M’s defense will now prepare for the LSU Tigers‘ 25th-ranked offense and junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Still, freshman running back Caden Durham could be a bigger problem if the Aggie run defense is up to snuff early in the game.
One of Texas A&M’s position groups that looked like a weakness coming into the season was at linebacker. Against LSU, plugging the running gaps and preventing missed tackles is one of the many keys to victory.
Sophomore LB Taurean York was the only returning backer with any experience until head coach Mike Elko utilized the transfer portal, landing former Florida LB Scooby Williams and former Pitt LB Solomon DeSheilds.
Williams, who is coming off a career game against Mississippi State after recording six tackles, two tackles for loss, and his first career interception, described how the linebacker rotation has improved due to constant competition.
“Each and every day, whether it’s an off day or Coach is drilling us in practice, we’re always in competition with each other and trying to get better.”
“We were overly prepared, and that starts during the week in practice. … All of that adds up over time, and y’all get to see the results on Saturdays.”
After Williams’ career day, all you can do is be proud of your accomplishment and move on to the next game. But, hey, it was pretty cool to see the junior linebacker continue making an impact.
“It meant a lot to me. It was crazy.” “At the crib, I was like, ‘What am I going to do if I get a pick?’ … Coach Elko was yelling about ball security, so I was just making sure I didn’t give it back to the offense.”
Another Texas A&M linebacker to watch against the Tigers is sophomore Daymion Sanford, whose closing speed, tackling, and pass-rush prowess have made him a secret weapon for Elko and DC Jay Bateman.
Texas A&M will host LSU at home on Saturday, Oct. 26th, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.
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