Texas A&M defensive coordinator D.J Durkin has rightfully been under fire through the first three games this season after the Aggie’s 48-33 loss to Miami in Week 2, plagued by one of the worst defensive efforts witnessed from the program in quite some time.
However, minor improvements were made after defeating UL Monroe 47-3 in Week 3, leading to Saturday’s defensive explosion that none of us saw coming in Texas A&M’s rousing 27-10 victory over the visiting Auburn Tigers to open SEC play.
While starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s ankle injury (X-rays were negative) has taken most of the attention away from the big win, the Aggies suffocating pass rush and “bend but don’t break” defensive approach yielded seven sacks (most since 2017), 15 tackles for loss, while allowing only 54 yards through the air from three Auburn quarterbacks, while wreaking absolute havoc on veteran signal-caller Peyton Thorne on every possession.
Texas A&M’s sudden surge on the defensive line isn’t a mystery, as Durkin’s willingness to change up his scheme and blitz at a high rate paid off, utilizing the incredible athletes in the trenches. At the same time, the linebacker duo of Edgerrin Cooper and freshman Taurean York led the team in tackles and set the defensive tone from start to finish, according to star defensive back Byce Anderson.
“We have a crazy defensive line. (Taurean) York and (Edgerrin) Cooper played great… Today was a collective effort.”
Cooper, who recorded eight tackles and led the team with two sacks, was second to York’s game-high 11 tackles, and two tackles for loss have vaulted him in the discussion for one of the top freshmen in the country. They will only continue to develop throughout the SEC slate.
“Auburn is not the main goal. The main goal is to run through the SEC… This is a step along the way.”
With nine players recording three or more tackles on the afternoon, this was definitely a collective effort, but asking, “Is this sustainable?” may keep Aggie fans on their toes, especially with the high-scoring Arkansas Razorbacks coming to Arlington, Texas next Saturday.
Simple answer? Maybe, but the results against the Tigers are certainly encouraging, and to keep Razorbacks QB K.J Jefferson from developing a passing rhythm early, Durkin should keep a similar game plan and continue to emphasize pressure through a variety of creative blitz packages while keeping the secondary from being exposed.
However, as Anderon alluded, consistent effort was the primary factor in the Aggies’ defensive ascendence, and to reach their lofty goals with eight games remaining, replicating Saturday’s performance is the first step.
Texas A&M will now travel to AT&T Stadium to face the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 11:00 a.m. CT., and air on the SEC Network.
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