One aspect of Texas A&M's defense that has stayed the course and been a mainstay under coach Mike Elko, even going back to his four seasons as the Aggies' defensive coordinator, has been third-down defense, with this year's unit ranked 11th nationally, allowing opposing teams to convert 26% of their attempts.
During Texas A&M's 34-7 win over Arkansas, the Razorbacks converted just three third-down attempts, while QB KJ Jackson threw for 111 yards and one touchdown. However, the Aggies' lack of pass-rush success has produced just five sacks in five games, putting pressure on the secondary to hold up in coverage and allowing quarterbacks to scan the field and make accurate throws.
Sophomore Edge Marco Jones showed signs of improvement after leading
the Aggies with six pressures and a sack against Arkansas, but for Elko's defense to thrive on third down, it needs more, especially from Northwestern transfer edge Anto Saka, who has recorded just half a sack and nine tackles.
Since taking over as Texas A&M's head coach before the 2024 season, Mike Elko is undefeated against Missouri and coach Eli Drinkwitz, whom the Aggies will face on Saturday afternoon in Columbia.
However, Missouri's offense, led by transfer quarterback Austin Simmons, has looked borderline elite after blowing out Florida 45-17 at home, which could be a good or bad thing, given that "emotional victories" in SEC play this season have left most teams looking flat the next week.
On Tuesday, Eli Drinkwitz praised Mike Elko's third-down defense, which has caused the Tigers plenty of problems over the last two seasons.
"The biggest challenge when you play a Mike Elko defense is his ability to affect the quarterback on third down and the ability to show different pictures on first and second down."
Compared to Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed, Austin Simmons isn't considered a mobile quarterback, which provides Mike Elko plenty of chances to unleash various blitz packages, only if the Aggies' secondary holds up and prevents explosive plays, especially in the first half.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M's third-down defense will be key to stifling Missouri
