Texas A&M’s defense finally looked more like the unit many expected to see this season during Saturday’s 34-7 victoryover Arkansas. The Aggies limited the Razorbacks to 214 total yards, but they will face a much tougher challenge when they travel to Missouri.
The Tigers are coming off a 45-17 win over Florida in which they produced 560 total yards. Austin Simmons threw for 340 yards, while Jamal Roberts rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns. That balancemakes it difficult for a defense to sell out against either part of the offense.
Texas A&M’s linebackers will be the X-factor because they must help slow Roberts without leaving the middle of the field exposed against play-action. How well they tackle, maintain their assignments and prevent
explosive plays could determine whether the Aggies can earn their second straight SEC victory.
Why the linebackers are the X-factor
Missouri’s offense forces linebackers to remain disciplined against both the run and play-action passing game. Jamal Roberts rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns against Florida, while Austin Simmons threw for 340 yards and two scores.
Roberts is difficult to bring down with first contact, so A&M cannot allow him to consistently reach the second level with space. The linebackers must fill the correct gaps, avoid getting caught inside and limit the explosive runs that helped Missouri pull away from Florida.
What Texas A&M needs from them
- Keep Roberts from reaching the second level untouched
- Tackle cleanly and prevent yards after contact
- Remain disciplined against play-action
- Help defend the middle of the field against Missouri’s tight ends and receivers
- Force Simmons into obvious passing situations
A&M doesn't need to be perfect against Missouri’s offense, but it can't let the Tigers establish the run and keep the entire playbook available. If Sanford, Mikhail, and the rest of the linebacker rotation play with discipline, the Aggies will have a chance to make Missouri one-dimensional and keep the game manageable.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Why are Texas A&M's linebackers the X-factor vs. Missouri?
