The Battalion Sports Editor Chandler Smith answers the key questions about the Aggies coming into Saturday’s game
What will be the key(s) for A&M’s success this weekend?
Protecting the football. Turnovers aside, I would argue A&M outplayed LSU for four quarters and likely would have won Saturday at Kyle Field had the Aggies sufficiently protected the football. A&M has the skill-players and offensive line necessary to move the ball effectively and score points against just about anyone. The Aggie defense played outstandingly against a physical LSU running game and gave A&M plenty of opportunities to beat LSU down the stretch. Turnovers almost cost A&M a victory at Ole Miss in a game that came down to the final minutes. Auburn’s record isn’t indicative whatsoever of the talent on its roster, and the Tigers will certainly make the Aggies pay if they cough up the ball. If A&M can limit or eliminate costly turnovers, the Aggies likely leave Jordan-Hare with a victory.
Who are the players to watch on offense?
A&M possesses perhaps the most dynamic offensive player in the SEC with redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel, known more commonly as “Johnny Football.” Manziel has broken the SEC record for total offense twice this season, his most recent being a 576-yard, six-touchdown effort against Louisiana Tech. Manziel ranks fourth nationally in points responsible for (20.6 points per game) and third nationally in total offense (379.9 yards per game). The electric quarterback is also the SEC’s second-best rusher and passer. Manziel is assisted by two future NFL first-round picks — junior offensive tackles Luke Joeckel and Jake Mathews — both of whom held their own against a gaudy LSU defensive line. Redshirt freshman Mike Evans, a 6-foot-5-inch monster possession receiver with 625 yards receiving, and senior wide receiver Ryan Swope are match-up nightmares for any secondary. Junior running back Ben Malena rounds out the Aggie offense, giving A&M a solid running, pass-blocking and special teams playmaker.
Who are the players to watch on defense?
Junior Damontre Moore is one of the SEC’s and nation’s finest defensive ends. Moore ranks first nationally in tackles for loss (2.5 per game) and second nationally in sacks (1.42 per game), making him a bona fide terror for any offensive backfield. Senior defensive tackle Spencer Nealy might not have the flashiest statistics, but he remains one of the Aggies’ most valuable defensive players with the push he creates and the run-stopping ability he provides. The linebacker corps is the most well-rounded group with seniors Jonathan Stewart and Sean Porter ranking second and third in tackles on the roster, respectively. The secondary is the weakest link, but don’t tell that to sophomore safety Deshazor Everett. Everett mixes exceptional coverage and run-stopping ability to give the A&M defense a physical presence over the top. Junior defensive back Tony Hurd, who ranks third on the roster in solo tackles (26), provides another valuable piece for the secondary.
What would an away win at Auburn mean for the Aggies?
A win at Auburn would further validate A&M’s ability to compete in the nation’s toughest conference. The Tigers, despite their record, are loaded with talent and play in one of the toughest venues in the league. An A&M victory would also give the Aggies valuable momentum as they continue their brutal three-game road stretch against top-15 foes Mississippi State and Alabama. The win would speak volumes about the physical and mental maturity of a team coming off a close loss to the SEC’s reigning champion. There are no easy games in the SEC (except maybe Kentucky), and a downtrodden Auburn is no exception.
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