Auburn will continue its road trip this weekend, facing another tough test as it travels to Kyle Field to take on No. 9 Texas A&M.
The Aggies, led by second-year head coach Mike Elko, currently sit at 3-0 and hold a win over No. 22 Notre Dame. Elko spent two seasons as the head coach at Duke before making the move to College Station. Elko finished his first season with the Aggies at 8-5, including a 43-41 4OT loss to Auburn inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
This year Texas A&M gets its opportunity to avenge that loss at home.
There are many familiar faces for the Aggies, starting with quarterback Marcel Reed. Reed has accounted for 869 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and one interception. As a dual-threat quarterback, he also has 142 yards and a touchdown on the ground. In last season’s loss to Auburn, Reed had 363 total yards and three touchdowns.
On the ground, the Aggies return Le’Veon Moss, who missed last season’s matchup due to a season-ending torn ACL and MCL. Moss has 168 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Moss does the majority of his damage on the ground with only one reception for -2 yards.
The Aggies' receiving corps is led by the duo of transfers, Mario Craver and KC Concepcion. Craver transferred in from Mississippi State and already has put together a stronger season than his freshman campaign with 443 yards and four touchdowns. Concepcion was ranked the fifth-best wide receiver in the transfer portal before the season, according to 247 Sports. He has totaled 227 yards and three touchdowns so far this year.
One of the biggest strengths for this Aggies’ offense has been the offensive line. They have only allowed one sack the entirety of the season to this point, and the success of Auburn’s pass rush could be instrumental in the outcome of the game.
On defense, the Aggies are led in tackles by Taurean York and Marcus Ratcliffe with 17, and the safety Ratcliffe also has three pass breakups. Cornerback Will Lee III has 15 tackles and two pass breakups. Leading the pass rush is defensive end Cashius Howell, who has eight total tackles–three being sacks–and a pass breakup.
One of the weaknesses for Texas A&M has been the rushing defense. The Aggies have allowed five rushing touchdowns and 417 total rushing yards, an average of 139 a game. This plays into the strengths of the Tigers, who have 11 rushing touchdowns on the year and average 198.2 yards per game on the ground.
“I’m sure he’s (Arnold) going to be very hungry to come out and play really, really well Saturday,” Elko said. “They’ll be a team that’s got their backs against the wall, and I’m sure they’ll put their best foot out there.”
The matchup between Auburn and No. 9 Texas A&M will be Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2:30 p.m. CDT. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
