Texas A&M football has had a few ups and downs this season to say the least. Here’s everything you need to know for Saturday’s ULL matchup.
Texas A&M has yet to find a strong identity on either side of the ball. They have been through three quarterbacks, now being forced to settle on Kellen Mond due to injuries, and have had struggles on defense to say the least. After a serious fall out against UCLA and a struggle to point points on the board against Nicholls State, Texas A&M needs to find an identity and fast.
With the official announcement just released that Jake Hubenak, senior quarterback, will not be available vs. ULL, the Aggies are reeling. They can only hope that Kellen Mond can get it done on Saturday before they head into SEC play against Arkansas. He will need some serious help from offensive playmakers like Christian Kirk, Kendall Bussey and Trayveon Williams to get the win on Saturday morning.
Defensively, the Aggies are still trying to figure it all out. They have a few shining stars that are operating wonderfully on their own, but as a unit can’t seem to figure it out.
Look for a strong showing, hopefully, out of guys like Daylon Mack and Tyrel Dodson who, although young, have put it together for the Aggies so far this season. The team will need players like Charles Oliver and Zaycoven Henderson to step up and make big plays to keep this game in check. This one should not be close, and if it is the Aggies are in trouble come next week in Dallas vs. Arkansas.
Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Texas A&M vs. ULL matchup.
Related Story: College Football: Top 50 players for 2017
Date: Saturday September 16
Time: 11:00am CT
Location: College Station, TX
Venue: Kyle Field
TV: SEC Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
While the Aggies have struggled, and thats putting it mildly, this game and this season is still well within their grasp. The keys to the game are pretty simple, the fundamentals.
The Aggie offense will need to help out Kellen Mond early and often. Balls have to be caught by everyone from the seniors to the freshman. Runs have to be milked for every yard they’re worth, something that Trayveon Williams has been pretty darn good at this season. The offensive line has to make holes and be confident in their abilities to play the game, much like they were in the first half of UCLA.
On the defensive side of the ball, each player has to make the most out of every opportunity. Every player has to step up, whether they are a starter or off the bench every play is important. This lackluster, no energy play is no longer acceptable. If every defender could take a page out of Tyrel Dodson’s book, the Aggies would be ten times better for it. They way the team played against Nicholls State wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t great either.
Special teams has to keep doing what they do best, big long returns- looking at you Christian Kirk- and strong punting. Of course, lets home the Aggies don’t have to punt as often as they have so far this season.
If Louisiana Lafayette wants to take home a surprising win, they will need to take advantage of the lack luster play the Aggies have been putting up recently. Nicholls State almost did. It’s for sure not impossible.
Prediction
Texas A&M has the personnel to win this game, and they should do so easily. However, if they struggle to get points on the board like last week and the defense can’t figure out how to play all four downs and get off the field, this could be a long game for the Aggies.
Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 2
My prediction is that the Aggies come out with a victory on Saturday morning, but it’s not without it’s struggles. However, I expect the team to rally around Kellen Mond and get it done. Aggies never quit and they will need every bit of that to make it through this game and the rest of the season.
Final Score: Texas A&M 31, Louisiana 10