Texas A&M Football: 2017 midseason grades by position
By Dana Becker
You have to judge defensive performances much different in 2017, as the game has changed to benefit offenses. So when you look at the game logs for Texas A&M, seeing numbers below 400 are a good sign.
The Aggies allowed a season-low 279 yards of total offense in a win vs. South Carolina and under 400 four other times, going 3-1. Working the passing lanes and stuffing the run, linebackers Otara Alaka, Tyrel Dodson and Devodrick Johnson have been keys. Dodson leads the team with 56 tackles, ranking fifth in the SEC. He also has five sacks and three interceptions.
Best Game
It came in a loss, but Texas A&M grew up against Alabama. Damien Harris broke free for a 75-yard run, but if you take that out of the offensive stats, the Crimson Tide had just 280 yards, including 123 through the air.
Dodson shined bright, recording 16 tackles, including 10 solo stops, with 2.5 tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries and a sack. Alaka also had a sack.
Worst Game
A total of 93 points were scored between Texas A&M and Arkansas, as the Aggies came out on top with a 50-43 overtime victory. Dodson made just five tackles and Alaka had three, as the Razorbacks racked up 231 yards passing and 226 yards rushing.