After piecing together a strong start to the 2017 season despite an ugly loss in Week 1, there’s a good chance Texas A&M football could win out.
Can you believe that we are talking about a reality in which Texas A&M football could win out and even make the SEC title game via tiebreakers and Alabama losses? After an ugly Week 1 loss to UCLA, Texas A&M has come on strong, winning five of the last six games and the only defeat coming against Alabama.
The Aggies look like true contenders in the SEC West despite that Alabama loss, but there’s still a month of play left and anything is possible for Texas A&M’s postseason aspirations. Heck, a New Year’s Six bowl isn’t out of the question yet, especially if the Aggies can win out.
Here’s why the Aggies could win out in the final month-plus.
5. Defense has been better than expected
Over the past few years, Texas A&M had been known for playing all offense and little defense. That has since changed as the 2017 Aggies have been a much-improved defensive team. They rank No. 57 in the nation in total yards allowed per game with about 380 and are tied for first in total sacks with Clemson.
No one saw that type of defensive resurgence coming, especially since Myles Garrett left for the NFL in the offseason. Everyone just assumed the Aggies would take a step back defensively, but that hasn’t been the case.
Sophomore linebacker Tyrel Dodson is coming into his own, leading the team in tackles and he also has seven for loss and 4.5 sacks to go along with three picks, a touchdown and four passes defended. Armani Watts is a future NFL star at safety and continues to improve each week. Otaro Alaka has been another revelation at linebacker and Landis Durham has “replaced” Garrett on the line nicely, leading the team with 5.5 sacks.
There’s depth at just about every position and these guys have been exceeding expectations all year long. If the defense continues to improve, it’ll be bad news for the rest of the SEC.