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Texas A&M Football: 5 reasons Aggies can win 2018 national title

By Connor Muldowney

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs the ball during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs the ball during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – NOVEMBER 04: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Tyrel Dodson #25 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 4, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX – NOVEMBER 04: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Tyrel Dodson #25 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 4, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

4. Defense will be much-improved

Playing in the SEC, you need to have an elite defense to contend for titles. Texas A&M has found that out the hard way over the past few years. In fact, the Aggies’ defense was one of its major weaknesses under Kevin Sumlin — a big reason Texas A&M didn’t win the SEC.

The Aggies return plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball such as Otaro Alaka and Tyrel Dodson along with Landis Durham while replacing some of the big names. Also, Donovan Wilson returns at safety after missing most of the 2017 season with an injury.

Moreover, Texas A&M brings in one of the best defensive minds in college football in Mike Elko from Notre Dame. He spent three years with Wake Forest, bringing the Demon Deacons out of the ACC’s cellar, but he accepted a job as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator in 2017. He turned the Irish defense around, but immediately accepted a job with Texas A&M this offseason.

Texas A&M’s defense is on the rise and it will be able to contend with the rest of the league in 2018.