Texas A&M Football: What close win means for Aggies’ playoff hopes

Both teams ate a lot of turf on the ground this afternoon. 

Although the Aggies outgained the Tigers 509-344, both teams ran the football effectively. The Texas A&M running game had its way with Auburn’s defensive line. Aggies running back Isaiah Spiller ran for 120 yards on 20 carries leading the way for the Aggies. Freshman running back Devon Achane had nearly 100 yards (99) on nine carries.

Fisher mixed in some designed quarterback runs with Mond running for 60 yards and a touchdown.  Auburn’s running game was effective rushing for 196 yards. Tank Bigsby had his best game in nearly a month rushing for 76 yards. Auburn quarterback Bo Nix ran for the Tigers’ only two touchdowns.

Downfield passing were an issue for both teams. Auburn had just two pass plays over 20 yards on 23 pass attempts. Texas A&M also two pass plays over 20 yards, but the Aggies were able to limit the Tigers’ rushing attack on key plays forcing Auburn to punt.

The Aggies, on the other hand, did a good job of staying on schedule with their running game consistently in 2nd and 3rd down and less than six yards.

The Aggies offensive line was fantastic all game, especially in key downs keeping drives alive. Their last drive to seal the game was a perfect example of how the Aggies’ offensive line got nasty in key moments.