Written by Jacob Freedman
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3 Keys for LOUISIANA TECH
1. Make big plays on D
It’s pretty simple: the Bulldogs defense is not very good. Louisiana Tech is giving up 531 yards per game, a figure that does usually go hand-in-hand with an undefeated record. They have not been facing juggernauts either, as every one of their defeated
Tech’s offense has a knack for big plays ranking third nationally with 15 takeaways and second in the nation with 10 forced fumbles. An example of Tech big play ability happened earlier this season against Virginia. The Bulldogs trailed 24-10, but intercepted Cavaliers quarterback Mike Rocco three times and converted each of them into a touchdown. Those 21 points helped fuel a 44-38 Bulldogs win. Don’t expect the Bulldogs to hold Texas A&M to season lows in any offensive category, but opportunistic plays by the Bulldogs could keep valuable points off the scoreboard Saturday.
2. Bombs away from the air
The Aggies are 13th in the SEC in pass defense allowing nearly 250 yards per game. Louisiana Tech quarterback Colby Cameron throws for 290 yards per game, and is one of two FBS quarterbacks yet to throw an interception, the other being Heisman favorite Geno Smith of West Virginia. Cameron’s favorite wide receiver, Quinton Patton, has 34 catches for 532 yards and five touchdowns so far. Patton could be the best wide receiver outside of the BCS conferences, and AccuScore projections have him with 96 receiving yards. The Bulldogs need to go downfield in order to win, and have the offensive personnel to do it.
3. Reduce the number of penalties
The Bulldogs lead the nation in one statistical category. Unfortunately, that category is average penalty yards where the Bulldogs give away 92.8 yards per game. While that has yet to cost them a game, it could be become lethal in what will be by far their toughest opponent this season. Tech’s lack of discipline could negate a valuable defensive stop or stall a drive. In what is sure to be a shootout each possession matters. Penalties that kill a Bulldogs drive or extend one of A&M’s will prove more costly than in previous weeks against weaker competition.
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3 Keys for TEXAS A&M
1. Damontre Moore: Sackmaster
Moore’s ability to bend and slide his way past offensive linemen has been invaluable to the Aggies’ pass rush. Tied for second in the nation with seven sacks, Moore moved from the “Joker” position on a three-man defensive line to a four-man front this season, a move unfortunate for the rest of the SEC. Colby Cameron is not known for his mobility which means Moore will have a relatively stationary target to go at the entire game. The Bulldogs’ rushing offense is formidable in its own right, but the Aggies would be well served to pressure Cameron to the point where it is difficult for him to find a passing rhythm, and Moore will be the leader in doing so.
2. Johnny be fantastic
Johnny Manziel, affectionately nicknamed “Johnny Football” by Aggies faithful, is Texas A&M’s redshirt freshman quarterback who leads the SEC in total offense. In a 58-10 drubbing of Arkansas, Manziel set an SEC record with 557 yards of total offense. This week’s game was originally scheduled for Week 1 of the season, but was postponed due to Hurricane Isaac.
Manziel took some lumps last week, throwing his first two interceptions in A&M’s 30-27 escape over Ole Miss, but the dual-threat quarterback provides a challenge the Bulldogs defense has yet to face. Despite his struggles (191 yards) in the passing game, Manziel still ran for 129 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown scramble to help the fourth quarter comeback effort. AccuScore projections have Manziel throwing for over 330 yards and about three touchdowns against the Bulldogs. It very likely could end up being a conservative estimate.
3. Limit the Rushing Attack
The Aggie run defense has been solid so far ranking 34th nationally, allowing fewer than 120 yards per contest. A veteran group of linebackers led by Sean Porter leads the run-stopping effort, but the Aggies will need to adjust with senior backer Steven Jenkins suspended for the game. For all the attention the Tech passing game receives, the Bulldogs actually average over 230 yards rushing. AccuScore projections have them rushing for nearly 200 yards. The Aggies defense can bend, but needs to limit Louisiana Tech from consistently running the football. The Bulldogs have yet to face a front seven like they will see against the Aggies, and this battle in the trenches will be one of the game’s most critical match-ups.
Prediction
In a game where punts will be few and far between, Louisiana Tech will lose its first game after finally facing a team that can match its offensive firepower. The Bulldogs will make it close at home, enough to (barely) cover the 7.5-point spread, but Johnny Football will earn the first Top-25 win of his career on the road.
Texas A&M 42, Louisiana Tech 35
