Texas A&M football is riding high after going into The Swamp last week and beating Florida, 33-20, for its first road win in three seasons. Key to the victory was a strong performance by the Maroon and White defense.
The Aggies significantly improved their run defense compared to their first two games against Notre Dame and McNeese, holding the Gators’ ground game to just 52 yards on 25 carries. The passing defense also showed flashes of brilliance, as the Aggies picked off three Florida passes.
As inspiring as the win was for the Maroon and White, the defense still has a few things to clean up. The Gators scored three touchdowns in the second half that all came off of drives where A&M’s secondary missed a few assignments that led to big passing gains for Florida. Coach Mike Elko said the secondary is still adapting to the defensive system.
“We’re still learning how to play coverage in this system the way we want to at this level,” Elko said.
A&M’s secondary will have to go without starting senior defensive back Tyreek Chappell, a player who has been a key part of A&M’s defense since his freshman year in 2021. Chappell suffered a season-ending non-contact leg injury during practice last week.
“[Chappell] was playing at a really high level,” Elko said. “He will be missed tremendously.”
Bowling Green’s offense presents a challenge for A&M’s defense, as the Falcons are coming off a close loss to No. 10 Penn State where they led up until halfway into the third quarter. In that game, redshirt senior quarterback Conner Bazelak threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns. Bazelak is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football, and he will be protected by an experienced offensive line that has so far allowed zero sacks this season.
The No. 1 threat to the Aggies’ pass defense is junior tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who is leading the nation in receiving yards among tight ends. Fannin’s crisp route running and good hands combined with his 6-foot-4 frame is a scary combination for any opposing defense. Having sophomore linebacker Daymion Sanford, senior LB Solomon DeShields or sophomore safety Marcus Ratcliff cover Fannin could help A&M prevent the Falcons’ passing game from getting hot.
As for Bowling Green’s ground game, it has junior running back Terion Stewart returning from an ankle injury that held him out of the Falcons’ game against Penn State. In the Falcons’ season opener against Fordham, Stewart went off for three rushing touchdowns and 163 yards on only 14 attempts. It’s going to take a united effort from the Aggies’ front seven group to be able to contain Stewart’s unique burst and strength.
This game is also going to be unique for junior JACK Cashius Howell, who transferred to A&M this past offseason from Bowling Green. Howell has been a key part of the Aggies’ defense this season, especially in their win over the Gators where he recorded a sack and a tackle for loss. Howell remains on good terms with his former school, he said.
“Those are my best friends,” Howell said. “A lot of those guys will be at my wedding.”
Despite Bowling Green being an out-of-conference opponent that doesn’t have the resume of the usual SEC teams that the Aggies play, they must remain prepared. There’s already a clear example this season where a ranked opponent almost let the Falcons and their offense come in and steal what should have been an easy win from them.
“I think of it as a must-win Saturday night in Kyle Field,” Elko said. “They’re a talented football team regardless of their results.”
