After a big Senior Night win versus New Mexico State, No. 15 Texas A&M football travels to Auburn, Alabama to match up against the Tigers. Here are a few key players that can impact the game at Jordan-Hare Stadium at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
BJ Mayes, senior cornerback, Texas A&M
After senior defensive back Tyreek Chappell went down with a season-ending leg injury in September, the Aggies looked into the depth chart to see who could replace him in the secondary. One name stood out in Mayes.
The UAB transfer has been a key piece in the Aggies’ secondary in his first year wearing Maroon and White. Mayes fills Chappell’s spot as he continues to make big plays, including two interceptions from LSU redshirt junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Although Mayes hasn’t had the same recognition as Chappell or junior Kansas State transfer CB Will Lee III, Mayes has been contributing in the secondary for the Maroon and White whenever he steps onto the field.
Jarquez Hunter, senior running back, Auburn
Although Auburn hasn’t been impressive in the SEC, Hunter has solidified himself as one of the SEC’s best running backs this season with 1,015 rushing yards with five touchdowns. He is the second-leading rusher in the conference, only trailing Tennessee junior RB Dylan Sampson’s 1,230.
Hunter’s best game came against Kentucky in a 24-10 win on Oct. 26. The 5-foot-10, Philadelphia, Mississippi native cruised through the Wildcats’ defense for 278 yards and two touchdowns.
Slowing down Hunter will be the biggest challenge for an A&M defense that has remained in the middle of the pack in the SEC. The Aggies cannot have another problem in stopping the running game, especially after Notre Dame and South Carolina.
Cam Coleman and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, freshman and senior wide receivers, Auburn
The wide receiver corps for Auburn has been one of the underrated units in the SEC this season. The Tigers have the sixth-best pass offense in the conference with 256.5 yards per game. A big part of that is the duo of Lambert-Smith and Coleman, who have been impactful in their first seasons with the Tigers.
“I think they’re really talented,” coach Mike Elko said. “KeAndre Lambert-Smith obviously has played a lot of college football, been very successful, highly productive player. Really good feel for route running, really good feel for creating separation and making contested catches.”
Lambert-Smith has been the most impactful out of the two. The Penn State transfer has racked up 761 receiving yards and eight touchdowns this season, including 156 yards and two scores in a loss to Arkansas on Sept. 21.
Despite having a slow start to his college career, Cam Coleman made his name known last week against Louisiana-Monroe. The freshman had his best game with 100 receiving yards and three touchdowns while going viral for making a one-handed catch for his third touchdown.
“Cam Coleman, obviously is an extremely talented young player,” Elko said. “Flashes unbelievable ball skills and top-end athleticism to get down the field and make explosive plays.”
While Auburn’s quarterback situation has been a major problem throughout the season, the duo of Coleman and Lambert-Smith continues to be a reliable factor for the Tigers. Maintaining both receivers won’t be an easy task for the Maroon and White and their secondary.
Randy Bond, graduate kicker, Texas A&M
Special teams typically don’t get the same love from fans compared to offense and defense, but Bond has been one of A&M’s most consistent players and contributed greatly to A&M’s success this season.
Bond is having a career year as A&M’s place kicker. The Plano native has made 17 out of 19 field goal attempts, including a career-long 55-yard kick against South Carolina. Bond also has not missed a field goal after missing twice against Florida on Sept. 14. If A&M’s offense continues to show some concern on missed opportunities in opponent territory, look for Bond on the sideline as he is preparing to secure three points for the Aggies.
