Preview: Ole Miss offense will face tall task against stout Aggies’ defense Saturday
OXFORD, Miss. — On Saturday, Jaxson Dart and the Ole Miss offense will be handed their most difficult task of the season up to this point as they face an effective and versatile Texas A&M defense that leads the SEC in total defense, giving up just 269.25 total yards per game. On the flip side, the Aggies will face a Rebel offense that ranks No. 12 in the nation, third in the SEC, in total offense at 474 yards per game.
The first thing that stands out the most about A&M is clearly the defensive line. The unit leads the country in sacks (33) and tackles for loss (75), which could potentially be a problem for the Rebs. The last time Ole Miss played a team that was in the top 10 in sacks, it was Alabama — who tallied five that day against Ole Miss. The offensive line has shown vast improvement since week four, but there is no doubt the glass eaters will be tested come Saturday.
Coach Kiffin talked earlier this week about the talent the Aggies have amassed in College Station.
“Just dominant. They’re dominant players in the run, they can pass rush and they bring other ones in to rush too. It’s not very exciting for our O-Line coach [John Garrison], I can tell you that. A&M’s done a great job of collecting players and putting them together, so it’s a big challenge.“
Lane Kiffin on the A&M defense
One specific player who will be on the Rebels’ radar for sure is is linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who not only leads the FBS in tackles for loss (15.5), but also leads the Aggies with 52 total tackles.
In Monday’s press conference, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin said Cooper is playing like the SEC Player of the Year. If I had to guess, I would predict that Caden Prieskorn will be assigned to block Cooper throughout the game, especially on run plays.
Despite a lot of attention that must be given to A&M’s front seven, their secondary has also been productive, only allowing South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler to throw for one touchdown and 176 yards. Cornerback Demani Richardson leads the defensive backs with 39 total tackles, with Josh DeBerry flashing by leading the group with seven pass deflections and two interceptions.
Even though the defense has gotten the job done on the stat sheet, there have been several points in almost every game where the Aggies have struggled as a unit, especially in their three losses. In two of those defeats, Miami (FL) and Alabama each threw for over 300 passing yards, and in their third loss, coming at the hands of Tennessee, the Aggies gave up 232 yards rushing to the Vols.
Observing how the Aggies were defeated in both the run and pass games in those three losses should provide Rebel fans with a dose of confidence heading into Saturday. If I had to guess, I would imagine Ole Miss is going to attempt to expose A&M in all aspects of the game because of their defensive inconsistency.
After the Rebels rushed for over 200 yards in last year’s contest, the Aggie defense will have to focus on Quinshon Judkins, which could open up the passing game early. With wide receiver Jordan Watkins getting closer to full strength after a hand injury, the Rebels’ offense has a chance to click against one of the most talented defenses in college football.
This is a big one, Rebel fans, so pack the Vaught, wear red, and be loud. Hotty Toddy!
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
