See what I did there? Talking the line performances thus far.
That’s right folks.
With no opponent on the docket, instead of the typical Trenches Preview – we’ve got a Trenches Review instead. Through the first six weeks of the season, we have plenty to talk about.
The Aggies are off to a 5-1 start including a 3-0 conference record.
A big part of that is thanks to the trenches.
Let’s talk about the big fellas for a minute.
Offensive Line
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
I expected improvement out of the offensive line this season.
After all, the bar was literally on the floor for this unit.
The past few seasons have been absolutely horrible both in protecting the passer and in generating push in the run game.
This season has been a complete 180.
Adam Cushing has earned his keep and then some.
In spite of multiple injuries at the center position, this group has improved dramatically. Reuben Fatheree has started playing more like the tackle we saw his freshman year. Ar’maj Reed-Adams has been a wonderful addition at right guard. And throughout the line, we’re seeing the Aggies play with an attitude that hasn’t been on display for a long, long time.
The Aggies rank in the top ten in the nation in rushing offense with an average of 232 yards per game. Le’Veon Moss has blossomed into an elite back and ranks in the top ten in the nation in rushing yards.
The passing offense hasn’t been as successful as the rushing attack this year but that’s more on quarterback and receiver play (which both also seem to be improving) than anything on the offensive line.
Through the first six games, Texas A&M has allowed just seven sacks and ranks in the top half of the country at 32nd.
Last year, the Aggies ranked 87th.
In a vacuum, this would be a top-tier performance but considering where this unit was last year, this turnaround has been otherworldly. If this unit can keep up its efforts into the meat of the SEC schedule – look out.
Defensive Line
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
It was a shaky start for the Aggies defensively in the run game.
Texas A&M surrendered 198 yards on the ground to Notre Dame and followed that up by allowing 180 to McNeese.
Since then?
Teams have been shut down.
No SEC opponent has rushed for more than 100 yards against the Aggies (Arkansas was right at 100) and some extremely talented backs have had dismal performances.
Much like the rushing attack, the pass rush didn’t start the year with numbers expected.
However, that aspect of the Aggie defense has come alive as well including a staggering six sacks against Mizzou.
A big part of that success has been the emergence of Nic Scourton on the edge. We knew coming in the Aggies were getting a special player. Scourton is living up to that billing and ranks 9th in the country in tackles for loss with 10.
With Shemar Stewart at the other end spot, the Aggies possess one of the more frightening end duos in the country.
That’s all without considering an interior defensive line anchored by Shemar Turner.
This unit is truly special and has the ability to turn a game on its head at any moment.
Anytime Texas A&M can force a team into obvious passing situations, they feast.
As a former defensive lineman, it brings a tear to my eye watching them work.
In conclusion, both trench units have performed extremely well through this point of the season. The scary part? They only seem to be getting better.
#BTHObyeweek