Auburn football: Grading the Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies, much like Auburn, have had an up and down season.
Both teams come into the game at 6-2, but the path for A&M differs from that of Auburn’s. The Aggies opened up the season with Haynes King at quarterback. After a season-ending injury at Colorado, King was replaced by Zach Calzada. The offense sputtered for three weeks. Losses to Arkansas and Mississippi State in back-to-back weeks presumably derailed what was a promising season.
A&M then turned around and beat Alabama 41-38. Since that point, the Aggies have been rolling, averaging 40 points per game.
Here are the grades for the Aggies at every position group.
Quarterback: C-
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Calzada is completing 55.3% of his passes and has thrown one interception in six straight games.
Running backs: B+
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane both average over six yards per carry (6.2 and 7.1, respectively). They could poise some problems for Auburn.
Wide Receivers: B
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Tight end Jalen Wydermyer leads the team in yards (353). Achane and Spiller are both used in the receiving game as well (190 yards and 179 yards receiving).
Offensive Line: B
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
The Aggies are tied for 36th nationally in sacks allowed per game (1.62). Given the youth across the line, it’s impressive that the unit hasn’t collapsed yet.
Defensive Line: B+
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
A&M is only giving up 329.3 total yards per game. The d-line has been stout this season.
Linebackers: B
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Hansford leads the team in tackles with 55. Andre White Jr. (35 tackles) has 5 pass deflections and a pick six this year.
Defensive Backs: B+
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
A&M is only giving up 199.9 passing yards per game, sixth in the SEC. However, their yards allowed per attempt (5.9) is second in the SEC.
Special Teams: B
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Seth Small is 14 of 18 on field goal attempts this season. Nik Constantinou is averaging 45.8 yards per punt. Devon Achane has returned a kickoff for a touchdown this season.
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