Comparing Texas A&M and Tennessee’s strengths, weaknesses in Week 11

Texas A&M enters Week 11 with the goal of reaching bowl game eligibility still intact, knowing that just two more wins are needed to accomplish this goal, but that’s easier said than done. The Aggies will host No. 13 Tennessee on Saturday for the first time in ten seasons, and while both teams are on completely different trajectories, anything can happen at this point in the season.

In losses to Alabama and South Carolina last Saturday, Texas A&M had chances to win both games, holding leads in the fourth quarter, but poor play-calling and even worse performances by several players cost them when it mattered most.

Facing Tennessee’s brutal pass rush, which has racked up 39 sacks in nine games, Texas A&M’s best chance on offense is to score early before the Volunteers‘ defense gets comfortable in the third and fourth quarters, thanks to great conditioning, which has been the key to the program’s success this season.

Numbers-wise, Tennessee holds nearly every key statistical advantage, including scoring offense (39th), scoring defense (10th), passing defense (14th), rushing offense (11th), and rushing defense (38th), while Texas A&M holds advantages in 3rd down offense (46th) and 3rd down defense (17th).

Texas A&M starting quarterback Marcel Reed has struggled against the blitz this season, meaning first-year offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins must replicate the game plan similar to the South Carolina game, focused on a quick passing attack, combined with a healthy dose of running backs Rueben Owens and KJ Edwards receiving an equal share of the backfield snaps.

Texas A&M’s No. 1-ranked red zone defense will be a focus, especially facing Tennessee star running back DeSean Bishop, who ranks tenth nationally with 1,066 yards and 13 touchdowns. Texas A&M will face No. 13 Tennessee on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., and the game will air on ESPN.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Comparing Texas A&M and Tennessee’s strengths, weaknesses in Week 11