Texas A&M will play their second home game on Saturday morning against New Mexico. Both teams are undefeated, but the Aggies come off of an unimpressive win against the Colorado Buffaloes. Zach Calzada will make his first start as an Aggie, and Texas A&M is expected to improve heading into SEC play. The Aggies are favored in this game by more than four touchdowns, but all that matters is finishing with a victory. Check out the key matchups for the Aggies to win this game against the Lobos.
Zach Calzada vs. Lobos’ Secondary
The New Mexico Lobos’ defense forced four interceptions in their first two games. Granted, those two matchups were against Houston Baptist and New Mexico State, but the defense will be a good test for Calzada. The Lobos also had success against the running game in their first two matchups, but don’t doubt Isaiah Spiller and Devon Achane getting big yards on the ground.
Calzada looked rocky all game until the fourth quarter in his last game against Colorado. Jimbo Fisher must implement a game plan that will allow Calzada to get the ball to his playmakers; Ainias Smith, Jalen Wydermyer, and Caleb Chapman should get the ball for the Aggies to balance their offense. Moreover, Demond Demas has to get more playing time. Chase Lane and Demas are just too talented to not get the ball at some time during the game.
Calzada is definitely capable of leading the Aggies to an SEC Championship. A strong performance in his first start against the Lobos will boost his confidence; the environment and play in practice can never replicate the game, especially in Kyle Field. Expect Calzada to play the full game for him to get the maximum reps; he needs to get better before next week against Arkansas.
Lobos’ Offensive Line vs. Aggies’ Defensive Front
Aaron Dumas was the primary rusher for the Lobos against Houston Baptist, but quarterback Terry Wilson also showed up with three touchdowns in that game. Wilson had three touchdowns against New Mexico State as well, but the Lobos’ offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage; this led to Bobby Cole finishing with more than 100 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Texas A&M’s secondary can be counted upon to limit the Lobos’ passing game and Wilson’s efficiency. However, the back end must keep eyes on Mannie Logan-Greene, who is New Mexico’s best wide receiver.
Texas A&M’s front seven should easily dominate the line of scrimmage. The Aggies were able to do this against a Pac-12 team, and it should be no different with Texas A&M at home against New Mexico. The Aggies’ defense has been consistent, but it should improve on its weaknesses to prepare for the SEC West giants.
Concluding Thoughts
Again, Texas A&M should easily win this game, but there must be improvements made on the offensive end. Quarterback Zach Calzada and his offensive line should show consistency in this matchup to make up for the Colorado game. With Haynes King out until at least mid-October, Calzada is the man for the Aggies this season; Texas A&M’s success rests on his shoulders.
Defensively, there are no clear weaknesses for the Aggies. The run defense could get better for Texas A&M, for Brendon Lewis did have almost nine yards per carry last week. The Texas A&M Aggies will need to be a complete team by October 9th, and it all starts with New Mexico this week.
