Texas A&M Aggies Walter Nolen Carted Off Late Against Tennessee
Texas A&M defensive lineman Walter Nolen was carted off with just over nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter against No. 19 Tennessee. His status is doubtful for the remainder of the game.
Following a missed 50-yard field goal from Randy Bond, the Aggies' defense returned to the field with the intent of getting a stop. On second-and-20, Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright tried to break free for a first down, but instead lost two yards.
Nolen was rolled up on during the play and needed medical assistance from the A&M staff. Nolen would enter the locker room for further evaluation.
The Volunteers (4-1, 1-1 SEC) would extend their lead to four thanks to a 31-yard field goal from Charles Campbell. A&M quarterback Max Johnson threw an interception on the ensuing drive.
Nolen, a native of Powell, Tenn., has been a staple of the Aggies' front seven in his second season. Entering Saturday's matchup, the 6-4, 290-pound defensive lineman had collected 22 tackles, four tackles for loss and four sacks.
Prior to his early departure, Nolen recorded four tackles. A&M recorded three sacks and eight tackles for loss.
A&M's front seven has been one of college football's best, especially with the emergence of Nolen. The Aggies (4-2, 2-1 SEC) entered Saturday with an FBS-leading 26 sacks and 57 tackles for loss. Their run defense has rapidly improved from a season ago, ranking 10th nationally in yards allowed per contest.
Wright and Jabari Small were exceptionally moving the sticks, each averaging over 3 yards per attempt. Wright finished with 136 yards on 19 carries, while Small totaled 42 yards on 12 attempts.
The Aggies enter their bye week following their return from Knoxville. They return on Oct. 28 to take on South Carolina at Kyle Field.
