Texas A&M Appears Unstoppable in This Defensive Statistic

Texas A&M football has gotten off to a brilliant start in Year Two under head coach Mike Elko, as it defeated the Florida Gators convincingly in a 34-17 bruising of the Orange and Blue. Many have been given their fair share of flowers thus far, but none so more than that of the Maroon and White defense.

Since giving up 33 points to Notre Dame, the defense has sharpened its resolve, ranking nationally in the top-5 in third-down defense, as of October 11th. The Aggies have constricted their opponents in those situations, holding their past three Southeastern Conference to just two third-down conversions.

Now charged with a daunting road conquest, the Aggies will look to keep their success in this impressive third-down showdown effort.

Two-Step Recipe

Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Dayon Hayes reacts after recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

The success the Aggies have been having on third-down defense has been the product of superb pass rushing and plastering wide receivers in the process of adding pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

They have benefitted heavily from the breakout campaign that defensive end Cashius Howell is putting together, racking up 8 sacks through six games. The former Bowling Green Eagle has become one of the country's strongest pass rushers, now tied for the national lead for sacks.

While Howell and his ten closest friends on defense are making things hectic on the quarterback, the secondary and linebacker corps have been keen on holding wide receivers and pass-catching backs in third-and-long situations.

Stars such as team captain linebacker Taurean York have made sure that opponents have had no chance in making past the line to gain, as the Aggies have looked more and more reminiscent of the old Wrecking Crew days with all-out attitude until the whistle blows.

Additionally, players like linebacker Daymion Sanford have risen up to the call when their number has been called, as he has made the most out of his time on the field in the absence of linebacker Scooby Williams. The junior Sanford forced a fumble in the third quarter against Florida, a week removed from winning SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

Fourth down conversions have suffered the same fate as their counterparts, with the showdown with Florida being no exception, as the Gators failed to convert their one attempt. Should the Aggies continue this dominance, they are sure to give the rest of the SEC a run for their money with one of the conference's most prolific offenses.

With the combination of a surging defense and a fast-growing offense, the Aggies have themselves a winning recipe to continue their pillaging efforts against SEC opponents and perhaps send A&M on its way to its first SEC Championship appearance.