Layden Robinson Speaks on Texas A&M Aggies' Tennessee Prep: 'We Have to Figure it Out'
As much as another loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide hurts a Texas A&M Aggies squad still in search of an SEC Title Game berth or CFP appearance, they don't have any time to heed its effects.
In six days, the Aggies will hit the road to Knoxville to face Tennessee — another SEC team currently on a winning streak — on its home turf. Winning won't be easy, especially with a morale-stifling loss like Texas A&M just experienced.
But the Aggies have to push through, keep going and "flip the page" if they want to keep themselves relevant down the stretch, which the players are well aware of.
"We flip the page by getting back to work," Aggies graduate lineman Layden Robinson said Monday. "It is a tough loss. Especially after you've been working hard all week ... especially in front of your home crowd. That's always going to be a tough loss."
Texas A&M had a lead on its SEC West rival heading into halftime, but an offensive standstill in the second half — the Aggies only scoring three points in the latter 30 minutes of game time — ultimately proved to be the downfall of its hopes at an upset.
But "tough loss" or not, Robinson and company are faced with an even tougher task than facing Alabama: moving on.
Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Layden Robinson (64) looks on during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field.
© Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
"We're at a 'Now what?' stage," Robinson said. "What are we going to do now? We're not going to hold our heads down in self-pity. We've got another great team that we're about to play [in their home]. I'm excited to play in that atmosphere."
Robinson has played a big role for the Aggies during his five-year stint in College Station. Last season, he earned the team's "Toughness" award at their annual banquet, constantly proving his motivation and work ethic during practice.
Perhaps his constant work was the reason his responses on Monday seemed slightly coarse. He seemed agitated — and rightfully so — but there certainly wasn't any doubt about his wanting to help get his offense back on track.
"I really don't know [why we haven't] gotten over the hump," Robinson said. "But we have to find it. ... When we get in the red zone, we have to score. So, we have to figure out why we're not doing that, and we've got to get it right this week."
Facing Tennessee's defense, which sits in second place in the SEC for rushing yards allowed per game, will be a test for the Aggies, who will need to find their rhythm on the ground in order to truly be dangerous on offense.
Against the Tide, Texas A&M only managed 67 total rushing yards — and while that was still 40 more than Alabama — it wasn't nearly enough to make an impact on the score.
Robinson and the rest of the line want to change that, however, starting this week on a quest to move forward from the Aggies' loss. And Tennessee is a strong place to start.
"We've got to do our job," Robinson said. "We've got to move on to the next week and get ready to play. That's what we're going to do starting today."