Battle of the Unbeatens: Texas A&M Aggies vs. Tennessee Volunteers, Who Will Stay Unbeaten?

At 2:30 on Saturday afternoon, the Texas A&M Aggies will host the highest profile game that Kyle Field has seen since Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide visited in 2013 to avenge their home loss to Johnny Manziel and Co. the previous year. This time, however, it’s the Texas A&M defense that has put the Aggies into the spotlight.

Led by former Arlington Martin defensive end Myles Garrett, the Aggies have suffocated opposing offenses so far in 2016. Defensive coordinator John Chavis’ crew has allowed just 15 points per game through their first five games including their first home shutout in 80 games when they beat Prairie View A&M by a score of 67-0. With Myles Garrett leading a stout defensive line that includes fellow defensive end Daeshon Hall and defensive tackle Daylon Mack, opposing teams have been forced to take to the air against the Aggies; however, no team has found much luck there either. Accompanied by Justin Evans and Donovan Wilson, former North Forney star Armani Watts leads a group of experienced and hard hitting safety’s that have shined so far this season.

That being said, Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs will pose the biggest threat that the Aggies have seen so far this season. The dynamic quarterback has led the Volunteers to their first 5-0 start since 1998 when they won the National Championship over the Florida State Seminoles. Though it hasn’t always been pretty, the Volunteers continue to find ways to win, including last weeks game ending Hail Mary on the road over rival SEC team Georgia. Though their offense has been playing well, the Tennessee defense, who is allowing 23 points per game, has struggled to keep opposing offenses off of the board. While they’ve struggled, one bright spot for the Volunteers defense is defensive end Derek Barnett. Barnett is tied for fourth in the SEC with four sacks so far in his junior campaign.

However, under the leadership of quarterback Trevor Knight, the Aggies seem to be finding their identity in the new Noel Mazzone offense, which could prove to be dangerous for the Volunteers. With playmakers at almost every position, the Aggies will just need to contain Joshua Dobbs to set up another battle of undefeated’s in Tuscaloosa come week eight.