Opponent Film Review: Texas A&M's Offense

The defense for South Carolina's Football team is set to face off against an Aggies offense that can accomplish a variety of things.

As the Gamecocks prepare to travel to College Station this weekend, we look at what Carolina's defense will have to keep their eyes on regarding the Aggies' offense. While their offense doesn't do anything schematically that's challenging to keep up with, they do have outstanding players that force you to be fundamentally sound and disciplined.

One of the first things that shows on the film from Texas A&M's offense is the use of their tight ends. The Aggies are a team that loves 12 personnel or sets with one running back and two tight ends in the box, especially in the redzone. They are extremely good blockers and physical in the passing game, and OC Bobby Petrino has shown he loves calling a backside wheel from the tight ends and delayed routes as well.

Watching Max Johnson play against the defenses from Alabama and Tennessee, I thought, "This is a TOUGH guy." He will stay in the pocket and deliver a pass with guys in his face but isn't afraid to take off and run and break tackles. Johnson has struggled with accuracy and isn't the best deep ball thrower, but make no mistake, he's capable of making big plays.

Aggie QB Max Johnson :: Jack Gorman/Getty Images

The last two things that stuck out to me the most were the tendencies they show on third downs and how they try to get their playmakers, Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith, the ball. On third down, the Aggies almost always come out in 2x2 or trips sets to either side. On several occasions, they've come out in empty as well.

The way Texas A&M typically attacks teams on third down are quick drag or crossing routes to guys like Smith. These kinds of routes give guys like Ainias the chance to make a play in the open field, which he does a lot of. Stewart is going to be someone to watch as well, as anytime a team gave Stewart a one-on-one chance with no safety help or safety in the middle of the field, they went his way.

The Gamecocks' defense will need to bring constant pressure this weekend. However, stopping the run and forcing Johnson to beat them will likely be an even stronger emphasis. Carolina has had success stopping running teams this year but have broken down on the back end of it defensively. Clayton White's unit can limit this offense, but they will have to put a complete game together to do so.

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• Offensive Film Review: South Carolina at No. 20 Missouri

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