Aggies Defense Gels in Opener vs Kent State

A&M defense stole the show Saturday night in the debut of Haynes King as Aggies' quarterback.

Texas A&M's defense shined early and often in Saturday night's 41-10 season-opening victory over Kent State, stealing the spotlight from new starting quarterback Haynes King.

The Golden Flashes featured dual-threat quarterback Dustin Crum, who tested the Aggies' defense. A&M also played with its back against the wall quite a few times thanks to five turnovers, including four interceptions (three from King).

The Aggie defense was largely up to the challenge, as Kent State only found the end zone once. That type of performance was the hope for a unit returning nine of 11 starters from last year. 

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Senior safety Leon O'Neal snagged two interceptions on the night, including an 85-yard pick 6 off Crum in the third quarter. DeMarvin Leal led a consistent push by the defensive line.

What are some of our defensive takeaways from Saturday night's A&M win over Kent State?

A&M's Defense Might Be Better Than Last Season 

The Aggies' defense gave up just 10 points and 336 total yards against Kent State. (A&M allowed 21.7 points and 317.3 yards per game last season against a mostly SEC schedule). The Golden Flashes averaged 49.8 points and 606.5 yards last season.

Maybe even more impressive is the passing totals allowed Saturday night. The combination of Crum and Collin Shlee combined for just 14-for-30 passing and 110 yards.

The Defensive Line Is Still A Strength Of The Team

Winning the line of scrimmage is key, and the A&M defensive front line dominated Kent State's offensive line and pressured Crum relentlessly despite not registering an official sack.

The Golden Flashes tried to use an up-tempo offense to start the game, though it didn't work. The constant heat pressure on Crum and Co. forced Kent State to improvise and alter their game plan.

Leon O'Neal Is A Beast

O’Neal came up with a pair of interceptions, including one he returned 85 yards for a touchdown, and another that occurred in the end zone to close out the half to keep the score 10-3 in favor of the Aggies.

O'Neal has already matched his interception total from last season and has already scored, which he didn't do in all of 2020.

There Is Still Much Work To Do

While this season-opening win over Kent State is impressive, the Golden Flashes are not the team A&M was built to beat. The Aggies can't afford to be shaking off rust against the likes of Alabama, Arkansas and the rest of the SEC.

The good news is Colorado and New Mexico still on the schedule before SEC play begins on Sept. 25 against the Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium.

And with questions still remaining on the offensive side of the ball

, the defense may need to carry this team for the first month of  2021. 

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