Texas A&M (1-1) takes on ULM (2-0) this afternoon at Kyle Field. The Aggies are a huge favorite, but there are at least five things I'd like to see during today's game:
1. Run the football down their throats
The Aggies don't need to be balanced. But they have to at least show they're capable of running the ball effectively to stop opponents from teeing off on Conner Weigman. ULM's defense has struggled against the run so far, so this could be a good confidence boost if the Aggie offensive line has its head screwed on right.
2. Pick up the blitz
ULM has scored the vast majority of its points off of turnovers. They want short fields and they get the turnovers by causing confusion. They blitz a lot from different looks, and this is exactly what A&M should want them to do today. They need to improve in this area rapidly and this is the place to start.
3. Get pressure
A&M was anemic pressuring Tyler Van Dyke, largely because they didn't really try -- and that's a scheme flaw, not a player flaw. Jimbo Fisher talked about the need to get pressure all week, and they need to change what they're doing to get that pressure. It needs to start right now.
4. Stuff the run. Completely.
ULM is absolutely terrible throwing the football, but they have two very good backs. They're run heavy and do not want to be behind the sticks. If A&M handles their business as the run as they have -- or better -- then the Warhawks will be forced to play right into the Aggies' hands.
5. Don't let them breathe
The Aggies have a nasty habit of letting inferior teams hang around as they don't take things seriously. That nearly cost them a game against ULM in 2014. If this team is different, if the mindset has changed, they need to come out and blast ULM from the get-go and not let up.
