Tennessee looks to maintain playoff momentum in College Station.
16Powers.com
Tennessee heads to College Station Saturday afternoon with an opportunity to strengthen its postseason credentials against a Texas A&M team desperately searching for offensive consistency.
The eighth-ranked Volunteers improved to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in Southeastern Conference play after dismantling sixth-ranked Kentucky 34-6 last weekend.
Texas A&M enters the contest at 4-5 overall and 1-5 in conference competition following a disappointing 17-9 loss at South Carolina.
The Aggies have been competitive in several games but have struggled to finish offensive possessions. Against South Carolina, Texas A&M moved the football effectively at times, only to settle for three field goals.
That inability to produce touchdowns could prove costly against Tennessee.
The Volunteers’ defense has become one of the team’s greatest strengths. Tennessee repeatedly disrupted Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey last weekend, generating pressure and forcing the Wildcats into difficult passing situations.
Linebacker Arion Carter delivered an outstanding performance with 13 tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss.
His ability to penetrate the offensive backfield could create substantial problems for Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed.
The Aggies must establish their running game early to prevent Tennessee from concentrating on pressuring Reed.
Running back Rueben Owens II rushed for 137 yards against South Carolina, demonstrating that Texas A&M can move the football on the ground when its offensive line creates opportunities.
However, Tennessee’s defense will present a difficult challenge.
The Volunteers have also demonstrated an increasingly effective rushing attack.
DeSean Bishop rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns against Kentucky, while Daune Morris contributed a spectacular 66-yard touchdown run.
Tennessee’s ability to feature multiple running backs makes its offense difficult to defend, especially when opponents must also respect the threat of play-action passes.
The Volunteers would benefit from greater consistency in the passing game. Against stronger defenses, Tennessee cannot depend exclusively on rushing production and defensive field position.
Texas A&M’s defense performed reasonably well against South Carolina before surrendering LaNorris Sellers’ decisive 41-yard touchdown run.
The Aggies must maintain that defensive intensity for four quarters while limiting Tennessee’s explosive rushing opportunities.
Kyle Field provides one of college football’s most challenging road environments, and an enthusiastic home crowd could create communication problems for the Volunteers.
Nevertheless, Tennessee enters with considerable momentum following its impressive victory over Kentucky.
The Volunteers appear better equipped to control the line of scrimmage, generate defensive pressure and produce touchdowns when scoring opportunities arise.
Texas A&M should keep the game competitive through much of the first half, particularly if Owens establishes an effective running attack.
However, Tennessee’s defensive front and deeper offensive running game should eventually prove decisive. The Aggies need a nearly mistake-free performance to produce the upset.
16POWERS PREDICTION
Tennessee 27, Texas A&M 13
