Auburn Football vs. Texas A&M: 5 Things to Watch For

Auburn’s Linebackers

The linebacker group for Auburn has been a unit that I’ve focused a lot on this year. Mainly because it was such a question mark coming into the season.

To me, linebacker is the most important position on the defense, so I’ve been waiting to see who will emerge there.

Through two games it seems like Tre’ Williams is the guy. He was all over the field last Saturday and finished with 8 total tackles.

He didn’t get quite as much playing time against Clemson because we were still unsure who would become our top linebacker. I think it’s evident now that Tre’ Williams is the leader of this unit.

He, along with Darrell Williams, Deshaun Davis and T.J. Neal, will need to have a great game against Texas A&M.

Not only will they have to help contain Trevor Knight when he goes to run, but they’ll likely be matched up with some of the Aggies’ big receivers.

They had a similar challenge in week one against Clemson and I thought they performed well enough.

Texas A&M runs a little bit faster offense though, so Kevin Steele will have to rotate linebackers as often as he can.

With that, everyone will have to have the ability to cover receivers down the seams. Arkansas State was able to exploit that weakness a couple of times last week.

If the linebackers creep too far back, then Knight will take off and run. At that point the linebackers will have to be able to sprint up and make a clean tackle.

I certainly think this linebacker group is capable of doing just that, but they’re still inexperienced and thin at the position.

Look for Texas A&M to try and target Auburn’s linebackers.

Next: Offensive Game Plan