Baylor vs. Texas A&M Football: Previewing the Aggies' Matchup with the Bears

This Saturday, No. 24 Baylor visits No. 23 Texas A&M at Kyle Field. The Bears are 4-1 (1-1) with their lone loss coming two weekends ago to an undefeated Kansas State team. The Aggies are 3-2 (1-1), losing close games to Oklahoma State and Arkansas. 

After Ken Starr declared the threat of a legal battle on A&M a few months ago for leaving for the SEC, the Aggies have had this date circled on their calendars. Prepare for the Kyle Field faithful to show up in full force to see their team crush an overrated Baylor team.  

Ryan Tannehill and the offense put up strong numbers in Lubbock last weekend, scoring 45 points and totaling 393 offensive yards. 

Robert Griffin III led the Bears to a victory over the Cyclones at home, racking up 49 points and an impressive 607 total yards of offense.

For what may be the last time these two teams meet, the winner will take away bragging rights for a long time. Both squads boast powerful offenses that can score a lot of points, so expect this one to be a shootout.

When Baylor Is on Offense

The ball will be in the hands of a superstar. Robert Griffin III is dangerous and will put up a lot of points on the Aggie defense. Balancing a relatively well-rounded offense, expect the Bears to light up the scoreboard.

Baylor ranks 10th in the nation in rushing, averaging 239 yards per game on the ground. Terrance Ganaway and Robert Griffin III have put up a combined 816 rushing yards for eight touchdowns. Both are quick and can break arm tackles, so the A&M's defense will have to quit being sloppy and wrap up. 

Through the air, the Bears rank 14th, putting up over 320 yards per game. Griffin III has thrown 19 touchdowns so far this year. His 1,520 yards passing are Heisman-quality stats, and watching him play is extremely exciting. Baylor's receivers are pretty good, but RG3 is putting the ball where it needs to be, completing over 80 percent of his passes.

Kendall Wright is a force to be reckoned with. He has 48 receptions for 690 yards in addition to his eight touchdown receptions. He even has a touchdown pass on a trick play during the TCU game.

Every part of this offense is something Tim Deruyter needs to pay attention, and holding them to under their average of 48 points per game is a must-do for the Aggie defense.

When Baylor Is on Defense

Fortunately for the Aggies, the Bears don't own a prolific defense. They allow almost 30 points per game, and that's against teams like Iowa State, Kansas State and TCU. 

Phil Bennett, Baylor's defensive coordinator, actually played ball here in College Station. He coached here as well in the late '70s, early '80s and mid-'90s. He's an experienced coach who will be tough to beat.

The defense allows an average of 170 yards per game on the ground, giving up just six rushing touchdowns this year. They've been solid there so far, but have only really played weaker teams that have all been stronger in the passing game.

In the air, the Bears have given up 205 yards per game on average, which is good for the A&M offense. They've allowed 12 passing touchdowns and only have one interception on the year. 

Stopping A&M's offense would be the Baylor defense highlight of the year, so expect them to come into Kyle Field under a man who played there and give everything to hold the offense up. 

When Texas A&M Is on Offense

The Aggies have a powerful O-line that needs to show up on Saturday. The rushing game is important and any lull there could spell doom for an offense whose passing complements its rushing.

Christine Michael and Cyrus Gray are both strong running backs whose only purpose is to plow over linebackers. They each should receive multiple carries and seeing both run for over 100 yards would not be pushing it. Texas A&M's rushing game puts up 220 yards on average, and allowing the dual-threat RBs to reach that number will be fun to watch. 

Ryan Tannehill and the passing game looked a lot better last Saturday against the Red Raiders. Nwachukwu had an amazing catch on the sideline and seeing more of that is exactly what the Aggies need. A&M averages over 270 yards per game in the air and considering the Baylor defense gives a lot more yards and touchdowns in the passing game than on the ground, Tannehill and his receivers need to exploit that.

Texas A&M's offense has the potential to beat any opponent by outscoring them. The Aggies have all the tools; they just have to go out there and find their rhythm. 

When Texas A&M Is on Defense

A&M's defense has been despicable against big opponents so far this season, especially in the pass game. The Aggies have allowed over 420 yards per game on average as well as over 25 points per game, ranked 64th in the nation.

The pass defense has been a total letdown. Defensive backs have let over 340 yards per game come through the air, which is one of the worst averages in the country. Frederick, Judie and Company need to step it up against a Baylor team that likes to throw the ball well.

In the ground defense, A&M has been much better, only allowing 79 yards per game on average. As awesome as that is, most teams in the nation are much better throwing than rushing and unless Baylor forgets the QB position completely, expect A&M to be stuck playing pass defense. 

Other that that, turnovers will be a huge factor. A&M has to force multiple turnovers to be able to win this game with ease, and doing that so far this year has not been easy.

Prediction  

Baylor has never been a powerhouse in the Big 12 and A&M needs to prove that. Even with a Heisman candidate like Robert Griffin III, this Bears team isn't an Oklahoma or even a Missouri.

After a tenuous victory in Lubbock, coming back to College Station to face Baylor should be a relief game for A&M. The Bears will put up a good fight, but the defense will finally take a stand while the offense will continue to roll.

Texas A&M defeats their conference foes from Waco in an easy win.

Texas A&M 38 Baylor 17