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Know Your Opponent: UCLA vs Texas A&M

By Michael Chavez

Dec 30, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Tra Carson (5) rushes for a touchdown against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half of the 2015 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Tra Carson (5) rushes for a touchdown against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half of the 2015 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The Texas A&M Defense

The major strength of this defense is up front. Between future NFL draft picks Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall there’s no shortage of pass rushers. Add into the mix stud defensive tackle Daylon Mack, who stands 6-1″ 320lbs, and this becomes one of the strongest groups in the SEC.

The defense is led by John Chavis who came over from LSU where he built a perennial defensive powerhouse that tamed the offenses of one of college football’s strongest conferences. The Aggies haven’t historically been known for their defense but Chavis is determined to turn that around with a hard nosed approach to this unit.

must read: Just How Entitled is UCLA QB Josh Rosen?

The linebackers, although talented do not have a playmaker like Garrett or even Mack in their ranks and instead rely on the defensive line to occupy blockers while they roam freely to the ball. They are also on the smaller side and if the offensive line can get to the second level, stopping the run could become an issue. Despite spending much of the offseason looking to make weight gains, this unit still is light.

In the backend, returning leading tackler Armani Watts is a ball carrier’s worst nightmare with his range and hitting ability. However having a safety be your leading tackler means the front seven aren’t getting it done which was the story of 2015 for the Aggies. Out on the edges the defense features a familiar face in Priest Willis. Willis transferred away from UCLA in 2014 and by all accounts has looked solid this camp. He will likely see plenty of game action out on the boundary where he struggled as a Bruin.

Did you know: UCLA Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley likes ground beef and onions on his hotdogs? Odd combination.

Next: Prediction