There is optimism that A&M can fix prevalent 'missed fits' vs. the run
Texas A&M’s hopes to make a long run in the College Football Playoff may depend heavily on its ability to prevent long runs in the playoffs.
Allowing explosive running plays has been a recurring problem for the Aggies. They’ve allowed 19 runs of 20 yards or more. Seven have covered at least 40 yards.
Only four Power Four teams — Rutgers (12), Colorado (10), Syracuse (9), Boston College (8) — have surrendered more. Those teams are a combined 13-35. Obviously, none will be in the playoffs.
The tendency to give up big runs was frustrating but not overly alarming when they occurred against Missouri, Notre Dame and Arkansas. Those teams are among the nation’s top 11 in explosive rushing plays.
But the issue became alarming when Texas, which has managed just nine plays of 20 yards or more, got a 48-yard run to set up a field goal and a 35-yard touchdown run.
“We couldn’t get our feet set. They were getting edges on us. That was the explosive plays they were hitting in the running game,” Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said after the 27-17 loss to the Longhorns. “We busted two coverages that led to 14 points. We missed fit a run on the quarterback. That led to a touchdown.
“We’ve got to look at what we’re asking our kids to do and make sure they can do it.”
“Missed fits” has become a common refrain for Elko. It’s similar to when Jimbo Fisher constantly talked about the need to “find the inches” necessary to win big games.
Fisher never found them.
However, there is reason for optimism that in three weeks before the playoff begin the Aggies can at least reduce those missed fits.
First of all, the Aggies have been sound in run defense most of the season. A&M is a respectable 39th in the nation against the run. The Aggies held eight opponents to 136 rushing yards or less.
Secondly, Elko is an elite defensive coach. Given three weeks to prepare, it’s a good bet the Aggies will at least show improvement.
Recall, Elko’s frustration with the Aggies' pass defense last season. That frustration boiled over after A&M allowed 295 passing yards and four touchdowns in a 35-31 Las Vegas Bowl loss to USC.
“We can’t play zone coverage,” Elko said. “Every time we play zone coverage, we give up big plays, so we have no concept of space. We have no concept of zone coverage. We have no concept of what we’re doing, so we have to play man-to-man all the time.”
Elko vowed to fix the problem.
Last season, the Aggies were 90th in the nation in pass defense. They allowed an average of 232.2 passing yards. This season, A&M is 21st in the nation, allowing 182.8 yards.
The pass defense was overhauled in one offseason. Perhaps the Aggies can tighten up the run defense in three weeks.
They’d better.
A&M is currently projected to face Notre Dame in the first round of the playoffs. Notre Dame is tied for the national lead with 11 runs of 40 yards or more.
