Texas A&M’s run defense can’t be defined as “horrific,” mainly because the Aggies finished 40th nationally against the run, allowing a little over 130 yards per game, which, on paper, is an impressive ranking that should result in postseason success. Still, after the Aggies lost to Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Hurricanes junior running back Mark Fletcher’s 172 yards, including 10 yards per carry, directly resulted in Texas A&M’s early exit.
While Fletcher’s big day wasn’t shocking to those of us who cover the program, it’s fair to take a trip back in time and reflect on the opposing rushing performances that proved that this offseason should be focued on fixing the run defense, starting with replenshing the defensive line with star veterans, while adding one, or two linebackers from the transfer portal.
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Again, ignore the national ranking and look back at the career performances the Aggies allowed on the ground this season, outside of Mark Fletcher, during the season-opener vs. UTSA, senior running back Robert Henry Jr. ran for a season high 177 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard touchdown run early in the second half.
Next, Missouri back Jamal Roberts ran for his second-highest total of the season with 110 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. In contrast, Arkansas‘s Mike Washington Jr. ran for a season-high 147, averaging, yes, 9.2 yards per carry.
Even worse, Texas junior running back, who had not produced a 100-yard game all season, ran for 155 yards and averaged 8.2 yards per tote, which is highly embarrassing after allowing the Glenn Heights (TX) native to run for 186 yards just a year prior, in Kyle Field, nonetheless.
Not to ruin anyone’s Christmas spirit, but this was the main reason Texas A&M didn’t advance to face Ohio State in the Quarterfinals of the CFP, and it will continue to be a problem if Mike Elko and his new coaching staff don’t add new personnel to the roster and improve the scheme this offseason.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M’s 2025 run defense allowed several season-highs
