The Aggies are facing another challenging task under the lights at Kyle Field this weekend, as the Florida Gators ride massive momentum into Bryan-College Station, Texas, following the program’s victory over the Texas Longhorns in Week 6.
Texas A&M is off to a hot start, as head coach Mike Elko has led the Maroon and White to five straight wins to kick off this year’s ventures, but the Gators have seemingly found their footing heading into this week’s conference matchup. While there are many aspects the Aggies must clean up on Saturday, Elko and company have found much success on both sides of the ball so far this season. Entering Week 7, Texas A&M ranks 22nd in the FBS in total offense per game and 21st in total defense.
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Quarterback Marcel Reed has displayed much improvement each week of his sophomore campaign, alongside electric offensive weapons like Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, who have combined for 958 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Running backs Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens II have also dominated on the ground, which has helped the Aggies open up the playbook for Reed in the passing game.
However, inconsistency and penalties, especially on the offensive line, have been a detriment to the team at times. Cleaning up those aspects will be key against the Gators, who are entering the week with confidence after their impressive performance against Steve Sarkisian’s squad.
Here are the five things to watch for as Texas A&M battles Florida in the third SEC contest of the season at Kyle Field on Saturday:
Can Texas A&M’s defensive line maintain its dominance?
Sep 27, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) reacts after sacking Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
For a unit that started off the year shaky against two inferior non-conference opponents, Texas A&M’s defensive line has stepped up in a big way for the Aggies against conference foes. Led by talent like senior Cashius Howell, who became the first player since Aggie legend Von Miller to record three sacks in multiple contests, the Maroon and White ranks sixth in college football with 3.6 sacks per game. Howell and company could have a field day against the Florida offensive line, which ranks ninth in the SEC with nine sacks allowed so far this season.
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How can the Aggie secondary halt star freshman wideout Dallas Wilson?
Sep 27, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies cornerback Will Lee III (4) motions to the crowd during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
In his first collegiate start for the Gators against a highly-touted Texas defense, freshman wide receiver Dallas Wilson hauled in six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. His freakish athleticism makes him a dangerous threat for the Texas A&M secondary that ranks just outside the top 30 in pass defense per game.
Does Rueben Owens II get more snaps after his Week 6 performance?
Oct 4, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Rueben Owens II (4) stiff arms Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Jahron Manning (13) during the fourth quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Rueben Owens II flashed in the Week 6 victory over the Bulldogs, proving that he arguably deserves more reps entering the weekend. The sophomore from El Campo has racked up 276 yards on the ground, with 172 of those coming against MSU. Factoring Owens more into the rushing attack could make Texas A&M’s rushing attack even more dangerous moving forward.
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Can Texas A&M limit penalties?
Oct 4, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko looks on during the first half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
This has been the biggest kryptonite for the Aggies so far this year. Ranking 132nd nationally with 47 penalties for 375 yards, Texas A&M must find ways to reverse the cycle against Florida because the SEC slate does not get any easier moving through the remainder of the 2025 campaign.
How can the Aggies establish success offensively?
Oct 4, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) warms up prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
The key for the Aggies against Florida’s talented defensive front will be relying on the offensive line to clean up penalties and give Reed enough time to find his playmakers. If offensive coordinator Collin Klein can get Owens and Moss going, it could tremendously open up the playbook.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M football’s five things to watch against Florida
