Texas A&M football: 4 stats that prove Aggies are better in 2018
By Jeff Shull
4th quarter point differential
A mark of a good team is being able to get first downs and score points with your offense and get stops with your defense in the fourth quarter. Everyone’s conditioning and mental toughness are put on the line at the end of games. A&M’s success in the fourth quarter this season has been incredible.
If you don’t include the blowout wins over Northwestern State and UL-Monroe, A&M is +29 in the fourth quarter and overtime. That differential is +43 if you include the two lesser opponents. They outscored their opponent in every fourth quarter except against Arkansas. They almost came roaring back to beat Clemson late and have closed out Arkansas, Kentucky and South Carolina with big drives on offense and huge plays on defense.
A&M’s total differential in the fourth quarter in conference games plus UCLA and Wake Forest was -7 last year. It was -39 in those two games alone. They have come a long way this season and it will benefit them greatly as they continue through the SEC gauntlet.