Texas A&M's run game versus Auburn's run defense
Now the battle up front for the Aggie offense looks just a little bit different. The offensive line has still been performing at a solid level, but the ones toting the rock have yet to live up to their highest potential — with the nation's 40th and 59th slot in yards per attempt and yards per game, respectively.
A lot of that has to do with the fact that A&M is passing the ball far more effectively than they did all last season, and as a result the team is running the football just 47.85 percent of the time — the 42nd-lowest rate in the sport. But even then, we've yet to see Le'Veon Moss and Rueben Owens produce at the level they showed last season. Could this be the week things start to open up?
Not so fast, my friend: Auburn has one of the best defensive fronts in the country, and it is holding opposing offenses to a nation-best 1.9 yards per attempt.
DJ Durkin’s Defense 📈
— The Barn (@TheBarn_Auburn) September 22, 2025
Auburn leads the SEC and ranks 5th in FBS in rushing defense, allowing only 58.3 YPG.
Through 4 games, the Tigers have allowed the fewest rushing yards since the first 4 games of the 1994 season. pic.twitter.com/ABjfPGQ7O7
Even if I have confidence in the A&M run game to eventually find its footing as the year goes on, I'm not so confident lanes will start opening up this weekend.