Louisiana Tech @ Texas A&M preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 23, 2006 ) Louisiana Tech 14, Texas A&M 45

Texas A&M knows that its defense is what will have to lead them back into contention in the Big 12. So far, so good.

The Aggies will be looking to build off an inspiring opening performance when they host Louisiana Tech in their second game of the season on Saturday.

One of the worst defensive teams in the nation in 2009, Texas A&M brought in new defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter in the offseason and switched to a 3-4 alignment for 2010. The results were obvious in week one, as the Aggies limited Stephen F. Austin to 266 yards and 13 first downs in a 48-7 rout. Preseason All-American and reigning NCAA sack champion Von Miller is playing a hybrid defensive end-linebacker position called the “joker” in the new scheme. He did not record a sack against Stephen F. Austin and assisted on one tackle.

The offense showed little rust after the long layoff, finishing with 539 total yards. Christine Michael led the ground attack with 105 yards, and senior quarterback Jerrod Johnson completed 28 of 40 passes for 322 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Johnson, who set eight school records in 2009, owns the school mark with 55 career touchdown passes. His favorite target, junior Jeff Fuller, caught both of Johnson’s touchdown passes against Stephen F. Austin and is one shy of Bob Long’s 42-year-old school record of 19 career receiving touchdowns.

Louisiana Tech is also attempting to make some changes under first-year head coach Sonny Dykes, who is installing a new offense. Dykes’ high-octane scheme didn’t get into fifth gear much in last week’s opener against Grambling State, but worked well enough to secure a 20-6 win against the FCS opponent.

Third downs were the big problem, as Bulldogs managed to convert just 4-of-13 opportunities.

Redshirt senior running back Myke Compton was the offensive star for Louisiana Tech, scoring two touchdowns in the first half. Lennon Creer added 69 yards on 17 carries as the offense tried to find its footing.

The Aggies have never lost to the Bulldogs, owning a 9-0 all-time record in the series. The schools last met in 2006, when Texas A&M cruised to a 45-14 win at College Station.