3 offensive keys for Texas A&M against Kentucky in Week 3

Texas A&M will open SEC play Saturday when it hosts Kentucky at Kyle Field. The Aggies are 2-0, but their offense still has plenty to clean up after producing only 255 total yards against Arizona State.

The passing game has looked promising when Marcel Reed has time to throw, but the offensive line and running backs have yet to find a consistent rhythm. Kentucky's defense has recorded six sacks and held opponents to 3.1 yards per carry, so Texas A&M cannot expect everything to correct itself.

Here are three offensive keys for the Aggies against the Wildcats.

Texas A&M rushed for only 92 yards on 35 carries against Arizona State, averaging 2.6 yards per attempt. Some of those struggles can be attributed to four new starters along the offensive line still learning to play together, but the Aggies need to determine which concepts fit their personnel before the schedule gets more difficult.

Kentucky has allowed only 107 rushing yards per game, so establishing the run will not come easily . Texas A&M does not have to dominate on the ground, but consistent production would keep the offense ahead of the chains and create more opportunities for Reed through play action.

The Aggies converted only 3-of-12 third downs against Arizona State and are 10-of-26 through two games. Those missed opportunities prevented the offense from sustaining drives and contributed to A&M entering the fourth quarter with only a four-point lead.

Kentucky has allowed its opponents to convert 13-of-26 third downs, giving offensive coordinator Holmon Wiggins an opportunity to exploit one of the Wildcats' early weaknesses. Better production on first and second down would also create manageable situations and allow Wiggins to use more of his playbook .

Key 3: Protect Marcel Reed and start faster

Kentucky has recorded six sacks through two games, and former Texas A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman will likely look for ways to pressure and confuse Reed. The Aggies' passing game has shown it can create explosive plays when Reed has time, making protection one of the most important factors in the matchup.

Texas A&M has taken too long to find its offensive rhythm in each of its first two games and cannot continue relying on its defense to provide touchdowns and short fields. An early scoring drive would settle the offense, force Kentucky to play from behind and give the Aggies' defense more opportunities to attack.

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