TAXSLAYER GATOR PREVIEW: Texas A&M
Here is an in-depth look at NC State's opponent in the 2018 Taxslayer Gator Bowl, Texas A&M.
Texas A&M finished the regular season ranked No. 19 and 8-4 overall in the SEC West.
Offensively, the Aggies are led by tailback Trayveon Williams. He has totaled 1,524 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
He finished the season strong, rushing for over 100 yards in each of the final four regular season games. Williams totaled 198 yards and two touchdowns in the season finale win over LSU.
Texas A&M averages 34.7 points per game, and the passing attack is led by star quarterback Kellen Mond. Mond has passed for 2,967 yards with 23 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. A dual-threat, he's also rushed for 389 yards and another six scores.
The go-to receiver is actually star junior tight end Jace Sternberger. He leads the team in receptions (47), yards (804), and touchdowns (10).
Here's a closer look at Texas A&M's offense.
Texas A&M Offensive Breakdown
| CATEGORY | TOTAL | NATIONAL RANK |
| Scoring Offense | 34.7 ppg | No. 29 |
| Total Offense | 465.8 ypg | No. 20 |
| Rushing Offense | 203.8 ypg | No. 33 |
| Passing Offense | 262.0 ypg | No. 35 |
| Redzone Offense | 83.8% | No. 68 |
| Third Down Offense | 40.6% | No. 56 |
| Sacks Allowed | 35.0 | No. 112 |
Defensively, the Aggies have been stout and are led by senior linebacker Otara Alaka, who has totaled 79 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, and four sacks.
A&M has also been disruptive up front, totaling 35 sacks in 12 games, and rank No. 2 nationally in rushing defense.
Here's a closer look at Texas A&M’s defense.
Texas A&M Defensive Breakdown
| CATEGORY | TOTAL | NATIONAL RANK |
| Scoring Defense | 26.3 ppg | No. 58 |
| Total Defense | 354.7 ypg | No. 36 |
| Rushing Defense | 92.0 ypg | No. 2 |
| Passing Defense | 262.7 ypg | No. 109 |
| Redzone Defense | 75% | No. 15 |
| Third Down Defense | 32.9% | No. 22 |
| Sacks | 35.0 | No. 15 |
Kicker Seth Small has been solid, connecting on 19-of-26 field goals this season.
