COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Texas A&M’s defense had eight sacks and two interceptions in a season-opening win over SMU.
Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter likes those numbers, but is convinced the 9th-ranked Aggies can be much better and he’s looking for improvement from his group on Saturday against Idaho.
He’s most interested in seeing how his young group of linebackers develops and is looking for Garrick Williams to do more this week than he did in A&M’s first game.
The Aggies also want to see defensive end/linebacker Caleb Russell embrace his role as one of two players they are using to take the spot Von Miller occupied last season.
Saturday’s game is A&M’s last chance to work on things before beginning a tough stretch that starts with No. 8 Oklahoma State before facing 15th-ranked Arkansas.
