Football

    Missouri vs NMSU: Defensive Players Preview

    Updated:No Comments3 Mins Read

    Missouri vs NMSU: Defensive Players Preview

    Missouri vs NMSU: The Mexico State Aggies, the Missouri Tigers’ opponent in Week 11, ought to be a matchup that they can easily manage.

    Missouri vs NMSU: The Mexico State Aggies, the Missouri Tigers' opponent in Week 11, ought to be a matchup that they can easily manage.
    Credits : SI

    In 2021, opponents pounded New Mexico State for an average of 40 points and over 500 yards per game (489). However, they can only rise from there. The Aggies’ defense will likely improve more than most anticipate in 2022.

    They bring back a strong defensive line and a strong linebacking group, but their secondary struggled last season. Fortunately, the defensive backfield has gained a few excellent transfers, and newly hired defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling intends to utilize a 4-2-5 to offer the Aggies more coverage. Last year, they allowed 9.5 yards for each throw attempted.

    Three of New Mexico State’s top defenders versus Missouri are shown below.

    LB Chris Ojoh

    Going into his sixth season with the Aggies, Ojoh is as experienced as they come. He had six sacks and three forced fumbles in 2021, earning a spot on Phil Steele’s Second Team All-Independent. He is lighter than most linebackers at 6’1″ and 220 pounds, yet he still uses his quickness to get into the backfield and make plays.

    Mizzou needs to be cautious because Ojoh appears to perform on par with his rivals. He recorded the most tackles of any Aggie in a single game last season with 13 against Alabama.

    LB Trevor Brohard

    All-Independent Second Team player Trevor Brohard, who has one of the greatest linebacker names in college football, is partnered with Ojoh. Brohard, who is the other half of the Aggies’ top tackling combo, is also in his sixth year at NMSU. In 2021, he made a total of 71 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and two quarterback hits. At 6’3″ and 235 pounds, he is a little heavier than Ojoh but not nearly as fast into the backfield, which makes him more suited to track the ball and stop the run.

    CB Andre Seldon

    In essence, Seldon’s first actual game activity since graduating from high school in 2020 will take place during his first season at NMSU. As a senior, he was one of the top 20 defensive backs in the country and was chosen for the ESPN 300, but he missed the first two seasons at Michigan due to injury.

    Seldon is eager to contribute right away for the Aggies and is talented enough to do so. The junior might be NMSU’s defensive X-factor this season and should immediately boost the secondary.

    Related Post