Texas A&M vs. UCLA: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

October 8, 2016: Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Armani Watts (23) attempts to fight through a hold as Tennessee Volunteers running back John Kelly (4) cuts to the outside for a moderate gain during the Tennessee Volunteers vs Texas A&M Aggies game at Kyle Field, College Station, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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September 3, 2016: UCLA Bruins offensive lineman Scott Quessenberry (52) gets ready to snap the ball during the UCLA Bruins vs Texas A&M Aggies game at Kyle Field, College Station, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Matchups to watch

Scott Quessenberry and the UCLA OL vs. the new-look A&M front

The UCLA offensive line is going to look different compared to last season on Sunday night, but pieces like center Scott Quessenberry still remain up front. One of the key factors in this game is whether or not the Bruins can keep Josh Rosen on his feet and not on his back.

In last year’s matchup, the Aggie defense sacked Rosen five times in the overtime victory. Although the Bruins ran for 125 yards, it took them 40 attempts to get there for a whopping 3.1 yards per carry average. That’s not good enough against anybody, let alone a team in the upper half of the SEC.

Quessenberry has to not only be sharp with UCLA’s alignments in the trenches, they have do their job against Justin Madubuike, Michael Clemons and the rest of the A&M depth on the defensive line. If Rosen is sacked five times again and no running game is established, this isn’t going to be a fun opener for the Bruins.

Josh Rosen vs. Armani Watts

It was a struggle for Armani Watts early in his A&M career. But, the more playing time he got, along with the insertion of Chavis up in the A&M booth, Watts has become one of the best defenders not only in the Aggie secondary, but across the entire defense.

For Josh Rosen to have any kind of success on Sunday night, he has to locate Watts before every snap. Watts is not only an experienced defensive back for the Aggies with the ball in the air, he’s one of their better players defensively against the run. It’s not exactly Jalen Hurts vs. Derwin James this weekend, but it’s a key matchup that could go a long way in deciding who wins this one.

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