By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Ahead of a critical division test with Arkansas, here are three factors to the Aggies’ early success.

Texas A&M is 3-0, slotted in the national top ten and is largely now considered the top contender to Alabama in the mighty SEC West. Kevin Sumlin has done a great job with the Aggies, potentially-positioning his team for a showcase month of October with a victory this weekend. Perhaps the most-fascinating game on the league slate this weekend, Texas A&M will host Arkansas in a battle of undefeated ranked teams.

Ahead of a critical division test, here are three factors to the Aggies’ early success;

1. Rushing Attack — Texas A&M has been exceptional running the football, currently ranking second in the SEC with 237 yards per game. It hasn’t just been the production, for the Aggies, but the efficiency as well; Texas A&M ranks sixth nationally with 6.13 yards per carry. The Aggies are tied with the Crimson Tide for the conference lead with eight rushing touchdowns. Running backs Keith Ford and Trayveon Williams, a true freshman, have teamed with quarterback Trevor Knight to form a dynamic ground game. Up front, Texas A&M is doing a tremendous job establishing a strong foundation by regularly winning the line of scrimmage. Consistency in the rush game has allowed the Aggies to develop more balance and control the tempo of the game, much like they did in their most recent win at Auburn.

2. Pass Defense — Considerable improvement has been made in pass defense for Texas A&M, a big key to the overall defensive success. The Aggies have limited foes to just 50% on their throws and have given up just one passing touchdown thus far. Correspondingly, the unit has been able to hold foes to just 30% on their third down tries. There have been more big plays, as Texas A&M intercepted UCLA star quarterback Josh Rosen three times back in week one. As you might expect, the pass rush, with 12 sacks, has helped make the secondary more effective. All-everything end Myles Garrett already has three.

3. Second Half Starts — Three games into the season, the Aggies have outscored their opponents 30-0 in the third quarter. Texas A&M has done of good job of grabbing momentum out of the break and implementing adjustments upon returning to the field, a credit to Sumlin and his staff. Given the tone-setting significance the first few drives of the second half generally have, continued effectiveness here will be critical as the conference schedule progresses and the division race takes shape.