Texas A&M · SECTexas A&M must solve offense against No. 9 Tennessee
The 4-5 Aggies need two wins in their final three games after failing to score an offensive touchdown in three of their last four SEC games.
NOV 11, 2026
SEC games without an offensive touchdown
Wins needed for bowl eligibility
Tennessee points allowed per game
01 · The NewsA&M's Touchdown Problem
After Saturday’s 17-9 loss at South Carolina, Texas A&M returns to Kyle Field to face No. 9 Tennessee with an offense that has failed to score an offensive touchdown in three of its last four SEC games. The Volunteers’ defense allows 15.1 points per game.
The Aggies fell to 4-5 overall and 1-5 in the SEC despite holding South Carolina to 109 rushing yards. David Olano scored all nine Texas A&M points with three field goals, leaving the defense’s improvement wasted by another offense that could not finish drives.
Senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe moved to nickelback against South Carolina as Texas A&M put more attention on stopping the run. He said the team’s response requires focus rather than a reaction to the noise around a 4-5 season.
“I think it just takes a commitment, honestly. Whoever can block out all the noise, block out all the distractions,” Ratcliffe said.
The offense will need reliable playmakers against Tennessee’s aggressive, multiple defensive fronts and pass rush. Sophomore receiver TK Norman has received more playing time and said it has given him chances to show his speed and make contested catches.
“My situation has really been a next man up mentality,” Norman said.
Tennessee is 7-2 overall and 4-2 in the SEC after a 34-6 victory over Kentucky. DeSean Bishop leads a Volunteers rushing attack with 1,066 yards and 13 touchdowns, adding another test for an Aggies defense that handled South Carolina’s ground game.
The matchup is Texas A&M’s Operation Blackout game. The Aggies have won the event twice under Elko, but the occasion will not solve an offense that has gone without a touchdown in three of its last four conference games.
Ratcliffe, playing his final college season, put the immediate challenge plainly: “I don’t want to leave any regrets.”
02 · The StakesThe Bowl Math
Texas A&M needs two victories in its final three games to become bowl eligible, with Oklahoma and Texas still ahead after Tennessee. The bowl path — and the pressure on Mike Elko’s program — now turns on whether the Aggies can produce touchdowns before those games arrive.
03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can the offense finish drives?
The tell is whether Texas A&M produces an offensive touchdown against a Tennessee defense allowing 15.1 points per game, after failing to score one in three of its last four SEC games.
Can the defense repeat its run stop?
Watch whether the Aggies again hold the opponent’s ground game in check after limiting South Carolina to 109 rushing yards, while DeSean Bishop brings 1,066 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns for Tennessee.