Stat Chat: I'll Take That

Let's get the obvious out of the way: Florida State dominated in nearly every facet of the game last weekend in the ACC championship, but there are aspects of the game that are important to build on going into an exciting matchup against No. 20 Texas A&M. Duke's defense held the Seminoles to zero points in the first quarter for the first time this year; the Blue Devil offense possessed the ball more over the course of the game; and, most importantly, Duke forced three turnovers in the game.

Looking ahead to the matchup against the Aggies, many critics have denounced the defenses for both squads, predicting a shootout in Atlanta. However, playing No. 1 Florida State and playing against Johnny Football and Texas A&M will be different. The biggest separation between the two teams is that Florida State hasn't played a "bad" game all year. The Aggies have played two...and they happen to be the last two games they've played.

Texas A&M averages a whopping 43.6 points per game this season, the sixth highest total in the FBS. Further analysis of the team's recent play, however, shows that this is not the same high flying offense audiences have gawked at all year. The Aggies averaged 49.2 points per game before scoring a total of 31 points against LSU and Missouri the past two contests. Manziel scored at least two touchdowns in each of the first 10 games, but has scored only two in the last two games combined, while also throwing two interceptions. The defenses for the Tigers 1 and Tigers 2 are solid, but Alabama and Auburn have equally stingy defenses and the Aggies scored a combined 83 points on the Crimson Tide and Tigers 3.

Where the game could be decided in Atlanta is the turnover battle. Duke's improved defense the second half of the season was showcased nationally in the first 15 minutes of the ACC championship. The Blue Devils forced two turnovers in the first half, allowing only 17 points to Heisman finalist Jameis Winston. The Aggies turnover ratio is only 1.05-to-1, but 12 of the team's 21 total turnovers have come in the past five games. Duke has forced 12 of the team's total 26 turnovers during that same span.

While turnovers may turn in the Blue Devils' favor, the squad will have to limit big plays from the Texas A&M offense. In Duke's three losses, the defense has given up 18 touchdowns, 15 of which were scored from 10 or more yards away. Those 18 scores have also gone for an average of 23.6 yards per touchdown. With ALL-SEC wide receiver Mike Evans, the Aggies have more than just big rushing plays from Manziel. Evans averages 20.3 yards per reception and has 12 touchdowns on the year. Translation: Duke's defense will have to keep Evans in check in order to maintain defensive success.

All of the talk about Texas A&M's high powered offense and the team's experience playing SEC defenses has overshadowed the quality play of Duke's defense this season. If the Aggies plays like they have in recent weeks, don't be shocked if this game becomes a low-scoring affair in a hurry.