Bateman has guided the No. 15 Aggies' defense, boasting one of the deepest defensive lines in the country that helped hold five opponents to 100-or-fewer yards rushing, including allowing just 68 in the win over No. 9 Missouri and 24 in topping No. 8 LSU. Against Arkansas, pressure from the line on the last two drives and a strip sack, one of three forced fumbles in the game, sealed the victory. In the win at Florida the Aggie defense picked off three passes, returning one for a touchdown. His linebacker group led the defense with 25 tackles, 4.5 for loss, a pick and three breakups. A&M has only allowed 22 touchdowns on the year and has broken up 46 passes, both good for top-15 nationally.
