Over the next few days, we'll go through the schedules of college teams of particular interest to those in the Houston area -- Texas A&M, Texas and Houston, among others. Today we will start with Texas A&M.
The Aggies come off a nice season where they went 9-4, including 6-2 in the Big 12, a run that featured wins over Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. The Aggies' season was spiraling out of control after a 30-9 home loss to Missouri, but once Ryan Tannehill took over at quarterback, the Aggies were a different team. Tannehill is back for a full season this time, and most of his weapons return as well. The offensive line, a weakness two years ago, has become a strength and is filled with young talent.
The only concern is on defense, where the Aggies have to replace Von Miller. However, defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter -- who should be a head coach very soon -- is back and is one of the top defensive coaching minds in the country, so that should offset Miller's loss some.
So it cold be a big year at A&M. Here's a look at how the schedule plays out:
Sept. 4, SMU. This won't exactly be a walkover. SMU is one of the top teams in Conference USA and head coach June Jones is one of the best offensive minds in the country. However, the Aggies have more talent and playing at home is a huge edge as well. SMU hangs around for a while, but the Aggies put them away late. Prediction: Relatively easy Win.
Sept. 17, Idaho. The Vandals were in a bowl game a couple years ago, but they shouldn't offer much of a challenge. An easy win for the Aggies as the prep for one of their true tests of the season. Easy win.
Sept. 24, Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have quietly become one of the elite teams in the Big 12, and second place in the conference should come down to this game. Honestly, it could go either way. We'll give the Aggies a slight edge at home. Win, but could go either way.
Oct. 1. Arkansas (at Dallas). The Aggies have yet to beat the Razorbacks since this series started. This might be their best chance, but SEC talent is still better than Big 12 talent, even one of the best teams in the conference. It will be almost impossible for A&M to go through the stretch with OSU, Arkansas and Texas Tech unscathed, but a 2-1 record in that stretch would be a great accomplishment. Close loss.
Oct. 8, at Texas Tech. Another very tough test for the Aggies. A&M is the better team, but Lubbock is a tough place to play, and coming off the heels of two very tough ones, this could be a serious challenge. Still, we think the Aggies are good enough to go 2-1 in this stretch, and if they are coming off a loss to Arkansas, expect a focused group to bounce back. This one could clearly go either way.Win, but could go either way.
Oct. 15, Baylor. Head coach Art Briles and all-world quarterback Robert Griffin will make for another headache game for the Aggies. Baylor is well coached, plays solid football and will not be an easy out. Still, this Aggie team should be good enough to win at home. Close win.
Oct. 22 at Iowa State. With the exception of Oklahoma, the Aggies get their easiest Big 12 foes on the road. Iowa State is absolutely no threat. An easy win before another tough stretch. Easy win.
Oct. 29 Missouri. The Tigers worked the Aggies over pretty good last season, and figure to be a tough out again this time. But A&M was a better team when Tannehill took over, and Missouri has questions at quarterback now that Blaine Gabbert has moved on to be drafted entirely too high by Jacksonville. Another potential loss, but we thing the Aggies take this one. Win, but could go either way.
Nov. 5 at Oklahoma. In a game that will decide the Big 12 champion, the Aggies are up against it. They have been awful in Norman and if OU is healthy, the Sooners are simply better. Can't envision too many scenarios where the Aggies pull this one out unless Landry Jones is hurt. Loss.
Nov. 12 at Kansas State. Bill Snyder's teams are always tricky tough, and coming off a hard loss at OU, the Aggies will be ripe for an upset here. Still, this is not a game you should lose if you are a serious Big 12 contender, and A&M should squeak by. Win, but closer than it should be.
Nov. 19 Kansas. The Jayhawks are barely relevant right now. Aggies roll. Easy win.
Nov. 24 Texas. The Longhorns will be the most intriguing team in the Big 12 this year. They aren't anywhere near as bad as the 5-7 group from last year, but they might be light year's away from the 13-1 group of two years ago as well. We'll give the Aggies a slight edge at home, but don't be shocked if an improved UT team shows up and spoils things for A&M. Write off the Longhorns at your own risk. Win, but could go either way.
So the high end for the Aggies? A 10-2 mark, with a potential for a top 10 finish. The low end? Losses to Texas, Missouri and Tech leave them a disappointing 7-5.
We're expecting a big year from A&M, with 9 or 10 wins. Wouldn't be totally shocked if they beat Arkansas or OU, but lost to one of the other teams. This is a good football team that isn't far from being great, but still has to prove it against top competition.
Our prediction: 10-2, second in the Big 12.
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