Predicting the 2019 SEC Football Season: Texas A&M Aggies

In the third installment of our wild blind dart-throwing predictions, we travel to Aggieland and Year 2 of the Jimbo Fisher administration.

Coach: Jimbo Fisher (83–23, ACC 48–16 in 8 seasons at FSU; 9-4 last season, his first with TAMU)

2018 record: 9-4 (5-3 in SEC, tied for 2nd in the West Division)

CB969 2018 Prediction: 7-5, (picked all games right except SC - a 3 pt win); “Can the Aggies shake off the failures of the last regime? The freshness of New Coach Fever will carry the team for a little while, but the schedule is not friendly...”

Looking back: As mentioned above, the schedule was a tough one. The Aggies lost a winnable game against Clemson. They struggled on the road losing to Bama, MSU and Auburn, and barely getting by the Gamecocks 26-23. The seven overtime game against LSU was one for the ages.

Returning starters: 6 on offense, 4 on defense, punter, kicker.

Key losses: C Erik McCoy (Round 2, Saints), TE Jace Sternberger (Round 3, Packers), DE Kingsley Keke (Round 5, Packers), DT Daylon Mack (Round 5, Ravens), RB Trayveon Williams (Round 6, Bengals), S Donovan Wilson (Round 6, Cowboys), FB Cullen Gillaspia (Round 7, Texans), EDGE Landis Durham, LB Tyrel Dodson, G Keaton Sutherland, LB Otaro Alaka, TE coach and recruiting coordinator Tim Brewster (to UNC), Jordan Moore (transfer to Houston).

Top returnees: DL Justin Madubuike, RB/KR Jashaun Corbin, P Braden Mann, QB Kellen Mond, WR Jhamon Ausbon, WR Quartney Davis, WR Kendrick Rogers, LB Buddy Johnson, PK Seth Small, CB Charles Oliver, CB Debione Renfro, S Derrick Tucker.

Top newcomers: OT Kenyon Green (Humble, TX), DT DeMarvin Leal (Converse, TX), TE Baylor Cupp (Brock, TX), WR Dylan Wright (Mesquite, TX), DB Brian Williams (Dallas, TX), DB Demani Richardson (Waxahachie, TX),

Name you need to know: Ray Guy Award winner Braden Mann is good. He is REALLY good.

Strengths: Braden Mann... Solid receiving corps... building depth on defense... three returning starters in the secondary... Fisher’s message is still fresh... The confidence of Mond...

Weaknesses: That schedule - oh, my... Rebuilding the defensive front... Breaking in new linebackers... Despite three returning starters in the secondary, they need to improve... Sternberger and Trayveon will be tough to replace... The Aggies will have to rely on a good deal of talented but young players to step up... The overconfidence of Mond...

Outlook: A record of 9-4 in a transition rebuilding year with that schedule was pretty remarkable. Can Jimbo keep the good vibes going? The Aggies lost a good bit of talent to the NFL and graduation, but it just feels like Fisher has some mojo working down in Aggieland. TAMU again has one of the nation’s toughest schedule with the likes of road games at Clemson, UGA and LSU, coupled with home games with Alabama and Auburn. Don’t be surprised if they upset someone.

2019 SCHEDULE:

Thu, Aug 29 vs Texas State - W
Sat, Sep 7 at Clemson - L - Jimbo and company have an opportunity to blow up so many narratives.
Sat, Sep 14 vs Lamar - W
Sat, Sep 21 vs Auburn - W - This one has trap game written all over it but go with the home team.
Sat, Sep 28 vs Arkansas (in Arlington, TX) - W
Sat, Oct 12 vs Alabama - L
Sat, Oct 19 at Ole Miss - W
Sat, Oct 26 vs Mississippi State - W
Sat, Nov 2 vs UTSA - W
Sat, Nov 16 vs South Carolina - W
Sat, Nov 23 at Georgia - L - location, location, location...
Sat, Nov 30 at LSU - W - I will probably change my mind a dozen or so times before Thanksgiving, but my gut says TAMU takes this one.

Let’s go Bowling! Yes, almost a lock.

Poll

Previous Predictions:

• Arkansas Razorbackwards
• Ole Misery