Preview: No. 12 Texas A&M opens season vs. Texas State

Fun Fact:

Despite the fact that the Texas State Bobcats and Texas A&M Aggies are a little over two hours away, the Aggies have have never opened a season against the Bobcats. Jimbo Fisher did back in 2015 however, and won 59-16.

Preview

Texas A&M released it’s depth chart a few days ago and the offense is mostly the same. Kellen Mond returns to center, Jhamon Ausbon is back starting, along with a veteran receiving core. Jashaun Corbin will get the start against Texas State, along with super freshman Kenyon Green. On defense, Anthony Hines III returns at WLB. This will be a fun game to watch for A&M fans, with a showcase of offensive prowess and defensive force.

Texas State, a Sun belt conference member finished last in Group A, going an horrid 3-9(1-7 in conference play). Former A&M assistant and West Virginia Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital is now the head coach of the bobcats.

The defense of Texas State is one of the few highlights of this team. Ranked 5th in the Sun Belt conference, nearly every single starter is returning, playing for Jake’s older brother and former Texas Tech Co-Defensive Coordinator Zac Spavital. The front 7 has a ton of experience and the secondary is starting to match it. I expect there to be some mishaps on offense for the Aggies, given the veteran leadership of the group.

However, when it comes to how A&M will be able to move the ball, they shouldn’t worry. Texas State let up 383 yards a game last season. Against the high powered passing attack of the Aggies, I firmly believe the Bobcats will have trouble containing Ausbon, Quartney Davis and the rest of the Aggies explosive pass catchers. Kellen Mond should be able to scramble easily against the front seven if the secondary has good coverage.

In terms of the Texas State offense, they are dreadfully inconsistent. They have some big play potential, but being ranked 126th in the nation in offense is poor. They broke 31 a few times last season, but just as many have scored 7. I think A&M’s explosive front 7 should maul the offensive line of the Bobcats. Expect the second half to feature super-freshman DeMarvin Leal at defensive end. Buddy Johnson and Anthony Hines III will have big days as well.

This is a tuneup game for Texas A&M. While i think there will be a few hiccups courtesy of the Bobcat defense, the Aggies will have no trouble pummeling their in-state foe.

My Prediction: Texas A&M wins, 48-7.