Previously, we looked at the opening six games on the Texas A&M schedule this season and predicted a 4-2 record overall, but a 1-2 record in the SEC. The second half is loaded with very difficult opponents as five of the six games are conference games.
2014 Texas A&M Schedule Analysis: Games 7-12
Game 7: vs #19 Ole Miss; Saturday, October 11th
The game between the Aggies and the Rebels has become a mini rivalry after Texas A&M managed back-to-back wins in Mississippi with stunning late comebacks. On both occasions, the Aggies scored crucial late touchdowns, led of course by Manziel, to sneak off with the win. This is certainly the year that Ole Miss will be looking to finally break this streak. That will still be difficult though, as this year the Rebels come to Kyle Field in what should be another close game between two sides ranked in the top 25 going into the season.
Hugh Freeze has Bo Wallace back at quarterback for his senior season and many expect him to finally make that step up to the next level after a couple of mediocre seasons. The Rebels also return a good number of players on defense and their preseason rank of #19 shows that they are expected to impress this season.
Prediction: 31-27 Win
Record: 5-2 (2-2 in SEC)
Game 8: at #2 Alabama; Saturday, October 18th
Now this seems to be the first game that Aggie fans look for on the schedule. This year they return to Bryant-Denny stadium, two years after their famous 29-24 win. Last year’s shootout will also live long in memory for many fans as well. So what will this year offer?
Nick Saban will be determined to find a way to slow down the Aggies Air Raid offense, especially now that Manziel is gone and will be replaced by an inexperienced quarterback. Once again, Bama will look to stay patient on defense and wait for the Aggies mistakes while picking on the poor Aggies defense. Last year, they weren’t worried about falling 14 points behind in the first quarter, and once they silenced the crowd they looked comfortable. Halting T.J. Yeldon will be key for the Aggies, but they struggled immensely to do that last time out, while new quarterback Jake Coker is an unknown quantity after transferring from Florida State.
Prediction: 34-24 Loss
Record: 5-3 (2-3 in SEC)
Game 9: vs University of Louisiana-Monroe; Saturday, November 1st
The final non-conference game is against ULM from the Sunbelt. The Warhawks aren’t expected to produce much of a challenge for A&M in the middle of their tough run through the SEC.
Prediction: 45-7 Win
Record: 6-3 (2-3 in SEC)
Game 10: at #5 Auburn; Saturday, November 8th
After making the national title game in Gus Malzahn’s first season in charge, the Auburn Tigers will be looking to at least challenge the SEC title again. A visit to the #5 ranked preseason team will be a huge test for an Aggie team still angered over the late defeat last year.
Tre Mason is gone from the triple threat offense, but Nick Marshall remains at quarterback to add some continuity. The team of destiny last year with last gasp wins against Alabama and Georgia are expected to take a step back this year, but I’m still not sure this inexperienced side will top them on the road.
Prediction: 27-24 Loss
Record: 6-4 (2-4 in SEC)
Game 11: vs Missouri; Saturday, November 15th
Missouri was the other team to join the SEC from the Big 12 in 2012, and they won the SEC East crown last year before losing the championship game to Auburn. This year’s team sees a lot of their top players gone, so the Aggies will be looking to avenge last year’s tight 28-21 loss. This figures to be an important game sandwiched between two of the toughest games they will face. With the Kyle Field crowd behind them, they will be confident about adding another home win.
Prediction: 24-21 Win
Record: 7-4 (3-4 in SEC)
Game 12: vs #13 LSU; Thursday, November 27th
LSU represents the only SEC team to have beaten Texas A&M twice since they moved over from the Big 12. Their ability to stifle the high-scoring Aggie offense is the main reason they’ve fared so well against them.
As always, LSU seems to be losing a lot of underclassmen to the draft, so they have plenty of holes to fill. Their offense has the biggest question marks with Zach Mettenberger, Jarvis Landry, Jeremy Hill, and Odell Beckham Jr. leaving for the NFL. This could be the Aggies year to finally beat them as they face them back at home this time, but it will hinge on the offense being able to consistently score points.
Prediction: 21-17 Loss
Record: 7-5 (3-5 in SEC)
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @LWOS_Akie. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Football fans… be sure to check out our two partnered NFL podcasts – Thursday Night Tailgate Radio and Overtime Ireland. Both shows bring you interesting commentary, critical analysis and fantastic guests including former and current NFL players, coaches and personalities each and every week.
