Here is our look at the second half of the Texas A&M schedule in 2015:
Texas A&M Schedule Preview: Games 7 to 12
Game 7: Ole Miss Rebels, away
The Aggies visit to Oxford, Mississippi represents their first game of the 2015 season which is outside the state of Texas. It’s also their first true away game as in the first half of the schedule they have two neutral site games along with four home games. Last year saw the Rebels win comfortably at Kyle Field behind a strong defensive showing. That defence looks to be strong again this year but there are questions marks over the offence especially at quarterback but this will still prove a big test for A&M.
Game 8: South Carolina Gamecocks, home
Last year this game was the season opener in which Kenny Hill announced himself to the nation as the Aggies demolished the Gamecocks. The promise shown in that game dwindled over the season and Hill lasted less than a year before transferring to TCU. In 2015 the rematch is set of Kyle Field and the Gamecocks remain a bit of an enigma this year as to whether they can bounce back after a poor 7-6 campaign which saw the defence literally fall apart. They still represent a dangerous opponent on the Aggies schedule.
Game 9: Auburn Tigers, home
The road win against Auburn rejuvenated the Aggies 2014 season after three straight SEC losses was followed by a close win over Louisiana Monroe out of conference. But an immense first half followed by some luck late in the fourth quarter meant the Aggies escaped Jordan Hare Stadium with a close win. Both Auburn and Texas A&M are in similar places currently as they both have explosive offences that were let down last year by their defences. So both sides made big hires at defensive co-ordinator with Auburn getting Will Muschamp and the Aggies getting John Chavis. The question is which team will improve the quickest under their new co-ordinator?
Game 10: Western Carolina Catamounts, home
An FCS opponent squeezed in the middle of a tough SEC schedule means that the Aggies have really joined their conference compatriots in how they schedule non-conference games. This should be a comfortable victory with most starters playing only half a game before the visit to Vanderbilt the week after.
Game 11: Vanderbilt Commodores, away
Since James Franklin left, Vanderbilt struggled mightily under new head coach Derek Mason and this year looks like more of the same. Defensively Vanderbilt should be a solid unit but on offence with major questions at quarterback its unlikely they’ll be able to score enough points to keep up most SEC teams. The Aggies have certainly been fortunate in getting the Commodores and South Carolina out of the SEC East this year. The two sides met in 2013 with the Aggies winning 56-24 and they will be heavily favoured in this game as well it seems.
Game 12: LSU Tigers, away
The only SEC West team that Texas A&M hasn’t beaten since joining the conference in 2012. They managed to defeat Jonny Manziel twice so the chances of the Aggies finishing the regular season with a win in Death Valley probably aren’t great. Like many teams in the SEC we are unsure about the quarterback position at LSU but they have proven in recent years that they can be a top 10 team without a great quarterback. It will take a massive performance from Texas A&M to finally get a win over LSU on their home turf but with eleven games before this who knows what state either team will be in by then.
