Kyle Spishock
As A&M’s rival Longhorns collects all the preseason hype behind a new coach and an experienced unit, the Aggies were only able to garner a mere three votes for the preseason AP Top 25. This could be for lack of depth; the Aggies enjoyed their first ever No. 1 draft pick in Myles Garrett and saw five total players drafted (bested only and four other players who signed free agency deals. After three consecutive 5-0 starts, coach Kevin Sumlin has finished each season with a whimper rather than a bang. Without a reliable quarterback option in the absence of Trevor Knight, the offense is a maroon shaded question mark until the season starts.
After a consistent offense that put up at least 28 points in losses, the receiving corps is decimated around SEC stud Christian Kirk. Additionally, a defense that already struggled mightily last year -allowing 500 yards a game – lost its premiere playmaker in Myles Garrett. I can’t see coach Sumlin making a lot with so little: A&M’s loss at quarterback, linebacker, receiver, offensive tackle and defensive tackle positions will create too much inexperience in those voids to make any winning impact in 2017.
Final Record: 4-8
Kyle Jacobson
Unfortunately for Texas A&M faithful, I think they can expect more of the same in 2017, ultimately costing Kevin Sumlin his job. It’s been made clear that eight wins is not enough to satisfy the expectations of the fan base. With a cakewalk non-conference schedule part from the opener against UCLA, the Aggies can count on three wins there. In conference play, they’ll be underdogs to Florida, LSU, Auburn and Alabama. That means their season should likely hinge on matchups at home against Arkansas, South Carolina and Mississippi State. They also travel to Oxford to take on an Ole Miss program in turmoil. With uncertainty at quarterback, Texas A&M may have to claw just for a 6-6 or 7-5 record. At a minimum, Sumlin will have to go 8-4 in the regular season and give reason for optimism moving forward (i.e. being competitive with the top of the SEC) to keep his job.
Final Record: 7-5
Cody Daniel
I think Texas A&M can expect much of the same entering the 2017 season. Once again, the schedule isn’t forgiving and at least five losses seems possible, if not probably. Trevor Knight is no longer in maroon and white, nor is Myles Garrett, and it’s difficult to imagine a team replacing its best two players — including one being at quarterback — is going to improve upon its previous season. A 7-5 or possibly even 6-6 season appears to be in order.
Final Record: 7-5
Tony Venegas
The narrative that Texas A&M starts strong and the fizzles out in the end may hold true again this year. I agree with Kyle that Sumlin will most likely have to go 8-4 to keep his job but I just don’t quite see it. The second half of the schedule is brutal with trips to Florida and LSU. Christian Kirk will be lots of fun to watch, but there are too many questions at quarterback and on defense that will hold the Aggies back.
Final Record: 7-5
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