Playing in the SEC West means that Texas A&M is always going to have some tough stretches on their schedule but this year they were quite fortunate. Firstly, they don’t play a true road game until they travel to Ole Miss on Saturday 24th October which is their seventh game of the season. In total they only have three road games which includes struggling Vanderbilt with both the Arizona State and Arkansas games being played at neutral venues within the state of Texas.
Here’s a breakdown of the first six games of the Aggies season:
Texas A&M Schedule Preview: Games 1 to 6
Game 1: Arizona State, neutral site (NRG Stadium, Houston)
One of the most exciting games of week one in college football, Arizona State come into the game ranked #15 in the pre-season AP poll. Arizona State is known for their aggressive defence that will test the Texas A&M offensive line with different blitz packages. The Aggies should have the benefit of the crowd with the game being played in Texas which means they are slightly favoured in what should be a very close game.
Game 2: Ball State Cardinals, home
The Aggies second non-conference game should be less challenging as they face Ball State from the MAC. The Cardinals went 5-7 last year although did come close to an upset against Iowa on the road but its unlikely they’ll have the ability to slow down the Aggies air raid offence.
Game 3: Nevada Wolf Pack, home
Another non-conference game that should be reasonably routine for the Aggies. Last year Nevada did manage impressive wins over Washington State and BYU but both games saw them face the backup quarterback rather than the starter. The Wolf Pack should be able to put some points up so look out for a high scoring game.
Game 4: Arkansas Razorbacks, neutral site (AT&T Stadium, Dallas)
The Razorbacks are a popular pick to rise out of the SEC West basement and become challengers. Bret Bielema has turned this team into a wrecking ball that pounds their opponents into submission with a swarming defence and punishing run game. Last year the Aggies escaped with an overtime victory after being down by 14pts in the fourth quarter so for Arkansas this could be revenge. The question is whether John Chavis can improve the defence enough to be able to keep Arkansas off the field.
Game 5: Mississippi State Bulldogs, home
This was the game last year in Starksville where the wheels started to come off the Aggies 2014 season. The scoreline flattered A&M as they were well and truly outplayed by Dak Prescott and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. This year they get them at home whilst the Bulldogs have to replace more starters from 2014 than any other SEC West team. These two teams were the only SEC West teams not ranked in the top 25 by the Associated Press so it could be a matchup to decide who finishes last in the division.
Game 6: Alabama Crimson Tide, home
Last year’s 59-0 hammering in Tuscaloosa will go down as one of the worst defeats in Texas A&M history. Completely outplayed for the entire game and shut out by one of their newest rivals. Two years ago Texas A&M came close in a 49-42 loss with Jonny Manziel under centre in one of the most exciting games of the 2013 season. The Aggies will be hoping this game at Kyle Field ends up being more competitive as the Crimson Tide have uncertainty at quarterback but once again bring back a dominant defence as good as any in the country. This game representing the toughest matchup on the schedule through the first six games.
Look out for the follow up article which looks at the final six games of the season.
