The Texas A&M Aggies have high expectations heading into next season after signing the best recruiting class; Next year will be Jimbo Fisher‘s fifth year as head coach, and he is expected to lead his team to the SEC Championship. However, some fail to understand that the Aggies are still a young team, and there are a lot of question marks at key positions. Here is an assessment regarding how well the Aggies can perform in 2022.
Looking at Texas A&M’s 2022 Schedule
The Aggies should win their first two games comfortably against Sam Houston and Appalachian State. Miami could be a tough outing for Texas A&M, but the Aggies have home-field advantage. Last year, Texas A&M suffered consecutive losses to Arkansas and Mississippi State, but the Aggies will have a better game plan for those matchups this year. Texas A&M will travel to take on the dynasty in Tuscaloosa before the Aggies’ bye week.
After a quick break, Texas A&M will have four straight SEC opponents including South Carolina, Ole Miss, Florida, and Auburn. The Aggies will likely beat Massachusetts, who is their non-conference opponent in Week 12. Texas A&M will play its final game of the season against LSU.
Likely Wins: Sam Houston, Appalachian State, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Florida, Massachussetts
Toss-Ups: Miami, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Auburn, LSU
Likely Losses: Alabama
Texas A&M should finish with a record of 9-3 or better next year, which is an improvement from this past season, if not for expectations. However, most fans will have their hopes tailored high due to the influx of talent from the 2022 recruiting class. Regardless, it is important to take each game one at a time to assess and enjoy each game.
Does Texas A&M Have The Pieces, Specifically At Quarterback?
On offense, an argument can be made that the Aggies are loaded at every position except the quarterback spot. There is depth at the quarterback position. But no one is sure at the moment as to who will start for the Aggies.
Haynes King, Max Johnson, and Connor Weigman will all likely engage in a quarterback battle this spring, and they all should be a step up from Zach Calzada. The competition for starting quarterback should come down to King and Johnson, for Weigman is just a true freshman. Since King was declared as the starter in 2021, he could be the favorite to be the starter next season. However, Johnson is also a talented quarterback from LSU, and he has proven himself against SEC competition.
Whoever starts at quarterback, he will have an abundant amount of surrounding talent including Devon Achane, Ainias Smith, Demond Demas, Moose Muhammad III, etc. Since 2012, the Aggies have lacked the star talent at quarterback who can take Texas A&M’s offense to the next level. There is not someone like Manziel currently on the squad. But expect Weigman to develop over this season and transition into the starting role in 2023.
The Aggies will also be a top three defense next year. Although Texas A&M lost past defensive coordinator Mike Elko to Duke, DJ Durkin will quickly adjust Texas A&M’s defense to match his scheme. There could be some issues on defense early in the year for the Aggies as they transition to a new style of play, but Texas A&M should be fine when they begin playing SEC competition.
Concluding Thoughts
Fans’ expectations for Texas A&M’s squad in 2022 are valid, but they also need to understand the young talent that needs to develop for the Aggies to reach that next level. Moreover, Texas A&M requires consistent quarterback play to be atop the SEC and beat Alabama for the second straight year. This task will not be easy for Jimbo Fisher; still, expect him to soon deliver on his promise of a national championship for Aggieland.
