Heading into the 2022 season, the Texas A&M Aggies will feature a new-look squad on offense and defense. The Aggies will not have much time to adjust, however, as their first big game comes against Miami on September 17th. Fans should have a good feel for the potential of Texas A&M’s squad following the Maroon and White Game on April 9th. Nonetheless, the SEC gauntlet in Fall 2022 for the Aggies will determine whether or not they can win their first division title. Here are the three toughest games for the Texas A&M Aggies in 2022.
No. 3: Texas A&M vs. Auburn (November 12th)
People might joke about the current state of the Auburn football program, but Jordan-Hare is always a tough place to play. Alabama, the defending SEC champions, struggled to score when the Crimson Tide played the Tigers last November. The Aggies have won the last two against the Tigers, but this will be a tough road environment for Texas A&M after a two-game home stretch.
Last season, the Aggies did an impeccable job of limiting the big-play ability of Bo Nix. This coming year, it’s likely that T.J. Finley will be the starting quarterback for the Tigers, which should be an easier matchup for Texas A&M. Auburn’s offensive coordinator, Eric Kiesau, will do his best to get his playmakers in open space; the Aggies’ defense must do their best to limit the big plays on the sideline.
Auburn’s defense is always tough to score against, especially at home. Texas A&M will have to do its best to get the rushing attack going with Devon Achane. Someone from the wide receiver room will have to step up and become the number one option, especially after the uncertainty of Demond Demas on next year’s squad. Regardless, the Aggies will have to complete a big game to defeat the Auburn Tigers in November.
No. 2: Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (September 24th)
This matchup will come after a home game for the Aggies against the Miami Hurricanes. Regardless of that result, Texas A&M will have to come prepared to face the Arkansas Razorbacks. Last season, the Aggies suffered their first loss to Arkansas in AT&T Stadium: the same venue for next season’s matchup.
K.J. Jefferson returns as the starting quarterback for the Razorbacks, but big-time playmaker Treylon Burks is headed to the NFL. Still, Arkansas will likely have threats at wide receiver paired with a dominant running game that the Aggies couldn’t stop in 2021. Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin will have to come up with a game plan to limit K.J Jefferson’s dual-threat ability, which is no easy task.
Furthermore, the Aggies really struggled to move the ball on the Razorbacks’ defense the last time these two teams played. Zach Calzada only had 150 passing yards and an interception, and Texas A&M couldn’t get the running game going at all. Granted, the Aggies will likely have a better quarterback in Haynes King or Max Johnson this season, but they need to have a balanced attack to win this game.
No. 1: Texas A&M vs. Alabama (October 8th)
Unfortunately, this matchup will be a revenge game for the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. Alabama loses key receivers in Jameson Williams and John Metchie, but they return the likes of Bryce Young and Will Anderson. Moreover, the Crimson Tide will have a powerful receiving group in Jermaine Burton, Agiye Hall, Traeshon Holden, and JoJo Earle.
The Aggies did win once against the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa when Johnny Manziel was the starting quarterback. Clearly, this means that Texas A&M will have to play its best game to have a chance to win. Alabama also returns most of its defensive starters, and Nick Saban‘s squad will likely be the best team in the country heading into this game.
Texas A&M faced a similar situation on October 9th in 2021, and the Aggies managed to defeat the Crimson Tide 41-38. That memory will live on forever, but Jimbo Fisher‘s team needs a repeat of those circumstances to come out with a victory in this game. If Texas A&M puts up a close fight, anything is possible.
Concluding Thoughts
After Texas A&M brought in the top recruiting class in 2022, fans may think those incoming freshmen will make an impact immediately. However, this coming season will largely feature upperclassmen who waited their turn and earned their spot as starters. As the year progresses, we might see some of these top recruits, and they could be needed to win these toughest games for the Aggies.
Playing in the SEC means that the Texas A&M Aggies will have a grueling matchup every week. Even ‘rebuilding’ teams such as Ole Miss, Florida, and Mississippi State will present a different type of challenge to the Aggies. Playing in road environments such as Auburn, Tuscaloosa, and even Dallas will be the biggest outing(s) for Texas A&M Embed from Getty Images
