It seems the college football world is again is smiling upon the Texas A&M Aggies after spending a few years on the BCS back burner, seldom included in pundit's college football predictions. Outside of the schools loyal alumni base, the Aggies had become sort of insignificant. It's taken a couple of coaching changes, but it seems Texas A&M has got it right with Mike Sherman as coach, finally seeing the fruits of three years of labor re-building the program coming to fruition. Adding to the Aggies pleasure; the 2011 preseason USA-Today Coaches Poll recently came out showing Texas A&M ranked 21st; the first time the Aggies have been ranked in a major preseason Top-25 poll since 2007.
The Aggies offense responded to Ryan Tannehill after taking over quarterback duties from slumping starter Jerrod Johnson at mid-season last year. Finally in his senior year, Tannehill will be the undisputed starter. After six career starts, he had the spring practice season to hone his quarterback skills after spending most of his A&M career as a receiver. Tannehill will have some offensive help too with a solid one-two punch in the running game with the return of Christian Michael, back from injury, and Cyrus Gray, who exploaded onto the scene when Michael went down last year.
The Aggies return 18 starters from last year’s squad that went 9-4 overall and tied with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State atop the Big 12 South Division standings with a 6-2 league mark. Their biggest losses from last years team were on defense. Losing a guy like linebacker Von Miller will be hard to replace but Sherman has lots of talent ready to step in.
While every game will be taken seriously, the Aggies have games with SMU and Idaho to play before starting the Big 12 season with an early South Division showdown with 8th ranked Oklahoma State, Sept. 24. Following their game with the Cowboys, A&M must play Arkansas at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in the "Southwest Classic." Those back to back games with the Cowboys and Razorbacks should go a long way in showing the nation the kind of team Texas A&M has.If the Aggies have BCS plans, they need to win both.
The Aggies haven't fared well against Arkansas going 0-2 at "Jerry's place," and are projected heavyweights in the SEC West this year. Following their trip to Dallas, the season doesn't get any easier, going to Lubbock for a rivalry game with Texas Tech before returning home for a date with Baylor Oct. 15. A&M must play an improving Iowa State Cyclones team up in Ames followed by a home game with No. 21 Missouri to close out October. The Aggies play at No 1 Oklahoma Nov. 5, then its on to Manhattan, Kan. for a game with Kansas State. A&M gets the final two games at home in Kyle Field with Kansas Nov. 19, and their rivalry game with the Texas on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24.
Texas A&M Aggies 2011 College Football Predictions – BCS Odds 2012
Regular Season (excluding post-season) Wins – odds (over/under) Over 9.0 (+120) Under (-150)
Big 12 Championship – odds: +300
2012 BCS Championship – odds: +5500
